In Constant Prayer by Robert Benson–A Review

 

Title: In Constant Prayer The Ancient Practices series

Author: Robert Benson, Phyllis Tickle

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

 

From the Publisher:

Why is it important to pray as the early Christians did? And what does it mean to pray without ceasing? In Constant Prayer explores the ancient practice of fixed-hour prayer, a structure for our lives where we can live in continuous awareness of God’s presence and reality. This classic discipline of praying at fixed times during the day and night has transformed the lives of millions around the world. Learn what the apostle Paul meant when he encouraged the Thessalonian church to “pray without ceasing, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

 

I chose this book specifically because of my bad attitude toward prayer.  Now don’t get me wrong, I pray and I know there is great value in our prayers, but I simply do not / did not understand it.  I don’t see the purpose in it.  Why would God want us to pray?  He knows and is in control of everything.  What, really, is the purpose???  (Even after reading this book, I don’t have the answers to that.)  So I chose this book so that I could learn about prayer.  I didn’t get what I was expecting or hoping for.  I got different and maybe better than that!  I gained a huge appreciation for prayer.

 

I suppose in my life in the church I had heard about praying at specific times in the day.  I would say that this ritual / routine was more something I attributed to the other religions – Muslims, and such – not Christian people.  And yet, I see remnants of it – we have a devotional time when we wake up, we say grace at meals, we say bedtime prayers.  This was my life growing up, though it’s not so much at this point in my life.

 

I loved how friendly the author’s writing is.  I felt like we were just sitting and having a coffee and a conversation.  I laughed.  I sighed.  I related to his honesty.  I wish I’d taken more notes while I read this book.  I guess I’ll have to read it again!  I know I will get things I missed the first time.  I know that after reading this book, I want to add some specific times of prayer to my life.  I may not follow a specific set of prayers, but I will find what works for me, my kids, my life, and ultimately, my relationship with my God.

 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  Thanks to Book Sneeze  for this opportunity!

 

Striving to learn and live God's purposes,