Prayer Focus - Reading List
In the autumn we'll be running another 24x7 prayer room at Portswood Church.
Between now and then we want to explore ways of helping one another to deepen our experience of prayer - especially as we learn to "tune in" to hearing God's voice.
To get the ball rolling here are some ideas to consider as you pack your bags this summer. Try something new - your choice of a light snack or a hearty meal!
We also have another list of books on prayer for children!
Prayer – by Tim Keller
A very good book on many aspects of prayer including both the
theoretical and practical. Keller suggests that prayer is both a
conversation and an encounter with God and that it is the main way
in which we experience deep change. He writes from a struggling
experience and a widely read knowledge.
Light meal!
Red Moon Rising – by Pete Greig and Dave Roberts
If you struggle with prayer and want to see how it can connect with
God's mission all around the world; if you want to be inspired by
what God has done using prayer, this is the book for you. I hope
that it will raise your eyes above the challenges and difficulties of
the ruts we find ourselves in and give you a glimpse of what it
should be all about.
It feels like a banquet but doesn't give you indigestion - and sooo moreish!
A Praying Life – by Paul E Miller
An honest look at why we often struggle with prayer and takes us
back to praying as Jesus taught us to - as a child talks to his or her
Father. It encourages us to see prayer in the context of the bigger
picture of God's story for our lives and the world, and gives some
practical ideas on how to pray. Easy to read and full of examples and
stories from the author's own life.
A satisfying lunch!
The Practice of the Presence of God – by Brother Lawrence
A 17th century classic! Very useful for those who might think that
prayer and work are hard to bring together - Brother Lawrence finds
intimacy, encouragement and growth as he finds alternative times and
ways to pray.
Find a modern translation to avoid too much indigestion!
Hearing God – by Dallas Willard
An invitation to explore how we might develop a conversational
relationship with God. Hearing God is but one dimension of a richly
interactive relationship, and obtaining guidance is but one facet of
hearing God. Excellent explorations of the role of scripture and how
this relates to the Word of God. The final chapter is particularly
practical - don't miss it!
A very substantial meal – plenty here to chew on – very satisfying.
God on Mute – by Pete Greig
An excellent guide through the journey of unanswered prayer. Once
you've read the book you'll look back and see how he covered off the
issues systematically but made it look like a meandering wander
through the desert. The illustrations by Linnea Spransy are also really
helpful.
Another banquet that doesn't give you indigestion.
Listening to God – by Joyce Huggett
Part autobiography this is another book that explores contemplative
prayer from an evangelical perspective. Full of practical guidance and
advice for anyone seeking a new dimension of prayer, this has become
something of a modern classic.
Plenty to snack on with some real delights to be found in places.
Deeper – by Stefan Smart
Creative approaches to prayer based on Stefan's own journey from a
traditional charismatic/evangelical experience of prayer into the more
contemplative traditions It is a practical book with suggested
"exercises" at the end of each chapter. Perhaps it's an approach that
isn't always easy to get hold of - until it gets hold of you – but it's well
worth giving it a go.
Perhaps an acquired taste - something to snack on - and keep snacking!
