The Art of Prayer: A Simple Guide to Conversation with God

Dont know whether the praise by Philip Yancey (my most favorite living Christian writer) on the book cover had set so high my expectation or my frequent reading of books on prayers had numbed me, I didnt find it thrilling, intriguing nor insightful. However, I am obliged to rate it a four star (I do always give one star ratings) for 1) the excellent prayers in the end of each chapter/topic. 2) the profound elaboration of "The Lord's Prayer"on pg 156 3) the relatively insightful messages on silence and complaint (to God, the Job way) that both can be alternative forms of prayer to God 4) the very useful study guide presented as Appendix from pg 205-239 In case you seldom read books on prayers, you probably like this book much. If you are a veteran reader of masterpieces from Philip Yancey, Richard Fosters and so on, you may not be well satisfied. p.s. Below please find my favorite passages for your reference. Lord, I am not good at slowing down. I like to see things happen. I've become hurried and harried. And I like to fill the silence with sound. Draw me to the rest I find in you. Remind me that time with you can re-create me, and fill my life with all I need. Amen pg 44 O Lord,you know how busy I must be this day. If I forget you, please do not forget me. - General Lord Astley (adapted) pg 44 A single grateful thought raised to heaven is the most perfect prayer. - Gotthold Ephraim Lessing pg 73 Only God can move mountains. But faith and prayer move God. - E.M. Bounds pg 90 A man prayed, and at first he thought that prayer was talking. But he became more and more quiet and until in the end he realized that prayer is listening. - Soren Kierkegaard pg 113

I found this book to be immensely helpful in my prayer life. Jones has very practical advice for modern Christians, and he isn't afraid to draw from many traditions (RC, Orthodox, mainline Protestant). I found his chapter on Silence and his closing chapter to be the most helpful.I concur with a previous poster: I got a copy out of the library, and now I want my own! I think it will be dog-eared and battered pretty soon.

This book takes you by hand and walks you through the art of learning to pray. It is inspirational!

Jones captures all aspects of prayer in this book. It's a great guide for pastors and laity alike. I would highly recommend this book.