Of the writing of Christian books on prayer there is no end. I’ve read many of them and this one is right up there with my favorites (tied perhaps with anything Ben Patterson writes on prayer). Paul Miller, the son of Jack and Rose Marie Miller (of the Sonship courses and World Harvest Mission), has written a wonderfully helpful book called A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World.
Rather than trying to explain a book on prayer (hint: it’s about praying), I thought I’d give a few selections I found helpful or provocative.
- The quest for a contemplative life can actually be self-absorbed, focused on my quiet and me. If we love people and have the power to help, then we are going to be busy. Learning to pray doesn’t offer us a less busy life; it offers us a less busy heart. In the midst of outer busyness we can develop an inner quiet (23).
- Because cynicism sees what is “really going on,” it feels real, authentic. That gives cynicism an elite status since authenticity is one of the last remaining public virtues in our culture (78).
- David has been off by himself, separated from the current of unbelief dominating his culture, developing a rich walk with the Shepherd. David’s obscurity has protected him from the cynical spirit of the age. His public faith and private practice are in harmony. His normal is experiencing God’s presence in the valley of the shadow of death, where he has killed both lions and bears with his sling. Goliath just looks like a big bear. The result? Israel’s unbelief feels odd, out of place (94).
- Individualism goes back to the Judeo-Christian heritage (144).
- That’s why I prefer the biblical term wisdom to our more common term guidance. Guidance means I’m driving the car and asking God which way to go. Wisdom is richer, more personal. I don’t just need help with my plans; I need help with my questions and even my own heart (145).
- God takes everyone he loves through a desert. It is his cure for our wandering hearts, restlessly searching for a new Eden. Here’s how it works. The first thing that happens is we slowly give up the fight. Our wills are broken by the reality of our circumstances. The things that brought us life gradually die. Our idols die for lack of food (184).
Read the book. I found in it much wisdom, honesty, and hope. The best thing I can say about it is that after reading the book I not only want to pray more, but feel like I can.
