Review: The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions ed. by Arthur Bennett

Synopsis: The strength of Puritan character and life lay in prayers and meditations. In this practice the spirit of prayers was regarded as of first importance and the best for of prayers, for living prayer is the characteristic of genuine spirituality. Yet prayer is also vocal and may therefore on occasions be written. Consequently in the Puritan tradition there are many written prayers and meditations which constitute an important corpus of inspiring devotional literature

Too often ex tempore prayer lacks variety, order and definiteness. The reason for this lies partly in a neglect of due preparations. It is here that the care and scriptural thoroughness which others found necessary in their approach to God may be of help. This book has been prepared not to "supply" prayers but to prompt and encourage the Christian as he treads the path on which others have gone before. (From the back of the book)

Roughts: This is a simple, concise collection of one-page prayers and meditations written by the Puritans. It is part prayer and part poetry. The language is old, making use of "thy", "thee" and "thou" but it gives the words a depth and richness lacking in the more romantic prayers of today. There is much focus on repentance, the vileness of sin and the evil of the heart, but also the absolute grace of Christ and the everlasting love of God. This book encouraged my heart and my mind and my desire for prayer. An excellent read.

Bookmarks: 8 of 10

Awards: None

Date Completed: 1-16-2011
Pages: 220