My most recent book review for Crossway is Cloud of Witnesses: A Treasury of Prayers and Petitions through the Ages, edited by Jonathan W. Arnold and Zachariah M. Carter.
This book is beautifully bound with gold inlay and navy blue on a light gray fabric hardcover. It is about 5X7 in size, and just under an inch in thickness. A perfect size for holding in the hand, reading and carrying. For those who appreciate the details of older books because of the attention to details, a return to such is welcome and appreciated. Books that are worthy of passing down, to gifting and to keeping in the family library. A reminder of days past, before the internet.
This book is a tribute to the heritage of Christianity of many denominations with prayers according to the richness, diversity and complexity found in the realities of our past.
The breakdown and structure of the book make it a pleasure to explore. The first part includes Prayers, the second part offers historical introductions. Covered in these sections for easy access are: The Early Church (100-800), the Medieval Church (800-1500), the Reformation Church (1500-1700) and the Modern Church (1700-1900).
Following these portions are an Appendix of the original texts (from Greek, Latin, German and original Old English) a Historical Figure Index and a Topic Index. A list of the 100 prayers compiled (and revised) is also at the front of the book. It is well thought out, and organized to give both a broad and close-up perspective over time.
Details to enrich the readers understanding of context is given through the background of authors and liturgical publication as originally offered.
The editors also chose to refresh the prayers to reflect the heart of the prayer in a modern rendition. They include the prayers in their original language to allow for those who desire to see more closely – perhaps academically the editorial choices in comparison. For students of Biblical study and languages this may be very helpful or at least appreciated.
The editors of the book express the detailed explanations for the choices made for inclusions and for usage of the book. They recommend personal devotional use, use as a template for personal prayer, and use of the book in a public setting- which I have enjoyed using with my Sunday Morning Prayer group occasionally.
The first prayer of the one hundred is “The Model Prayer” which was appropriately modeled by the Lord Jesus in Luke 11:2-4. The last of the 100 prayers listed is by the apostle John from Revelation, “Prayer for Christ’s Return” (Revelation 22:20-21). But between these two prayers lies an amazing prayer journey, a history of witnesses boldly, sometimes desperately proclaiming their need and desire to see God.
There are prayers for every need you can think of, both personal and corporate in nature. For the right words to write, to the blessing of reading scripture publicly, for marriage, and piety, for preaching, teaching, growth and sanctification. Wondering how to pray for a heretic? Number 44. Do you desire a quiet mind? Number 75. Desiring divine approval? Number 43. Praying for godly singing and speaking, number 34.
The diversity of prayers offered here make a path of prayer visible to the one who seeks to follow in the footprints of those who have walked faithfully themselves giving witness to our shared faith.
There are very short and simple prayers. There are also prayers that challenge deeply. There are prayers of varying lengths, which may be chosen based on need and appropriate use.
This book is a great gift for a grad, or for anyone who need encouragement in their faith. It also would be helpful for those who have a desire to see the connectedness of shared Christian history, and those who long to learn to pray more deeply and well.
You can learn more about it and Read Chapter 1 at Crossway: Check out Cloud of Witnesses
Thanks for reading my latest book review. Please let me know if you have any questions. I am thankful to Crossway for sending this book for free for review. It is a pleasure to receive and enjoy the quality of books they consistently publish. I know, I am a book nerd. But, truth!
Enthusiastically, Dawn
Enthusiastically, Dawn 