James Nicodem, pastor at Christ Community Church in St. Charles Illinois, gives the church a gift in his book about learning to pray: Prayer Coach: For All Who Want to Get Off the Bench and onto the Praying Field
.A few words come to mind when I think of this book: it is practical, it is encouraging, it is manly, and it is honest.
Practical: I know I've not seen any books that give so many concrete, practical steps to take to become more disciplined in prayer. He talks about patterns and promptings and passion, and he talks about "CHAT": confess, honor, ask, and thank. he talks about those who will benefit from prayer.
Encouraging: Nicodem doesn't come out swinging at Christians for their lack of praying or their ignorance about praying. Instead, he somehow has the skill at getting next to you and putting his arm around you and encouraging you to pray and to get into some solid prayer habits.
Manly: Nicodem's book can be benefited by anyone, but it is one of very few books that can be used by men's groups. It's not for men, but does have some men's concerns throughout. Let me say it again: anyone can benefit from this book.
Honest: Prayer Coach tells the truth. Prayer is hard; you will not always keep to your sacred habits; you can flub up; you may forget ... and he acknowledges this sort of thing and encourages you to move forward.
Two points: I'd like to have seen more about the Psalms and more from prayer books.
Add to Del.icio.us
Add to Technorati
Add to Digg
Add to Newsvine
Add to Facebook
Add to StumbleUpon
Subscribe
Sounds interesting. I am reading a number of books on prayer this semester for a prayer class. Actually, my favorite one was assigned for a different class - "A Sacred Sorrow" by Michael Card.
CHAT sounds like an updated CATS. I resist such structure a little, having been raised with it. But perhaps that is an attitude problem that I just need to get over.
It sounds like this book has a neat spirit - that Nicoderm is a fellow traveler who wants to walk along with friends and pray together. It's such a valuable experience. My wife and I are just beginning the discipline of spending regular time together in prayer. It's interesting how the conversation changes when you are consciously conversing together but expressly with the idea of approaching God as the point of the conversation.
Father, I am weak, I am afraid of that which I do not know, but through
your Son, Jesus Christ, my weakness, my fears will diminish, because I have learned that faith in Jesus Christ is the medicine that heals all. I have learned to help my brothers and sisters cause it is your will that will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. Forgive me Father, for I am human in my weakness. And though I falter, you will not deny me your love cause your Son, Jesus Christ gave his life to save mine. I know humility brings forth your spiritual knowledge and it is through the Holy Spirit that you bring life and truth to the weak. I pray Father to you on this day to fulfill my life's work in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Sounds like a good book that can help people learn about praying; however, I have to disagree that praying is "hard" and maybe the "manly" part is to appeal to men even though "it's not for men." Or maybe it's hard for men to pray? Anyway, prayer is not hard - it's talking to God - who else can you talk to so honestly and unconditionally? Blessings to Pastor Nicodem and much success with this endeavor... Ritualistic prayer may provide some comfort, but for me, it comes down to communication with your Creator.
Please send me a spritual books.
Post a Comment
By submitting these comments, I agree to the beliefnet.com terms of service, rules of conduct and privacy policy (the "agreements"). I understand and agree that any content I post is licensed to beliefnet.com and may be used by beliefnet.com in accordance with the agreements.