So What Faith

Greg Smith

Review of The Heart of Prayer (#0023)

By

Jerram BarrsBarrs, Jerram. The Heart of Prayer: What Jesus Teaches Us.  P&R Publishing, 2008. ISBN: 978-1-59638-10302.

Meet the Author

Since 1989, Jerram Barrs has served as  Professor of Christian Studies and Contemporary Culture at Covenant Seminary. Previously he served the L’Abri Fellowship in England, where he also pastored the International Presbyterian Church. He is the author of several books including Learning Evangelism from Jesus and The Heart of Evangelism.

 

Book BasicsThe Heart of Prayer

 Barrs opening words set the tone for a book that is as honest as it is helpful:  “I think all Christian believers who are honest with themselves and with each other acknowledge that we are not very spiritual people, that we do not find prayer easy, and that our prayer life is not strong” (p. 11).  After admitting his own struggles with prayer and the many possible avenues books often take in exploring prayer, he focuses his text on Jesus as a person of prayer and the implications his dependence upon prayer have for those who seek to follow him.  Easy to read, practical, and biblical, the book is well suited for individual or group study with multiple real life questions for discussion at the end of each chapter.

So What?

Consider a few of the question Barr asks of his readers:

  • For you, what are the barriers in coming to God in prayer? Why do you find prayer difficult? (p.26)
  • Do you struggle with the tension of needing to be an example of prayer to others, and yet feleing that you are not much good at praying in private? (p.71)
  • As you think back on the years you have been a Christian, what has it meant for you to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus (Matt. 16:24)?  What has it meant for you to be prepared “to follow the Lamb wherever he goes” (Rev. 14:4)?  (p.92)
  • As you think about the year ahead of you, when might it be appropriate to set aside a time of extended prayer and fasting? (p.110)
  • In what areas in your life might you need to become less self-reliant and more dependent on the Lord? What steps will you take to yield your self-reliance to God? (p.140)