Isaac Watts, Banner of Truth, 186 pages, 4 of 5 stars

Isaac Watts, the Father of English Hymnody, has written my favorite book on prayer. The previous first choice had been Carson’s A Call to Spiritual Reformation. Watts is even better. For a full summary of the book, go HERE.

Four reasons this is my favorite book on prayer

First, it’s practical, surprisingly so. Watts argues that prayer has rules just like other skills. If medicine has rules for healing, then Christians must learn the rules for praying. Watts talks about everything relating to prayer, from the Spirit’s work, to the kinds prayer, the voice, the gestures, the motivations, the grace and the gifts of prayer.

Second, it’s short, under 200 pages. It’s also clear. Watts once wrote a famous book on logic, still in print. Short and clear is a great combo.

Third, it’s old. Watts was born in England in 1674. The book was first published in 1715. If the choice is between the latest best-selling book on prayer over at Amazon, or a prayer manual three centuries old, choose the latter.

Fourth, it’s written by a pastor. No other occupation on earth lists praying as it’s central job description. If you want to learn how to pray, find a godly pastor. They have experience and Bible verses for support. At age 28 Watts became the pastor of Mark Lane Chapel in London. He was an able pastor, his church growing from 74 to five hundred during his lengthy ministry.

A few tips for parents

Fathers and mothers could uses Watt’s book to teach their kids how to pray. Consider the following ways:

1. Walk through the nine parts of prayer (Chap. 1). Consider using one part for each prayer session with your kids. “Jimmy, today we’re going to learn how to praise God in our prayers.”
2. Study the six rules for filling your prayers with content (Chap. 2). “Timmy, have you ever struggled to find what to say in prayer? Your mind goes blank. Here’s what Watts says.”
3. Talk about the proper way to use the voice in prayer (Chap. 2). “Madison, I noticed you’ve been picking up some bad habits when you pray. Let’s talk about those here.”
4. Unpack 10 tips for avoiding bashful prayers (Chap. 2). “Kelly, no one can hear you when you pray. You’re too shy. Watts gives us some ways to avoid this.”

Quotable:

“I am persuaded Christians would ask one another’s assistance more frequently in prayer upon special occasions if a good gift of prayer were more commonly sought and more universally obtained.” (p. 173)