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: Continue reading