Rating: 
Summary: This is a life changing book!
Review: If you're seriuos about growing in faith this is the book for you!I pastored a church that I was transfered from and they not only continued to read it by themselves but started a prayer group! It is an EXCELLENT reference for starting prayer groups, discussion groups or sunday school. I am a United Methodist pastor and HIGHLY recommend this book!
Rating:
Summary: An honest view on Prayer....
Review: If you've ever read my reviews, then you know I don't tell you what the book is about. I give the good parts and the bad parts simple enough that even a feeble minded college student (like myself) can understand. Let's begin...
Well can I say anything bad about this book? The only thing I didn't like about the book was some of the big vocabulary that left me going "huh?" Other than that, I would recommend this book to any pastor, sunday school teacher, or anyone breathing that prays to God. WHAT MAKES THIS BOOK SO SPECTULAR is the fact that Foster is not dogmatic in his theology. He does not just give one denominational view on prayer. From fundamentalists to charismatics, people from all different types of beliefs read this book and generally agree on it. He goes in depth on different ways to pray but gives examples that are easy to understand. IF YOU WANT TO INDEFINATELY BOOST YOUR PRAYER LIFE, GET THIS BOOK!
Rating:
Summary: An honest view on Prayer....
Review: If you've ever read my reviews, then you know I don't tell you what the book is about. I give the good parts and the bad parts simple enough that even a feeble minded college student (like myself) can understand. Let's begin...
Well can I say anything bad about this book? The only thing I didn't like about the book was some of the big vocabulary that left me going "huh?" Other than that, I would recommend this book to any pastor, sunday school teacher, or anyone breathing that prays to God. WHAT MAKES THIS BOOK SO SPECTULAR is the fact that Foster is not dogmatic in his theology. He does not just give one denominational view on prayer. From fundamentalists to charismatics, people from all different types of beliefs read this book and generally agree on it. He goes in depth on different ways to pray but gives examples that are easy to understand. IF YOU WANT TO INDEFINATELY BOOST YOUR PRAYER LIFE, GET THIS BOOK!
Rating:
Summary: Powerfully affective and effective
Review: Instramental in beginnning a conversion to that which I already believed. Recomended for anyone who wishes to deepen or expand their prayer life. Wonderfully written and organized
Rating:
Summary: Simply Outstanding
Review: It may seem at first like Foster's approach to his subject matter -- spend a chapter on each of several different types of prayer -- would be scattershot and less than satisfying. Amazingly, it works beautifully. By devoting a chapter to so many different forms of prayer, Foster has provided as comprehensive an overview of prayer as I have seen. Sure, you can quibble with some of the categorizations -- should this type of prayer REALLY be considered separately from this other type? But Foster is so rich and yet accessible that such concerns end up feeling like nitpicking. Throughout this exploration of the many different forms of prayer, the reader is aided by clearly hearing Foster come through in the mix. Foster's personality is warm, open, and inviting, and the many personal stories in the book put flesh and blood on the subject matter. Foster's practical while still being semi-intellectual in his approach. This book is beneficial both for young and old Christians, and it can change the heart. I can't recommend this book highly enough; it's the best contemporary book on prayer that I've read.
Rating: 
Summary: All round all dimensional CX-sectional discussion on prayers
Review: Never expected that someone can discuss prayers with that depth and breath. Dont wanna write about the merits and content here coz those are well covered by other reviewers. Instead, wanna explain why I rate it a four star instead of a five.
1. I was impressed, but not moved. That might be personal but I really think that more real life stories and prayer samples can be added to enhance my understanding of the author's messages and my ability to pray different kinds of prayer. The association of only one prayer in the end of individual chapter/category/aspect is insufficent, and sometimes inadequate (I admit that it might just be my ignorance)
2. The writing is a bit dry and not well organised. Seeming overlap of supposedly different kind/aspect of prayers is frequent. I think the author could summarize his ideas in point or table form for better understanding by common christians like me. The inclusion of stories/quotes of spiritual leaders is great, but sometimes odd and incoherent in context.
3. Though the author emphasized that "love" is central to various kinds of prayer in both the beginning and the end of the book, such linkage is transparent to me.
Despite the above minor drawbacks, in case you wanna learn more about prayers, it is a superb choice. However, it might not be a good option for those who read to learn praying smoothly and fluently to suit different occasions and personal needs.
p.s. I like the "Three Hermits", a story by Tolstoy in the book very much. In summary, on an island there lived three old hermits. The only prayer they used was: 'We are three; Thou art Three-have mercy on us!' The local bishop heard about that and decided to visit them in order to teach them the canonical invocations. On his return trip, he saw, following the ship, a radiant light. As it approached, he discerned the three hermits, who were holding hands and running upon the waves in an effort to overtake the vessel. 'We have forgotten the prayers you taught us,' they cried as they reached the bishop, 'and have hastened to ask you to repeat them.' The awed bishop shook his head. 'Dear ones,' he replied humbly, 'continue to live with your old prayer!'
Rating:
Summary: Foster's Prayer a must read
Review: Richard Foster delves into the realm of Christian Spirituality and prayer by offering up the various ways that Christians have prayed and continue to pray. Those who are interested in Christian Spirituality and Prayer will find this book extremely helpful in finding out how the Holy Spirit is guiding them to pray. In the realm of Prayer books, Foster's stands out mightily. It is a must read.
Rating:
Summary: An awsome guide to prayer in all of its facets.
Review: Richard Foster is blessed with an inspired understanding of how we may approach God. It is instructional and inspirational. It is evedent that he teaches what he has learned as he moves toward the heart of God. This is a book that will take us all to where we meet God and learn His will and His Love for us. A book for all people who look to learn the way of prayer and who need to feel God's presence in their life.
Rating:
Summary: New insights into prayer
Review: Richard Foster opens up an whole new world - the world of many TYPES of prayer. I was going through this book with a small group in a church I served and was moved (United Methodist) to a new appointment. The group continued meeting and not only finished the book but started a prayer group after they had finished the book! This is a MUST have for anyone's ministry (which includes ALL Christians!)
Rating:
Summary: One of the Best Books Today on Prayer
Review: There are a myriad of books available today on prayer. Many of those books are shallow theologically and draw little if any from the rich heritage of the Church. Foster's volume combines a knowledge of church history's classic devotional writers with a freshness appealing to the 21st century. Foster describes various forms of prayer, dividing them into three general categories: inward-focused prayer provides us with personal transformation, upward-focused prayer offers us intimacy with God, outward-focused prayer places us in the ministries that God would have us fill. Don't let the title fool you. This volume is NOT just another book on what some persons may call "prayer lite." Foster presents a solid work that is grounded in the theology as well as the history of the Church. I recommend this book highly to all persons desiring a serious treatment of prayer.
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