Rating: 
Summary: Lord Teach Us to Pray!
Review: "The soul learns to pray by praying; for prayer is communion with a transcendent and immanent God who on the ground of his nature and attributes calls forth all the powers of the redeemed soul in acts of total adoration and dedication." (Preface) The Puritans recognized that prayer and doctrine are not to be separated. In their prayers they kept the two together. In fact it was their doctrinal understanding, which indeed produced such deep, and lasting prayers. Theology instilled a thorough passion for prayer. Likewise it is prayer, which sinks us deeper into the mysteries of God's self-disclosure of himself. It is prayer, which furthers our theology. It is to this end which we, as Christians must strive. We must search out our Triune God in prayer and devotion as we seek him in his word and through our prayers. Arthur Bennett has provided the Church a great service by collecting the prayers of the saints. The book is arranged topically under the following headings: 1. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; 2. Redemption and Reconciliation; 3. Penitence and Deprecation; 4. Needs and Devotions; 5. Holy Aspirations; 6. Approach to God; 7. Gifts of Grace; 8. Service and Ministry; 9. Valediction; 10. A Week's Shared Prayers. This book is excellent for both private and public devotion. The only disadvantage I found to the book was that each individual prayer was not attributed to its corresponding author. However this is probably a good idea in keeping with the intent of the book. Its intention is as a guide to lead us to prayer when the heart is cold or to further pour fuel on the heart, which is already aflame. May this be used of the Lord to ignite our hearts in a holy passion toward him. O' Lord teach us to pray!
Rating: 
Summary: Phenomenal Book of Prayers
Review: Arthur Bennett's collection of Puritan prayers is phenomenal. These prayers, drawn from the various Puritan fathers, such as Thomas Watson, Richard Baxter, John Bunyan, Isaac Watts, Henry Law, etc., will touch your soul and help you refocus your thoughts on your relationship with God. May I suggest that you read them slowly. Reflect on the various phrases of the prayers. Allow the prayers to become your prayers to God. And at the same time, allow God to speak to you through these prayers. The only criticism of "The Valley of Vision" I have (and the primary reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5) is that Bennett failed to tell who wrote each prayer. Personally, I would have liked to have been able to go to the original sources and read more by the authors. For those who are looking for modern language prayers, be forewarned that this book retains much of the flavor of the Puritan English. But even with these minor criticisms, I have to admit I have been touched by the prayers in this book many times. I regularly use this book to help focus my time with God. If you want a boost in your devotional time with God, "The Valley of Vision" won't be a disappointment.
Rating:
Summary: A Glimpse of Puritan Spirituality
Review: I can read about three or four prayers before being overwhelmed by the depth and riches of these prayers. They show the depth of knowledge and wisdom of their writers, but even more they show the writers' deep abhorrence of their sin and devotion to God. They also show keen insight into the private sins of our hearts. These prayers are old; I had to frequently consult a dictionary to understand some words that are no longer in common use. I can't help but feel that Christianity in our day is terribly shallow compared to what the Puritans knew. Each prayer is about one page long, has a brief title given by the book's editor, and is presented anonymously. The prayers are grouped into sections such as "Redemption and Reconciliation," "Holy Aspirations," and "Approach to God." A brief preface is the only background given, all the rest of the book is simply the prayers themselves. I have only two faults with the book, but neither merit rating it less than five stars. First, the titles of the sections closely describe the main theme of that section, but the titles of the individual prayers do not consistently (in my mind) state the main theme of that prayer. Second, the prayers are not attributed to their authors, and I would very much like to know who wrote each one. However, I will allow that perhaps Arthur Bennett intended for us not to know so we would focus on the Creator rather than the creature. One other thing to mention is that this is one of the most sturdy, well-published paperback books I have seen. After carrying this book on my commute to work for reading, it has held up much better than other paperbacks. The pages were so thick I often had to check the page numbers to make sure I had not skipped a page. I highly recommend this book for all Christians for personal study to receive greater conviction of sin, more language to express your devotion to God, and instruction on how to pray fervently.
Rating:
Summary: A Glimpse of Puritan Spirituality
Review: I can read about three or four prayers before being overwhelmed by the depth and riches of these prayers. They show the depth of knowledge and wisdom of their writers, but even more they show the writers' deep abhorrence of their sin and devotion to God. They also show keen insight into the private sins of our hearts. These prayers are old; I had to frequently consult a dictionary to understand some words that are no longer in common use. I can't help but feel that Christianity in our day is terribly shallow compared to what the Puritans knew. Each prayer is about one page long, has a brief title given by the book's editor, and is presented anonymously. The prayers are grouped into sections such as "Redemption and Reconciliation," "Holy Aspirations," and "Approach to God." A brief preface is the only background given, all the rest of the book is simply the prayers themselves. I have only two faults with the book, but neither merit rating it less than five stars. First, the titles of the sections closely describe the main theme of that section, but the titles of the individual prayers do not consistently (in my mind) state the main theme of that prayer. Second, the prayers are not attributed to their authors, and I would very much like to know who wrote each one. However, I will allow that perhaps Arthur Bennett intended for us not to know so we would focus on the Creator rather than the creature. One other thing to mention is that this is one of the most sturdy, well-published paperback books I have seen. After carrying this book on my commute to work for reading, it has held up much better than other paperbacks. The pages were so thick I often had to check the page numbers to make sure I had not skipped a page. I highly recommend this book for all Christians for personal study to receive greater conviction of sin, more language to express your devotion to God, and instruction on how to pray fervently.
Rating:
Summary: The best devotional book I've ever read!
Review: I can think of no other work that I have read that has influenced my prayer life, and the content of my prayers, as much as this gem of a collection that Arthur Bennett has complied and edited from some of the great Purtian divines. I owned the original paperback, and now am very pleased to have this new bonded leather version (complete with ribbon bookmark). These men of faith prayed Scripturally informed, joyous, repentant prayers that never left any doubt that God was the focus, and that pleasing and praising and enjoying Him was the goal of the prayers. Here is just a small sample: "O Lover of the Loveless, it is thy will that I should love thee with heart, soul, mind, strength, and my neighbor as myself. But I am not sufficient for these things. There is by nature no pure love in my soul; Every affection in me is turned from thee; I am bound, as slave to lust, I cannot love thee, lovely as thou art, until thou dost set me free. By grace I am thy freeman and would serve thee, for I believe thou art my God in Jesus, and that through him I am redeemed, and my sins forgiven." (pp. 250). There is a wonderful sense of joy, hope and love, mixed with seriousness, repentance, and faith. I turn to these prayers again and again when my heart is hard, my mind lacks the right words, or when I am tempted. At our church, we often include prayers from this work in our bulletin for folks to meditate on as they prepare for worship. They are also wonderful for 'jump starting' your own personal worship and prayer times with the Lord. Get a copy today - you won't regret it!
Rating:
Summary: Not Just Another Book on Prayer
Review: If you believe the Puritans were mindless, backward, fundamentalist then you have never read The Valley of Vision. This book illustrates the truth that the Puritans were theologians, passionate about Jesus and His kingdom, and sought God with all their hearts (Jeremiah 29:13). Arthur Bennett has done a marvelous job of going through thousands of Puritan prayers (the Puritans were noted for writing their prayers in their journals) and giving us a book that has Puritans prayers divided by separate headings. I love to read these prayers as I get ready for bed. The English language is beautiful from the pages of these Puritan saints. I long simply to pray with the hunger and desire that they prayed (Luke 11:1; 18:1; Colossians 4:2).
Rating:
Summary: Not Just Another Book on Prayer
Review: If you believe the Puritans were mindless, backward, fundamentalist then you have never read The Valley of Vision. This book illustrates the truth that the Puritans were theologians, passionate about Jesus and His kingdom, and sought God with all their hearts (Jeremiah 29:13). Arthur Bennett has done a marvelous job of going through thousands of Puritan prayers (the Puritans were noted for writing their prayers in their journals) and giving us a book that has Puritans prayers divided by separate headings. I love to read these prayers as I get ready for bed. The English language is beautiful from the pages of these Puritan saints. I long simply to pray with the hunger and desire that they prayed (Luke 11:1; 18:1; Colossians 4:2).
Rating:
Summary: Meditations of My Heart
Review: Someone gave me this book years ago and I now kick myself for letting in languish. Another friend recently gave me the leather edition and I committed to adding a daily reading to my devotional time. What a blessing! In the crush of today's "press" of activities where nearly all of us find ourselves, these prayers truly restore the soul and put the focus squarely back where it should be. What magnificent joy to be reminded of our awesome God in words and tone that honor Him. I echo the wish that Bennett had identified the writer of each prayer--but perhaps, as also noted, it would indeed distract from the clear intent to draw attention solely to our God. How much do I like The Valley of Vision? It will be our corporate gift to about 350 friends and family this next Christmas ... what better way to launch a new year than with this "simply" beautiful work in hand. But don't YOU wait that long!
Rating:
Summary: Meditations of My Heart
Review: Someone gave me this book years ago and I now kick myself for letting in languish. Another friend recently gave me the leather edition and I committed to adding a daily reading to my devotional time. What a blessing! In the crush of today's "press" of activities where nearly all of us find ourselves, these prayers truly restore the soul and put the focus squarely back where it should be. What magnificent joy to be reminded of our awesome God in words and tone that honor Him. I echo the wish that Bennett had identified the writer of each prayer--but perhaps, as also noted, it would indeed distract from the clear intent to draw attention solely to our God. How much do I like The Valley of Vision? It will be our corporate gift to about 350 friends and family this next Christmas ... what better way to launch a new year than with this "simply" beautiful work in hand. But don't YOU wait that long!
Rating:
Summary: A book that every Christian should own!
Review: The Valley of Vision, by Arthur Bennett is a collection of Puritan prayers compiled and listed by topic. With subjects such as the Trinity, penitence and deprecation, approach to God, and Gifts of grace (to name a few), The Valley of Vision gives us insight into the humble piety of the Puritan prayer life. It also shares with us our need for this reverence for God and the importance of true communion with Him through prayer. The first prayer summarizes the purpose of this book with the following words, "Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision, where I live in the depths but see Thee in the heights..." The main theme of the book is to show Christians that we are first brought to the valley in order that we may see above the mountaintops. This book is a must have for every Christian. It can be used as a daily devotional as well as a guide for our own prayers. Deeply moving and overflowing with the reflections of God's immeasurable grace, Valley of Vision will touch every home and press every heart towards a closer walk with the Lord.
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