The Complete Idiot's Guide to Prayer

Rating:
Summary: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Prayer
Review: by [e-mail]

It had to happen sooner or later, I suppose. Just about every topic is getting its Complete Idiot's Guide. I have one on Angels, another on Internet. My niece has one on cooking. And now they've (the publisher) sent me one - on prayer - The Complete Idiot's Guide to Prayer, by Mark Galli and James S. Bell, Jr. (Alpha Books / Macmillan USA, Inc., 1999, softcover) In 33 chapters spread over six parts, the book takes the reader through ideas about prayer as talking with God and into prayers like the Our Father and the Jesus Prayer and using the Psalms and the Gospels for prayer. With a very readable style and format, the book provides those little blurbs common to the "Idiot's Guide" - in this case - Prayer Pearls from the Good Book, When You Haven't Got a Prayer, Meanings and Gleanings, and Prayer Hotline. Drawing content mostly from Jewish / Christian traditions and sources, the book's authors also delve into mystical prayer, liturgical prayer, singing prayer, and praying with others. These authors give suggestions for distractions, doubts, even "dark night of the soul" in prayer. Two appendixes offer formulated prayers for many situations. Meant as a primer, the book can assist anyone at any prayer level toward meaningful meditation and a prayer-integrated life.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent for beginners and old-timers
Review: Have reviewed a number of books on prayer and they usually get too complicated and bogged down. This Idiot's Guide to Prayer is a refreshing look at a very old subject. I loved the simplicity without compromising integrity to the authority of Scripture.

Starting with a few basics, Galli and Bell then go on to look at The Lord's Prayer as a model but also an instruction on what prayer is really all about. The book includes several prayers for different occasions, takes a look at the Episcopal "Book of Common Prayer," and using the Psalms as part of our prayers.

I've chosen this book for an Adult Bible School Class on prayer, hoping to attract a number of people who think of themselves as novices or "idiots" on the subject of prayer. I'll also invite some people known for their prayer lives to participate in the class to help with the discussion and to possibly mentor people who are really struggling with prayer.

The central point I have so greatly appreciated is the authors' firm view that prayer is really only a part of our relationship with God.

Rating:
Summary: Prayer 101 and More
Review: This book is a keeper. Easy to read and full of insight. I just recently returned to my Christain roots and the Complete Idiot's Guide to Prayer helped answer a question that many of us are afraid to ask; "How do you pray?" I've seen it done hundreds of times but it's all so mysterious. This book explains a variety of options to mix it so that prayer doesn't become a chore. As with all Complete Idiot's Guides, this book contains all the information that most of us want without the dull details.