Review – Everyday Prayers
The first time I heard of someone blogging his prayers, I was surprised. I found it hard to imagine reading someone’s prayers on Google Reader. But then I began reading Heavenward, a blog by Scotty Smith, and I got it. When Scotty’s prayers were converted to a book format, I was ready to get his book Everyday Prayers: 365 Days to a Gospel-Centered Faith
. I’ve been using it as part of my devotions since early November.
Each day, Smith picks a short Scripture and begins praying based on that Scripture. The prayers are short, honest, and usually connect well with what I want to pray. Best of all, they’re prayers that are deeply rooted in the gospel. They are a way of infusing the gospel into my prayer life, which I desperately need.
Smith began writing his prayers to help his own devotional life. He began to share these prayers with a select group of his friends. They requested his permission to share the prayers with others. Before long, members of his church began asking about his prayer devotionals. He started an email distribution list which grew to hundreds of people. Later he started posting the prayers on a blog at his church website, and later at The Gospel Coalition.
The benefits of using this book have been twofold. First, I feel like I’m learning how to pray from someone who’s flexed his prayer muscles more than I have. Second, I find that it primes the pump of my own prayer life. After reading Everyday Prayers, I’m ready to grab my pen and begin praying on paper too.
Check out Smith’s blog, where you will find the same content. Personally I find the book better — I’m less tempted to check what’s on Twitter when I open the book. I think you might like it too.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favorite bookseller from Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
