Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God

The founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan has created a definitive book on Christian prayer, in the tradition of his previous bestsellers (The Reason for God; The Meaning of Marriage). This study will be equally beneficial to seasoned followers of God and those simply seeking information on the topic. Keller’s own desire for a deeper prayer life prompted him to study what prayer is and how to pray. As he finds inspiration in current thought, the Psalms, and Reformation theology from Augustine, Luther, and Calvin, Keller balances erudite concepts with easy-to-understand information and practical application, showing that prayer is not only a conversation but also an encounter with God that seeks intimate knowing. Citing the Lord’s Prayer as a model for coming face to face with God, he contemplates prayers of meditation, praise, and forgiveness while addressing confusing subjects like the Trinity, praying in Jesus’ name, and why people need to pray at all. He distills his findings into 12 “touchstones” by which the effectiveness of prayer life can be measured, and includes outlines for how to get in the habit of daily prayer. (Nov.)