A short but sweet review of renowned theologian D. A. Carson’s Praying with Paul: A Call to Spiritual Reformation.
Praying with Paul is a convicting, sobering reminder that our prayer life is the main indication of the health of our relationship with the Lord. Carson acknowledges the difficulty of keeping attention on God during prayer times and gives some practical tips for how to focus and be more effective. But he also steers away from legalism or proscribed routines by pointing out that each person is different and that our conversations with God will look different.
Next, Carson systematically teaches through the prayers of Paul. Paul “prays with eternal values in view.”
Carson criticizes preachers who seek to find self-fulfillment through teaching Scripture, pointing out that people in any field may find self-fulfillment. Paul had a true pastor’s heart and was with his people “for their good,” not his own.
Carson also attempts to tackle the weighty topic of God’s sovereignty coexisting with man’s responsibility. While no theologian can truly grasp and convey these side-by-side truths in Scripture, this section is a helpful guide to further trusting God even in our ignorance.
For Further Reading Once You Finish Praying with Paul:
My new favorite book on prayer is Alistair Begg’s brief, Pray Big. It also trains us to pray using Paul’s example. Because prayer is always a weak area of mine I want to strengthen, I attempt to read a good book on prayer each year if I’m able to find one. (Or re-read an old favorite.) I also highly recommend Bryan Chapell’s Praying Backwards, which urges us to start by focusing on Jesus’s character and kingdom and thus reframe our goals and desires in prayer.
More mini book reviews for busy readers: Short Book Review Series.
For current pricing on Praying with Paul, click on the image below. For Pray Big, click HERE. Praying Backwards: click HERE.
