The Dynamics of Prayer in the Latino Pentecostal Community

By Mireya Álvarez

In this biblical, theological, and contextual study of prayer, Dr. Mireya lvarez argues that Latino Pentecostals practice prayer as a way to enter into the presence of God. In the Latino community, the manifestations of the Holy Spirit are experienced in spontaneous prayers, joyful singing, speaking in tongues, and in an openness to unplanned liturgical movement. For immigrants undergoing culture shock and feelings of disorientation, the church becomes a community of acceptance and consolation where they can cry, laugh, and express unrestrained worship.
lvarez grounds her theology of prayer on a biblical study of Luke-Acts, arguing that Latino Pentecostal prayer aligns with Luke's theology of prayer. Luke-Acts reveals the redemptive-historical acts of God occurring in a context of prayer.
lvarez traces the function of prayer in Pentecostalism, focusing on Hispanic and Latino churches. She interviews Latino immigrants and learns how prayer helped them cope with hardship, grief, depression, and blatant discrimination. lvarez concludes that Latino churches must keep prayer alive to preserve their vitality and to bring renewal to the church in America.

Mireya lvarez (DMin, New York Theological Seminary) is Academic Dean at the Seminario B blico Pentecostal Centroamericano in Guatemala and Adjunct Professor at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary in Cleveland, Tennessee.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1953358187
• ISBN13: 9781953358189
• Release Date: February 2024
• Publisher: Cherohala Press
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.63 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"