The Meaning of Prayer

By Harry Emerson Fosdick

Book Overview

Harry Emerson Fosdick's investigation into prayer is presented as a course for the reader to undertake over a total of ten weeks, that they become familiar with the truths, facets and dimensions of praying.

First published in 1917, this book continues to inspire and motivate many Christians to this day. We receive an explanation of what prayer is meant to accomplish, how it brings God's attention to the individual and allows Him to give nurture and favor. Quotations in the Biblical scripture provide further clarity, showing the reader how prayer plays a crucial role in becoming closer to the Lord.

Fosdick also accounts for the hardships that many who embark on prayer encounter. Keeping one's attention on God is important, for evil thoughts and diversions can rob any Christian - even a seasoned believer - of the mindfulness required to pray correctly. The author determines that good deeds and thoughts between one's daily prayers are crucial, lest the believer find himself astray.

The author is careful to provide daily exercises spread over the course of ten weeks. Perfect for introducing structure to your daily observances, or for discovering or returning to the Christian fold, this book offers readers a chance to develop their prayer and deepen their understanding of this vital practice. The conclusion of the book has a number of recommended works appended, that the Christian may continue his investigations.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 178987453X
• ISBN13: 9781789874532
• Release Date: January 1915
• Publisher: Pantianos Classics
• Length: 150 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A Good One-Day- at-a-Time Book

"The Meaning of Prayer" by Harry Emerson Fosdick is a fine book, There are 10 Chapters each made up of readings for the 7 days of a week. Each day contains thoughts on the particular aspect of prayer for that week, a short quote from Scripture, and an example of a prayer by a devout person. Each chapter is followed by a well-thought-out comment for the week, The chapters close with excellent suggestions for thoughts and dis- cussion. The book closes with a full biography. I can remember my childhood funamentalist Pastor condemning Fosdick as a modernist back in the 1920's. Now I believe that HEF was a fine scholar a little ahead of his time.

The Meaning of Prayer

This is a very good book. Easy to read and thought provoking. The copy I have is old with yellowed pages. I am glad to see it is in print. This will be christmas presents.

A Priceless work

I purchased this book from a library close-out of old books for a mere 10-cents and having read it, I wouldn't sell it for ten-thousand pennies. It is truly my most favored piece. It's tattered pages have provided depth and riches to my prayer life as I'm sure it will to anyone who seeks a greater intimacy with our Creator and Father. Fosdick, in bringing the prayers of others into his pages, present a more comprehensive study to liberate our communication with our Lord. I can't love it enough for the way in which the Father is worshipped. A must read!

make a change in your prayer life

My prayer life has been radically changed and challenged since reading this book. You will find new meaning in your prayer life as you see that God desires us to speak with Him as we would to a friend.It will open your eyes to new aspects of prayer that I feel most people either struggle with or just do not understand. May God add a blessing to your life as you read and desire to draw closer to Him through prayer.