Hello, Christ Formed Community!
I am about to embark on a new project, and I’m inviting you to be a part of it! I have written two poetry books, an invocation prayer book, and a book consisting of both prayers and poems. If you are interested, you can find more about these and how to order them HERE.
Now I am embarking on the journey of writing a new book on prayer. But this will be a different kind of prayer book. It will not look at how to pray, or the power of prayer, or contain a variety of prayers. There are plenty of great books out there that do that. This book will answer common, but crucial, questions about prayer that many people ask - questions that they may even feel a little embarrassed to ask publically.
The book’s working title is Prayer Wise: Answering Hard Questions AboutPrayer. Please note that the book title and chapter topics are in “draft” form. There will undoubtedly be changes. Here is a list of the current intended topics for each chapter.
If God knows everything, why pray?
If God’s will is always accomplished, why pray “Thy Will Be Done?”
Does prayer change God’s mind?
How do I know God hears my prayers?
How do I know God has answered my prayer?
How do I pray when I don’t feel like praying?
How does my faith, or lack of it, impact my prayers?
How can I “pray without ceasing?”
How do I wait in prayer?
Do I need to pray “in Jesus’ name?”
Is there a “proper” way to pray?
How can I keep my prayers fresh?
Is there a “proper” prayer posture?
I also plan on including reflection/discussion questions at the end of each chapter.
The Plan!
As I complete the first draft of each chapter, I will post it on my Christ Formed blog, and you will receive it in your email inbox. There will be an introduction section in the body of the email, but because of size limitations, the entire chapter will be attached as a PDF document that you will need to open to read.
I am asking that you give me feedback on each chapter using the “Leave a Comment” button (see below), which will be included in each email. Please give me your critique and ideas as we journey together. Not just “this looks good” or “I like it” type of comments. I desire your input as to how the chapter could be improved. What could be clarified or presented differently? What could be added? What might be better left out? You get the idea.
Let’s start the feedback process with this question: Are there additional hard questions about prayer that you feel should be included in the book? Please let me know by leaving a comment below.
I am excited about writing this book, but I am also excited about you journeying with me through the process. My prayer is that it will be a help to God’s people in answering some common questions about prayer, AND that it will bring God glory.
Looking forward to joining you through this process.
Any plans to include "contemplative prayer"? Maybe a definition of it and how to achieve it.
Excited to go on this trip w/ you! Other questions - Value of praying pre-written prayer books (maybe addressed already in your other writings)? For example - my RC & EO sons who pray the rosary, use daily liturgies, etc? Praying the Psalms?