Jeff Toomer's Reviews > A Diary of Private Prayer

I’ve read John Baille’s prayers at least once a year ever since being assigned it as required reading in a seminary course on the classics of personal devotion, back in 2019. Baille’s prayers have the effect of mirroring many of the things we all pray. His words are extremely vulnerable, full of scripture and a wonderful help as a devotional. Here’s a write up from that course:

1. Overview. John Baillie (1886-1960) was a Scottish theologian esteemed for his teaching, writing and preaching, to include spending considerable time in the United States. A Diary of Private Prayer was published in 1936 and is regarded as a devotional classic.

In his book Baillie uses a morning and evening format for daily prayers. Reminiscent of Spurgeon’s devotional “Morning and Evening,” Baillie highlights the glory of God over “me centric” prayers that many of us often pray. His prayers are not systematic, but seemingly an
application of what’s popularly known today as ACTS: adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. While not overt, there are glimpses of the gospel in every prayer.

2. Critique. None. This is likely my favorite of the classics we’ve read. I have already made these prayers my own. After working through half the book I ordered one for the leaders of my church! I like that this prayer diary serves as a journal for the reader. Susanna Wrights contribution has obviously made Baillie’s work immensely accessible to twenty-first century
readers. I also appreciate the notes pages in the back of the book which adds proof text for all the Scriptures mentioned in the daily prayers.

3. Application. Baillie in providing these morning and evening prayers gives us a glimpse of his prayer life. This is particularly useful because he teaches us how to pray. Not a formula; not even certain words. He systematically touches all of life: the day as it unfolds; worship as a lifestyle throughout the day; and beseeching God to guard the heart at night during sleep. He shows how to use Scripture in the midst of praying. He models praying for large things that encompass the world, to pray for family and friends; our work, but also to pray for ourselves and the minutest cares of our heart. John Baillie prays, in such beautiful language, prayers that we all should want to pray.

4. Notable Quotes.
“Give me grace, if I like awake thinking, to think of you.” (5)

“Let me then give back into your hands all that you have given me, rededicating to your service
all I can do with my mind and body, all my possessions, and all my influence with others.” (7)

“Where an action of mine can make this world a better place, where a word of mine can cheer a sad heart or strengthen a weak will, where a prayer of mine can serve Christ’s kingdom, there let me act and speak and pray.” (11)

“Let no false shame keep me from confessing the wrongs that proper shame should have kept me from committing.” (17)

“O God, let your kingdom come on earth. Now as I pray this prayer, do not let me still intend in my heart to devote my best hours and years to the service of lesser goals.” (25)

“Take my hands and give me the skill to serve you. Take my feet… Take my eyes… Take my mouth and give me the words to tell others of your love.” (35)

“I do not want to pray only for myself. I bring before you all my human brothers and sisters who need your help…” (41)

“…but give me grace to understand that the world I cannot see or touch is the most real world of all.” (47)

“I pray for all the different kinds of people to whom Jesus gave special concern and care when he was on earth:” (53)

“Open my ears… Open my mind… Open my eyes…. Open my hands, O God:” (57)

“Enable me now to meditate so deeply on my Lord’s passion… I remember…” (65)