Mikejencostanzo's Reviews > A Diary of Private Prayer
A Diary of Private Prayer
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In recent years, I've become very strict with myself regarding what books I will buy. Having worked at the public library for several years, I now instinctively borrow rather than buy.
But, there are certain books that I make exceptions for. My rule of thumb is to only purchase (or keep) a book if I can answer "Yes" to at least one of the following questions:
* Do I love this book so much that I intend to read it multiple times?
* Do I love this book so much that I intend to recommend/lend it to others?
A Diary of Private Prayer by John Baillie is one that joins my short list of books worth actually owning. It's a devotional book of the richest sort--one that may be used again and again without losing its savor.
This book sets itself apart from so many other devotional resources because of its God-ward focus & other-oriented focus. Several devotionals I have come across in the past (Streams in the Desert and Jesus Calling to name a couple) are certainly encouraging, gentle words that serve to boost your confidence & mood and put a spring in your step for the day ahead. But after working through a morning or evening prayer by author John Baillie, the focus of these other popular inspirational devos seems almost more self-focused than God-focused.
It has been refreshing for me to be prompted by Baillie at the end of a long day to reflect on & confess those ways which I have not honored God that day. Or to begin a day remembering my own frailty and pleading for God's mercy on me in the day ahead. Or to pause in prayer to remember those obscure individuals for whom Baillie encourages us to pray (homeless, those encountering difficult decisions, missionaries, lonely, anxious, prisoners, oppressed, and more). What a beautiful exercise in turning my eyes from myself onto the needs of others.
I highly recommend Baillie's book of prayers as a robust devotional resource of the highest order.
--Jen
But, there are certain books that I make exceptions for. My rule of thumb is to only purchase (or keep) a book if I can answer "Yes" to at least one of the following questions:
* Do I love this book so much that I intend to read it multiple times?
* Do I love this book so much that I intend to recommend/lend it to others?
A Diary of Private Prayer by John Baillie is one that joins my short list of books worth actually owning. It's a devotional book of the richest sort--one that may be used again and again without losing its savor.
This book sets itself apart from so many other devotional resources because of its God-ward focus & other-oriented focus. Several devotionals I have come across in the past (Streams in the Desert and Jesus Calling to name a couple) are certainly encouraging, gentle words that serve to boost your confidence & mood and put a spring in your step for the day ahead. But after working through a morning or evening prayer by author John Baillie, the focus of these other popular inspirational devos seems almost more self-focused than God-focused.
It has been refreshing for me to be prompted by Baillie at the end of a long day to reflect on & confess those ways which I have not honored God that day. Or to begin a day remembering my own frailty and pleading for God's mercy on me in the day ahead. Or to pause in prayer to remember those obscure individuals for whom Baillie encourages us to pray (homeless, those encountering difficult decisions, missionaries, lonely, anxious, prisoners, oppressed, and more). What a beautiful exercise in turning my eyes from myself onto the needs of others.
I highly recommend Baillie's book of prayers as a robust devotional resource of the highest order.
--Jen
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Reading Progress
December 12, 2010
– Shelved
Started Reading
January 31, 2012
–
Finished Reading
May 19, 2012
– Shelved as:
reviewed
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I just put this book on my list of books to reserve from the library. From your recommendation, it sounds like one I may later end up buying.