The book “When You Pray
– Scripture’s Teaching on Prayer” was written by
Herman Hanko, Professor Emeritus of the Theological School of the
Protestant Reformed Churches. It was published by the Reformed Free
Publishing Association in 2006. It contains 170 pages and has a hard
cover.
Many of us would have read the book “Far above rubies –
today’s virtuous woman” which was edited by Prof. Hanko.
Here is another book by the same author. This book is full of wise
instruction in the ‘holy art’ of prayer, and what child of
God could not profit from such instruction?
The author approaches the subject of prayer in a sincere, honest and humble manner.
When the disciples ask our Lord “teach us to pray” then the
Lord did not only teach them how to pray but also what to pray. I quote
from the preface of Rev Hanko’s book:
“The disciples’ request strikes a responsive chord in the
heart of the child of God. How often in our own life is it not true
that we are conscious of our need for instruction in prayer? When we
urgently and in humble consciousness of our own inability to pray come
to the Lord with the same request as the disciples, the Lord hears this
request and teaches us how to pray. His instruction comes to us through
the Holy Scriptures. To sit at Christ’s feet is to study
Scripture, for Scripture is Christ’s word to us. The Holy
Scriptures are filled from cover to cover with such instruction”.
You, the reader, will discover as you read chapter after chapter that
the questions you have about your own praying are common to all
Christians - although they may differ on account of the circumstances.
The solutions, too, are applicable to us all, because they are found in
Scripture.
The author’s deep insight in the Scriptures becomes evident as we
read about topics such as: God’s mercy towards imperfect prayers,
respect in prayer, humility and boldness, forgiveness of sins including
our own sinful nature and corporate sins and praying in the company of
the brothers and sisters.
There is also a very instructive chapter on family prayer and teaching one’s children to pray.
Perseverance in prayer is covered quite extensively with a section
about Jacob’s wrestling with God, the parable of the friend at
midnight, the parable of the persistent widow as well as the request of
the Syro-Phoenician woman.
And, of course, no book on the subject of prayer would be complete without a discussion on the Lord’s Prayer.
It will be very profitable to read this book, in part or in whole, with
your family, or with your spouse. It will certainly be worthwhile to
savour it by yourself and practise some of the suggestions in it.
We all know how difficult it can be to avoid distractions during our
prayers. The author suggests that praying out loud in our private
prayers will be an excellent remedy. It will keep your thoughts from
wandering. Even the great Reformer Martin Luther often prayed out loud.
The author’s thought-provoking insights will stimulate the reader
to do some thinking and Scriptural study (a Scripture Index is added in
the book for your convenience). Reading the book will no doubt
contribute to spiritual growth.
”When you Pray” is well worth reading and highly recommended.
Review by L. Schoof
