Taking Hold of God
This book was originally reviewed on December 28, 2020.
What can we learn from past saints in regards to prayer? In Taking Hold of God, Reformation Heritage Books shares reformed and puritan perspectives on prayer.
Edited by Joel R. Beeke and Brian G. Najapfour, this book presents 12 chapters that examine the writings and prayer lives of several significant Reformers and Puritans. Amongst others, Najapfour takes on Luther and Knox; Beeke takes on Calvin, Henry, and Boston. It is an impressive collection and worth considering to guide and grow your own personal prayer life.
Practical, Trinitarian Prayer
Several points stood out to me in regards to both the Reformers and Puritans. First, prayer was practical. Prayer was not simply a topic for theological discussion. These giants of the faith were on their knees night and day. Second, prayer had a distinct Trinitarian dimension. Luther specifically found prayer to be to God the Father, in the Name of God the Son, and with the help of God the Holy Spirit. The Trinity was a reality to the Reformers, and each Person was present to the Puritans.
Understanding prayer also means thinking about the problems we encounter when making pleas to God. Knox explains how we gain greater faith and gratitude when God delays the answer to our prayers. Unbelief and hypocrisy are two reasons why God might deny our prayers.
Sincerity and Humility
Nevertheless, God still wants us to pray. In fact, God commands us to pray. So when we feel unworthy to approach him, Knox reminds us that we must remember the precepts and promises of God as an encouragement and motivator to come before his throne.
In other chapters, we learn that sincerity is a prerequisite of true prayer. Also, prayer has the ability to humble our hearts before God. Prayer is a practice of the reality of God’s presence. Beeke examines Anthony Burgess and Christ’s prayer for us in John 17. Jesus prays as a priest, intercessor, and mediator – and he is specifically praying for the elect. It is an example to follow as we engage the glory of God.
Spiritual Focus and Power
Of particular importance to me is how Thomas Boston claims that adoption is the foundation of prayer. We come to our Heavenly Father with petitions for comfort. Our Father is pleased to see us. It’s adoption that grants us all the privileges, protection, and provision in prayer.
The book ends with a look at prayer and missions, as well as practical considerations for your prayer life. It is challenging, yet encouraging. I am eager to begin the new year with a renewed focus on prayer. Not because of formality or piety, but for spiritual focus and power. This book has been and will be a great help.
I received a media copy of Taking Hold of God and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.