Everyday Prayers

June Holt | June 2015 - Highfields Book of the Month

By Scotty Smith - (2011) Grand Rapids: Baker Books

A valuable and unique book of gospel-centred Christ-exalting meditations on scripture, filled with wise and practical application

This is a daily reading book with a difference!  Given to us initially as a present recommended by a family member, it has become a source of great encouragement and help.

It is an unusual kind of book and at first I was not sure that I would like it, but having started to use it I have found in it pearls of wisdom and Christ-centred application of scripture to daily living and contemporary life.  Peter was "hooked on the book" before me so it comes with a double recommendation!

Scotty Smith, pastor, lecturer, teacher and author of five books, based in Tennessee, never intended to write a book on prayer such as this.  However, during a "dry time" he recognised that his busyness in ministry was gradually eroding the time in personal devotion and meditation.  He was fully aware that preaching and applying the gospel to others is not the same thing as preaching and praying it deeper into one's own heart.  So he decided to do something about it.

"I never envisioned documenting a whole year's worth of my longings, struggles and hopes.  But that’s what I did, along with highlighting a passage to understand and experience more of the gospel of God's grace.  The two go hand in hand.  The freer we are in acknowledging our messes, the louder the cry will be for God's mercies."

The resulting prayers he occasionally shared with others who were going through similar heartaches and difficulties.  Requests came to share these more widely until a friend suggested he had them printed in journal form.  The result is this valuable and unique book of gospel-centred Christ-exalting meditations on scripture, filled with wise and practical application.  They speak to our hearts and address contemporary issues with compassion, maturity and Godly wisdom emanating from a pastoral heart, great personal and pastoral experience, and a passion to know Jesus more and see Him working in our lives.  These prayers are written honestly and openly and the Truth breathes through them.

Tim Keller says "All those of us who know Scotty Smith know he is a praying man as well as a great preacher, and therefore this book is full of rich resources for our own prayer lives."  This book can jump-start your prayer life and lead to deeper fellowship with our heavenly Father.

Have a look at it on the Church Bookstall.  Buy it, read it, pray it and rejoice in knowing you are beloved in Christ.