I finally got to read D.A. Carson’s A Call to Spiritual Reformation: Priorities from Paul and His Prayers. It because of books like this that Carson is becoming one of my favorite contemporary authors.
In some ways this was a difficult book to read. I felt like I should be stopping more often to pray. My original intention was to spend time praying after each chapter. Sadly, time constraints and other responsibilities limited my opportunities to do just that.
Being as distract I have been in the 3 weeks since I began reading this book, I suspect that I missed much I could have benefited from. At some point, I hope to utilize this book in a sermon series In the School of Prayer, in which I’ll focus on biblical, gospel priorities for prayer through Paul’s prayers.
The title is appropriate. Spiritual reformation will not, cannot, happen apart from prayer. But not just any prayers. Prayer is not a formula, but what we need is to regain biblical priorities in our prayers. Paul’s prayers reveal the types of things we ought to pray for, which we typically don’t.
In addition to looking at some of Paul’s prayers themselves, Carson includes some other material. Particularly helpful is the chapter A Sovereign and Personal God which interacts with the reality of God’s sovereignty and its proper and improper effects on our prayer lives. I wonder how much of this was culled (summarized) from his book Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility. But we must avoid the extremes of so pushing His sovereignty that we forget His uses of means (including prayer) and become entirely passive; or so pushing his personhood that we forget His sovereignty and think of Him as a mere reacter to circumstances (open theism).
Another chapter that made my reading ‘uncomfortable’ was Excuses for Not Praying. Sadly most pastors have been there. And most congregants have been there. We have turned prayer into a duty instead of a delight (okay, delightful duty). As a means of grace, we have much to gain through prayer. But something about proper prayer means that we have to forsake our control over how our prayers are answered. We learn to submit to God in prayer, and this is one of the rubs for us. Unfortunately, the flesh continues to create numerous excuses not to pray. But the Gospel extends more reasons to repent and pray.
This is a book people who are serious about their Christian life should read. It will encourage and challenge them not just to pray, but to bring their prayer concerns more in line with the purposes of God.
Well, I won’t hesitate to respond regarding this book.
I think it is fantastic.
How Long O Lord?
The Difficult Doctrine of the Love of God
These are all great works and books that I need to get back into again.
Also the book he wrote regarding Church Leadership was excellent.
But I don’t want to become guilty of the same sin as the Corinthians in being a follower of Peter, Paul etc.
We do that today you know? And as a result we don’t read each author critically.
We are of Keller, Brown, Carson, Piper, Ferguson instead of truly our affections and hope being on Christ.
What do you think Cavman?
Oh, don’t forget how I coached the Celtics to the 84 and 86 titles.
KC
Were you of Maxwell or of Walton?
I typically read critically. The red pen has been used to jot down some critical comments/disagreements with authors I find particularly helpful. I will even take issue with Calvin- occasionally.
But some people don’t ever disagree with their heroes.
Carson’s book on the Cross and Christian Ministry is a must read!
[…] Cavman highly recommends Carson’s new book about prayer called A Call to Spiritual Reformation. I’m currently immersed in Phillip Yancey’s simply titled but powerfully written book, Prayer. Look for a review about it sometime in the future. Bookmark to: By Jeff | Snippets | Trackback | RSS Feed | Possibly Related:•In But Not Of•Review: Stardust (rated 3 stars)•Defending Harry Potter from Christian naysayers (rated 3 stars)•I’m older than God… Part 1 […]