Lord, Teach Us to Pray: Sermons on Prayer

by Alexander Whyte

Lord, teach us to pray," Alexander Whyte declared one Sunday in the winter of 1895, quoting the Gospel of Luke 11:1. This began a long series he taught, ranging from the prayers of Jacob to Paul's prayers and thanksgivings. This compilation of powerful sermons on prayer revolves around the central theme of Luke 11:1. Whyte's use and emphasis on imagination brings the message a vividness which gives life and relevance to the Scriptures. His emphasis on prayer is coupled with an emphasis on the importance of understanding sin and grace for the believer.

Genres: Prayer, Theology, Christianity, Spirituality

184 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1998

About the author

Alexander Whyte was a Scottish theologian, minister and Principal of New College, Edinburgh. He was Moderator of the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland in 1898.

Whyte studied divinity at the University of Aberdeen and then at New College, Edinburgh, graduating in 1866. He entered the ministry of the Free Church of Scotland and after serving as colleague in Free St. John's, Glasgow (1866 - 1870), moved to Edinburgh as colleague and successor to Rev. Dr. Robert Candlish at Free St. George's. In 1909 he succeeded Dr. Marcus Dods as Principal, and Professor of New Testament Literature, at New College, Edinburgh.

Reviews

[Robert Thacker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book opened my eyes to what prayer can be. Alexander Whyte's sermons were written from a place of deep interest and excitement, which makes this an enjoyable read. One cannot read this book and remain unaffected by his importunate calling to pray with all of one's intellect, desire, imagination, and heart. He carries that rich, Victorian vocabulary that initially makes his prose slow going, but eventually can be appreciated without distraction.

I'm treasuring a few takeaways. My favorite was from the sermon on imagination in prayer. Whyte ascribes a dignity to the imagination unlike any other preacher I've heard. He asserts that through imagination dwelling on Scripture and on the qualities of God, we grow closer to God. If we are to love God with all our hearts and minds, then it follows that our imaginations can be trained to grow in the same direction, towards the light, as well.

Another theme I appreciated was how often Whyte called out the urgency of prayer. This is such a needed reminder in the Age of Distraction. If prayer is being with and talking to our Father, then it's the most important habit we could ever have. Yet the temptation is to just squeeze it into the cracks. I LOVE Whyte's valuation of prayer, his desperation to be with God. It's admirable just how deeply he was drawn to prayer.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. The insights from this 19th century Scottish pastor are wonderful. I find myself returning to them regularly

[Lynda Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very though provoking

[Daniel Harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple. Straightforward. The individual sermons are a constant reminder of the actual 'practice' of prayer as opposed to a more academic view.

[Jeff Malin · Rating 5 out of 5]

These sermons are a gift to hungry souls seeking and searching after God. I have no doubt that readers will be prompted and provoked to pray with the reading of each sermon.

[Jasonlylescampbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eugene Peterson said he read one of Whyte's sermons every Sunday morning for 30 years while he was a pastor. I started doing that with this book about 4 weeks ago. It is a powerful practice and I have been challenged by his sermons.

[Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books on prayer. My two favorites are A Praying Life (Paul E. Miller) and this one by Scottish preacher Alexander Whyte (1836-1921). A masterful collection of 23 sermons. I rarely read one of these sermons without being enlightened, encouraged, and motivated.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second time reading this book. It is so understandable and yet so deep. It always drives me to know the Lord more through prayer.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spiritual classic on prayer. Whyte has a unique style, which I enjoy. In this book he illuminates many relatively unfamiliar angles on prayer.

[Lynda Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome, I really like this author. I intend to reread this soon.