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Approaching God: Accepting the Invitation to Stand in the Presence of God by Brown, Steve (2008) Paperback
A spiritual guide on how to pray cites the importance of focusing on God rather than on oneself, while it defines the basic theology of prayer and addresses such issues as unanswered prayers.
Paperback
First published February 27, 1996
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About the author
Steve Brown
46 books53 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Steve Brown is a radio broadcaster, seminary professor and author. He previously served as a pastor for over twenty-five years and now devotes much of his time to the radio broadcast, Key Life.
With such varied experience and unique perspective on life, Steve is an original. He refuses to be a "guru," doesn't want to be anyone's mother and gives, in his teaching, the freedom to think. Overall, Steve has become known for his refreshing and practical Biblical applications.
Steve serves as Professor Emeritus of Preaching and Pastoral Ministry at Reformed Theological Seminary. He sits on the board of the National Religious Broadcasters and Harvest USA. Traveling extensively, Steve is a much-in-demand speaker.
Steve is the author of numerous books including A Scandalous Freedom, What Was I Thinking? and Approaching God. His articles appear in such magazines and journals as Leadership, Decision, Plain Truth and Today's Christian Woman.
Steve Brown is a radio broadcaster, seminary professor and author. He previously served as a pastor for over twenty-five years and now devotes much of his time to the radio broadcast, Key Life.
With such varied experience and unique perspective on life, Steve is an original. He refuses to be a "guru," doesn't want to be anyone's mother and gives, in his teaching, the freedom to think. Overall, Steve has become known for his refreshing and practical Biblical applications.
Steve serves as Professor Emeritus of Preaching and Pastoral Ministry at Reformed Theological Seminary. He sits on the board of the National Religious Broadcasters and Harvest USA. Traveling extensively, Steve is a much-in-demand speaker.
Steve is the author of numerous books including A Scandalous Freedom, What Was I Thinking? and Approaching God. His articles appear in such magazines and journals as Leadership, Decision, Plain Truth and Today's Christian Woman.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 24, 2009
I like Steve Brown for a lot of reasons, but the main one is this: it is evident that this man knows Jesus. And I don't mean that he knows a lot about Jesus. Brown spends a lot of time with Jesus, one-on-one. And that's exactly why this is the best book I've ever read on prayer. It's not a "how-to guide;" nor is it dry theology. Instead, Brown shares with us his relationship with Jesus in hopes that we will be encouraged.
Short Chapter-by-Chapter Summary:
1. "Prayer is simply the communion, the communication, and the contact between the creature and the Creator. It is the expression of a relationship between two persons.... Prayer is what happens when the soul cries out to its Maker" (p. 8).
2. "It isn't our sin that causes God to be far away. The vicarious atonement of Christ takes care of sin. But stiffness-now that will kill your prayer life every time" (p. 25).
3. A successful prayer life requires commitment. It needn't be long. Structure and accountability help.
4. Childlikeness: "There is joy is resting in One who is in charge. When was the last time you giggled and didn't care what anybody thought?... When we are in relationship with God, there is a childlike joy in knowing that we are accepted and cherished - no matter what. That's what it means to be childlike, and rel prayer reflects that kind of joy" (p. 82).
5. "Intimacy with God...is the ultimate goal of the life of every believer" (p. 93). You want a deeper prayer life for the intimacy, not power, not "getting better." You must be called to it, be patient, and be flexible.
6.Find quite place, use centering prayer (imagination, word recognition), take off the mask, acknowledge, adore, worship, and praise. Meditate. Listen.
7. "God didn't design prayer so that you would get better.... God didn't design prayer so that you would be holy.... God didn't design prayer to make you more like Jesus... God designed prayer because he likes you and wants to spend time with you" (p. 143).
8. "There is a major element of prayer that most of us miss, and that element is laughter - a free, joyous, wholesome, hardy laughter.... When God invites his people to prayer, he invites them to the dance - a celebration of the relationship and who created it, a celebration of who he is and what he has created, a celebration of life and meaning and forgiveness and heaven. When the Father invites us to prayer, he issues an invitation to a joyous party (p. 161, 163).
9. Covenant: Prayer is hard work and so God often calls communities of Christians to share the load.
10. Suggestions for Prayer: Have Faith. Be Patient. Pray within God's will. Be specific. Remember God is God. Praise Him. Be (or want to be) Obedient. Keep Praying. Make Requests, Not Demands. Take Prayer Seriously.
11. Why did God not answer my prayer? is the wrong question. "The real question is why any prayers are answered at all" (p. 227).
12. Common questions answered.
Short Chapter-by-Chapter Summary:
1. "Prayer is simply the communion, the communication, and the contact between the creature and the Creator. It is the expression of a relationship between two persons.... Prayer is what happens when the soul cries out to its Maker" (p. 8).
2. "It isn't our sin that causes God to be far away. The vicarious atonement of Christ takes care of sin. But stiffness-now that will kill your prayer life every time" (p. 25).
3. A successful prayer life requires commitment. It needn't be long. Structure and accountability help.
4. Childlikeness: "There is joy is resting in One who is in charge. When was the last time you giggled and didn't care what anybody thought?... When we are in relationship with God, there is a childlike joy in knowing that we are accepted and cherished - no matter what. That's what it means to be childlike, and rel prayer reflects that kind of joy" (p. 82).
5. "Intimacy with God...is the ultimate goal of the life of every believer" (p. 93). You want a deeper prayer life for the intimacy, not power, not "getting better." You must be called to it, be patient, and be flexible.
6.Find quite place, use centering prayer (imagination, word recognition), take off the mask, acknowledge, adore, worship, and praise. Meditate. Listen.
7. "God didn't design prayer so that you would get better.... God didn't design prayer so that you would be holy.... God didn't design prayer to make you more like Jesus... God designed prayer because he likes you and wants to spend time with you" (p. 143).
8. "There is a major element of prayer that most of us miss, and that element is laughter - a free, joyous, wholesome, hardy laughter.... When God invites his people to prayer, he invites them to the dance - a celebration of the relationship and who created it, a celebration of who he is and what he has created, a celebration of life and meaning and forgiveness and heaven. When the Father invites us to prayer, he issues an invitation to a joyous party (p. 161, 163).
9. Covenant: Prayer is hard work and so God often calls communities of Christians to share the load.
10. Suggestions for Prayer: Have Faith. Be Patient. Pray within God's will. Be specific. Remember God is God. Praise Him. Be (or want to be) Obedient. Keep Praying. Make Requests, Not Demands. Take Prayer Seriously.
11. Why did God not answer my prayer? is the wrong question. "The real question is why any prayers are answered at all" (p. 227).
12. Common questions answered.
December 16, 2021
This book as some significant issues that fall into two main camps: dangerous advocations and weak foundations. I will say that I did not buy this book. It was one that belonged to my mom before she died and was left to me. That was eight years ago, and I am just now reading it. It was published in 1996, which I think is contextually important to understanding the book. The Young, Restless, and Reformed movement was in its early stages, and it hadn't become all that it would be.
The first issues that I have with the book relate to the advocation of centering prayer and contemplative prayer. In '96, I don't think that these had been thoroughly been explored theologically by Protestants. Their origins are in Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic mysticism and are even rejected by the mainstream of both of those denominations. At their heart, they encourage the emptying of the mind in order to hear from God. This imitates Eastern meditative practices. Brown does contrast the Christian concept of meditation with Eastern meditation in word, but the contradicts himself by advocating for the equivalent of a mantra. This is the principle reason why I cannot recommend this book.
The second issue is stylistic and is much less problematic. Brown's chapters are full of colorful illustrations from his own life, from other theologians, and from what I would call "preacher stories" (That is, quick, far-fetched illustration that are generally included to produce a laugh). Some of these are helpful (especially his own experience), but others are more questionable. More problematic with this is the lack of a Scriptural foundation. Bible verses are thrown into the text with a proof-text methodology, and there was no exploration of the concepts of the book in a systematic manner from Scripture. As such, it is really just one person's opinion rather than a resting and reliance upon God's Word.
The first issues that I have with the book relate to the advocation of centering prayer and contemplative prayer. In '96, I don't think that these had been thoroughly been explored theologically by Protestants. Their origins are in Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic mysticism and are even rejected by the mainstream of both of those denominations. At their heart, they encourage the emptying of the mind in order to hear from God. This imitates Eastern meditative practices. Brown does contrast the Christian concept of meditation with Eastern meditation in word, but the contradicts himself by advocating for the equivalent of a mantra. This is the principle reason why I cannot recommend this book.
The second issue is stylistic and is much less problematic. Brown's chapters are full of colorful illustrations from his own life, from other theologians, and from what I would call "preacher stories" (That is, quick, far-fetched illustration that are generally included to produce a laugh). Some of these are helpful (especially his own experience), but others are more questionable. More problematic with this is the lack of a Scriptural foundation. Bible verses are thrown into the text with a proof-text methodology, and there was no exploration of the concepts of the book in a systematic manner from Scripture. As such, it is really just one person's opinion rather than a resting and reliance upon God's Word.
August 17, 2017
It was a very good book. The writing style is conversational and funny. I came away with Steve's heart on prayer... and some very good stories. It wasn't a towering classic on prayer... but maybe that is why I liked it. It was right where I live.
November 9, 2017
Steve Brown is very approachable as an author. His friendly, chatty approach allows him to share profound truth in an easy to understand manner. We used this book for our men's morning group and it has been a great encouragement to us all to be more diligent in prayer.
September 15, 2020
I love this book on prayer. Steve is very helpful and knows what he's talking about from experience. His books help us all to love Jesus and others more.
September 16, 2020
This is added to my favourite books on prayer because it is so practical and has so many illustrations that I could grasp on to and remember to improve my walk with God.
September 8, 2021
Steve Brown communicates in a unique way. If you aren’t willing to laugh at yourself while you follow Jesus, you won’t appreciate this book. But I think Jesus laughs a lot, especially at our attempts to act so serious in our pursuit of him. So I loved it.
The book has some really helpful chapters on what keeps us away from prayer. Our inability to accept the unconditional love of God keeps us from God. We want to clean ourselves up before approaching the throne OF GRACE…
Steve Brown has some unique views on certain people being called to a deeper life of prayer than others. I found myself disagreeing with this section, but I’m also 24 and he’s… much older and wiser. So alas.
I’d recommend this book. It’s solid.
The book has some really helpful chapters on what keeps us away from prayer. Our inability to accept the unconditional love of God keeps us from God. We want to clean ourselves up before approaching the throne OF GRACE…
Steve Brown has some unique views on certain people being called to a deeper life of prayer than others. I found myself disagreeing with this section, but I’m also 24 and he’s… much older and wiser. So alas.
I’d recommend this book. It’s solid.
May 22, 2023
Steve Brown balances truth and grace like no other. This is an honest book that is easy to understand but not simplistic.
August 18, 2013
Definitive how-to on prayer.
Mr. Brown shares from his pilgrimage of learning, wisdom of an elder.
Of particular impact to me the insight regarding Jesus' "let the little children come unto me..." Indeed we are allways God's children and we will often say and do inappropriate things & He loves us anyway.
I will re-read this book using the study guide tool the second time through.
Mr. Brown shares from his pilgrimage of learning, wisdom of an elder.
Of particular impact to me the insight regarding Jesus' "let the little children come unto me..." Indeed we are allways God's children and we will often say and do inappropriate things & He loves us anyway.
I will re-read this book using the study guide tool the second time through.
August 14, 2012
I've been reminded again that it isn't the length of the prayer, but "the heart" in the prayer that really matters.
Things we've all heard before with huge helping of God's grace for those of us who've always felt inadequate about our prayer life.
February 26, 2009
intimate prayer encounters
August 30, 2012
I have read this book more than once over the years it's a favorite. I love Steve's unpretentious style.. therefore no huge revelations nevertheless I go back time and again.
November 2, 2012
Best book on prayer yet. Steve brown is fast approaching C.S. Lewis in my esteem and respect. He is very down to earth and practical and so loving.
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March 11, 2014our hard cover copy is white with a painting on the front
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews