The Prayer Chest: A Novel About Receiving All of Life's Riches

by August Gold

Since the beginning of time every man and woman has prayed—millions of prayers daily. Why then are only a handful of them answered? What roles do luck, chance, or fate have in our lives? How can we discover and live our destiny?

Joseph Hutchinson is a man who knows the reality of tragedy all too well; his life has been filled with misfortune and adversity. A widowed father of two, living on a farm that is about to be taken from him, Joseph embarks on an unexpected journey that will bring him face to face with his greatest fears, and ultimately with his greatest discovery—a mysterious wooden box hidden in his attic more than one hundred years earlier. This box, the Prayer Chest, contains the Three Secrets of Prayer that will change his life and the lives of everyone around him.

What starts out as a journey to save his children and himself turns into a quest through which he—and every reader who has ever struggled—discovers the power to make every prayer come true.

Rich in romance, mystery, and spiritual insight, THE PRAYER CHEST is a wise and warm tale that will revolutionize everything we’ve ever thought about prayer—and the meaning of our lives here on earth. A parable for people of all faiths—or none—it is to be read, enjoyed, and above all, lived.

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction, Spirituality, Inspirational, Faith, Christian, Christmas

192 pages, Hardcover

First published October 9, 2007

Reviews

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joseph Hutchinson comes from a long line of Hutchinson men who have died young. While Joseph pursues his love, Miriam, and strives to build a family of his own and maintain the farm left to him by generations of Hutchinsons, he also lives with the curse of a shortened life hanging over his head. When his childhood faith, built upon the sand, leaves him blowing in the wind, he believes himself to have lost all will to live and all ability to believe. But soon he finds a true faith, rought to him through a notebook handed down through the Hutchinson family for generations and a beautiful prayer chest. Through these two heirlooms, Joseph is introduced to what faith and God really require from him, a smiple but motivated man, a loving father, a good friend. He learns how to have his prayers answered, and he teaches his children and his town that prayer is really meant to serve the greater good, rather than one's own self.

It's a beautiful story for anyone, and a wonderful example for those who are looking of what it eans to believe and to trust in God for our needs.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful story of love, loss and the power of prayer. I love the line where looking directly into Joseph's despondent eyes, Grace said, "I think life keeps changing so that we can change into the people God intended us to be". Great read.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book reminded me of "The Shack". It offers thoughts on how to pray and actually get an answer to your prayer. Some good advice is given. Essentially we need to give up trying to control events. Something which is very hard for me to do.

[Tami · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't finish it - very "new age" story

[Nell]

Rev Shawn

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered why your prayers were not answered? And then some were? Why is that? Does God not listen to all prayers? And why does He only answer some of them? This book answers that question within a web of a story about Joseph Hutchinson. Joseph is a farmer who really wants to be a carpenter. He is cursed with the "Hutchinson Curse." Male Hutchinson's do not live past their twenties for some reason. Joseph finds a prayer box to pray that he does not perish and leave his lovely wife and two children. This book creates a story around that mission. His determintaion to not fall victim to a "curse" that has affected his ancestors for years.

The book discusses the three rules to prayer. Very true. When we hear God answers all prayers just not in the way that we intended them to be answered, sometimes we have to find the answer God has put before us. This is a book about that discovery. How God listens to us and answers us many ways. Sometimes we just need to take the time to look for it.

This is an easy read. Interesting story and enjoyable.

[Sherry Rummler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled toward The Prayer Chest through my mother who suggested I read it. She was so enthralled with the tale that she pushed me to seek it out. (I’m glad I finally listened to my mother)  This historical fiction is based on a Father and his children and how his prayers are answered in a way that is not expected. It’s an interesting story about the power of prayer, what it means and how we in our human-ness are a part of it. A few passages still linger with me as I roll them over in my mind. I love a book that makes me think! So, if you are questioning what it means to pray and how prayers are answered this lovely folk tale is for you.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story that also teaches "secrets" to prayer. The authors illustrate how prayers may be answered but not necessarily answered how you think they should have been. Readers are left hanging at the end as four secrets were said to be shared but readers only get three of those.

All-in-all: Sweet story that won't provide the concrete answers those questioning prayer & faith would hope for. But, faith isn't concrete; it is fluid based on the believer.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love, love, love this book! It was a quick read...I could've read it in a few hours if only I had a few uninterrupted hours, but the message will stay with me for a long time. A great book even if you're not religious, and especially if you do believe in prayer.

If you read this, let me know, friends, because I have to talk about the ending with you!!!

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this book, so I am not sure if the epilogue with the author speaking at a church is in the book. if so, skip reading the book and listen to her speak. I got more from that, than from the story.

[Rachel Nobles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Makes me want a prayer chest of my own. Did not want the book to end...wanted more info on Mr Hutchinson and his family.

[Diana Nagy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing book...a must read! Don't miss out on this short but precious, meaningful story~!

[Phyllis Barlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! For such a little book (less than 200 pages) this book packs quite a wallop!! I came across a very old Guidepost magazine that mentioned this book. It sounded interesting, so I went on a search and got it through the interlibrary loan service at my local library.
It's a story about a discovered prayer chest and a notebook outlining the secrets of getting answers to prayers.
Is it saying that if you do certain things your prayers will be answered in the exact manner you want? Not at all. It's telling us to say our prayer, release it, and then to listen. That's the most important part; listening. We tend to talk, beseech and demand of God, but don't stop to listen to what God has to tell us in return.
I don't buy or reread many fiction books, but I might seek this one out and reread it from time to time. I'm so glad to have encountered this book.

[Megan Mickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was gifted to me by my husband, who said he’s read it many times. He bought it for me as a random gift and I must say: I loved it! The storyline was simple and beautifully written. The characters… I fell in love with every single one of them. Seriously- each. one. I have never said that about a book before. I laughed a little, I cried a little. It was a book that made me FEEL. And that’s why I’m here for it!!! ❤️

[Kari · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was given to me by a friend who loved it, so I kind of hate to be "that person" who does NOT love it. That being said, there is a powerful message, and even a pretty deep one if you can find it amidst the bad writing, ridiculous storyline, and subtle prosperity gospel message....

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty quick read. It wasn't really what I was expecting.

[Tanya Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I need to read it again, but I appreciate the principles listed in the book about prayer.

[Diane · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is a type of New Age religion. It's philosophy is unbiblical and totally ignores that our prayers are only answered by God the Father through his son Jesus Christ.

[Anna Luisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

o início do livro: religião
o final do livro: sexo?

[Shari Heinze · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent. Makes you think over your beliefs. And the Joy's of a child

[Magic Mary Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a "novel about receiving all of life's riches."

At just 180 pages, The Prayer Chest is a quick read and worth the time.

The authors take us on a journey with Joseph Hutchinson and his family as they learn and demonstrate the 3 Secrets of successful prayer.

The book awakens in each reader their own questions about why some prayers seem to be answered, while others don't.

This non-denominational story is not preachy, but it is engaging and well written. It most certainly can stimulate discussion among families, friends and book groups.

At the end of the story, Joseph writes a fourth secret, which the author cleverly does not disclose. Definately fodder for discussion.

[Liza Wiemer]

A friend of mine stopped by to drop this book off and said that I had to read it - she found it deeply moving and wanted to share it with me. This book was about love, faith, and loss. It also talked about how prayer starts from within. The concept was a fine one, but I can't say that I found it to be an absolute satisfying read. I absolutely believe that prayer can transform lives, and this book expresses exactly this. Somehow by the time I reached the last page something felt incomplete. Was it the story? Is it that faith is a never ending process? I have to say I've sat with this for a few days now and I still can't pin it down.

[LeeAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book and was ready to almost equate it to Og Mandino's works, but for one thing. The ending. I hate sequels, and it leads to a sequel. The subject matter should not be left to end in a sequel. The three ideas are worthy of thought and implementation, but perhaps the author wants us to learn for ourselves the fourth. I hope that is all, and not their desire to ensure future sales.

I agree with the reviewer that said it was not for kids. It could have been, although perhaps difficult for them, not unreadable, but the ending spoiled that.

[Melinda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I do enjoy reading a good inspirational story, but this one was not it. The premise was good - a father in the midst of despair and tragedy finds his grandfather's old, forgotten prayer chest which gradually helps him rediscover the goodness in his life, but I couldn't get past the saccharin nature of the majority of the dialogue and how predictable so much of the story was. Maybe my experience would have been different if I had read the book instead of listened to it on CD. I don't plan on doing that anytime soon, however.

[Jen Selinsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is the late 1800s. Joseph Hutchinson is a happily marriage man with two small children. Because of a curse in the Hutchinson family line, he thinks that he will not live until middle age. When his beloved wife dies, Joseph becomes bitter and angry. While in his attic, he finds a prayer chest that is concealed within one of the walls. When Joseph shares its secret with his family and friends, they all write out special prayers they want to have answered. "The Prayer Chest" is a delightful story that contains a good message of hope for people of any faith.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book several years ago and just picked it up again recently to reread. It is a beautiful story full of hope as well as a reminder that when we feel we are at the end of our rope, we should hold fast, tie a know and hang it there! After reading this book, I found a gold prayer chest charm that opens and can be placed on a bracelet. I love it and wear it often. Additionally, I have purchase this book often and give it as well as a silver charm prayer chest as gifts. Put "The Prayer Chest" on your "must read" list.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up from the library because it looked good and I wanted a feel good book. It is definately that. I finished it in a day. It is for those who belive in a higher power and want more understanding about why prayers don't always seem to be answered. I really, really enjoyed this quick read. There is a bit of a love story that has some adult elements nothing inappropriate but not for kids.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am currently reading four books at one time just waiting for one of them to grab me, then my friend gave me this book and I was gone. It matters not what religion you are, if you believe in the power of prayer this book will teach you while entertaining you. I like that it was written from a man's perspective which adds another dimension to the novel. Who does not love a novel with mystery, romance, and a message.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are three secrets one must learn as a prayer is placed inside the prayer chest. These secrets are the reasons why some prayers are answered, while others are not...

A story about a family living in despair in the 1800's, and how prayer changed their lives. The story moves quickly, as answered prayers begin to change lives. I enjoyed the perspective of prayer, but the ending left me with questions and wondering if there is a second book in the making. A quick read.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Prayer Chest is a quick read. You may want to savor it longer. It will renew your faith in prayer. I thought it would be a good book to pass along to someone who has lost a loved one or have felt a loss of hope. It's a sad story, it's not one to take to the beach or pull you out of the rainy days in anticipation of spring. It's heartwarming and reafirming in the power of prayer.