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Adventures in Prayer
The author of Christy offers guidelines on how to rediscover prayer in its most basic form, presenting eight teachings on overcoming pride, relinquishment, praying in secret, and waiting. Original.
96 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1975
27 people are currently reading
450 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Marshall
196 books1,035 followersMarshall was born in Johnson City, Tennessee. She was the daughter of the Reverend John Ambrose Wood and Leonora Whitaker Wood. From the age of nine until her graduation from high school, Marshall was raised in Keyser, West Virginia, where her father served as pastor of a Presbyterian church from 1924 to 1942.
While a junior at Agnes Scott College, she met Peter Marshall, marrying him in 1936. The couple moved to Washington, DC, where her husband served as pastor of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church and Chaplain of the United States Senate.
In 1940, Marshall contracted tuberculosis, for which at that time there was no antibiotic treatment. She spent nearly three years recovering from the illness. Her husband died in 1949 of a heart attack, leaving her to care for their 9-year-old son, Peter John Marshall. He later also became a minister and author.
Marshall wrote a biography of her husband, A Man Called Peter, published in 1951. It became a nationwide success and was adapted as a film of the same name, released in 1955. Her success encouraged her to keep writing.
Marshall wrote or edited more than 30 books, which have sold over 16 million copies.[citation needed] They include edited collections of Peter Marshall's sermons and prayers, and her own inspirational writings. Her most successful books were A Man Called Peter (1951); and her novel, Christy (1967), which was inspired by the story of her mother's time in the mountains teaching the impoverished children of Appalachia. Christy was adapted as a CBS television series, starring Kellie Martin, beginning in 1994.
In 1959, Marshall married Leonard LeSourd, who was the editor of Guideposts Magazine for 28 years. Together they founded a book imprint, Chosen Books. They had three children, Linda, Chester and Jeffery.
Marshall died on March 18, 1983 at the age of 68. She was buried alongside her first husband.
While a junior at Agnes Scott College, she met Peter Marshall, marrying him in 1936. The couple moved to Washington, DC, where her husband served as pastor of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church and Chaplain of the United States Senate.
In 1940, Marshall contracted tuberculosis, for which at that time there was no antibiotic treatment. She spent nearly three years recovering from the illness. Her husband died in 1949 of a heart attack, leaving her to care for their 9-year-old son, Peter John Marshall. He later also became a minister and author.
Marshall wrote a biography of her husband, A Man Called Peter, published in 1951. It became a nationwide success and was adapted as a film of the same name, released in 1955. Her success encouraged her to keep writing.
Marshall wrote or edited more than 30 books, which have sold over 16 million copies.[citation needed] They include edited collections of Peter Marshall's sermons and prayers, and her own inspirational writings. Her most successful books were A Man Called Peter (1951); and her novel, Christy (1967), which was inspired by the story of her mother's time in the mountains teaching the impoverished children of Appalachia. Christy was adapted as a CBS television series, starring Kellie Martin, beginning in 1994.
In 1959, Marshall married Leonard LeSourd, who was the editor of Guideposts Magazine for 28 years. Together they founded a book imprint, Chosen Books. They had three children, Linda, Chester and Jeffery.
Marshall died on March 18, 1983 at the age of 68. She was buried alongside her first husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
February 17, 2008
This is one of the best little books I've ever read. Catherine Marshall writes from a lifetime of experience of prayer and a relationship with God. Her little chapters on different "types" of prayer are peppered with anecdotes from her own and others lives, and her faith, while in some places expressed in a dated manner, is still deep and relevant. a great read for anyone seeking to deepen their walk with God and see His Will in their lives.
February 2, 2017
Some years ago I found this book for maybe a dime at a thrift store. It was the 70s edition and it was really beat up, but the title and the picture of a woman standing in a clearing, a cloudy sky above, but light shining through, just really caught my attention. The back of the book starts out, "He answers simple prayers!"
I can't remember a whole lot about what it said, though I still have it and remember it fondly. It was a bad time for me and just the tone of the book helped some. Beyond that, I remember the most basic and important idea was that, even though there were prayers in this book, they were *examples*. Your prayer is personal and between you and God.
Not long after reading this, I was given another book on prayer by someone who, while wanting to help, didn't understand what prayer was about. The book they gave me was shiny and new, but was more about reciting the prayers it gave you. That's not personal and that's not how you talk to God - I never got far into that book because it *really* bothered me.
Back to *this* book... Even before reading it I had learned years ago, from someone I respected, that he believed some of the people closest to God prayed in a way most people seem to have forgotten - just talk to Him. A farmer out in a field just talks to Him, maybe of problems, maybe thanking Him for something, maybe just to talk for talk's sake.
I don't believe this book goes quite that far, if I remember right, but I'm giving it four stars because of my fondness for it and because it helps people learn and be confident in their *own* prayers instead of reciting others' prayers. That's a road worth traveling.
I can't remember a whole lot about what it said, though I still have it and remember it fondly. It was a bad time for me and just the tone of the book helped some. Beyond that, I remember the most basic and important idea was that, even though there were prayers in this book, they were *examples*. Your prayer is personal and between you and God.
Not long after reading this, I was given another book on prayer by someone who, while wanting to help, didn't understand what prayer was about. The book they gave me was shiny and new, but was more about reciting the prayers it gave you. That's not personal and that's not how you talk to God - I never got far into that book because it *really* bothered me.
Back to *this* book... Even before reading it I had learned years ago, from someone I respected, that he believed some of the people closest to God prayed in a way most people seem to have forgotten - just talk to Him. A farmer out in a field just talks to Him, maybe of problems, maybe thanking Him for something, maybe just to talk for talk's sake.
I don't believe this book goes quite that far, if I remember right, but I'm giving it four stars because of my fondness for it and because it helps people learn and be confident in their *own* prayers instead of reciting others' prayers. That's a road worth traveling.
March 16, 2017
Wow. This really changed my perception on prayer. Prayer has always been something that I've struggled with, like what's the point of praying if God knows every crevice and shadow in my heart? and how can I make prayer a conversation instead of feeling like I'm shouting at the wall? I loved how Marshall broke prayer down into these smaller, more manageable pieces and then delved into each one. And I also loved how she put a sample, fill-in-the-blanks prayer at the end of each chapter, and how she put in real examples in the text of the chapters of how each prayer has power and can be used. I took pages and pages of notes, and I think I need a day or two of heavy mental processing before I read it again.... Highly recommend, especially for anyone struggling with prayer. Thanks mom for putting this in my hands! :)
April 9, 2008
Good practical book on prayer.
November 25, 2014
Excellent, encouraging little book. I love Catherine Marshall's work.
April 30, 2016
A good book. I feel that there are harder, deeper truths about prayer than the author reaches, but for those wishing to explore prayer, this will be a helpful book.
October 21, 2017
4.5 stars
Beautifully illustrated and equally beautifully written.
Beautifully illustrated and equally beautifully written.
December 25, 2020
This was a beautifully written little book. I wasn't sure how interesting this would be-it was just part of a stack I had from my grandmother's house-but it was perfect. It was inspirational, helpful, and encouraging spiritually and just what I needed since that part of my life has been neglected a lot lately. My grandma and grandpa were wonderful role models especially in their faith and this book brought a lot of memories back to me of how they influenced me.
It's such a little book but so soothing to read I will hold onto my copy to read again when I need another uplifting reading experience.
It's such a little book but so soothing to read I will hold onto my copy to read again when I need another uplifting reading experience.
September 7, 2024
I read the novel "Christy" as a teenager, but did not read any more of Catherine Marshall's writing until years later as a young mom. I have always been struck by Catherine Marshall - her prayers, her vulnerability, and her love of God.
This small but mighty book is SO, SO good! Highly recommend.
This small but mighty book is SO, SO good! Highly recommend.
July 31, 2017
Some inspiring and even challenging devotional thoughts on eight different types, or aspects, of prayer. The cover art for this edition is terribly dated, but the text is both contemporary and often profound. The publisher had Catherine Marshall, wife of Senate Chaplain Peter Marshall, pull together six reflections she'd written for Guideposts in the early 1970s; she expanded them and added two more chapters to form this short book on prayer. Some good insights and still applicable despite Marshall's time-bound stories and illustrations.
March 19, 2017
My mom gave me her copy of this classic, and I can't believe it took me this long to discover it! This is a great, easy read with practical prayers for the most common issues we face - waiting, relinquishment, helplessness, and more. And Catherine Marshall provides stories and examples for when these prayers impacted herself or others. A key prayer book to pick up and keep on your shelf!
September 29, 2008
a very simple and practical guide to prayers. It is true that prayers should be down to earth.
February 9, 2022
This is THE best book about prayer I've read so far. It is a topic I return to again and again - and I have to say, though this book was short and sweet, it was definitely unique and useful as well. I learned a few things, got inspired, and am impressed by the ideas Catherine Marshall had about prayer - things I haven't read elsewhere. I recommend this book. Plus, her writing style is easy to understand.
Here's what Catherine Marshall wrote about:
Prayer is Asking
The Prayer of Helplessness
The Waiting Prayer
The Prayer of Relinquishment
The Prayer in Secret
The Prayer of Joyous Blessing
The Prayer That Helps Your Dreams Come True
The Claiming Prayer
I'm so glad I bought this book. You can still get a new paperback copy. Only 114 pages until the end of the text, but there's an index after that.
Here's what Catherine Marshall wrote about:
Prayer is Asking
The Prayer of Helplessness
The Waiting Prayer
The Prayer of Relinquishment
The Prayer in Secret
The Prayer of Joyous Blessing
The Prayer That Helps Your Dreams Come True
The Claiming Prayer
I'm so glad I bought this book. You can still get a new paperback copy. Only 114 pages until the end of the text, but there's an index after that.
November 1, 2021
I just loved this book on prayer! The Lord has been having me go on a deep dive on the topic of prayer since the beginning of this year. It is the spiritual discipline that I struggle with the most. He has been teaching me so much though.
As a side note, I have thoroughly enjoyed everything I've read by Catherine Marshall so far. I will be seeking out more titles from this wise woman.
As a side note, I have thoroughly enjoyed everything I've read by Catherine Marshall so far. I will be seeking out more titles from this wise woman.
March 29, 2018
I should have read this book a really long time ago. Someone whom I admire and love gave it to me with a meaningful inscription in the front, telling me how much it has meant to them. I was younger then, and perhaps a lot less mature. Maybe I wouldn’t even have been able to appreciate it the way I now do.
Catherine Marshall is not exactly a name you hear thrown around these days, even among Christians. When I mentioned it in company, only an older woman lit up with recognition (and affection), which was not surprising. Marshall was a non-fiction, inspirational writer from mid-century up through the 1960s and 70s. Her most famous books were A Man Named Peter–one of several books about her husband, the pastor to the senate before his untimely death–and Christy, which was adapted to the screen in a popular 1990s series. Marshall wrote more than thirty books, altogether.
CATHERINE MARSHALLI can tell you, I have never been tempted to read Christy or watch the series, but now I wonder what I missed in my snobbery. Adventures in Prayer is just so simple and honest and straight-forward, and at the same time insightful and empathetic and empowering. I want to stay with Catherine Marshall, because she is so level-headed and wise, and she also wants me to come out on top. I can tell. I feel comforted and comfortable.
I grabbed Adventures in Prayer from the shelf because it was of the correct length for my Book-A-Day reading. While I read through the stack of books I had picked, we started a series at our church called “40 Days of Prayer.” Imagine that. The book, obviously, really fit into my life-at-the-moment. It acted as a supplement to the journaling, the sermons, and the small groups. So I was ready for it, and for me the timing couldn’t have been better.
But more than that, this is an excellent book. If I were to receive a request for recommendations for books on prayer, I would happily recommend this book and God Guides by Mary Geegh. There are plenty of great books I haven’t read, on prayer, but these two I have found to be important and–in their way–enjoyable. Perhaps “joy-bringing” is a better word for it. And challenging. And honest.
The only thing this book isn’t is an introduction to prayer. It would be best-suited for a Christian already fairly grounded in their faith. But I could be wrong. Each chapter concentrates of a different type of prayer. Each chapter, then, is full of anecdotes and personal experience, and ends with a sample prayer (which I found to be spot-on to use word-for-word). The types of prayer covered are asking, dreaming, helplessness, waiting, relinquishment, secret, blessing, and claiming. The subject matter is timeless, as are the truths, but there is a whiff of the old-fashioned about the book. Still, there are real gems to be found here.
_______________
QUOTES:
“The characteristic position of childhood is that of simple asking” (p10).
“God uses our most stumbling, faltering faith-step as the open door to His doing for us ‘more than we ask or think'” (p13).
“…this hemming-in [is] one of God’s most loving devices for teaching us that He is real and gloriously adequate for our problems” (p18).
“…all of this goes on quite apart from man–little man who struts and fumes upon the earth” (p20).
“But when God’s other wing of adequacy is added to our helplessness, then the bird can soar triumphantly above and through problems that hitherto have defeated us” (p23).
“Hand your dream over to God then leave it in His keeping” (p41).
“Thus the Lord seems constantly to use waiting as a tool for bringing us the very best of His gifts” (p50).
“Waiting works. It is a joining of man and God to achieve an end, and the end is always a form of the Easter story” (p54).
“Gradually, I saw that a demanding spirit, with self-will as its rudder, blocks prayer” (p61).
“Resignation lies down in the dust of a godless universe and steels itself for the worst …. But I’ll also open my hands to accept willingly whatever a loving Father sends. Thus acceptance never slams the door on hope” (p63).
“I know now that my prayers were not prayers at all, but accusations” (p67).
“Look squarely at the possibility of what you fear most” (p69).
“Secrecy helps us get rid of hindrances to praying with our spirit” (p78).
“God asks that we worship Him with concentrated minds” (p78).
“But the point is that self-righteous prayers or accusing prayers do not change men from bad to good. Only joyous love redeems” (p93).
“For the purpose of all prayer is to find God’s will and to make that will our prayer” (p111).
“He Who will not let us down also will not let us off…” (p112).
Catherine Marshall is not exactly a name you hear thrown around these days, even among Christians. When I mentioned it in company, only an older woman lit up with recognition (and affection), which was not surprising. Marshall was a non-fiction, inspirational writer from mid-century up through the 1960s and 70s. Her most famous books were A Man Named Peter–one of several books about her husband, the pastor to the senate before his untimely death–and Christy, which was adapted to the screen in a popular 1990s series. Marshall wrote more than thirty books, altogether.
CATHERINE MARSHALLI can tell you, I have never been tempted to read Christy or watch the series, but now I wonder what I missed in my snobbery. Adventures in Prayer is just so simple and honest and straight-forward, and at the same time insightful and empathetic and empowering. I want to stay with Catherine Marshall, because she is so level-headed and wise, and she also wants me to come out on top. I can tell. I feel comforted and comfortable.
I grabbed Adventures in Prayer from the shelf because it was of the correct length for my Book-A-Day reading. While I read through the stack of books I had picked, we started a series at our church called “40 Days of Prayer.” Imagine that. The book, obviously, really fit into my life-at-the-moment. It acted as a supplement to the journaling, the sermons, and the small groups. So I was ready for it, and for me the timing couldn’t have been better.
But more than that, this is an excellent book. If I were to receive a request for recommendations for books on prayer, I would happily recommend this book and God Guides by Mary Geegh. There are plenty of great books I haven’t read, on prayer, but these two I have found to be important and–in their way–enjoyable. Perhaps “joy-bringing” is a better word for it. And challenging. And honest.
The only thing this book isn’t is an introduction to prayer. It would be best-suited for a Christian already fairly grounded in their faith. But I could be wrong. Each chapter concentrates of a different type of prayer. Each chapter, then, is full of anecdotes and personal experience, and ends with a sample prayer (which I found to be spot-on to use word-for-word). The types of prayer covered are asking, dreaming, helplessness, waiting, relinquishment, secret, blessing, and claiming. The subject matter is timeless, as are the truths, but there is a whiff of the old-fashioned about the book. Still, there are real gems to be found here.
_______________
QUOTES:
“The characteristic position of childhood is that of simple asking” (p10).
“God uses our most stumbling, faltering faith-step as the open door to His doing for us ‘more than we ask or think'” (p13).
“…this hemming-in [is] one of God’s most loving devices for teaching us that He is real and gloriously adequate for our problems” (p18).
“…all of this goes on quite apart from man–little man who struts and fumes upon the earth” (p20).
“But when God’s other wing of adequacy is added to our helplessness, then the bird can soar triumphantly above and through problems that hitherto have defeated us” (p23).
“Hand your dream over to God then leave it in His keeping” (p41).
“Thus the Lord seems constantly to use waiting as a tool for bringing us the very best of His gifts” (p50).
“Waiting works. It is a joining of man and God to achieve an end, and the end is always a form of the Easter story” (p54).
“Gradually, I saw that a demanding spirit, with self-will as its rudder, blocks prayer” (p61).
“Resignation lies down in the dust of a godless universe and steels itself for the worst …. But I’ll also open my hands to accept willingly whatever a loving Father sends. Thus acceptance never slams the door on hope” (p63).
“I know now that my prayers were not prayers at all, but accusations” (p67).
“Look squarely at the possibility of what you fear most” (p69).
“Secrecy helps us get rid of hindrances to praying with our spirit” (p78).
“God asks that we worship Him with concentrated minds” (p78).
“But the point is that self-righteous prayers or accusing prayers do not change men from bad to good. Only joyous love redeems” (p93).
“For the purpose of all prayer is to find God’s will and to make that will our prayer” (p111).
“He Who will not let us down also will not let us off…” (p112).
June 1, 2016
I bought a copy of this little book off of Amazon after reading about it in Guideposts magazine.
As a person of halting, reluctant faith at times, I found the descriptions of the different kinds of prayer insightful. Even Mrs. Marshall admits that there have been times for her when she prayed with barely any faith at all, yet she still experienced answered prayers (or at least surrender to whatever would happen).
I like the emphasis on praying for even small things while acknowledging that God is not some kind of slot machine into which we can put prayers and expect extreme prosperity to come out. It's about trust that God is there for us in both big and small things, and that he loves us regardless of whether or not our prayers are answered, although we may never know why some are answered and some are not.
What I didn't like about this book as much was the story about the friend who was depressed because her husband was leaving her for another woman, and came to Mrs. Marshall to talk and pray with her. The friend realized (without Mrs. Marshall saying anything) that she didn't love herself and wasn't taking care of herself (or her house(?!)), so if she just acknowledged God's love for her, her marriage could be healed.
I can see a person having issues with a spouse who is constantly and vocally insecure, but it does not excuse cheating on that person. It is not the insecure person's fault that the other partner couldn't keep his or her pants on. This book was originally written in the 70s. Hopefully this hideous victim-blaming (and more specifically, woman-blaming) attitude has changed at least some in the contemporary church.
I'm glad that as an often-insecure Christian, I'm married to a man who loves me for more than my confidence level or my ability to dress up and keep a clean house. The house is pretty clean, but who knows... one potato chip on the floor and he could be off with another woman (or a man... this is 2016, after all). (/sarcasm)
Mrs. Marshall also referenced a story about Dr. Livingstone on mission in Africa. His prayers and experiences with God gave him the courage not to act aggressive or frightened with some native tribesmen. The way this was described reminded me of a form of nonviolent resistance, which is cool, but I cringed at the dated description of African natives as "savages." Because in this world, there are only Christians, and "savages" that are not Christian yet. Bleh.
As a person of halting, reluctant faith at times, I found the descriptions of the different kinds of prayer insightful. Even Mrs. Marshall admits that there have been times for her when she prayed with barely any faith at all, yet she still experienced answered prayers (or at least surrender to whatever would happen).
I like the emphasis on praying for even small things while acknowledging that God is not some kind of slot machine into which we can put prayers and expect extreme prosperity to come out. It's about trust that God is there for us in both big and small things, and that he loves us regardless of whether or not our prayers are answered, although we may never know why some are answered and some are not.
What I didn't like about this book as much was the story about the friend who was depressed because her husband was leaving her for another woman, and came to Mrs. Marshall to talk and pray with her. The friend realized (without Mrs. Marshall saying anything) that she didn't love herself and wasn't taking care of herself (or her house(?!)), so if she just acknowledged God's love for her, her marriage could be healed.
I can see a person having issues with a spouse who is constantly and vocally insecure, but it does not excuse cheating on that person. It is not the insecure person's fault that the other partner couldn't keep his or her pants on. This book was originally written in the 70s. Hopefully this hideous victim-blaming (and more specifically, woman-blaming) attitude has changed at least some in the contemporary church.
I'm glad that as an often-insecure Christian, I'm married to a man who loves me for more than my confidence level or my ability to dress up and keep a clean house. The house is pretty clean, but who knows... one potato chip on the floor and he could be off with another woman (or a man... this is 2016, after all). (/sarcasm)
Mrs. Marshall also referenced a story about Dr. Livingstone on mission in Africa. His prayers and experiences with God gave him the courage not to act aggressive or frightened with some native tribesmen. The way this was described reminded me of a form of nonviolent resistance, which is cool, but I cringed at the dated description of African natives as "savages." Because in this world, there are only Christians, and "savages" that are not Christian yet. Bleh.
March 23, 2020
For such a short book, this one took a while to read, because you need to read it slowly, stopping and thinking about the sections in between and really letting God work on your heart.
This book has eight different types of prayers with examples of what they are and why you would pray them along with a written out prayer that you can use for each one.
This book has eight different types of prayers with examples of what they are and why you would pray them along with a written out prayer that you can use for each one.
October 25, 2016
A short book on prayer with a handful of helpful insights. My favorite is a quote from Arthur Gossip, which says, "These are surely the most hopeful words in scripture, 'Apart from Me you can do nothing.'"
November 11, 2007
This is a simple read but has had great influence on how I pray.
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March 20, 2008248.3
August 7, 2011
Tiny book filled with stories of answered prayers!
January 3, 2012
short but insightful all in all it was good.
January 28, 2012
I really liked the chapter on the "waiting prayer".
April 10, 2012
Simplistic and truthful. Lots of wisdom to mine from these pages.
May 29, 2012
Most interesting. Very good outline of prayer life.
May 9, 2013
Wonderful book on types of prayer - one to read over and over. A gem.
June 9, 2016
A really amazing book :)
August 19, 2019
A very good book on prayer! I loved her perspective on it, and found it challenging and encouraging, and Biblically-based. A short, easy read. Would highly recommend!
September 9, 2019
A classic by Catherine Marshall, the author of Christy, this book is a little gem. The book is full of ideas for enhancing your prayer life as well as anecdotes from the author’s life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews