Prayers from the Pit: What the Ten Prayers of Jesus Teach About Praying in Times of Pain

by Chris Altrock

Pain. We all suffer from it in various degrees and forms at one time or another in our lives. Sometimes it threatens to overwhelm and consume us, and then we wonder what we should do. How will we ever find our way out of the pit into which we have fallen?But the real question is, how did Jesus handle the pain he encountered in his life, especially on the cross? The answer is simple -- Jesus prayed. And we can too.Whether you find yourself in a pit of pain or on a peak of joy, study the ten prayers of Jesus. Find comfort, strength, and guidance for the road ahead as you learn how to pray inward prayers of complaint, upward prayers of confidence, and outward prayers of compassion. Develop a closer relationship with the Father as you spend forty days following the prayer steps of the Son. Chris Altrock serves as the Preaching Minister for the Highland Church of Christ in Cordova, TN. He taught classes as an adjunct instructor at Oklahoma Christian University and the Harding University Graduate School of Religion, from which he earned a Doctor of Ministry degree in 2001. In recent years, he has been involved in urban ministry, serving as a partner to Memphis Urban Ministry, a member of the Joint Urban Ministry Partners (Memphis, TN) and the Faith in Memphis Panel of Religious Leaders, and a board member of Mission Alive in Dallas. The author of several books and book reviews, Chris and his wife Kendra have two children.Chris Altrock's timely book brings us back to the one who is the source and pattern of all Jesus Christ. Prayers from the Pit listens in on Jesus' most intimate conversations with his heavenly Father. Those who long for a deeper, richer, and more honest relationship with God would do well to follow Chris's example, and come to sit at the feet of the Master. Christopher Webb, president, Renovaré We all face troubles of many kinds. In this warm, simple, and challenging book, Chris Altrock invites us to be drawn into the relationship between Jesus and the Father, a relationship formed and sustained by prayer. By participating in that relationship, our troubles are transformed. We see the world anew. We find guidance and peace for the day.Gary Holloway; director, World Convention; Praying DangerouslyClear, down-to-earth, user-friendly and user-realistic, Altrock’s study of Jesus as a pray-er and of His prayers is unique in my experience. It is also as full of grace as it is of help and sound instruction.Phyllis Tickle, THE DIVINE HOURSToo often Christians reduce the prayer life of Jesus to the Lord's Prayer and emphasize his teaching on prayer over his praying. Altrock points us to the deep well that the actual prayers of Jesus can be for our own praying. In very practical ways he teaches us to "pray with Jesus."Randy Harris, Abilene Christian University

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2011

About the author

Chris Altrock serves as the senior preaching minister for the Highland Church of Christ in Memphis, Tennessee. The author of six other books, including Ten-Minute Transformation: Small Spiritual Steps that Revolutionize Your Life, Chris is a trained spiritual director, and he teaches as an adjunct professor. He and his wife, Kendra, have two children. Connect with him at https://www.chrisaltrock.com