Where Jesus Prayed: Illuminating the Lord's Prayer in the Holy Land

by Danielle Shroyer, Carter Rose (Photographer)

 When Danielle Shroyer went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, she had one to enjoy God, fully present to the presence of the Holy. Tired of her own wordy prayers and theological thoughts as a pastor, she wanted her prayers to be quiet listening rather than incessant speaking. When the Lord’s Prayer came to mind in the midst of her silence, she welcomed the words of Jesus as the only words she needed. Thus began a rhythm that lasted for two weeks of pilgrimage, as she traveled, praying only the words Jesus taught. Immersed in a sense of place, she felt the prayer coming to life in new and unexpected ways.
 
The Lord’s Prayer has remained with us for two thousand years for many reasons. Here it returns to its place of origin, carried deep in the heart of a pilgrim traveler as she walks where Jesus walked and discovers within its words the depth, beauty and truth of the One who prayed them first. 

“For a while, my prayer was only breath, rhythmic and slow. Then, after a while, it seemed only fitting to pray the Lord’s Prayer—nothing more, nothing less. Just Jesus’s words of hope for this world and for these his children. Our Father, who art in heaven. . . .” —from the Introduction

Genres: Christianity

168 pages, Paperback

First published September 8, 2015

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to read this book for two reasons. First, I likeHoly Land pilgrimage type books like this. Secondly, I read a earlier book by Danielle Shroyer ( Boundary Breaking God--a missional church book owing lots to Moltmann). Shroyer's Holy Land pilgrimage centers in the churches of the Holy Land, built at locations of sacred geography. Each entry describes the location, and is accompanied by relevant scriptural reflections (mostly from the gospels) and the Lord's Prayer (the Our Father). This is a nice little devotional with twenty entries.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am heading to the Holy Land in the fall, and my friend Danielle gave me this book to help get ready. What a beautiful travel memoir, written by a seasoned Spiritual Director. Her tending of my soul page by page prepared me - and left me eagerly anticipating the trip.

[Kevin K. Gillette · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, a full disclosure: The author, Danielle Shroyer, is a friend of mine. I've known her for a couple of years, and she is a delightful and intelligent lady, with an equally delightful and intelligent family.

End of disclosure

I'm so happy to be able to give this book an unreserved "two thumbs way, way up!!!" What Danielle has written here is termed "a love letter to the Holy Land" - that's about as accurate a summation as I can think of, for sure! When you combine a Baylor education with a Princeton education, all in the frame of a devout and thoughtful person, and then place that person amid fellow travelers, pilgrims, and seekers, this is the result. Rev. Shroyer's prose is so evocative and discerning that I was actually startled to read some of her insights. Startled not because they were out of character, but startled because, frankly, I realize just how much more thought I need to put into something that seemed so simple and workaday to me as the Lord's Prayer.

It's impossible for me to adequately express the type of achievement this book represents, perhaps because I just finished it and I am still digesting what took place as I read it. But this much I can and will tell you: If you want to gain some deep insights into Jesus' earthly ministry from (quite literal) "boots on the ground," then this book is unquestionably for you.

And to Danielle: Bravo!!!

[Ruthie Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book if you are going to Israel and Jordan. I read it right before going, in February 2022, and it made me more thoughtful and prayerful, while touring the countries.

[M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part travel guide, part bible history and all parts a good read. I won this in a contest and I really enjoyed it.

[Lizzy Seitz · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 out of 5

While a fast read, a lot of the topics discussed were repeated over and over again.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book as the author wrote so well of the many places I too was able to visit on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Read it over Holy Week and may make that a yearly tradition for me.