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A Guide to Prayer
To Isaac Watts, prayer was more than a duty required in the worship of God. It was 'the conversation which God allows us to maintain with himself above, while we are here below...in which the soul of a saint often gets near to God, experiences great delight and, as it were, dwells with his heavenly Father for a short time before he comes to heaven.' But Watts knew that most Christians need help in the use of this great privilege, so that our prayers should be both acceptable to God and 'a delightful and profitable exercise to our own souls and to those that join with us'. In this helpful and practical guide, Watts deals in turn with the nature of prayer, prayer viewed as a gift which can be developed, prayer as dependent on the fruits of divine grace, and the assistance of the Spirit of God in prayer. In his final chapter he brings forward several arguments to persuade all Christians to develop and use 'this holy skill of conversation with God'.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2001
70 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
Isaac Watts
1,199 books49 followersIsaac Watts was an English hymnwriter, theologian and logician. A prolific and popular hymnwriter, he was recognised as the "Father of English Hymnody", credited with some 650 hymns. Many of his hymns remain in use today, and have been translated into many languages.
Watts was the author of a text book on logic which was particularly popular; its full title was, Logic, or The Right Use of Reason in the Enquiry After Truth With a Variety of Rules to Guard Against Error in the Affairs of Religion and Human Life, as well as in the Sciences. This was first published in 1724, and its popularity ensured that it went through twenty editions. Isaac Watts' Logic became the standard text on logic at Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard and Yale; being used at Oxford University for well over 100 years.
[wikipedia]
Watts was the author of a text book on logic which was particularly popular; its full title was, Logic, or The Right Use of Reason in the Enquiry After Truth With a Variety of Rules to Guard Against Error in the Affairs of Religion and Human Life, as well as in the Sciences. This was first published in 1724, and its popularity ensured that it went through twenty editions. Isaac Watts' Logic became the standard text on logic at Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard and Yale; being used at Oxford University for well over 100 years.
[wikipedia]
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 28, 2016
Truth: maybe Puritan writing isn't for me. But here's some fun facts about this book...
First, I recommend reading the last chapter first. It's titled "Persuasive Arguments to Learn to Pray", so you can imagine it might help draw you in.
Second, I don't know what I expected, but the practicality of this book surprised me. It's titled "Guide to Prayer", and it really is a "how-to" of sorts. He got me chuckling when he talked of common pitfalls when praying out-loud. So relatable!
Anyways, enjoy.
First, I recommend reading the last chapter first. It's titled "Persuasive Arguments to Learn to Pray", so you can imagine it might help draw you in.
Second, I don't know what I expected, but the practicality of this book surprised me. It's titled "Guide to Prayer", and it really is a "how-to" of sorts. He got me chuckling when he talked of common pitfalls when praying out-loud. So relatable!
Anyways, enjoy.
February 29, 2016
"There is such a thing as correspondence with heaven, and prayer is a great part of it while we dwell on earth." p. 169
Excellent little book which opened my eyes to depth of rich conversation that I can have with God. I finished the book, feeling challenged yet with a clear idea of what aspects I could incorporate in prayer.
The first chapter, "The Nature of Prayer," which was particularly profitable, explained the parts of prayer. Pleading with God, arguing our case with him in a fervent yet humble manner, was something that I would initially think presumptuous. Yet we see this kind of conversing in Scripture. We may plead by the perfection of the nature of God (his mercies' sake), by His relations to men (Creator), by promises of the covenant of grace, by the name and honor of God in the world, former experiences of ourselves and others. The most important is to plead by the name and mediation of Christ.
I was also encouraged by Watts' chapter on how the Spirit assists us in prayer - He gives us natural capacities of understanding, memory, and intelligence; He blesses our diligent reading, hearing, meditation; He inclines our heart to prayer. . . I appreciate that Watts makes an effort to find a balance between attributing too much or too little to the Holy Spirit.
Men must toil to acquire knowledge in a certain field. Similarly, prayer does not come without diligence, but we have the Holy Spirit's assistance! To develop skill in prayer, Watts recommends drawing up a prayer to use monthly, yet giving oneself liberty to enlarge, as one feels led.
Excellent little book which opened my eyes to depth of rich conversation that I can have with God. I finished the book, feeling challenged yet with a clear idea of what aspects I could incorporate in prayer.
The first chapter, "The Nature of Prayer," which was particularly profitable, explained the parts of prayer. Pleading with God, arguing our case with him in a fervent yet humble manner, was something that I would initially think presumptuous. Yet we see this kind of conversing in Scripture. We may plead by the perfection of the nature of God (his mercies' sake), by His relations to men (Creator), by promises of the covenant of grace, by the name and honor of God in the world, former experiences of ourselves and others. The most important is to plead by the name and mediation of Christ.
I was also encouraged by Watts' chapter on how the Spirit assists us in prayer - He gives us natural capacities of understanding, memory, and intelligence; He blesses our diligent reading, hearing, meditation; He inclines our heart to prayer. . . I appreciate that Watts makes an effort to find a balance between attributing too much or too little to the Holy Spirit.
Men must toil to acquire knowledge in a certain field. Similarly, prayer does not come without diligence, but we have the Holy Spirit's assistance! To develop skill in prayer, Watts recommends drawing up a prayer to use monthly, yet giving oneself liberty to enlarge, as one feels led.
April 23, 2024
I gave this book a 3 star rating not because of content but because it was written in 1715 and therefore sometimes difficult for a modern writer to understand. I have since seen that this book has been translated into today's English, and I plan to get a copy because there is much good material on prayer.
This book was obviously written during the time when there was conflict among believers of the traditional church and the non-conformists church. Traditionalists felt that only those prayer that were in the Book of Common Prayer should be allowed; non-conformists believed that prayers that were not spontaneous should be banned. This is Isaac Watt's attempt to bring some sense to this issue, arguing that for those who can prayer spontaneously have an advantage in their prayer life -- but that those who have trouble praying may need a common prayer to help them. But they should move on to a hybrid prayer -- where the common prayer propels them into adding the feelings from their own hearts. As they progress, they can wean themselves off into a more intimate prayer life. If they can't develop their own prayers, then leaning on common prayers is better than no prayer at all.
To help those in the church, he published this guide of suggestions on improving one's prayer life -- both in private and in a group setting. Yet even in this he takes a moderate road. His order of prayer is just a guide. There are times when prayers are so spontaneous that they pour forth. But for those times when praying is difficult, this guide can help a person organize his thoughts and express them clearly.
For this reason, he not only addresses the content of prayer, but the art of praying publicly. To Watts, prayer is a gift. It can be developed for a fuller spiritual life. I loved one phase that he used, calling prayer a "correspondence with God." One of steps he advises those learning to pray is to write out their own prayers to God - but use that prayer only for a week. Then move on, and if still having trouble, write out another prayer. The more one prayers, the more confident one becomes.
Because prayer is individual, there is not one prayer style applicable to all. But one thing Watts is adamant about, the Christian should learn to pray, and pray well.
This book was obviously written during the time when there was conflict among believers of the traditional church and the non-conformists church. Traditionalists felt that only those prayer that were in the Book of Common Prayer should be allowed; non-conformists believed that prayers that were not spontaneous should be banned. This is Isaac Watt's attempt to bring some sense to this issue, arguing that for those who can prayer spontaneously have an advantage in their prayer life -- but that those who have trouble praying may need a common prayer to help them. But they should move on to a hybrid prayer -- where the common prayer propels them into adding the feelings from their own hearts. As they progress, they can wean themselves off into a more intimate prayer life. If they can't develop their own prayers, then leaning on common prayers is better than no prayer at all.
To help those in the church, he published this guide of suggestions on improving one's prayer life -- both in private and in a group setting. Yet even in this he takes a moderate road. His order of prayer is just a guide. There are times when prayers are so spontaneous that they pour forth. But for those times when praying is difficult, this guide can help a person organize his thoughts and express them clearly.
For this reason, he not only addresses the content of prayer, but the art of praying publicly. To Watts, prayer is a gift. It can be developed for a fuller spiritual life. I loved one phase that he used, calling prayer a "correspondence with God." One of steps he advises those learning to pray is to write out their own prayers to God - but use that prayer only for a week. Then move on, and if still having trouble, write out another prayer. The more one prayers, the more confident one becomes.
Because prayer is individual, there is not one prayer style applicable to all. But one thing Watts is adamant about, the Christian should learn to pray, and pray well.
February 22, 2022
The finesse that the Puritans wrote with is incomparable to contemporary theologians today, and Watts guide is no outlier when it comes to this. Despite being less than 200 pages this great work is incredibly weighty as it builds a practical way for Christians to pray that is rooted in deep biblical example and theological thought. The implications of such a work is to illustrate that all of life is to be before the face of God. Where Watts excels at in this book is when it comes to the gift of prayer sections. It is here that he develops a theology of prayer that is rooted in the necessity of man’s lowliness and the greatness of the true and living God. Per usual Puritan work, this book ends with an exhortation to the nonbeliever to cry out to God for mercy.
December 12, 2022
This is a practical way to stir yourself up to pray. If you do not earnestly seek prayer, Watts helps establish reasons why you should be. Should you seek to build up your prayer tools, read this book. Should you seek to store up your treasury of praise, seek the Word.
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:13
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:13
October 17, 2023
Banner of Truth edition, 2019.
Author’s point: Prayer is such an important discipline it should be examined carefully with the aim of becoming more proficient in this art.
My evaluation: This book is a typical work from Watt’s pen showing as usual signs of logical division, comprehensive Biblical knowledge, and best of all a lively spirituality.
Author’s point: Prayer is such an important discipline it should be examined carefully with the aim of becoming more proficient in this art.
My evaluation: This book is a typical work from Watt’s pen showing as usual signs of logical division, comprehensive Biblical knowledge, and best of all a lively spirituality.
January 1, 2018
Excellent book on prayer
Winter 2017- Excellent book on prayer. A bit dense and requiring careful reading in parts, but well worth the effort in understanding
Winter 2017- Excellent book on prayer. A bit dense and requiring careful reading in parts, but well worth the effort in understanding
August 18, 2021
An excellent work on prayer, particularly Watts' Biblically balanced teaching on praying in the Spirit and forms of prayer.
November 28, 2025
Good but maybe a bit TOO detailed. I get the feeling I might have been better off reading Matthew Henry's book.
June 4, 2013
Many wonderful advices and exhortations on prayer here.
I give it 3 stars because Watts makes prayer look like a rigid conversation stiffened with rules, rather than a relieving conversation with our Father.
I give it 3 stars because Watts makes prayer look like a rigid conversation stiffened with rules, rather than a relieving conversation with our Father.
July 21, 2025
A very helpful book from song writer Isaac Watts. If you think prayer is a gift, please read this book. If you think you can be taught to pray, read this book. If you lack a life of prayer, read this book. If you have a robust prayer life, read this book.
December 31, 2015
Watts is most helpful on the Holy Spirit and prayer, and on suggestions for improving public prayer.
January 29, 2019
Fantastic discussion on prayer
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews