Everyday Prayer with the Puritans

by Donald K. McKim

Through short meditative readings and reflection questions, Donald McKim explores Puritan teaching on prayer to inspire and inform your own devotions. You will discover how to bring God into all aspects of your life through prayer.

Genres: Prayer

136 pages, Hardcover

Published June 23, 2021

About the author

Donald K. McKim is an American Presbyterian theologian and editor. He works as Academic and Reference Editor for Westminster John Knox Press.

McKim studied at Westminster College, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and the University of Pittsburgh. He has taught at Memphis Theological Seminary and the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary.

McKim is known for his 1979 book The Authority and Interpretation of the Bible: An Historical Approach. Co-authored with Jack B. Rogers, it was Eternity magazine's "Book of the Year" in 1980. In the book, Rogers and McKim argued that the Bible was infallible but not inerrant.

Donald Keith McKim was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania to Keith Beatty and Mary Alisan (Leslie) McKim.

Reviews

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can your prayers be improved with help from the past? In Everyday Prayer with the Puritans, Donald K. McKim explores Puritan teaching on prayer to inspire and inform your devotional life.

Inspirational and Instructive

In 100 short readings, McKim presents a mix of Puritan prayers and Puritan quotes alongside his own meditations and Biblical insight. He challenges us to read the texts slowly and carefully. I found that the Puritans were careful in constructing their prayers. There are no filler words, and every prayer has a point.

In true Puritan fashion, each devotional reading is prefaced with a brief passage of Scripture. McKim massages the texts, making them drip with milk and honey. They are equally inspirational and instructive for an improved prayer life. McKim’s knowledge of the Puritans and his passion for their work is on full display throughout the book, but how they center on Christ is never overshadowed.

Doctrine and Life

Prayer points and reflection questions are included at the end of each devotion. They are perfect prompts for journaling, and an opportunity for further discussion in groups. What I appreciate most is how this book will shape your prayers through a Biblical lens with help from saints of the past. The book includes a list of references and brief biographies to help you learn more about the featured Puritans.

This book on prayer will move you to make more of your morning times with the Lord. It will encourage you to spend more time on your knees during your evenings. You will be inspired to improve your prayer life – with Puritan piety and holy devotion in both doctrine and life.

I received a media copy of Everyday Prayer with the Puritans and this is my honest review.

[Glenn Crouch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been a welcome addition to my morning devotions. I would have liked a bit more material direct from the Puritan authors used, though the devotional comments were well put together. I appreciated the brief bios of each of the Puritans referenced, and applaud the addition of additional resources for further reflection.

Well worth checking out :)

[Adam Bloch · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fine devotional, but it feels less like “praying with the Puritans” and more like “praying with the author who found Puritan prayers to go with his material.” It’s not bad at all, but there was less teaching about the Puritan prayers than I thought there would be when first picking up the book.

[Gabriel Magill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little devotional is a great introduction to the Puritans if you have not read them before. For those that have enjoyed the Puritan authors, this book does a great job of tying together nuggets of thought on prayer from many Puritan writings. A great companion book to read alongside something like The Valley of Vision.

[Jason Garwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource.