Tree of Life, The: Models of Christian Prayer

by Steven Chase

Rooted in the desire to communicate the richness and diversity of prayer, this innovative book considers various models of understanding within the Christian prayer tradition. Likening the life of prayer to a tree sown as seed by God in the human heart, Steven Chase suggests five models of prayer that are linked to the Tree of Life prayer as conversation (deep roots), prayer as relationship (solid trunk), prayer as journey (branches), prayer as transformation (new leaves), and prayer as presence (flowers and fruits). For each of the models the author discusses the actual practice of prayer and offers critical reflection. Pastors, spiritual formation leaders, and all those seeking to learn more about prayer will appreciate this book.

304 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2005

Reviews

[Andrew Forbes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Long-winded at times, but perhaps primarily due to its comprehensiveness. A remarkable and organized overview of Christian prayer throughout history written in the form of a doctoral dissertation. It is a book that necessitates careful study rather than brief skimming, but it is well worth the effort.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book uses tree imagery to suggest a number of different models of prayer. It is well-written, but it seems that most of the "meat" of the book, so to speak, comes from other, mostly earlier authors. The author recommends a good number of medieval and early modern authors, but doesn't provide much new material.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book on prayer