A Simple Way to Pray

by Archie Parrish, Greg Bailey (Editor), J.C. Poole (Illustrator)

The purpose of this book is to learn from Martin Luther’s example in prayer and his advice on prayer so that your prayer becomes more biblical, bold, powerful, and proactive, resulting in blessing for you, your family, your church, and the people in your circle of influence. Reading this book can provide significant benefit and participating in a group discussion will provide greater benefit.

For 18 years Luther developed his prayer life and prepared tools to train pastors to train parents to train children. Then, in 1535, when asked by his barber for advice on prayer, the great Reformer wrote a letter in which he describes his own personal practice of prayer. This letter became a small book and many versions of Luther’s A Simple Way to Pray are available.

In this book, Dr. Archie Parrish places Luther’s letter in the context of his life and times. He develops how Luther “warmed his heart with the Psalms.” Luther’s guidance leads believers to recite the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer. Dr. Parrish expounds on this to show the place of spiritual discipline in building the life of prayer.

A Participant’s Guide was developed to provide coaching for forty-two days of personal devotions and/or preparation for group discussion. A Facilitator’s Guide was developed to coach facilitators through starting and maintaining group discussions. These tools can help you maximize the benefits you gain from A Simple Way to Pray.

Four benefits participants have gained from group discussion of A Simple Way to Pray:
1. Your prayer becomes more biblical, bold, powerful, and proactive.
2. Gaps between what you say you believe about prayer and how you actually pray decrease.
3. Conformity to the likeness of Christ increases (Rom 8:29).
4. Your joy and fruitfulness increase.

Genres: Prayer, Theology, Christian Living

96 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 12, 2011

Reviews

[Dr. David Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Kindle edition of A Simple Way to Pray by Archie Parrish is a welcome complement to the growing amount of Reformed literature.

Luther spells out his approach to prayer as he approaches the Ten Commandments, Lord’s Prayer, and Apostles’ Creed: “Take care not to undertake … so much that one becomes weary in spirit … It is enough to consider one section or half a section which kindles (no word play here … Guttenberg had only recently invented moveable type!) a fire in the heart … If in the midst of such thoughts the Holy Spirit begins to preach in your heart with rich, enlightening thoughts, honor Him by letting go of this written scheme; be still and listen to Him who can do better than you can do. Remember what He says and note it well and you will behold wondrous things in the law of God.”

A Simple Way to Pray is a much-needed work in our day of prayerlessness. I am reminded that every major move of God in church history has been fueled by prayer. Oh that the church would spend time on her knees. We look forward to a new reformation and revival. We long for a church that cherishes God’s Word, refuses to compromise God’s Word and is blood-earnest about fulfilling the Great Commission to the glory of God!

Semper Reformanda!

[Hunter Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was rather disappointed with this one as it was R.C. Sproul recommended. I expected more of Luther’s writing in this one but it was only a chapter while the rest was author talking which was not that interesting. The concept of the book sounded cool as well which was Luther’s barber asking him for a simple way to pray. All it really was is him using the Psalms, Lord’s Prayer, and Ten Commandments stemming from his catechism. There was some cool references but for me was not as I expected and more complex than a simple way to pray.

[Janet Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is actually my second time reading this book. In a sense I am reviewing it, as I always seem to get more understanding each time I read a piece of wisdom. That is a good reason to reread some books.

[Samuel Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book "A Simple Way to Pray" is way more than just a little book by Luther. Archie Parrish adds his own teachings/advice that are amazing. If I were gonna give a new Christian a book on prayer this would be it.

[Sharon Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spiritually refreshing, instructive, encouraging & convicting read.

[Sean Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basic. Simple, even. Luther is passionate, as usual, and provides a very practical method for anyone to follow for daily, persistent prayer. The additional chapters of context by Parrish are quite complementary.

[Troy Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Best book on prayer I've ever read.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book on prayer. Read it a second time on 2/26/18

[Hobart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would've loved it without Parrish's contributions. Luther's material was great.