The Meaning of Prayer

by Harry Emerson Fosdick

A devotional classic for individuals and small groups. A work that has been translated into 18 languages, this devotional classic demonstrates the importance of prayer for those who wish to live a vital Christian life. The daily reading and deflection arrangement facilitates use by individuals, and study questions at the end of each of the ten chapters serve both individuals and small groups. An introduction by John Schroeder explains how to use the study questions in small groups and explains the language used by Dr. Fosdick.

Genres: Prayer, Christian, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Religion, Christianity

232 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2003

About the author

Harry Emerson Fosdick was an American clergyman. He was born in Buffalo, New York. He graduated from Colgate University in 1900, and Union Theological Seminary in 1904. While attending Colgate University he joined the Delta Upsilon Fraternity. He was ordained a Baptist minister in 1903. Fosdick was the most prominent liberal Baptist minister of the early 20th Century. Although a Baptist, he was Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church on West Twelfth Street and then at the historic, interdenominational Riverside Church (the congregation moved from the then-named Park Avenue Baptist Church, now the Central Presbyterian Church) in New York City.

Reviews

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fosdick is known as one of the leaders of the theologically liberal movement that began in the early 20th century. Therefore, I wouldn't normally pick this book up. However, it was given to me and I began to read it and the insights on prayer from this man are STAGGERING. I encourage EVERYONE who is interested in prayer and the deeper life with Christ to read this book!

[MaryJo Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fosdick was unknown to me until I picked up this book. The 4 stars is because the copy I have, at least, could use a good re-edit for spelling errors.
But the subject matter and the author's approach to so many aspects of prayer are worth the time of anyone who wants maturity in this area of their lives, their walk with the Savior.
Did I always see his point or agree on the premise? Not every time - usually, yes. But the scriptural references to prayer, his insight and own maturity, and the thoughts his lessons provoked in my own mind, were good food for the soul.
If the reader is only interested in prayer for the purpose of approaching God when he or she wants some personal gratification, you will be rebuked. That is only a starting point - for infants. Fosdick was interested in promoting growing intimacy with our Lord because of prayer, and praying ever more correctly and effectively because of that greater closeness. It can be a wonderful cycle.

[Deborah Gorman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, insightful treatment. The author used a lot of quotes from classic Christian writers including Augustine, Anselm, Clement of Rome and others, along with many biblical citations from the King James version. The book was originally published in 1909, so the language is dated, and not inclusive.

[Guthrie Veech · Rating 1 out of 5]

Second worst book I have read this year, dribble uselessness.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really insightful and thought-provoking.

[Chris Frakes · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best books on prayer I’ve ever encountered. It lulls a bit in the middle chapters, but the beginning and the end are revelatory.

[Sheri Hathaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

It covered every aspect or prayer. It didn't give specific instructions on how to pray but did make the process of prayer more clear: Jesus' teaching of prayer and prayer outcomes.

[Adam Shields · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short review: This is designed as a daily devotional on prayer. Written in 1915, it feels fairly modern most of the time. It was mentioned by Eugene Peterson in his memoir The Pastor. It has some unique thoughts about prayer and I found it a useful book to think differently about prayer, but I got distracted and did not finish. I will come back to it again late to finish the last 1/3.

My full thoughts on my blog at http://bookwi.se/prayer-fosdick/

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

God used this book in one instance to direct me, and another time to tell me of His tender love for my wayward children. I enjoyed the numerous prayers by various authors but found at times the reading difficult.

[virgil noah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This continues to be an outstanding book for understanding prayer and learning to apply the principles of prayer to one's daily life. The collection of prayers at the end of the daily readings are both instructive and inspirational.

[Circle of Hope Pastors · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic exploration from a mainline church hero.