Whole Prayer: Speaking and Listening to God

Growing Deeper

by Walter Wangerin Jr., Eugene H. Peterson (Foreword)

A trustworthy guide to an intimate and refreshing relationship with God Award-winning author Walter Wangerin Jr. gracefully explores the dynamics of prayer--of speaking, of listening, of waiting, and of hearing God’s voice. With luminous prose, he surveys the landscape of communication with God--what prayer feels like, looks like, and sounds like. He points out that whole prayer is a circle, closed and complete. We pour out our hearts and minds to God, who listens as we do. Then we listen intently for his voice when he speaks. Wangerin encourages readers not to eliminate any part of the circle so we don’t cut the conversation short.

Genres: Prayer, Christian Living, Religion, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Theology

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Walter Wangerin Jr. is widely recognized as one of the most gifted writers writing today on the issues of faith and spirituality. Starting with the renowned Book of the Dun Cow, Wangerin's writing career has encompassed most every genre: fiction, essay, short story, children's story, meditation, and biblical exposition. His writing voice is immediately recognizable, and his fans number in the millions. The author of over forty books, Wangerin has won the National Book Award, New York Times Best Children's Book of the Year Award, and several Gold Medallions, including best-fiction awards for both The Book of God and Paul: A Novel. He lives in Valparaiso, Indiana, where he is Senior Research Professor at Valparaiso University.

Reviews

[Jason Kanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

To the reader interested in prayer, there are many choices. Too many perhaps, but I find myself continuing to read them. Along the way, I have discovered some excellent ones and some that were less than excellent. I would count Wangerin's Whole Prayer to be amongst the excellent ones. Although he provides a basic structure for prayer--we speak, God listens, God speaks, we listen--I could not classify this as a how to manual for prayer. For that, I am grateful. Rather, it seems to me to be reflections on prayer from one who has been granted a glimpse into its role in relationship with God. In addition, Wangerin is a gifted wordsmith, which adds an additional element of pleasure to the reading process. From now on, if I am asked to recommend a book on prayer, this will be included with my suggestions.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can see how Wangerin fit in so very well with the Valparaiso university community. My regret is that he came to teach writing after I graduated. The writing and the concepts take me back to the faith community of VU and I like that very much. Written with a deep sense of spirituality but grounded in scripture and theology. Very Lutheran.

[Mic · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book about prayer! I sure learned a lot from this book. You can read it in one sitting for it is only 206 pages. But in my experience, I get the most out of it if I read one chapter a day or whenever I am 'moved' to read it. It's like a friend that knows the right words to say the moment you need it the most. I will definitely read this again.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Mary Carlson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned about pray to God. It was very good.

[Kathy]

Loved

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great chapter on forgiveness!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 steps to prayer

[Dgmr55 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book on prayer