Let the Whole Church Say Amen!: A Guide for Those Who Pray in Public

by Laurence Hull Stookey

Stookey seeks to relieve the anxiety of inexperienced leaders of public prayer and the discomfort of those with and for whom they pray in this practical guide to the art of praying in public.

The book has three parts. First, Stookey offers reflections on the nature of prayer, utilizing the image of a flow of energy. Second, he discusses the forms, mechanics, and vocabularies of prayer. His analysis brims with insight and practical application. Third, and most importantly, he provides concrete exercises in editing prayers. The reader is challenged to mark prayer texts and then to compare her or his own work with the author's as Stookey points out the particular issues that the exercises highlights.

The book is clearly organized, economically written, and easy to use. Those who read carefully and complete the exercises will gain significant experience in crafting prayers to which the whole congregation can respond with an enthusiastic "Amen".

Genres: Prayer, Christian

167 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2001

Reviews

[Patricia M Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book for those interested in improving their prayerful life. It is wonderful for both personal and public Prayer. The books goes into depth in form and processes in the thought process and in the writing of prayers and collecting thoughts for spontaneous prayers. I find my prayers have some of the elements shown by the author, but it is helpful to have reinforcement in what you do. The book has a lot of reading, instructions, and workbook pages to complete. Nothing was overlooked in my study. I read the book to complete a course as a Lay Servant with the United Methodist Church. It was a good choice on their part in choosing the study.

[Beth Quick · Rating 3 out of 5]

We used this book in our Lay Servant class for United Methodists seeking additional training in the area of prayer. Stookey's book is as much a book on grammar as it is a book on prayer. I had participants in the class who I had to talk out of never wanting to pray in public again, because they were so overwhelmed by all the things they ended up feeling like they were doing wrong. Stookey discusses a lot of compelling prayer issues/topics, but he doesn't leave much room for those who pray differently, and doesn't offer much nurturing encouragement along the way.

[Marc Daly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stookey takes a micromanagement approach to prayer. He gives very specific instructions about different types of prayer, words to avoid, and verbs to employ. I found the specificity of the directions to be very burdensome in considering what to say in public prayer.

I learned a few things about types of prayer, but I fell like the text makes me second-guess all of the prayers I have said/written.

[Diane Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not of interest to a wide audience, but this is a very valuable book for those who are called on to lead prayer in public settings. As the lay leader of my church I have been called on to pray and feel like I didn't do it justice. This book was helpful in improving that situation.

[Dawn Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite seminary books. Teaches you how to write really good prayers!

[Joseph Zongolowicz · Rating 4 out of 5]

informative book with good lessons. The activities get a little repetitive though

[Gheeta · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as good as I hoped it would be. More like a 2.5 in rating. Used this book with an intensive course and the repetitive style of the writer got old over the course of two 5-hour sessions. It might be alright if taken over a couple weeks but when used in a compressed course the author's style starts to get a bit grating.

[Pamela]

Good advice for composing liturgical and public prayer; Bible references for various forms, exercises. Method for evaluating fitness of a text for unison reading. Tips on diction and grammar. (p.s. the author is brother of Paul Stookey.)

[Jeffrey Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as part of a UMC Lay Servant continuing education course. I found it to be very fascinating to lead about different types of prayer and the purpose of public prayer. It gave a very detailed and useful approach to understanding, writing, and leading public prayer.

[Chrysty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous workbook for anyone looking to lead prayer for others. I believe it has helped me even in my personal prayer life to encounter God more fully.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful guidance for those who lead public prayer. Includes prompts for editing and writing out prayers. "Disciplined preparation is the gift of the Spirit."