What do you think?
Rate this book
Starck's Prayer Book
If man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God, then Johann Starck has provided a bread basket for the Church with his Prayer-Book. This book of daily prayers, hymns, poetry, and devotions presents in every syllable the Bread that has come down from heaven. Written as daily nourishment in the Word of God, this book also lends itself to meditation and prayer during many of lifes peculiar situations. Professor Dau describes Starck well when he writes, Starck loved nothing sensational, nothing that was for mere display in matters of religion. Christian life, to him, was real and earnest, to be conducted in a sober mind. He was always bent on its practical applications to every pursuit and action, and on enlisting really the whole of a person in the service of the Master. When Christians nourish their souls daily with meditation upon the Word of God and the Sacraments, faith is strengthened. The Bread of Life fills hearts and minds, and Christ finds expression in the world through Christian life and speech. A contemporary pastor said it best when he said Starck gives Christians a daily helping of meditation in Gods Word, and leads them to satisfaction in their vocational tasks.
- GenresDevotionalReligion
422 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2009
18 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 26, 2012
[This review was originally written for my congregation's newsletter.]
When it comes to prayer books I have yet to find a single volume that covers every blessing or trial a Christian encounters throughout his or her life. If there is one that is in the ballpark it is this month’s book from my bookshelf and it happened to be written almost 300 years ago. Do not let its age deter you though. The good folks at Concordia Publishing House have republished it in updated garb and translation from the original German.
Starck’s Prayer Book is a treasury of prayers and devotional reflections on the Scriptures divided into five categories. Each section is under a heading for the present condition of the Christian’s life, but whether one is in health, affliction, sickness, or celebrating a special occasion this book offers the Christian deep meditations on the Word of God and the life lived under the cross of Christ. These are not prayers to read quickly and then set aside. These are prayers to be pondered, even discussed with a friend, and will even draw the Christian to study the Scriptures to seek more understanding. If you let them, they will draw you into the life of our God in Trinity searching the magnitude of what He has accomplished in the gospel. I say “if you let them” because these prayers are challenging. They certainly contain pure spiritual milk, but they also contain filet mignon to be savored and 150 proof theology of the cross that can knock the wind out of you all the while uplifting you. As Rev. William Weedon commenting in the book’s preface begins, “I didn’t like it. Not at first…Starck’s prayers are meat for the soul in an age accustomed to devotional cotton candy…[but] the longer I lived with these prayers, the more I realized how great this work truly is.”
I have to agree with Rev. Weedon’s feelings and I have only been regularly using this book for the last couple of months. If you are an avid reader of Portals of Prayer or other small devotional books Strack’s prayers would be very helpful in rounding out your devotional time. I have found it a wonderful supplement to other resources I use such as The Treasury of Daily Prayer and The Minister’s Prayer Book. I have also used it for devotions during visitations and the Word of God contained in this book and alluded to in the prayers brought much comfort during various trials.
I hope you might give this resource a chance. If you would like to browse it before you purchase it feel free to ask to see my copy. I know these prayers will draw you into a deeper understanding of the incredible comfort of the gospel and the rich spiritual blessing God has given you in prayer. Starck’s volume makes a wonderful companion and teacher as we call upon God in all times of trouble, pray, praise and give thanks.
When it comes to prayer books I have yet to find a single volume that covers every blessing or trial a Christian encounters throughout his or her life. If there is one that is in the ballpark it is this month’s book from my bookshelf and it happened to be written almost 300 years ago. Do not let its age deter you though. The good folks at Concordia Publishing House have republished it in updated garb and translation from the original German.
Starck’s Prayer Book is a treasury of prayers and devotional reflections on the Scriptures divided into five categories. Each section is under a heading for the present condition of the Christian’s life, but whether one is in health, affliction, sickness, or celebrating a special occasion this book offers the Christian deep meditations on the Word of God and the life lived under the cross of Christ. These are not prayers to read quickly and then set aside. These are prayers to be pondered, even discussed with a friend, and will even draw the Christian to study the Scriptures to seek more understanding. If you let them, they will draw you into the life of our God in Trinity searching the magnitude of what He has accomplished in the gospel. I say “if you let them” because these prayers are challenging. They certainly contain pure spiritual milk, but they also contain filet mignon to be savored and 150 proof theology of the cross that can knock the wind out of you all the while uplifting you. As Rev. William Weedon commenting in the book’s preface begins, “I didn’t like it. Not at first…Starck’s prayers are meat for the soul in an age accustomed to devotional cotton candy…[but] the longer I lived with these prayers, the more I realized how great this work truly is.”
I have to agree with Rev. Weedon’s feelings and I have only been regularly using this book for the last couple of months. If you are an avid reader of Portals of Prayer or other small devotional books Strack’s prayers would be very helpful in rounding out your devotional time. I have found it a wonderful supplement to other resources I use such as The Treasury of Daily Prayer and The Minister’s Prayer Book. I have also used it for devotions during visitations and the Word of God contained in this book and alluded to in the prayers brought much comfort during various trials.
I hope you might give this resource a chance. If you would like to browse it before you purchase it feel free to ask to see my copy. I know these prayers will draw you into a deeper understanding of the incredible comfort of the gospel and the rich spiritual blessing God has given you in prayer. Starck’s volume makes a wonderful companion and teacher as we call upon God in all times of trouble, pray, praise and give thanks.
August 6, 2014
Superb book, and an excellent resource for deepening your own personal prayer life. Covers many aspects of prayer that are overlooked, but essential.
January 11, 2015
A classic Devotional that will enable the reader to join in with the pastor in praying God's Words back to Him.I know of no other book that is as refreshing to one's spirit.A gem!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews