In recent generations, a resistance to disciplined, rhythmic prayer has emerged alongside the obsession with spontaneous, experiential prayer. Eugene Peterson observes: There is a prevailing bias among many American Christians against rote prayers, repeated prayers, “book” prayers—even when they are lifted directly from the “Jesus book.” This is a mistake. Spontaneities offer one kind of pleasure and taste of sanctity, repetitions another, equally pleasurable and holy. We don’t have to choose between them. We must not choose between them. They are the polarities of prayer. The repetitions of
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