There are many ways to pray. There are many ways to pray that are good, appropriate, helpful, and honoring to God. Christians have often found it a blessing to pray words that others have written. Perhaps you have benefitted from praying the words of The Book of Common Prayer or The Valley of Vision. But I ask: Have you ever tried praying poetically?
In years past, Christians often wrote and prayed poetic prayers. My new book Pilgrim Prayers: Devotional Poems That Awaken Your Heart to the Goodness, Greatness, and Glory of God provides a selection of them—prayers you can integrate into your own times of devotion. And to prove to you how helpful such poems can be, I thought I would provide a few examples I have drawn from my archives.
Pre-order it at Amazon or Westminster Books
Here is a prayer a person might pray when he is considering his words and actions and wishes to ensure he is living for the good of others.

If any little word of mineMay make a life the brighter,If any little song of mineMay make a heart the lighter,God help me speak the little word,And take my bit of singing,And drop it in some lonely valeTo set the echoes ringing.
If any little love of mineMay make a life the sweeter,If any little care of mineMay make a friend’s the fleeter,If any lift of mine may easeThe burden of another,God give me love and care and strengthTo help my toiling brother.

Here is a prayer a person might pray when enduring a time of chastening—when suffering the consequences of his own sinful actions.

LORD, dost Thou give the painful wound?And shall we turn away?Nay, rather for the sorest stroke The trusting heart would stay.
For faithful are Thy kindly wounds,Though ‘neath the bruise we bend;Sweet is the secret of Thy love,Unfolded in the end.
They deepen in our fickle heartsThe knowledge of Thy ways;They put new songs within our lips,And give new themes of praise.
And when Thy chastening is past,More gladness far is ours,Than when the sweets of earthly joyIncreased on us in showers.
Then do for us, O blessed Lord,Whate’er Thou thinkest well;Let sorrow sound upon our soulsIts deep, its dismal knell,
If but the music of Thy love With soft, yet deeper tone,Awakes the soul to find in TheeDelights before unknown.

Here is a prayer a pastor or congregant might pray on a Sunday morning:

Lord, give Thy people hearing earsWho worship here today;Obedient, may they follow TheeAlong the narrow way.
May they be strengthened by Thy might,Built up in faith and love,To fit them for life’s service hereAnd for their Home above.
Should sorrow be their portion, Lord,Oh, bring Thy comfort nigh.In storm of trials, calm their fearAnd all their need supply.
And as they, Lord, receive from TheeThy blessings, rich and free,May they with glad and thankful heartsIn all things yield to Thee.

Pilgrim Prayers includes a selection of poems like these—poems that are written as prayers to the Lord. Each one is accompanied by a brief devotional and a question for reflection. I’ve also included guides on reading poetry and praying it. I trust you will find, as I have, that these poetic prayers can become a precious and meaningful part of your devotional life.
Pilgrim Prayers will be released on September 10 and is now available for pre-order at Amazon, Westminster Books, and other booksellers.
Note: the first poem is anonymous, the second by A.M. Hull, and the third by Grace E. Troy. Though these particular poems are not in Pilgrim Prayers (I can’t give too many of them away!), they are representative of the kind of poems that are.

Westminster Books has announced a new podcast that should prove interesting. Guests include Kevin DeYoung, Rosaria Butterfield, and Al Mohler. (Also, what an accomplishment to mark 20 years and 6 million books!)

Today’s Kindle deals include several interesting titles.
(Yesterday on the blog: When You Do Not Dare To Go Alone)
The Problem Is Your Worship
“Have you ever wondered why your life isn’t going according to your plans? Your spouse isn’t playing his or her part in the marriage. Your kids aren’t following their well-behaved script. Your career isn’t flourishing the way you expected it to be. Your bank account isn’t where you want it to be. Your body doesn’t look the way you want it to look. Your house isn’t exactly where or the size you want it to be.”
Prophetic, or Merely Performative?
In this article, Kevin DeYoung discusses how Christians are to honor each other and Christ when critiquing and correcting each other.
The Day I Told God No
Seth tells of a time he knew what God was asking of him, but said no. “My first feeling was surprise, followed by a sense of freedom. I was free to say ‘no’ to the God who made me, and he let me do it. I was free to make my own way, choose my own path, make my own rules. And what would I do with that freedom? One thing was for sure: I would not do the hard, costly thing God wanted me to do. What else?”
Should My Church Staff Be Hesitant About Using ChatGPT?
Joe Carter takes an optimistic approach toward ChatGPT and suggests some ways it may prove helpful to churches.
What I Learned in My First Seven Years of Ministry
Joe shares some of the lessons he has learned through his first seven years of ministry. They are well worth reading!
When Christians Consult the World-Wide-Web as Psychic
“I’ve never graced the beaded, purple fabric doorway of a woman donning a headdress and crystal ball, but I have attempted to see a medium, and my guess is you have too. My psychic has taken the form of late-night internet searches, book purchasing, talking to trusted mentors ad nauseam, and my all-time favorite: worrying and predicting in my own mind. It’s a strategy I put hope in, devoid of drawing from the deep well God gives me in himself.”
Flashback: The Things You Think You Can Handle On Your Own
What kinds of things do I not pray about? The things I neglect to pray about are the things I believe I can handle on my own, the things for which I don’t think I need God’s wisdom, perspective, or intervention. I may never say or even think such terrible thoughts, but my lack of prayer proves my independence, my lack of God-dependence.

The experience of beauty does something profound and powerful within the heart and soul of every human being. Beauty creates wonder in us. —Steve DeWitt

As another month draws to its close, I want to make sure you’re up-to-date on some of the noteworthy new Christian books that released in July. In each case I have provided the editorial description so you can learn a little bit about it.

Deep Reading: Practices to Subvert the Vices of Our Distracted, Hostile, and Consumeristic Age edited by Various. “This book helps readers develop practices that will result in deep, formative, and faithful reading so they can contribute to the flourishing of their communities and cultivate their own spiritual and intellectual depth. The authors present reading as a remedy for three prevalent cultural vices–distraction, hostility, and consumerism–that impact the possibility of formative reading. Informed by James K. A. Smith’s work on ‘the spiritual power of habit,’ Deep Reading provides resources for engaging in formative and culturally subversive reading practices that teach readers how to resist vices, love virtue, and desire the good. They examine practices many teachers, students, and avid readers employ–such as reading lists, reading logs, and discussion–and demonstrate how such practices can be more effectively and intentionally harnessed to result in deepreading. The practices apply to any work that is meant to be read deeply.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

The Psalms: A Christ-Centered Commentary by Christopher Ash. This four-volume set represents a monumental accomplishment for Christopher Ash. “While reading Psalms, it is common for commentaries to focus on Old Testament meaning, without connecting it deeply to Christ’s fulfillment in the New Testament. By studying Scripture this way, believers miss out on the fullness of God’s word. The key to experiencing authentically Christian worship is learning a Christ-focused approach to praying and singing the Psalms. In this in-depth, 4-volume commentary, Christopher Ash provides a thorough treatment of all 150 Psalms, examining each psalm’s significance to David and the other psalmists, to Jesus during his earthly ministry, and to the church of Christ in every age. The first volume in the set is a detailed handbook that explains how to interpret the Psalms with Christ at the center. Perfect for pastors, Bible teachers, and students, this commentary helps readers sing and pray the Psalms with Christ in view.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

On the Christian Life: A New Translation by John Calvin. “For centuries, Christians have read John Calvin’s On the Christian Life to answer a fundamental question: What does it mean to live faithfully as a Christian? This fresh translation of what is often referred to as Calvin’s “Golden Booklet” features an all-new introduction, robust citations, and explanatory footnotes—introducing a new generation of readers to a classic work of Christian spirituality. In the book—a portion of the Reformer’s magnum opus, Institutes of the Christian Religion—Calvin suggests that a deep understanding of theology is worthless if the gospel has yet to “penetrate into the most intimate affection of the heart.” Touching on essential themes like self-denial, submission to God, bearing one’s cross, enduring suffering for the sake of righteousness, and meditating on the life to come, this accessible work will help believers reflect on their lives as Christians and lean on the grace of Jesus in everyday life.” (Buy it at Amazon)

Saved: Experiencing the Promise of the Book of Acts by Nancy Guthrie. “The book of Acts is set within the larger story of the outworking of God’s plan to save for himself a people from every nation—the story that runs from Genesis to Revelation. Within its pages are dramatic accounts of the Spirit falling, the apostles’ preaching, conflict with Jewish opposition to welcoming in the Gentiles, and the invasion of the good news of King Jesus into the Roman Empire. In Saved, bestselling author Nancy Guthrie provides an accessible, theologically sound guide to the book of Acts. Over 17 chapters, she invites readers to peer into the lives of the apostles in the days following the resurrection and ascension of Jesus as they experienced new power from the indwelling Holy Spirit and a new understanding of the Old Testament scriptures. With a friendly and engaging tone, Saved covers the entire book of Acts, providing a solid and accessible study resource for individuals and groups. Additional Saved resources are available separately, including a personal Bible study, a leader’s guide for group study, and a companion video series.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

Galatians: Evangelical Exegetical Commentary by Michael Burer. “The letter to the Galatians opens a window to a serious crisis in Paul’s ministry. In this letter, Paul defends the gospel and challenges the Galatian believers to remain faithful and to welcome all who have faith in Christ. Michael H. Burer presents a fresh exegetical investigation of the text, clarifying Paul’s meaning and message for the benefit of pastors, teachers, and students. The Evangelical Exegetical Commentary series is a premiere biblical commentary rooted in the original text of Scripture. Each volume includes historical and literary insights and addresses exegetical, pastoral, and theological concerns, giving readers a full understanding of the text and how to apply it to everyday life.” (Buy it at Amazon)

Job: Evangelical Exegetical Commentary by Duane Garrett. “The book of Job is challenging. Its Hebrew is often obscure, its length and subject matter are intimidating, and its meaning has been debated throughout the history of biblical interpretation. In this commentary, Duane A. Garrett presents a fresh argument for the book’s meaning. Job demonstrates the inability of Wisdom, as a theological tradition, to solve the problem of evil. Without rejecting Wisdom, it shows that only God can truly deal with evil. God’s answer to evil is found only in Christ, who is anticipated in the book of Job. The Evangelical Exegetical Commentary series is a premiere biblical commentary rooted in the original text of Scripture. Each volume includes historical and literary insights and addresses exegetical, pastoral, and theological concerns, giving readers a full understanding of the text and how to apply it to everyday life.” (Buy it at Amazon)

When Christians Disagree: Lessons from the Fractured Relationship of John Owen and Richard Baxter by Tim Cooper. “Our current culture seems to be increasingly divided on countless issues, including those affecting the church. But for centuries, theological disagreements, political differences, and issues relating to church leadership have made it challenging for Christians to foster unity and love for one another. In this book, author Tim Cooper explores this polarization through the lives of two oppositional figures in church history: John Owen and Richard Baxter. Cooper highlights their individual stories while showing how their contrasting life experiences, personalities, and temperaments led to their inability to work together. After exploring these lessons from the past, readers will gain insights into their own relationships, ultimately learning how to love and live in harmony with their fellow believers despite their disagreements.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

In His Hands: Prayers for Your Child or Baby in a Medical Crisis by Eric Schumacher & Jessika Sanders. This book is obviously very niche, but sometimes a niche book is exactly what you need. “When your child or unborn baby is facing serious medical problems, it can be hard to know what to pray. The shock, uncertainty and fear can mean that even though you want to cry out to God in prayer, your words just dry up. That’s where this book can help, with prayers that use Scripture to help you communicate with the Lord. Whether you need to cry out honestly to the Lord in grief, to pray boldly for healing and help or simply to process what is happening, you’ll find words to help you talk with the God who loves you and weeps with you–the God who can do all things.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

Unity: Striving Side by Side for the Gospel by Conrad Mbewe. “Christians most effectively serve others and advance God’s kingdom when they are in biblical unity with one another. Unfortunately, modern Christians seem to be divided on countless issues related to ministry, culture, the church, and even unity itself. Some prioritize organizational unity over gospel truth, while others only seek unity with those who share their same doctrinal beliefs. In this short, accessible guide, author Conrad Mbewe explores unity as a fruit of the gospel. He finds that biblical unity is only achieved after understanding what God has done through Christ and how it is continuously executed by the Holy Spirit. This biblically centered book encourages readers to respond to Paul’s apostolic plea of “standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27), embracing unity as a valuable, God-given blessing.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

The Kingdom-Minded Pastor: How Pastoral Partnership Advances the Kingdom by Joel Littlefield. “Joel Littlefield wants to see God at work in his community, and invites other pastors to share the vision: for men, women and children to surrender to the lordship of Christ through the regenerating work of the Spirit; for new churches to be planted and declining churches revitalised; for congregations to be about the work of making disciples of Christ. Pastors with this gospel–minded mindset can be hugely helped in this way: by forming coalitions with other like–minded local pastors. Littlefield argues that in cultivating friendships and fellowship with one another, pastors will not only build one another up, but will benefit their own churches, and the work of the gospel in their local community. A short read, filled with wisdom and encouragement for the pastor who feels alone, discouraged, or like ministry might be better shoulder to shoulder with their brothers.” (Buy it at Amazon)

The Lord of Endurance and Encouragement: Suffering and the Sovereignty of God by Joel Beeke & Paul Smalley. “This book presents a God-centered perspective on suffering and prepares us to be good students in God’s school of suffering. By focusing our attention on Jesus Christ, it shows how knowing Him and His sufferings illuminates and sustains us in our own. It also draws lessons from biblical examples of suffering saints and mines the riches of the Reformed divines on the topic. It closes by showing how the God of patience and consolation strengthens weary pilgrims in hope and with a longing for heaven. In the darkest of times, believers are reminded that their hearts can be satisfied by nothing less than the infinite God.” (Buy it at Amazon)

Heart Songs for Every Saint: Engaging with God Through Times of Darkness & Light by William J. U. Philip. “William Philip encourages readers to use the Psalms as their own heart songs, in any circumstance. Don’t just admire the Psalms, use them. Psalms are Spirit–inspired prayers that help us to pray rightly and truly. They give us words we trust, and treasure as our own heart songs, as we engage with God through times of both darkness and light. William Philip shows us that in the Psalms we find a profound revelation of God, His nature, and His ways, as well as His relationship with His people. They help us deal with all aspects of our sojourning faith, both individually and in the corporate life of the church. They give us real ‘working models’ for living day by day as Christians. Heart Songs for Every Saint takes six of these psalms, and shows how they can be prayed in real life situations.” (Buy it at Amazon)