Books for December 2011

A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World by Paul E. Miller

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Probably the best book I’ve read this year.

This book was challenging, encouraging, strengthening, and edifying. Miller presents himself, and the lessons God has taught him, in a personal and vulnerable manner, rich with accounts from his and others' (in his family, mainly) experiences. He debunks several of the common struggles that keeps us from praying, offers solid theological foundations for right approaches to prayer, and includes concrete and practicable methods and approaches to living a praying life. Yet, none of it seems legalistic or method-driven.

I foresee returning to this one over and over again: in study with others, to be taught in Sunday School or small groups, and of course for personal growth. I’m sure I’ll probably give several copies away as gifts this year, too.


View all my reviews


I also read a manuscript for a book that, I hope, I'll get to be involved in publishing in 2012: Margie Haack (of Ransom Fellowship and Toad Hall) has written a memoir tentatively entitled The Exact Place; currently, we ("we" being Doulos Resources and especially Kalos Press) are discussing publishing this memoir. It's a wonderful piece, well-written and heartfelt, with engaging stories from Margie's childhood and youth. She reveals much of herself in these pages, even if subtly and with a modest consideration for not telling too much.

I love how Margie gives permission and blessing to those whose path to faith is neither straight nor obvious, even though she herself began to embrace faith early. I could see this being a book I invite my daughters to read in their early teens, introducing them to a companion in life as emerging adult women of faith. Thanks, Margie, for this early look at a promising book!