The Hidden Life of Prayer, Chapter 2

I know we’re only two chapters into The Hidden Life of Prayer by David McIntyre, the book we’re reading for the latest round for Reading the Classics Together at Challies.com, but so far I’m wondering why this is considered a classic. I’m finding it rather ho-hum. Staci Eastin calls the book “more inspirational than informational”; I’m afraid I may need information in order to be inspired. But I’m sticking with it in hopes that it (or I) get better as we move along.

This chapter is titled “The Equipment of Prayer”, and lists three things essential to prayer: a quiet place, a quiet hour, and a quiet heart. Of all the examples of people who prayed given—Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Elijah, Daniel, and more—the one that stuck with me was that of Jesus. When it comes to prayer habits (or almost anything else) there’s no better example to follow, is there? Even though the Son of God was always in perfect communion with the Father, he was also in the habit of going away by himself to pray. How much more do I need to find time for regular private prayer?

Next up, chapter three, The Direction of the Mind.