Treasure in Earthen Vessels

There are not words to describe this book. “ Were our hearts not burning within us as walked with Him on the road?” Glory to God! My soul magnifies the Lord! Thank you Dn. Stephen for putting into words that which I can not but my heart says Amen.

Explores the humanity and spiritual contact of prayer itself. Wonderful Orthodox context. Good research. Re-read several times over and took notes.

1. The Kindle version has non-functional links to its footnotes.2. The author uses long, complex sentences to an unnecessary degree.3. Some words which seem to have been given a unique theological meaning are used without definition of the unique meaning.4. The author paraphrases the words of the words of the LORD, as given in scripture, quite freely.5. The basic messages of the book are good.

This is a profound and wonderful book about prayer, and at the same time it is about much more than prayer. Through a rich and loving exploration of the meaning of the life of prayer, the reader is carefully led to a fuller apreciation of the central role of prayer in our human longing for an authentic encounter with the world and with God.There is sound guidance in this book for those seeking to deepen their own practice of prayer. The book is enriched with a final section which contains a valuable selection of key original texts, both from early Christian writers and from contemporary witnesses. This material guides and supports the reader, and suggests avenues for further study and prayer.I highly recommend this book.

This is an excellent book for all who wish to grow in their understanding and their practice of prayer. Learning to pray "Lord, Love the World Through Me," "Lord, Let Me Love the World Through You," and "Lord, Let Me Be Loved by You Through the World," (the title of three chapters) has totally reshaped my understanding of the dialogue in which God invites us to join. It has provided new understandings of God's love embodied in me, in others, and in creation. The book has also been the source of great sermon material. The author's knowledge, insight, and shared experience is truly a gift from God.