I came across this book because Chuck Swindoll quoted one of its prayers ("Man a Nothing") in one of his own books, and my first impression after reading that prayer was one of having found a great and rare treasure. I actually copied that prayer out of Swindoll's book word-for-word into my own Bible, and read it over and over, many times. Several years ago, I then bought a bonded leather copy of "The Valley of Vision", and without exaggeration would have to state that aside from my Bible this is the most helpful, most theologically sound, inspiring spiritual work (or more accurately, collection of works) that I have ever read.
As you know by now, this is a collection of prayers from various Puritan authors all compiled and arranged into a single, valuable resource for readers to be able to draw upon today. In John chapter 7, it is recorded for us how the Pharisees sent officers to arrest Jesus. Upon returning from their mission empty-handed these officers were asked by the Pharisees why it was that they had not taken Jesus and brought Him to them. Their simple, yet profound answer was that "Never has man spake like this man". They were amazed, astounded, and obviously affected by Jesus' words, and their bosses the Pharisees accused them of having been deceived. I can assure you that if you read the prayers of this book, slowly and deliberately, carefully and thoughtfully, earnestly and sincerely, that you will be like the officers of the Pharisees and find your own self to be amazed, astounded, and deeply affected. People today just do not write the way these Puritans wrote. One of the criticisms I have read about this book is the old, flowery, Puritan language and use of words being out of style and perhaps difficult to understand. May I suggest to you, the potential reader, that the very use of words and phrases of which we are not much accustomed to today could be the primary means by which your attention is powerfully captured, and your mind drawn deeply into the message the writer is conveying in their written prayer, causing you to thereby pick up on the earnestness, piety, and godliness that you will find in them. They are so utterly inspiring; these writers have eloquently penned the thoughts which I have had, or that I want to have, but could never accurately or adequately put into words. I can't think of too many works that have affected me as much as this collection of prayers has done and as a result this book has the prominent place of being on my nightstand, right next to my Bible where it is easily accessible and often read.
Another criticism I have read is that the editor Arthur Bennett did not place the actual Puritan authors name next to each individual prayer, and thereby people are hindered from being able to know who wrote which prayer, and to seek out writings from that author. Let me just submit that I think leaving the individual authors names off of each prayer is fitting for this book and the humble, godly attitude that is conveyed throughout. None of these men would care to be lifted up in the minds of their listeners or readers, but would rather have any glory be given solely to the Subject and Inspiration of their works. The editor gives a list of the men from whom these prayers originated in the Preface and Bibliography found in the front of the book for those interested in following up with more reading of their other works. I would venture to say that most of the Puritan writers, and certainly all listed as authors of the prayers in this book, are without a doubt very worthy of further reading.
Here's a suggestion for you: purchase the less costly paperback edition of this gem and begin to explore the treasures that you will find inside. Once you have determined the usefulness and the value of having this book in your own library, you can then invest in the more durable bonded leather copy to keep forever and graciously pass along your paperback copy to another believer, thereby sharing a very valuable resource in our pursuit of the heart of God. They can then do the same.
As we all press to become more like Christ, this book can and will be used by God to help us in our individual sanctification. I know you will enjoy and profit from having it.
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now
Frequently bought together
$14.99
Get it as soon as Saturday, May 25
Only 5 left in stock (more on the way).
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
More items to explore
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
From the Publisher
The Valley of Vision (Paperback)
The strength of Puritan character and life lay in prayer and meditation. In this practice the spirit of prayer was regarded as of first importance and the best form of prayer, for living prayer is the characteristic of genuine spirituality. Yet prayer is also vocal and may therefore on occasions be written. Consequently in the Puritan tradition there are many written prayers and meditations which constitute an important corpus of inspiring devotional literature. Too often ex tempore prayer lacks variety, order and definiteness. The reason for this lies partly in a neglect of due preparation. It is here that the care and scriptural thoroughness which others found necessary in their approach to God may be of help. This book has been prepared not to ‘supply’ prayers but to prompt and encourage the Christian as he treads the path on which others have gone before.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| The Valley of Vision (Bonded Leather) | The Valley of Vision (Premium Goatskin) | The Valley of Vision (Genuine Leather) | |
|
|
|||
| Customer Reviews |
4,493
|
16
|
100
|
| Price | $24.13 | — | $52.01 |
| Binding | Bonded Leather | Premium Goatskin | Genuine Leather |
| Category | Devotionals/Daily Readings | Devotionals/Daily Readings | Devotionals/Daily Readings |
Videos
Page 1 of 1Start OverPage 1 of 1
Videos for this product
3:53
Click to play video
Ligon Duncan on 'The Valley of Vision'
Merchant Video
Videos for this product
2:24
Click to play video
Prayers for All Circumstances and Occasions
Merchant Video
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Reviews with images
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2012
Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2024
Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2024
Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2024
Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2023
Top reviews from other countries
Jill Elizabeth
A must have for any believer in Christ
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 9, 2023
Cathrina M.
Ein wahrer Diamant im Meer so vieler funkelnder Swarovski-Steinchen.
Reviewed in Germany on March 23, 2021