The Christian Doctrine of Prayer

by James Hastings

Publisher:

T&T Clark

, 1915

Overview

Hastings addresses the complicated issue of prayer. He explores the nature, principles, types, and value of prayer. Hastings also gives practical encouragement and advice for those beginning in prayer, as well as for seasoned prayers. Included are bibliographies, lists of books for further reading, examples, and a detailed table of contents.

Key Features

• Thorough exploration of the Christian doctrine of prayer
• Practical and accurate treatment of Scripture

Contents

Top Highlights

“What we must recognize, in the first place, is this: that we are most natural when we pray, for if there is one thing certain about human nature, it is that man is a praying animal, and is born to pray.” (Page 4)

“Prayer is not an easy exercise. It requires encouragement, exposition, and training. There never was a time when men and women were more sincerely anxious to be told how to pray. Prayer is the mightiest weapon in our armoury, and if we are to use it as God has given us the encouragement, we must do everything in our power to bring it into exercise.” (Pages vii–viii)

“The first ingredient in prayer is, not intelligence, but movement of the spirit—of the soul. The raw material of prayer, so to put it, is a vague aspiration of the soul towards its true Object.” (Page 13)

“In the larger sense of the word, as the spiritual language of the soul, prayer is intercourse with God, often seeking no end beyond the pleasure of such intercourse. It is praise; it is congratulation; it is adoration of the Infinite Majesty; it is a colloquy in which the soul engages with the All-wise and the All-holy: it is a basking in the sunshine, varied by ejaculations of thankfulness to the Sun of Righteousness for His light and His warmth.” (Page 21)

“We must go further. Prayer is the expression of a good desire; it is also the expression of a Godward desire.” (Page 28)

Product Details

• Title: The Christian Doctrine of Prayer
• Author: James Hastings
• Publisher: T & T Clark
• Publication Date: 1915
• Pages: 471

About James Hastings

James Hastings (1852–1922) was a Scottish Presbyterian minister and theologian and the editor of many biblical works. He studied at the University of Aberdeen and the Free Church Divinity College. In 1884, he was ordained a Free Church minister. Born in Huntly, Aberdeenshire, he studied the classics at the University of Aberdeen and attended the Free Church Divinity College in Aberdeen. He was the founder and editor of the Expository Times.