A Diary of Private Prayer

by John Baillie and Donald MacPherson Baillie

Book Overview

Editor Susanna Wright offers this updated edition of a Christian devotional classic--invoking the daily prayers and timeless imagery of the original text through modern, accessible language. In this wonderful collection, famed theologian Dr. John Baillie shares personal prayers for people who are seeking a better understanding of God and themselves. Organized by morning and evening--with special prayers for Sundays-- A Diary of Private Prayer is written...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1476754705
• ISBN13: 9781476754703
• Release Date: October 2014
• Publisher: Scribner Book Company
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.57 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.9" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Read this book 4 times and counting!

Having read this book 4 times, and it's always fresh and brings me closer to God--not the God I imagine but the real living, loving God.

The most uplifting and beautiful praise book I have ever read.

It is like reading a book on theology of the purest kind. It opens our minds and hearts to the grandeur of a merciful and righteous God. A gem of a book.

Sacred loitering with selfless perspective

I've been enjoying ADOPP for over a year now. It is refreshing to repeat prayers that are humble, selfless, grace-filled. These prayers are becoming formative for me, and are also becoming close friends. They lead me to embrace Christian holiness and to humbly examine my own egocentricity, confessionally. After Shawchuck and Job's, "A Guide to Prayer", ADOPP is the book I've given away most. Sure, the language is a little archaic (I'm using old versions of the book. I'm not sure if recent printings have been updated) but it is well worth the investment. Of all the books I"ve given my father over the years, I'm sure this is his favorite, too.

Excellent, a classic indeed.

John Baillie was an Anglican theologian, and evidently not a bad one. But his greatest work was this compilation of prayers. It is arranged into prayers for each morning and evening of 31 days, plus extra prayers for Sundays. The odd-numbered (right-side) pages have the prayers, while the even-numbered pages are empty for your own notes. The prayers are a combination of ancient prayers, various Christian liturgies, Scripture, and Baillie's own writing. It is written in elegant King James English, but it is certainly accessible to anyone who can read.I can't recommend this highly enough for anyone, in any Christian tradition, wanting to grow in prayer. My God-mother gave it to me, and very quickly I was buying copies for my own good friends. Some of them were buying copies for their friends before long as well. I recommend it very enthusiastically. At least give it a try.

A wonderful aid to a personal quiet time

John Baillie's book is an exceptional work of spiritual literature. The prayers are beautiful and contain all the components necessary to help one praise, thank, confess, and supplicate for others. I use it quite often as a supplement to my prayer life and often give it as a gift, so that others can benefit from it as well.

Truly a classic --with ancient roots

This book is a new discovery for me, having received it as a birthday present. I am very moved by the reverent, poetic tone of the prayers. Some are almost liturgical in their grandeur and solemnity. But at the same time it is very accessible--not too lofty.I wish there was a bibliography or footnotes, since some of the passages are Bible quotes, or from ancient Orthodox prayer books. I would like to know more about the author and see another book by his: A Diary of Readings.

This prayer book is a must for every Christian.

John Baillie's Diary of Private Prayer has been a favorite classic of mine for over 30 years. His expressions of prayer touch the heart's needs and emotions with words I would use if I could have thought of them. It's an excellent guide and practice for prayer. I've given many copies as gifts over the years and am thankful it's being reprinted.