The Art of Prayer

March 31, 1997
Jones, a freelance writer and former managing editor at Ballantine's short-lived religion imprint, Moorings, has written a fine introduction to prayer, as well as a deeply reflective meditation on this much-written-about subject, to encourage those who already make prayer a practice. Jones opens the book with an eloquent exploration of common questions-such as "Is God really approachable?" "Does God listen carefully?" and "What do I say when I pray?"-that often precede the practice of prayer. Laced with appropriate anecdotes and insights, each chapter begins with relevant quotes on prayer from a variety of sources and ends with short prayers from noted men and women of faith. While the book is written from a decidedly Christian perspective, it will appeal to a broad readership because of Jones's luminous prose and his lucid insights into the nature of a religious practice common to all religions. Jones's "simple guide" will be especially useful to people seeking to reintegrate the art and practice of prayer into their busy lives.

April 11, 2005
Jones (The Next American Spirituality
), a campus minister and associate pastor in Tennessee, opines that many people want to talk to God but don't know how; he sets out to direct our efforts and reassure us that small steps add up. Jones employs a polished style to guide the reader with a nudge rather than a shove, emphasizing the practical over the theoretical. The work does not neglect Scripture—in the nine-page first chapter alone, Jones cites Ecclesiastes, Isaiah, the Psalms and Matthew—but it focuses on telling us how to believe, not why. As it moves through ways to approach God, what we should say in prayer and how we can improve at it, the book provides many illuminating quotes from noteworthy Christians. Sharp observations keep things moving (on unanswered prayer: "The most difficult part is not the denial as much as the fear that we have been ignored"). A study guide with in-depth questions for each chapter adds to the manual's usefulness. Readers' responses will depend in large part on their acceptance of Jones's frequent references to his own experiences; for example, we hear about his meditation, jogging, family and career. Nevertheless, the encouraging tone and down-to-earth suggestions may prove useful to those who seek a better way to talk to God.