Joy of Heaven

Title: Joy of Heaven: Prayers of the Revivals

Author: Robert Elmer

Source: Baker Books

My Review:

What a powerful book. Think of the great revivals and the prayers that were prayed. Prayers by John and Charles Wesley, Charles and Susannah Spurgeon, George Müller, Amy Carmichael, D. L. Moody, and so many more spiritual giants. Then, imagine having those prayers in your hand. That is what this book comprises.

You have promised that I will not be tempted beyond what I can bear. But if you see at any time that my faith is about to fail, remove the trial, or cut short the work in righteousness, and take me home to yourself. Do not allow me to live to dishonor you. - Phoebe Palmer

The book has twenty-one categories under which the prayers are listed. To name a few: change our hearts; we seek your presence, your will be done; we want to be holy. The number of prayers varies for each section. This book can easily be added to your daily devotional time. You can read it straight through, or choose a section that you feel is more relevant for that day.

I read the book straight through. The day before my Mom's funeral, I was reading, and I came across this part of a prayer that reminded me of Mom:

"Make me also willing to refresh my poorer brothers and sisters. Help me to give to them as freely as I myself have received. As I have opportunity, let me do good to all-.." -Charles Simeon and Benjamin Jenks

Mom never had much, but she always seemed to be helping someone in some way. Never for glory, but for the joy that it gave her. The different prayers will speak to each person in different ways, depending on the circumstances they are going through.

This is a beautiful treasury that will strengthen your faith. The prayers highlighted in this book are real, raw, and honest. These spiritual giants understood that God sees all, so there is no need to hide behind vague prayers; they let their true emotions shine through.

Thank you to Baker Books for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

★★★★★/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):  

Prayers for your need and season from faithful Christians of the past

• Pray with the revivalists of the Great Awakenings
• Gain inspiration from faithful Christians of the past
• Elegant linen-over-board cover and gold gilding make for an ideal gift

Includes prayers
• Jonathan Edwards
• John Wesley
• Charles Wesley
• D. L. Moody
• F. B. Meyer
• Amy Carmichael
• George Müller
• Charles Spurgeon
• Susannah Spurgeon
• William Wilberforce
• Robert Murray M'Cheyne

***

"Let me fall again to prayer and praise."--William Wilberforce

Covering a span from the early 1700s to the early 1900s, Joy of Heaven captures prayers from dedicated believers who lived out their faith in a rapidly changing world. In the midst of upheaval there also came a spirit of revival, particularly during the times we call the First and Second Great Awakenings. The early evangelicals prioritized holy living, seeking God in his word, and sharing their faith. Their prayers are arranged by topic and time―whether praise or petition, morning or evening―so that your prayer life can be interwoven with the rich tapestry of prayers of faithful Christians from the past.

By praying along with Amy Carmichael, Charles and Susannah Spurgeon, Jonathan Edwards, John and Charles Wesley, and many others, we learn from those who came before us and build a stronger connection with our heritage--as well as to the Lord who spans the centuries.