The Gift of Prayer by Dr. Charles Stanley touches the heart. This book on prayer takes the reader on a guided tour of the benefits of prayer. Arranged in three parts, the book covers: The Graciousness of the Giver; The Benefits of the Gift; and Taking Hold of the Gift. Stanley has an intimate relationship with our Father in Heaven. His love of God and respect for God shows by how he presents the broad subject of prayer. Dr. Stanley also shares some of his own story which makes the content a personal narrative as well. I will share an example from the chapter on “Prayer is an Empowering Gift”:

I knelt to pray. As I did, I had a very strong sense of the Lord’s presence. I did not hear His voice audibly, but His message to me could not have been clearer. He said, ‘Whatever you accomplish in life will not depend on your education, your talent, or your skill. I have a plan for you, but you will only accomplish it on your knees in complete surrender to Me.’ I have never forgotten that night. And throughout my life, I have started and ended my days on my knees before God to talk to Him and to listen to what else He has to say.

Photographs of natural scenes with scripture verse overlays artistically grace the pages of this book. Those who enjoy natural beauty will find the pictures to be uplifting. I slowly read this book, a page or two a day. It took me several days to read it in its entirety. I made note of sections which particularly spoke to me. I know I will reread this book during times when I’m in a quiet mood or in need of respite from the daily worries or solace during stressful times. The Gift of Prayer is a kind treatment of a noble subject. This isn’t an exhaustive, detailed book on prayer. I’d say it is more like an inspirational devotional book without the variety.

A TRUE TREASURE

You read a good book and it startles you with its profound truths. Through the eyes of her assistant, we learn more about Corrie ten Boom of The Hiding Place.  We find the secret to her strength: “You cannot do it but God can do it through you.” We also discover how Ellen de Kroon Stamps was impacted while serving as Corrie’s personal assistant for nine years. With a look behind the scenes, she shares the treasured truths she learned  while she accompanied this famous woman of God; like learning to trust God, listening for God’s still small voice, and seeing God as Victor.

Corrie and Ellen called themselves, ‘Tramps for the Lord.’ Ellen was a fairly new Christian and nurse by profession when her adventure as helper to Corrie began. She soon realized this was all of God’s doing. The two women traveled around the globe, even into communist countries, where, as always, they depended on God for guidance. Their missionary ministry support came through Corrie ten Boom’s books and the financial giving of God’s people.

This book spoke to me in various ways, possibly because of my interest in serving–using the same words as her’s–with ‘God on the throne.’ I found this book on my mother’s bookshelf after she passed. My mother had given it to her mother, Christmas, 1978, the same year it was published. I saw penciled underlinings that must be my grandmother’s, which showed me what touched her. This blessed me. Ellen also shares her personal story throughout. I’ll conclude with a prayer she prayed during all her traveling days with Corrie: “Lord, prepare me for that which You have planned for me.“