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Prayer, the raising of the heart to God, is the heart of the Christian life. For the author of Luke's Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles, prayer is the habit of being in the presence of God. One of the primary ways Jesus is characterized in Luke's Gospel is that of a pray-er. Likewise in the Acts of the Apostles, the apostles are portrayed being in God's presence. Prayer is the topic of this book; it highlights the passages where Jesus is found praying in the Gospel and where the apostles are found praying in the Acts. From the example Jesus gives in Luke's Gospel, and from the example the apostles give in the Acts of the Apostles, the reader concludes that prayer should be a part of the life of any Christian. If Jesus himself prayed--spoke and listened to God--then how can his followers do any less? This book can be used during the Advent-Christmas Season, the Lenten Season, the Easter Season, and at any time one wants to hone his or her praying skills. This book is especially useful during the period of post-baptismal catechesis for those in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults with its focus on spiritual growth through prayer. "Moving from scripture to reflection to meditation and finally to prayer, Mark Boyer once again show his expertise not only with the Biblical text but also with his focus on spirituality and prayer. . . . I recommend this book for the way it will draw the reader deeper into the prayer of Jesus and the prayer of the early followers of Jesus." --Vernon J. Meyer, Pastor, Sun Lakes United Church of Christ "Boyer's small volume provides any reader interested in the scriptural basis and substance of prayer a useful guide and practical advice on how it can be better incorporated into their own worship. The background material summarizes the social and theological context for each example, the reflections suggest ways to consider and personalize the prayer-experience, and the accompanying example of prayer tied to the text points to a purposeful engagement with scripture and personal devotions." --Vic Matthews, Dean, College of Humanities and Public Affairs, Missouri State University "This is an inspiring book. Although the tone is not academic, Boyer's knowledge of biblical scholarship contributes substantially to his skillful illumination of the prayers of Luke-Acts." --Mark D. Given, Associate Professor, Department of Religious Studies, Missouri State University "Boyer seamlessly integrates solid historical-critical scholarship on the Bible with a pastor's care for the spiritual growth of his flock--a rare accomplishment. These forty-five meditations on prayer in Luke-Acts, cross-referenced to the lectionary, may serve as an excellent study for Advent, Lent, or RCIA groups, or for personal study at any time." --Leslie Baynes, Associate Professor, New Testament and Second Temple Judaism, Department of Religious Studies, Missouri State University Mark G. Boyer--editor, author, priest, and college instructor--has been writing books on biblical and liturgical spirituality for thirty years. As an editor, he won over 20 journalism awards; as an author, he has penned 40 volumes; as a priest, he has served as pastor--even founding a new parish--and as a mission director; as college instructor, he has taught courses in Bible and film at Missouri State University, Springfield, for almost 30 years. This is his sixth Wipf and Stock title.
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