Yes, it's another book by those Ward people, our son Nathan, in this case. This has become one of his most acclaimed books yet.
So what's it about? He does the rather remarkable thing, it seems, of studying prayers by faithful servants of God in order to teach us how better to pray. Even scholarly people, perhaps especially scholarly people, seem amazed at the concept. But we who attempt to be First Century Christians in all our words and deeds are used to this. If you want to know how to pray, look for approved examples in the Scriptures themselves. If you want to know how to do anything, look in those same Scriptures!
And what will you find out? Some pretty comforting things actually. Things like God will listen to our prayers no matter how poorly worded or awkward they are as long as they are humble, especially, and sincere. That if we study the prayers of these saints our own prayers will change for the better. That if we base our prayers upon the promises of God, we needn't worry they will not be heard. That God expects our complaints and laments because they show our faith in Him to hear, care, and answer. That if we begin with the physical and superficial in our prayers, it will help us move on to more spiritual concepts in our prayers. That not all prayers need be all-encompassing; some can be quite specific and even short. That faith always comes with action. That what we pray for should first be viewed in how it will affect God's glory. And on and on and on.
I have read this book three times now, if you count the editing. It grows more and more profound as I do. Do yourself a favor and read it once through, then the second time go through more slowly, one chapter every other day, perhaps, so you have some meditating time in between, writing down notes short enough but specific enough to jog your memory for each chapter. Then when you have a particular need, you can skim through them and find the chapter you might need to read again at that time. Your prayers will be glad you did!
And for those who always ask me, "Is this something I can really understand, or is it very scholarly?" Yes, you can understand it, and it will help you in one of the most important aspects of your life as a servant of God.
Our Eyes Are on You is published by DeWard Publishing Company.
Dene Ward
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