A Guide to Prayer for Ministers and Other Servants

I usually don't buy the items marked"used" but made an exception for this. It was a bit more used than I would have liked. I should have just stuck with the new paperback!

It is a great book

Brought it at my pastor's suggestion.

This might be the only product on Amazon that I've ever seen with 20 5-star reviews and nothing else. I hate to be the grumpy one, but I'm just not tracking with these other reviewers. I found this to be one of the least helpful devotionals that I've ever used.I was assigned to use this devotional for a seminary class and was fully prepared to appreciate it. I was excited about the daily Scripture readings, the collected quotations, and the weekly hymns, all tied to the same theme. This seemed like a perfect format. Unfortunately, it turned out to be dreadful.My one primary complaint was that the Scriptures and the quotes were difficult to connect thematically. Though there was a category for each week like "Forgiveness" or "Wise Stewards," I often found myself completely perplexed as to how a particular Scripture reading was supposed to relate to that topic. I'm not suggesting that reading the Bible should be an inherently intuitive process, but if I'm going to be sent flying across the entire Bible from one day to the next, I would really prefer to understand the relationship between the passages.I also found the "Readings for Reflection" to be a struggle. Though other reviewers raved about the authors who were represented, I found many of them to be extremely obscure (and for good reason). Many of the readings were very wooden, probably somewhat indicative of the time when they were written. I do enjoy reading the classics, but I did not find these selections to be especially enlightening and more often left me scratching my head.Finally, I found the organization of each week to be extremely frustrating. I was constantly flipping back and forth from one page to another, and the binding of the book is so tight and its pages so narrow that it would frequently snap shut and leave me hunting to find my place. I realize that many will laugh at my focus on such minor details, but they really affect me. I'm distractible to begin with, and the last thing that I need when spending devotional time with God is one more thing to distract me. I really wished that the Scriptures and readings had been better integrated to allow for a more natural flow when using this book.Upon rereading my critique, I probably paint myself as some sort of lazy idiot. I am not looking for a mindless devotional book. I am willing to invest in intellectual reflection when I study the Word and read what others have to say. Maybe "A Guide to Prayer" will work for other folks, but this guide left me disappointed and even frustrated. I will keep looking for a devotional guide that flows more naturally and makes more sense to me.

It was very difficult to find a “new “copy of this book since it was published in 1983. The seller contacted me to let me know that during his final review of the book he found some pencil marks. He was kind enough to adjust the price even though he was able to erase the marks. He is a true gentleman and very, very honest.

A Guide to Prayer is about as close to the daily office as Protestant books get. The daily liturgy includes an invocation, Psalm, Scripture reading, inspirational historical reading, prayer time, journaling opportunity, hymn, and benediction.Pros:The readings reflect the best of both Protestant and Catholic writers. The sponsoring organization is the Upper Room. This insures a healthy theological balance. Sunday Scripture readings come from the common lectionary. This insures a healthy topical balance. The size, styling, and binding produces a handy, sturdy, usable book. The book is designed for a years' worth of devotions. This will help the reader mature.Cons:The book is designed for one devotional period per day. With a little tweaking, it can be used several times in keeping with the daily office. Regular times of prayer help to "sanctify the time". It doesn't highlight the great old creeds and prayers of the church. The creeds help to reinforce theology.Concl:If you are accustomed to praying the Daily Office, this book may feel incomplete. If you are accustomed to pithy little devotional booklets, this book will add depth to your devotions. No matter who you are, you won't go wrong with this work.

Like BCP has daily scripture and reflection readings that are outstanding

Last year I used My Utmost for His Highest and found it deep and refreshing. A Guide to Prayer for Ministers and Other Servants has Scripture readings, readings for reflection from many biblically sound sources, and a hymn to reflect on every week. There is one Scripture for the whole week and a different Scripture daily. The weekly theme helps me in my understanding and application of my readings. Each day I am encouraged to pray and reflect in writing. This is helping me focus. "Ministers and Other Servants" covers every Christian. I recommend this devotional for the mature Christian. I was using a "best seller" in the beginning of the year that was not as deep and left me wanting more. This devotional is just right for me at this time.

Arrived on time excellent book useful in my devotions

A great devotional to keep me focussed on the Word and others ahead of myself. This is a great book for pastors, especially those who are struggling with the weight of ministry. I was facing quite a few challenges and started using this book in my prayer time. It forced me to put the needs of the church and others first, and I notice that my prayer life changed dramatically (i.e. it became healthy once again).If you are a liturgical church this book is also great preparation for the coming week's readings, and walks you through the church calendar. I've noticed that the seasons of a minister's life strangely coincide with the seasons of the Christian calendar (for me at least).Definitely worth the purchase.

Very good devotional. Rather than do the devotional for you it guides you in your devotion time through Scripture and reflections.

I love the way this devotional book is organized, according to the Litgurical Seasons of the Church Year. The scripture readings for each week, psalms, spiritual readings and prayers are meaningful and help give a structured approach to daily devotions. I have given this book as gifts as well.

Great for morning office!