A few years ago, while I was in seminary, I heard an interview where Ligon Duncan recommended the book by Matthew Henry, A Method for Prayer. Henry’s book is his excellent example of what it means to prayer in Scriptural language.
Since then, Dr. Duncan has written a chapter in a book on Puritan classics explaining the significance of A Method for Prayer. Much of what he says has rung true for me as I have sought to use Henry’s book to help my own prayer life.
However, the Scriptural language of Henry’s day is not my language. It closely resembles the language of the King James Version. As
a personal project, I have begun ‘revising’ Henry’s work, based on the English Standard Version. More than just change the verses, I have also done some slight editing to reflect a more personal, singular praying rather than Henry’s plural language. Although, the plural language helps ministers learn to pray over their congregations, I am hoping to make Henry’s work more accessible as a personal devotional tool.
As I complete my work, I will post the chapters here. Although, this project is mainly for use personal benefit and use in my congregation, there is a chance (however slight!) that it will one day be published. Therefore, if you download the files and find them helpful, please understand they are for personal use only.
Chapter 2 [in progress]
UPDATE: Ligon Duncan beat me to it and has this completed project (and much more) online at Pray the Bible
