I came across this book because Chuck Swindoll quoted one of its prayers ("Man a Nothing") in one of his own books, and my first impression after reading that prayer was one of having found a great and rare treasure. I actually copied that prayer out of Swindoll's book word-for-word into my own Bible, and read it over and over, many times. Several years ago, I then bought a bonded leather copy of "The Valley of Vision", and without exaggeration would have to state that aside from my Bible this is the most helpful, most theologically sound, inspiring spiritual work (or more accurately, collection of works) that I have ever read.
As you know by now, this is a collection of prayers from various Puritan authors all compiled and arranged into a single, valuable resource for readers to be able to draw upon today. In John chapter 7, it is recorded for us how the Pharisees sent officers to arrest Jesus. Upon returning from their mission empty-handed these officers were asked by the Pharisees why it was that they had not taken Jesus and brought Him to them. Their simple, yet profound answer was that "Never has man spake like this man". They were amazed, astounded, and obviously affected by Jesus' words, and their bosses the Pharisees accused them of having been deceived. I can assure you that if you read the prayers of this book, slowly and deliberately, carefully and thoughtfully, earnestly and sincerely, that you will be like the officers of the Pharisees and find your own self to be amazed, astounded, and deeply affected. People today just do not write the way these Puritans wrote. One of the criticisms I have read about this book is the old, flowery, Puritan language and use of words being out of style and perhaps difficult to understand. May I suggest to you, the potential reader, that the very use of words and phrases of which we are not much accustomed to today could be the primary means by which your attention is powerfully captured, and your mind drawn deeply into the message the writer is conveying in their written prayer, causing you to thereby pick up on the earnestness, piety, and godliness that you will find in them. They are so utterly inspiring; these writers have eloquently penned the thoughts which I have had, or that I want to have, but could never accurately or adequately put into words. I can't think of too many works that have affected me as much as this collection of prayers has done and as a result this book has the prominent place of being on my nightstand, right next to my Bible where it is easily accessible and often read.
Another criticism I have read is that the editor Arthur Bennett did not place the actual Puritan authors name next to each individual prayer, and thereby people are hindered from being able to know who wrote which prayer, and to seek out writings from that author. Let me just submit that I think leaving the individual authors names off of each prayer is fitting for this book and the humble, godly attitude that is conveyed throughout. None of these men would care to be lifted up in the minds of their listeners or readers, but would rather have any glory be given solely to the Subject and Inspiration of their works. The editor gives a list of the men from whom these prayers originated in the Preface and Bibliography found in the front of the book for those interested in following up with more reading of their other works. I would venture to say that most of the Puritan writers, and certainly all listed as authors of the prayers in this book, are without a doubt very worthy of further reading.
Here's a suggestion for you: purchase the less costly paperback edition of this gem and begin to explore the treasures that you will find inside. Once you have determined the usefulness and the value of having this book in your own library, you can then invest in the more durable bonded leather copy to keep forever and graciously pass along your paperback copy to another believer, thereby sharing a very valuable resource in our pursuit of the heart of God. They can then do the same.
As we all press to become more like Christ, this book can and will be used by God to help us in our individual sanctification. I know you will enjoy and profit from having it.
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From the Publisher
The Valley of Vision (Paperback)
‘When used slowly, for meditation and prayer, these pages have often been used by God’s Spirit to kindle my dry heart.’ — MARK DEVER
‘The Valley of Vision is a wonderful collection of Puritan prayers which both help to shape and inform our own private devotions and, perhaps more importantly, aid pastors as they seek to lead their congregations in prayer and into the presence of God.’ — CARL TRUEMAN
‘It’s amazing how frequently the prayers from the little book The Valley of Vision show up in our worship services. The Valley of Vision is a collection of Puritan prayers, and I would put them in that category. That is, they are thoughtful, reflective, and meditative. They’re even written in a certain kind of cadence, if you’ve ever noticed, which is probably very intentional, so that they might be used in corporate settings. But they came out of a deep heart of communion with God.’ — JOHN PIPER
The Valley of Vision (Bonded Leather)
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The Valley of Vision (Premium Goatskin)
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The Valley of Vision (Genuine Leather)
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| Customer Reviews |
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| Price | $24.20 | $140.00 | $54.52 |
| Binding | Bonded Leather | Premium Goatskin | Genuine Leather |
| Category | Devotionals/Daily Readings | Devotionals/Daily Readings | Devotionals/Daily Readings |
About the author
Honest Prayers from Honest Saints to a Gracious and Glorious God.
I have loved reading this along with my Bible in the morning. It sets your mind on things above and puts your eyes on the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The prayers declare the praises of Him who sustains, redeems, saves, hears, comforts, and loves us. It speaks honestly of our trials, frailty, failures, and weaknesses without glorifying them but instead testifies of the glory and grace of God in the midst of and in spite of the hardships. The prayers remind us of our humble dependence on a glorious, gracious and merciful God who keeps His promises. The prayers are full of humble adoration, honest confession, thanksgiving and praise. This book makes God big and us small but tenderly and dearly cared for and loved. Next to the Bible, this is quickly becoming my favorite book.
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Cathrina M.Reviewed in Germany on March 23, 2021
Ein wahrer Diamant im Meer so vieler funkelnder Swarovski-Steinchen.
