The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions

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.

Have you ever heard someone pray and said to yourself, "I wish I could pray like that?" It was not ornate words or fresh expressions that caught your attention. No, it was something else -- there was something worshipful and availing in the prayer that transported you to the throne of God. Such are the puritan prayers in The Valley of Vision by Arthur Bennett (2009). The prayers in this book fit my definition of 'best practices,' to wit, practical techniques gained from observation and experience that others may use to improve internal processes. The concept of best practices originated in the mundane world of business management and soon expanded to include sales, manufacturing, and programming software. Before long, best practices made their way into other commonplace domains, such as, teaching/education, performance engineering, pollution control, local governance, road construction, health care, insurance, accounting, and so on. But long before any of these everyday best practices were conceived and published, puritan prayers had already passed the test of time to become standards of excellence in the sphere of Christian devotions. These are the prayers of mortal men rising above their frailty: Richard Baxter, David Brainerd, John Bunyan, Philip Doddridge, Christmas Evans, William Jay, Henry Law, William Romain, Thomas Shepard, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Augustus M. Toplady, Thomas Watson, Isaac Watts, and William Williams -- puritans all. Please take this review as a challenge. Try reading the following puritan prayer in the absence of spiritual feeling. If you are a devoted believer, I daresay it can't be done. EVENING PRAISE Giver of all, another day is ended and I take my place beneath my great redeemer's cross, where healing streams continually descend, where balm is poured into every wound, where I wash anew in the all-cleansing blood, assured that Thou seest in me no spots of sin. Yet a little while and I shall go to Thy home and be no more seen; help me to gird up the loins of my mind, to quicken my step, to speed as if each moment were my last, that my life be joy, my death glory. I thank Thee for the temporal blessings of this world-- the refreshing air, the light of the sun, the food that renews strength, the raiment that clothes, the dwelling that shelters, the sleep that gives rest, the starry canopy of night, the summer breeze, the flowers' sweetness, the music of flowing streams, the happy endearments of family, kindred, friends. Things animate, things inanimate, minister to my comfort. My cup runs over. Suffer me not to be insensible to these daily mercies. Thy hand bestows blessings: Thy power averts evil. I bring my tribute of thanks for spiritual graces, the full warmth of faith, the cheering presence of Thy Spirit, the strength of Thy restraining will, Thy spiking of hell's artillery. Blessed be my sovereign Lord! ~The Valley of Vision, 224-225.

This little book is great! It will enhance your personal devotion time

Good read

I was surprised to read such “high church” theological prayers from the Puritans. This was quite enlightening!

Puritans prayed with a depth of knowing and having a relationship with the Trinity. Beautiful. Poetic. This is a read again and again collection.

A former pastor introduced me to this amazing book of prayers when he quoted it in worship. I decided to buy a copy and spend this year slowly reading them in morning devotions. Collected and edited by British author Arthur Bennett, it contains over 200 prayers of Puritans such as Richard Baxter, David Brainerd, John Bunyan, Isaac Watts, and Charles Spurgeon, whom Bennett calls "the last of the Puritans." (However, Arthur does not identify the authors of the individual prayers.) The prayers are grouped by sections under ten subjects such as the Trinity, redemption, penitence, and service. The final section are a collection of morning and evening prayers for each day of the week. These prayers use poetic rhythm and repetition to deliver a powerful emotional punch. For example, the prayer "Spiritus Sanctus" (p. 27) begins, "O Holy Spirit, as the sun is full of light, the ocean full of water, Heaven full of glory, so may my heart be full of thee..." Others use poetic imagery, as the prayer "Humility in Service" (p. 178), which includes the line, "O bury my sins in the ocean of Jesus' blood..." Modern readers may find many of the prayers to be extremely self-deprecating and so full of humility that the reader appears too hard on himself. For example, "After Prayer" (p. 150), says, "Let me be as slow to forgive myself as thou art ready to forgive me." I would question the spiritual healthiness of being slow to forgive oneself. Yet with that caution, modern culture has gone so far in the opposite direction, that most modern Christians could benefit from a healthy dose of feeling the heaviness of sin. If you want to be inspired to pray with conviction, read this book, but read it slowly, to savor every morsel. Then read it again. That's what I plan to do.

I liked it.

It’s a pure golden asset

Excellent book. the prayers selected are easy to read despite the old language, and set out on the page in very clear way visually which is a surprisingly important help. They mostly focus on God and not on ourselves, so they are solid and substantial, almost like a miniature teaching session because so full of reflections about God's character.

Um livro que toca a alma com as mais profundas orações dos puritanos. Excelente para pessoas cristãos que estejam buscando conforto em meio às aflições.

eine zusammenstellung von gebeten die die puritaner geschrieben haben... wunderschöne gebete. allerdings vorsicht, wie gesagt, von puritanern geschrieben... wenn man was damit anfangen kann- wirklich wunderschön... ich habe dieses buch bereits sehr oft gekauft und verschenkt und von einigen anderen sehr positive rückmeldungen bekommen!

I love this book and have bought it as a gift for several friends now too. The prayers are so saturated with scripture, and make me think more deeply about who God is and what he's done through the cross. I love the old English as the writers phrase their prayers differently than I would think of just by myself.