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Prayer: Finding the Heart's True Home Hardcover – August 20, 2002

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 764 ratings

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Best-selling author Richard J. Foster offers a warm, compelling, and sensitive primer on prayer, helping us to understand, experience, and practice it in its many forms-from the simple prayer of beginning again to unceasing prayer. He clarifies the prayer process, answers common misconceptions, and shows the way into prayers of contemplation, healing, blessing, forgiveness, and rest.

Coming to prayer is like coming home, Foster says. "Nothing feels more right, more like what we are created to be and to do. Yet at the same time we are confronted with great mysteries. Who hasn't struggled with the puzzle of unanswered prayer? Who hasn't wondered how a finite person can commune with the infinite Creator of the universe? Who hasn't questioned whether prayer isn't merely psychological manipulation after all? We do our best, of course, to answer these knotty questions but when all is said and done, there is a sense in which these mysteries remain unanswered and unanswerable . . . At such times we must learn to become comfortable with the mystery."

Foster shows how prayer can move us inward into personal transformation, upward toward intimacy with God, and outward to minister to others. He leads us beyond questions to a deeper understanding and practice of prayer, bringing us closer to God, to ourselves, and to our community.

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

There are hundreds of books on prayer, and much of the advice they contain is likely to be the same. So what distinguishes these books? Call it a kind of wisdom, a sense that here's someone who knows something of God's heart. A good example can be found in this fine book by the Quaker writer and teacher Richard Foster. The author of the bestselling Celebration of Discipline explores various aspects of prayer, which he defines in one place as "the human response to the perpetual outpouring of love by which God lays siege to every soul." Beginning with the simplest forms of prayer--what he calls "ordinary people bringing ... ordinary concerns to a loving and compassionate Father"--he then explores the deeper places where prayer becomes not simply petition but a way of life. He writes of prayer of adoration and rest, sacramental prayer, meditation, and contemplation, and in the final section of the book moves outward into ministry, where prayer meets the needs of the world. In each chapter Foster defines, describes, and gives helpful examples. Above all he writes with grace--in both the artistic and spiritual senses. --Doug Thorpe

From Library Journal

Foster, Quaker theologian and best-selling author, provides an excellent and comprehensive survey of 21 forms of Christian prayer. He groups the sections around three movements (inward, upward, and outward) which address three human needs (transformation, intimacy, and ministry). Foster presents the best thinking of various church traditions to help the reader feel drawn to prayer and to a restored and deeper relationship with oneself, God, and others. This is one of the best, most comprehensive, yet accessible introductions to prayer that this reviewer has seen. Highly recommended for all libraries.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperOne; 10th Anniversary ed. edition (August 20, 2002)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0060628464
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0060628468
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.71 x 0.98 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 764 ratings

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Richard J. Foster
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Richard J. Foster is a renowned and well-regarded Christian author, teacher, and former pastor. His book, Celebration of Discipline is hailed by many as the best modern book on Christian spirituality. Some of his other books include Prayer, Freedom of Simplicity, and Streams of Living Water.

Foster is founder of Renovaré, a Christian organization, dedicated to helping people to become more like Jesus (www.Renovare.org). He earned a Doctor of Pastoral Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. Foster has served as a pastor, taught at universities and seminaries, and spoken worldwide on the subject of spiritual formation.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
764 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book helpful and informative for prayer. They appreciate the clear writing style and the wide range of topics covered. The author communicates profound spiritual truths in accessible language. Readers find it a good value and an enjoyable read.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

137 customers mention "Prayer content"137 positive0 negative

Customers find this book a helpful guide for prayer. They appreciate the thorough teaching of 21 Christian prayers, exploration into ancient practices, and coverage of obstacles to prayer. The book provides a complete foundation for Christians who would like to demystify the world of prayer and encourages meditation and opening themselves to God.

"...these individual chapters, I thoroughly enjoyed the exploration into ancient prayer practices that have helped form disciples into the image of God..." Read more

"This a thorough teaching of 21 Christian prayers. I learned a lot from the book although I am not Christian...." Read more

"This is a wonderful book about prayer. I was drawn to it because I have read other books by Richard J. Foster. He is a great author...." Read more

"...introduction to, and survey of, the practice and experience of prayer for Christians...." Read more

49 customers mention "Information quality"49 positive0 negative

Customers find the book helpful and engaging. It provides practical guidance and challenges them to grow beyond it. They appreciate the brief but informative explanations and find the subject matter interesting. The book encourages reflection and renewal, making it an excellent read for study.

"...start to finish and all points in between it is and has been a joyful companion along the way of my personal prayer journey...." Read more

"...different traditions and experiences and distills them into this very fine and accessible work. It's very practical, unpretentious and inspiring...." Read more

"...The explanations are very clear and understandable; they illustrate the many ways to pray behond simply asking for something - petitionary prayer as..." Read more

"...Having said that -- as a book of invitation, encouragement and practical application, this book is great!" Read more

31 customers mention "Writing quality"27 positive4 negative

Customers find the book's writing clear and easy to understand. They appreciate the source material being well-annotated in the index section. The author uses Scriptural and personal illustrations to convey his message clearly. Readers appreciate the short chapters that allow for reflection. Overall, they praise the seriousness of the writing and the way it flows smoothly.

"...In addition, the great majority of this source material is well annotated in the index section of the book, which includes a bibliographical..." Read more

"...and experiences and distills them into this very fine and accessible work. It's very practical, unpretentious and inspiring...." Read more

"...The explanations are very clear and understandable; they illustrate the many ways to pray behond simply asking for something - petitionary prayer as..." Read more

"...I was so amazed at the knowledge, detail, awareness, and holiness in this book that I immediately bought my own copy...." Read more

24 customers mention "Content depth"24 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's content insightful and practical. They appreciate the wide range of topics covered, biblical references, subject index, and Scripture index. The book provides examples and comprehensive coverage of prayer. However, some readers feel the Trinitarian approach is not suitable for them.

"...in the index section of the book, which includes a bibliographical reference in the notes, a subject index, and a Scripture index as well...." Read more

"...There is a great deal of variety here, and this book is both invitation and practical manual...." Read more

"Enjoyed this book immensely. Practical, broad range of topics, biblical...." Read more

"...I was so amazed at the knowledge, detail, awareness, and holiness in this book that I immediately bought my own copy...." Read more

15 customers mention "Spiritual truth"15 positive0 negative

Customers find the book helpful in understanding spiritual truths and connecting with God. They appreciate the biblical perspective and practical application of the lessons. The book helps readers understand different ways to commune with God and personal transformation. Readers mention the book provides a wide range of topics, including prayer, meditation, contemplation, and finding the heart's true home.

"...exploration into ancient prayer practices that have helped form disciples into the image of God throughout the history humankind's reconciliation to..." Read more

"...according to three intentions on personal transformation, intimacy with God and ministry to others...." Read more

"Enjoyed this book immensely. Practical, broad range of topics, biblical...." Read more

"...I was so amazed at the knowledge, detail, awareness, and holiness in this book that I immediately bought my own copy...." Read more

7 customers mention "Value for money"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's value for money. They find it an enjoyable read that explores new avenues in the approach to payers.

"...this book for the past few weeks and many of us have found real value inside...." Read more

"I enjoyed this book a good deal. The subject matter was great. I read it for a class at church and think we read too many chapters a week...." Read more

"I was pleased to find this at a discounted price. It was requested and is a big help to my daughter." Read more

"great price/great book" Read more

6 customers mention "Readability"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read. They appreciate the short chapters that allow them to pause and meditate on each one. The book is described as a good, straight-through read that can be read in small sections during quiet time.

"...It's the kind of book you can read a page or two each day during a bit of quiet time and then ponder about what you've read...." Read more

"...Again he wrote the book in short chapters which gives you time to read and stop to meditate on each chapter... as each chapter is so full.. I..." Read more

"Opens up new concepts of what prayer can be. . Read slowly and absorb new ideas of prayer...." Read more

"...The format is excellent in that it is an excellent straight through read, but it's true strength is in the capacity of each chapter to stand..." Read more

1st half very good, 2nd half very bad
3 out of 5 stars
1st half very good, 2nd half very bad
I read an old copy that my wife had in her library. There were parts that were very good, but I think Foster is too influenced by anecdotal stories of past "saints" of the church. He seems to give these stories the same weight as scripture. I had big disagreements on chapter 19 "The Prayer of Suffering" in which he says that we can practice "repentance on behalf of others" - I reject Fosters opinion that this is a valid form of prayer. He refers to Joseph (in Genesis) praying during his exile in Egypt and Mary (Jesus mother) praying at the cross - there is no biblical reference to that - though as Godly people they probably would have prayed, but how can you teach repenting for others based upon how you IMAGINE they prayed? Foster takes some biblical examples of biblical characters identifying with their peoples sins and asking God's forgiveness and conflates that with repentance. Repentance is an individuals decision to turn away from sin - you can't do that for someone else by asking God to forgive them. That might free them so that they have an OPPORTUNITY to repent - but that individual still needs to do the "turning away" from sin and turning towards God - you can't do that on behalf of someone else - there is no biblical basis for it.At the end of the chapter Foster does write that people have to repent for themselves - but still says that our repenting on their behalf makes it easier for them. Once again, he is taking stories of others experiences and treating them as if they are worth teaching from as if they were as trustworthy as biblical sources. Foster also talks of God using our sorrows to heal the world if "we take upon ourselves the griefs and sorrows of others in order to set them free". This is supported by another anecdotal story. I liked the first 1/2 of his book but I think the last half wrecks it as a book on prayer I could recommend. Tim Keller's book is much better.see photos of a few pages with my notes.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2014
    Oh, how I love this book. From start to finish and all points in between it is and has been a joyful companion along the way of my personal prayer journey. My only regret regarding this book is not finding it sooner.

    "Prayer is the inner bath of love into which the soul plunges itself." St. John Vianney

    There is almost too much I could say that is good about Prayer: Finding the Heart's True Home for a single review article, so I will mention the points that are some of my favorites. First, the form that Foster uses to navigate this journey into prayer is delightfully instructive. He has chosen to outline the book into three major sections he titles Moving Inward: Seeking the Transformation We Need, Moving Upward: Seeking the Intimacy We Need, and Moving Outward: Seeking the Ministry We Need. Each of these sections contains seven chapters respectively, which form the many facets that make prayer the beautiful diamond it is in the relationship between man and God.

    Second, regarding these individual chapters, I thoroughly enjoyed the exploration into ancient prayer practices that have helped form disciples into the image of God throughout the history humankind's reconciliation to Him. A few examples of these prayer practices from the first section are The Prayer of Examen, developed by Ignatius of Loyola, The Prayer of Relinquishment, modeled by the self-emptying life of Jesus Christ, and what Foster calls Formation Prayer, which is modeled in the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius, the Rule of Benedict, and the Little Way of Therese of Lisieux. Section two is vertically focused (Love God) and more on the relational facets of prayer as the title Seeking the Intimacy We Need suggests. In this section, we find prayer practices and exercises that lead us into acts of adoration, rest, meditation, and contemplation. The third section, Moving Outward, follows a more horizontal aspect (Love man) and practices prayer exercises that manifest themselves in community relations; for example, Petitionary Prayers, Intercesssory Prayers, and Healing Prayers are included in this collection.

    When the Spirit has come to reside in someone, that person cannot stop praying; for the Spirit prays without ceasing in him. No matter if he is asleep or awake, prayer is going on in his heart all the time. He may be eating or drinking, he may be resting or working-the incense of prayer will ascend spontaneously from his heart. The slightest stirring of his heart is like a voice which sings in silence and in secret to the Invisible. -Isaac the Syrian

    Another point of mention that I enjoyed greatly about this book is the diversity of source material that Foster includes in his teaching. In addition, the great majority of this source material is well annotated in the index section of the book, which includes a bibliographical reference in the notes, a subject index, and a Scripture index as well.

    One more very nice feature that brought smiles to my heart was the opening quotes from influential Christians spanning the history of our faith; I loved receiving these words as encouragement, inspiration, and challenge. Additionally, each chapter ends in a prayer or benediction relative to the exercise and practice that was previously described.

    In my opinion, this book has been sorely missed in the circles of Evangelical Protestant churches of which I have been a part. The prayer experiences I have encountered and shared with others have been largely one-dimensional and often self-focused and self-directed. Prayer: Finding the Heart's True Home is a wonderful and helpful corrective step in the right direction. As I said in my opening statement, my one regret is this book was not known to me sooner. If you are curious about the Christian prayer experience, this is a good place to start.

    "May you now, by the power of the Holy Spirit, receive the spirit of prayer. May it become, in the name of Jesus Christ, the most precious occupation of your life. And may the God of all peace strengthen you, bless you, and give you joy. -Amen." (p.256)
    33 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2024
    This a thorough teaching of 21 Christian prayers. I learned a lot from the book although I am not
    Christian. At the end of each chapter--each chapter covers a way of prayer--is a short prayer by the
    author minister. I sometimes pray these prayers, modifying them. I don't believe Jesus is the
    Savior, I don't believe God is so cruel that he would demand that his son would die a horrrible death
    to save us--this teaching is not in the 3 synoptic gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke. But Jesus was a
    great teacher and it is sad that few people who call themselves Christian have followed his teaching.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2024
    This is a wonderful book about prayer. I was drawn to it because I have read other books by Richard J. Foster. He is a great author. I purchased this book to broaden my perspective on prayer and this book did just that.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2003
    This book is an excellent introduction to, and survey of, the practice and experience of prayer for Christians. Richard Foster draws from many different traditions and experiences and distills them into this very fine and accessible work. It's very practical, unpretentious and inspiring. Foster helps us examine the many facets of prayer grouped according to three intentions on personal transformation, intimacy with God and ministry to others. Among its 21 chapters you may find aspects of prayer that are very familiar to you (maybe you had never thought of them as prayer before) along with encouragement to focus and deepen your efforts in those areas. Other types of prayer may be completely foreign to you but offer an invitation to explore. For those who want to take prayer more seriously this book is a very good place to begin. It is not an introduction in the sense of being superficial or shallow. It treats each aspect of prayer in enough depth to get the willing reader well on his or her way to a more effective and vital life of prayer. But it also shows us prayer as a vast, life long and life changing endeavor and points to the work of others who have explored the various disciplines of prayer more deeply. This books is essential reading.
    103 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2010
    Richard J. Foster wrote Prayer in 1992. It is a remarkable book in that it takes one through all of the various disciplines of prayer in a very practical manner, giving suggestions for each type of prayer along with an explanation of how to say the prayer. Until I came across this book I found it difficult to pray in a manner that felt right for me. What the book did for me was to help me to understand better the process of prayer and to use the examples in the book whenever I lacked the inspiration to come up with something of my own. The explanations are very clear and understandable; they illustrate the many ways to pray behond simply asking for something - petitionary prayer as Foster calls it. The genres of prayer described by Foster include the prayers of adoration, of formation, of suffering, of tears, of the forsaken, of examen, and of relinquishment. He even uses a little humor by citing a Tolstoy story (p.80) about a bishop who learns from three hermits. For anyone who has the same problem as I of struggling to find a way of praying that feels personally right, I recommend the book unreservedly.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2014
    This is a great book, especially if you are looking for new and different ways to incorporate prayer into your life. There is a great deal of variety here, and this book is both invitation and practical manual. If you are struggling with the theology of prayer, however, this is not the book for you. If you are wrestling with the invitation to intercessory prayer, but not quite understanding why anyone would try to convince God to act in one way over against another (since most Christians assume God is already working towards our best interests), this book doesn't really answer your question.

    Having said that -- as a book of invitation, encouragement and practical application, this book is great!
    16 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Kind Reader
    5.0 out of 5 stars Deep and wide
    Reviewed in Canada on May 31, 2021
    I love the way the book is organized. Also the author seems like a very wise person, obviously writing out of considerable depth of personal experience as well as research and reading.
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 20, 2017
    An excellent book that I would strongly recommend to anyone serious about learning about prayer. I learned a lot from this book and have passed it around a few of the people at my church who have all found it a useful encouragement to their prayer lives.
  • Vera
    5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Amazing Book!
    Reviewed in Canada on March 17, 2020
    Wow! This book really surprised me with how GOOD it is! I took my time to read it only 1 chapter at a time and really really enjoyed it. It's one of those books that you really want to take in and sit with.
  • Ruth Kemsley
    5.0 out of 5 stars A clearly written book on Prayer
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 8, 2015
    This may be an old book but it is one of the best on prayer I have read and this book explains the varierty of prayers as well and the purpose of prayer. Whether you believe in the power of prayer or area seeking a greater understanding of what praying is all about , this book will give you clear and sound teaching.
  • Alma Funk
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on February 3, 2018
    A wonderful practical insightful book from a well-respected author.