“A book to keep near, especially when you don’t know how to pray.”
That prayer is most likely to pierce heaven which first pierces one’s own heart.”
For the Puritans, prayer was neither casual nor dull. Their prayers were passionate affairs, from earnestly pleading for mercy to joyful praise. These rich expressions of deep Christian faith are a shining example of holy living.
The Puritan combination of warm piety and careful intellect have fueled a renaissance of interest in their movement. This combination is on display in Piercing Heaven, a collection of carefully selected prayers from leading Puritans. The language in these prayers has been slightly updated for a modern audience while still retaining the elevated tone of the Puritans. With prayers from Richard Baxter, Thomas Brooks, John Owen, and many more, each prayer reminds us that heartfelt prayer is central to the Christian life.
List of Authors
- Joseph Alleine
- Richard Alleine
- Isaac Ambrose
- William Ames
- Richard Baxter
- Lewis Bayly
- Anne Bradstreet
- William Bridge
- Thomas Brooks
- John Bunyan
- Anthony Burgess
- Jeremiah Burroughs
- Stephen Charnock
- David Clarkson
- Arthur Dent
- Philip Doddridge
- William Gurnall
- William Guthrie
- Robert Hawker
- Matthew Henry
- George Herbert
- Ezekiel Hopkins
- John Howe
- John Owen
- Robert Parker
- Edward Reynolds
- John Robinson
- Richard Sibbes
- Nathanael Vincent
- George Whitefield
- Octavius Winslow
- Herman Witsius
About the Editor:
Robert Elmer is a former reporter and ad copywriter who writes part-time from his home in the Pacific Northwest. He is the author of over fifty books, including nine contemporary novels for the adult Christian audience, two nonfiction titles, and seven series for younger readers. He’s also a contributor to kids’ versions of the popular “Case for…” books co-authored with Lee Strobel. Among kids, he is best known for his “Young Underground” and “Adventures Down Under” books. When he’s not at the keyboard, he enjoys sailing and hiking with his wife, and spending time with their three kids—plus a growing number of little grandchildren.
Endorsements:
“Piercing Heaven has quickly become a favorite book and one I keep near me for when I pray—and especially for when I don’t know what or how to pray. It’s a wonderful resource and one I highly recommend.”
Tim Challies
Blogger, Challies.com
“If anything reflects the depth of spiritual knowledge and wisdom possessed by the Puritans it is their prayers. Never did they speak more profoundly, purely, humbly, richly, fearfully, lovingly and beautifully then when addressing God. This book is a collection of those profound prayers, providing much needed rich new and deep expressions for our prayers.”
John MacArthur
Pastor-Teacher, Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California
“It might be said that prayer is theology with wings to reach heaven. If anyone’s theology had wings, it was the Puritans. The prayers of this outstanding book, adapted from the writings of the Puritans and other highly esteemed devotional writers, will be a great help for those longing to seek God with all their heart and all their mind.”
Dr. Joel R. Beeke
President, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, and author of several books on the Puritans
“Piercing Heaven is a gift to the church. Culled from prayers in the long puritan tradition, these petitions and praises are at once a call to reform our prayers and an aid to deepen our fellowship with the triune God. Organized after topic headings that will be intuitive for Christians, this collection makes a fine companion to other Puritan treasures.”
Dr. Chad Van Dixhoorn
Professor of Church History and Director of the Craig Center for the Study of the Westminster Standards, Westminster Theological Seminary