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Piercing Heaven

By on in Theology

Today, I completed the prayer book Piercing Heaven, Prayers of the Puritans, edited by Robert Elmer. It is 321 pages and was in frequent use during personal prayer from beginning to end. The book’s prayers were of various notable Puritans who lived from the 1500s through the 1700s. Much of the text was of the Puritans of England who were subjected to the Great Ejection, as 2,000 of them were removed from their churches in 1662. Beyond that period of time, there were a total of 32 authors who wrote their prayers in various forms on numerous topics.

The prayers are organized to fit an occasion, interest, or a person’s spiritual condition. Categories center around petitions, confessions, praises, gratitude, adoration, and affections. They’re a collection of prayers offering a glimpse into the devotional life and spiritual depth of the Puritan tradition. The prayers included in the book reflect the intense, heartfelt devotion and rich theological insights characteristic of the Puritans. Moreover, the book is also organized thematically, with prayers that cover a range of topics such as worship and petitions for various needs.

Elmer’s compilation aims to make these profound prayers accessible to modern readers, helping them to engage with the deep spiritual heritage of the Puritans. The language in the book has been lightly modernized in some cases to make the prayers easier to understand while retaining the original intent and depth. Piercing Heaven serves as a devotional resource for those seeking to deepen their prayer life and connect with the rich tradition of Puritan spirituality.

Some of the most prevalent authors in this collection include:

  1. Richard Baxter – A well-known Puritan theologian and pastor, Baxter is perhaps best remembered for his book The Reformed Pastor. His prayers and writings emphasize practical piety, repentance, and living a life devoted to God.

  2. John Owen – A leading Puritan theologian, Owen’s works reach deeply into theology, especially on topics like the nature of sin, sanctification, and the glory of Christ. His prayers reflect a deep concern for personal holiness and communion with God.

  3. Thomas Watson – Watson was a popular Puritan preacher and author, known for his clear and practical teaching. His works, such as A Body of Divinity and The Doctrine of Repentance, are still widely read today. His prayers are known for their rich theological content and pastoral warmth.

  4. William Gurnall – Best known for his work The Christian in Complete Armour, Gurnall’s prayers and writings focus on spiritual warfare, perseverance, and the strength that comes from God.

  5. John Bunyan – The author of The Pilgrim’s Progress, Bunyan was a Puritan preacher who wrote extensively while imprisoned for his faith. His prayers and writings often reflect themes of the Christian journey, suffering, and the hope of heaven.

These authors, among others included were central figures in the Puritan movement and their prayers capture the depth of Puritan spirituality, characterized by a profound sense of the holiness of God, the seriousness of sin, and the transformative power of grace. The language retains the richness and intensity that marked the Puritans’ approach to communion with God. Through these prayers, readers are invited into a spiritual practice that is both rigorous and deeply personal, encouraging a heartfelt and disciplined approach to prayer.

The value of this book is in its ability to connect modern readers with the rich spiritual heritage of the Puritans while in prayer before God. The prayers serve as both a model and a guide for cultivating a deeper prayer life, emphasizing themes of repentance, humility, and dependence on God. By engaging with these prayers, readers are not only prompted to reflect on their own spiritual state but are also drawn into a more intimate relationship with God. The book offers a valuable resource for those seeking to enrich their spiritual lives, providing timeless prayers that can inspire a deeper commitment to daily devotion and a more profound experience of God’s presence in their lives.

Gentle & Lowly

By on in Literary

“Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers” is a book by Dane Ortlund that delves into the character and heart of Jesus Christ. Published in 2020, the book provides readers with an exploration of Jesus’s compassion, grace, and love, especially for those who are burdened by their sins or undergoing suffering. Ortlund bases his exploration primarily on the Bible, particularly the Gospels, as well as insights from Puritan writings.

Here’s a summary and review of the book:

  1. Introduction: Ortlund begins by emphasizing how Christians, while knowing about Jesus’s love, often don’t plunge into the depths of His compassionate heart. He argues that understanding Christ’s heart is crucial for our relationship with Him. The title itself is derived from Jesus’s words in Matthew 11:29, where He describes His heart as “gentle and lowly.”

  2. Jesus’s Heart for Sinners: Throughout the Gospels, Jesus often moves toward, rather than away from, those who are outcasts and sinners. Ortlund points out that Christ’s heart is drawn to our sins not to condemn us but to offer grace and redemption. This pattern can be observed in numerous New Testament stories, from the woman caught in adultery to Zacchaeus.

  3. Suffering and the Savior: Beyond sin, Jesus also has a profound heart for those who suffer. Whether it’s physical ailments, societal rejection, or spiritual torment, Christ’s response to human suffering is not detachment but deep, heartfelt compassion. This can be observed in the stories of Him healing the sick, raising the dead, or comforting the distressed.

  4. Insights from the Puritans: Ortlund frequently cites Puritan writers to reinforce and elaborate on his points. The Puritans, despite sometimes being seen as strict or joyless, had a profound understanding of the grace and love of Christ. Their writings often dwell on the inexhaustible depths of Christ’s mercy and His ever-welcoming heart.

  5. The Heart of God the Father: While the primary focus of the book is on Jesus, Ortlund also addresses the heart of God the Father. The Father’s heart is not different from that of Jesus. They are in perfect unity. Thus, God the Father also deeply loves and is moved by the plight of sinners and sufferers.

  6. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is the one who applies the work of Christ to believers. Ortlund points out that the Spirit, too, is gentle with believers, slowly and patiently molding them into Christ’s image, sealing them for redemption, and assuring them of their place in God’s family.

  7. Living in the Light of Christ’s Heart: Towards the end, Ortlund discusses the implications of understanding Christ’s heart. Believers are called to rest in Christ’s love, to approach Him without fear or hesitation, and to extend the same grace they’ve received to others.

In “Gentle and Lowly,” Dane Ortlund offers a refreshing and deeply comforting portrayal of Christ, challenging believers to move beyond a mere intellectual acknowledgment of Jesus’s love to a heartfelt embrace of His compassion. For those feeling distant from God because of sin or suffering, the book serves as a reminder that Jesus’s heart is most strongly drawn to them in those very moments.