Amish Prayers

Book Giveaway!

LEWIS, BEVERLY (compiled by)
AMISH PRAYERS

A one-of-a-kind collection of inspiring prayers used by Amish and Mennonites for over 300 years!

The Amish and other Anabaptist groups have treasured the same book of prayers for centuries, turning to it for inspiration during times of peace as well as persecution. Now a selection of prayers from Die Ernsthafte Christenflicht is readily available in English. This exclusive, authentic translation from the original German -- with an introduction by bestselling author Beverly Lewis -- pairs each prayer with a scripture passage and offers insights into the rich spiritual foundations of the Plain people. Whether used for personal devotions or in a group setting, this beautifully illustrated collection will help draw you closer to God.

My review:

This lovely little book has delicate black and white sketches by Katie Polley which really help create a unique mood. Divided into sections, the prayers address such issues as comfort, repentance, purity of heart etc. I found the traditional phrasing resonated with me. It seems so reverent and humble and after all the Amish books I have read over the past year, the formal language just felt right somehow.

So -- what would you do with a little prayer book like this? Here's some ideas I came up with:

Idea # 1: Ever been asked to start a meeting with a quick devotional/spiritual thought? If you're like me you head for the computer and start googling like crazy and it takes forever to find that 'just right' thought for the occasion. Well, now the search will be infinitely easier with your copy of Amish Prayers. Lovely, short but very thought-provoking devotions page after page. How easy is that?!

Idea #2: Searching for something different for your morning devotionals? Look no further. I've been using Amish Prayers all this week and am loving how it has helped me with my focus. I have to admit to being somewhat of a flitterygibet when it comes to concentrating on scriptures and prayers so one of my goals is to listen more and talk (aka pray) less. I don't take the time to leave myself open for impressions because my mind is always wandering.

This week I started each morning by reading one of the prayers (out loud so I paid attention!) and then I read the scripture after it. Then I read the prayer again but this time pulled out the substance of it and concentrated on that while I said my own prayers. I'm amazed at how this little exercise enabled me to stay focused -- my mind still wandered but it meandered on topic and I really felt more like I'd had a two-way conversation with God instead of me just droning on and on.

Idea #3: Gifts Galore!!!!  I love giving books as gifts and I usually find a little something extra to compliment the book to add to the gift.so I started brainstorming ways to incorporate Amish Prayers into a gift. Here's what I came up with:

• For a Bridal Shower gift -- add Amish Prayers to a basket with homemade banana bread wrapped in a couple of useful tea towels. Make a card that says Food for the body; food for the soul!
• For a just-because gift -- Get an inexpensive plaque at your scripture bookstore that reads: "Prayer Changes Things" to go along with Amish Prayers.
• For a gift for someone convalescing -- pair Amish Prayers with your choice of an Amish fiction book.
• For a hostess gift -- A few cuttings from your flower garden along with this little book would bring a smile to your friend's face. OR -- Visiting friends/relatives out of town over the summer? Leave a copy of Amish Prayers on your pillow just before you leave. That way your friend will find a sweet surprise to remind her of your visit after you've left.
• For a Father's Day gift -- Though you might think Amish Prayers would be enjoyed most by women, the fact is the prayers are the meat-and-potatoes kind. Simple, heartfelt and to the point -- perfect for a Christian dad. And you could enhance the gift further by including a letter to your dad highlighting ways he has built up your faith in prayer. What dad wouldn't like that kind of personal touch?!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

If you would like to win your own copy of Amish Prayers compiled by Beverly Lewis, leave a comment below.or email me at kavluvstoread@yahoo.ca  Draw will be held on Sunday May 22.