A Discourse on Prayer

A Discourse on Prayer was written by William Gurnall, a 17th-century English clergyman and author. The text provides instruction and guidance on the practice of prayer from a Puritan Protestant perspective. The book examines different types of prayer, their purposes, and methods for developing an effective prayer practice. Gurnall draws extensively from scripture and presents systematic arguments for why and how Christians should pray. Through biblical examples and practical applications, Gurnall addresses common obstacles to prayer and offers solutions. He explores topics including perseverance in prayer, the role of faith, and proper attitudes during prayer. This theological work reflects core Puritan values about the direct relationship between the individual and God, while presenting prayer as both a vital spiritual discipline and a means of transformation. The text continues to influence Protestant approaches to prayer and spiritual formation.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of William Gurnall's overall work: Readers consistently highlight the depth and practical wisdom in Gurnall's "The Christian in Complete Armour." Many note its value as a daily devotional, with one Amazon reviewer calling it "the most comprehensive work on spiritual warfare ever written." Readers appreciate: - Detailed analysis of scripture application - Clear explanations of complex theological concepts - Relevance to modern spiritual challenges - Rich metaphors and illustrations - Pastoral tone and practical guidance Common criticisms: - Dense, antiquated language requires slow reading - Length and repetition can be overwhelming - Some find the military metaphors overused - Print quality issues in certain editions Ratings across platforms: Amazon: 4.8/5 (500+ reviews) Goodreads: 4.7/5 (1,000+ ratings) Christian Book Distributors: 4.9/5 (200+ reviews) One reader noted: "Each page contains enough material for a week of meditation." Another observed: "It requires patience to work through, but rewards careful study."

The Valley of Vision by Arthur Bennett A collection of Puritan prayers explores similar themes of devotional depth and spiritual warfare found in Gurnall's work.

The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs This Puritan classic examines the spiritual disciplines and heart attitudes that contribute to a life of prayer and communion with God.

The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence The author's letters and conversations reveal methods for maintaining constant prayer and communion with God throughout daily activities.

Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God by Timothy J. Keller This examination of prayer draws from historical Christian writers and presents theological foundations for developing a prayer life.

The Hidden Life of Prayer by David McIntyre The text provides instruction on prayer's fundamental elements while drawing from historical Christian figures and Scripture.

🕊️ William Gurnall wrote this discourse while serving as minister at Lavenham, Suffolk, during a time when Puritan ministers faced significant persecution under the Act of Uniformity in 1662. 📖 Unlike many prayer books that focus on methodology, Gurnall's work emphasizes the spiritual warfare aspect of prayer, drawing heavily from Ephesians 6:18. 🏰 The book was originally part of Gurnall's larger work "The Christian in Complete Armour," which took him nearly 15 years to complete and was published in three volumes between 1655 and 1662. ⚔️ Charles Spurgeon called Gurnall's writings a "peerless and very complete work" and specifically praised his treatment of prayer as spiritual combat. 🌟 The discourse connects prayer to every piece of spiritual armor mentioned in Ephesians 6, showing how prayer activates and empowers each component of the believer's spiritual defense system.