The Lord's Prayer for Today (New for Today)

The ladies of First Presbyterian Church loved the book at first sight! We are planning to use the book as a church-wide study in January. The book is relevant and very well written. It offers a compelling invitation to follow the way of Christ amid all circumstances in life. I highly recommend this book for individual and group study!

Rev. Dr. William J. Carl III is an outstanding preacher as well as an outstanding author. He is presently president of the Pittsburgh (PA) Theological Seminary after serving 22 years at a Presbyterian Church in Dallas, TX where they had 1700 members. He has also written several other religious books which reflect his superior ability to express the path which he has chosen for his life - and to pass that on to others.

Excellent book written by a very talented author and minister. This book was apparently made up of a series of sermons presented by Dr. Carl, and is most interesting and much enjoyed.

great

We know it by heart, so why another book on the Lord's Prayer?Bill Carl asks that question at the outset and his answer is that the prayer teaches us what he calls "a resonant responsibility" - that is, if we open our lives to the Lord's Prayer, our thoughts and actions will be changed, for the better.Truly, this is what the life of faith is all about. Not a day-to-day sameness of stern conviction and unbending resolve, so much as an unfolding, as the petals of a rose, toward a fully mature and evermore responsive manner of engaging with others.In these twelve succinct chapters, which began as sermons delivered during Dr. Carl's effective two-decade ministry at the dynamic and thriving First Presbyterian Church, Dallas, Texas, the book provides insights about each portion of the prayer. It also suggests ways that we who pray it might be transformed by it.As such, it expands upon the nature of God (who God is for us as well as for all time), the acceptance of God's righteous and superior will (which is both freeing and energizing), the reciprocity of forgiveness, and so much more.Speaking of the prayer's passage "lead us not into temptation", Dr. Carl says, "Sometimes when God tests us, God tests us at the point of our greatest strength." (Page 73). How very wise. It reminds me of the line from the beloved hymn, "When we are strong, Lord, leave us not alone; our refuge be!"All too often critics of religion point out that many of its adherents turn to faith due to their weakness. True. And therein they find a measure of hope and confidence.But think of the energy and resources that are redirected for higher aims when persons of strength discover a "resonant responsibility" in themselves, through a life of prayer informing action and action informing prayer."God tests us at the point of our greatest strength." Dr. Carl could be speaking about you. And that which is your strength. And how it might become stronger and more effective, when tested.If you are an artist, think of how the testing of your strengths could benefit those who will experience your art. If you are a researcher; how your discoveries could enhance those who apprehend your insights. Dr. Carl is prompting you to explore the ways in which you are using your gifts and talents and whether they are contributing to the common good. If you are ready for this kind of a test, one that will lead to a change for the better, then I encourage you to buy and read and meditate upon this graceful book as you pray the Lord's Prayer, daily.Dr. Carl is a brilliant and engaging man, who is now the President of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, the oldest seminary of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). His slim, elegant volume would be an excellent adult education or senior high education resource; especially so, as the short chapters each offer a quartet of sharp discussion questions in order to stimulate conversation around the theme of each phrase of the prayer.

This is a helpful aid in the study of a part of Scripture with which many of us are familiar. The very familiarity of the passage may keep us from thinking about the meanings of its words.

I thought this was a very good book in all respects,and would recommend it highly to laymen and Clergy.