T&T Clark Handbook of Christian Prayer - (T&t Clark Handbooks) (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The essays collected in this volume provide a resource for thinking theologically about the practice of Christian prayer.

In the first of four parts, the volume begins by reaching back to the biblical foundations of prayer. Then, each of the chapters in the second part investigates a classical Christian doctrine - including God, creation, Christology, pneumatology, providence and eschatology - from the perspective of prayer. The chapters in the third part explore the writings of some of the great theorizers of prayer in the history of the Christian tradition. The final part gathers a set of creative and critical conversations on prayer responding to a variety of contemporary issues.

Overall, the T&T Clark Handbook of Christian Prayer articulates a theologically expansive account of prayer - one that is deeply biblical, energetically doctrinal, historically rooted, and relevant to a whole host of critical questions and concerns facing the world today.

Review Quotes

"This massive anthology is a rich treasury of wide-ranging theological reflections on the fundamental and indispensable place of prayer (both personal and communal/liturgical) within Christian faith and life ... [this volume] makes a worthy addition to the library of any seminary or theology school, or of anyone seeking a more profound theological exploration of Christian prayer." --Teresianum

"The collection of essays in this volume offer a set of rich and diverse perspectives on the topic of Christian prayer. In laying out the theological accounts of the context of prayer, the editors of this volume are able to set the scene for an exciting array of contemporary perspectives on prayer that bring prayer into dialogue with the concrete realities of modern life. Prayer, in this volume, is lifted out of reductive and traditional categories and positioned within broader patterns of identification with radical and subversive potential. A superb collection of essays." --Karen O'Donnell, Sarum College, UK

"A fascinating and important collection of essays on the theology of prayer. Cocksworth and McDowell have done us all a service in bringing together such a tremendous range of voices. The result is a handbook of real intellectual and spiritual depth." --Karen Kilby, Durham University, UK

"The subject of prayer has too often been neglected in the textbooks. Yet this arresting collection of essays describes ways in which it animates, informs, and directs our theological work. With an impressive range of topics and authors, there is a welcome diversity of perspectives that will be appreciated by a wide readership. Highly recommended!" --David Fergusson, University of Cambridge, UK

"This comprehensive collection not only provides an entry into the doctrine of Christian prayer, but also connects its nature with liturgy, ministry, ethics, and other inter-disciplinary inquiries. Approaching prayer from biblical, doctrinal, historical, and contemporary perspectives, this stimulating book would certainly be an invaluable resource for church as well as academy." --JinHyok Kim, Torch Trinity Graduate University, Korea

"Drawing on the work of a diverse and high-profile collection of scholars, this incisive volume bears witness to prayer as non-neutral and theologically complex. Through engagements with doctrine, scripture, historical and contemporary perspectives, this indispensable collection provides a detailed, holistic, and future-oriented treatment of prayer." --Katie Cross, University of Aberdeen, UK

"I found something to stimulate, educate or interest me even in the contributions which were from perspectives which were new or even alien to me." --The Global Anglican

About the Author

Ashley Cocksworth is Senior Lecturer in Theology and Practice at the University of Roehampton, UK.

John C. McDowell is Associate Dean at Yarra Theological Union, Melbourne, and is Professor of Philosophy, Systematic Theology and Moral Theology.