Whispers That Delight.

Book Review

Hawkins, Andrew, T. Whispers That Delight. Building a listening-centered prayer life. Word Alive Press. Winnipeg, MB. 2008
A.T.H.- pastor of St. Paul’s Congregational Church in Chatham. Ont.

Comment. Henry
Listening is very much a part of prayer. That is the thesis of this fine resource. We all have need of growth and diligence in this fundamental aspect of our spiritual life. The author speaks with passion and clarity on the ‘how to’ of prayer. This would be a welcome edition for anyone wanting to progress in their relationship with God in prayer.

The prayer pattern presented is derived from two traditional practices of the church. “The traditional four-fold order for worship (gathering, word, response and dismissal) and Lectio Divina (reading, meditation, prayer, contemplation).” (Intro) The “place of solitude” (XI) is important in our understanding and practice of prayer. There is a place of positive barrenness that is experienced when all distractions (worldly) are removed. It can be described as a desert place.

Prayer should begin with praise, a joyful sacrifice. This is illustrated by models of prayer in scripture. Thanksgiving flows out of praise. Guilt and shame make us deaf to God’s voice so we need to come to God in confession. A door to confession is flung open by boldness and honesty. Impurities are removed by confession just like impurities are removed from a swimming pool though the process of ‘back-washing’.

Listening to God is a crucial centerpiece of prayer. He speaks through thoughts, feelings and desires. For these to be legitimate we must become quiet in his presence. This is a discipline that is not highly valued in our over-active culture. “Scripture meditation focuses our attention on God’s voice by first focusing it on his written word.” (60)

To experience God in prayer there needs to be a response. This response will be a demonstration of our love for God. Guidance is a result of such a response. Right desires are more powerful than willpower when it comes to doing what we know is right. Spiritual desires must be stimulated by our response to God’s offer to be filled by his Holy Spirit. This happens through ongoing, continuous prayer.

It is good to practice the presence of God in meditation and contemplation. This is the path to genuine joy.

In the three appendixes the author presents a number of practical “tips” regarding the spiritual discipline of prayer.