Book Review: PRAYER (TIM KELLER)
When I became a more serious follower of Christ, Tim Keller was the first author to help me grasp the intellectual depth of my faith. His writing has always had a way of inspiring awe and sparking curiosity. My husband and I studied some of his work while preparing for marriage. Over the years, I’ve turned to Keller’s insights on Romans and Galatians, life and death, and self-forgetfulness and forgiveness. When my mom passed away, I looked for comfort in his book on pain and suffering. Time and time again, I’ve returned to his teachings, drawn by his tender, well-reasoned, and deeply researched thoughts. When news of his passing broke, I was surprised by my tears. His book, Prayer, is on my list of highly recommended works by this beloved author.
Keller’s purpose in Prayer is to deepen our understanding of prayer and help us experience its transformative power and the intimacy it fosters with God. How many of us have felt stagnant in our relationship with Him? As with any human relationship, spiritual stagnation can improve through intentional presence and communication. Keller explains that prayer is both a conversation and an encounter with God—a dynamic and relational practice that brings us closer to Him.
The book flows in three progressively focused sections: desiring prayer, understanding prayer, and learning prayer. This structure reflects Keller’s thoughtful approach to building a solid theological foundation before offering practical advice. He invites readers to explore how Christians have approached and practiced prayer throughout history, drawing from the wisdom of theologians like Augustine, Luther, and Calvin. By rooting his teachings in Scripture and historical practices, Keller provides readers with a deeper appreciation for the timeless power of prayer.
One of my favorite aspects of the book is Keller’s emphasis on balancing prayer as conversation and encounter. He cautions against two extremes: using prayer solely to pursue emotional highs, which shifts the focus to ourselves, and treating it as a mere routine, which diminishes the expectation of encountering the living God. Over-reliance on either approach, he warns, can hinder the intimacy and awe that prayer cultivates. Instead, Keller reminds us that prayer draws us closer to God, fills us with wonder, and deepens our relationship with the triune God.
Keller beautifully states, “Prayer is faith become audible.” This simple but profound idea captures the essence of what prayer can be. Though prayer is central to our faith, it is daunting in practice. That’s why Prayer is such an invaluable resource. If you long to grow in your "audible faith," awed by God’s greatness, and experience greater intimacy with Him, this book will inspire and equip you.