A Method for Prayer

"The Bible is a letter God has sent to us; prayer is a letter we send to him." ~Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry, known for his exegetical commentaries of the Bible, was a minister in England at the turn of the 18th century. Being a nonconformist, he was prevented from holding public office, from participating in many social functions, could not graduate from any English or Welsh Universities, and was burdened with numerous other limitations. The Act of Uniformity, the Five Mile Act, and the Test Acts levied harsh punishments against him and his family, along with all other nonconformists and Catholics within the realm.

Yet Henry believed in a practical faith, one that should be used to improve any person's daily living. As such, prayers should be done correctly, frequently, and fervently. His book, A Method for Prayer, gives instructions not just for how to pray, but also when one should pray. Besides the Lord's Prayer, another dozen practical and timely specific prayers are discussed.

Now almost two centuries after it was published, A Method for Prayer, gives a glimpse of religious life after the Restoration. Not only does it allow the reader an opportunity to reflect on the long struggle to reach religious freedom, it also remains a practical tool for faith.