«Ten Treasures of Learning to Pray»: A Lutheran Pastor’s Guide to the Practice of Prayer
Andrew R. Jones, a Lutheran pastor, offers a new devotional book that explores ten spiritual benefits of prayer, blending personal stories, biblical examples, and practical reflection exercises for lay readers.
In a new book, Lutheran pastor Andrew R. Jones challenges the common belief that prayer’s worth is measured by answered requests. Instead, he argues, the true value lies in the “treasure of talking with God,” who offers believers “unfettered access and open invitation.” The book, titled «Ten Treasures of Learning to Pray», is the third volume in a trilogy about applying spiritual lessons to everyday life.
The work begins with an introductory chapter that provides a broad overview of prayer, including its biblical definitions and the various forms it can take, from songs and liturgical recitations to silent, personal prayers. The bulk of the book then focuses on ten specific “treasures” that an active prayer life can offer, such as fostering persistence, honesty, and forgiveness, as well as lessons about embracing limitations and appreciating simplicity.
Each chapter follows a similar format, making the book ideal for daily devotional use. Jones opens with a brief story from his own life, reminiscing about discovering his grandfather’s baseball card collection, growing up on his family’s farm, and his and his wife’s struggles with infertility. From these personal anecdotes, he reflects on how each treasure is mirrored in the examples of Jesus and other biblical figures from both the Old and New Testaments.
Designed to encourage personal meditation, each chapter concludes with reflection questions, Scripture passages, and lined pages with prompts for “Prayer Practice.” This structure invites readers to engage actively with the material, turning the book into a practical guide rather than a mere theological treatise.
While the work reflects Jones’s theological background as a Lutheran parish pastor — Martin Luther is frequently cited — it is broadly ecumenical. Jones cautions against placing singular trust in “our nation, political parties, [or] denominations” and promotes a welcoming brand of Christianity that respects differences in belief. This inclusive approach may appeal to readers from various Christian traditions.
The book targets lay readers with a thoughtful, accessible approach that blends nuanced spiritual analysis with straightforward explanations and relevant anecdotes. The engaging text is accompanied by ample illustrations and other visual elements, enhancing its usability as a devotional resource.
«Ten Treasures of Learning to Pray» offers a fresh perspective on a fundamental practice, emphasizing relationship over results. For those seeking to deepen their prayer life or understand its transformative potential, Jones’s work provides both insight and practical tools.
