Valley of Vision: Paperback

I came across this book because Chuck Swindoll quoted one of its prayers ("Man a Nothing") in one of his own books, and my first impression after reading that prayer was one of having found a great and rare treasure. I actually copied that prayer out of Swindoll's book word-for-word into my own Bible, and read it over and over, many times. Several years ago, I then bought a bonded leather copy of "The Valley of Vision", and without exaggeration would have to state that aside from my Bible this is the most helpful, most theologically sound, inspiring spiritual work (or more accurately, collection of works) that I have ever read. As you know by now, this is a collection of prayers from various Puritan authors all compiled and arranged into a single, valuable resource for readers to be able to draw upon today. In John chapter 7, it is recorded for us how the Pharisees sent officers to arrest Jesus. Upon returning from their mission empty-handed these officers were asked by the Pharisees why it was that they had not taken Jesus and brought Him to them. Their simple, yet profound answer was that "Never has man spake like this man". They were amazed, astounded, and obviously affected by Jesus' words, and their bosses the Pharisees accused them of having been deceived. I can assure you that if you read the prayers of this book, slowly and deliberately, carefully and thoughtfully, earnestly and sincerely, that you will be like the officers of the Pharisees and find your own self to be amazed, astounded, and deeply affected. People today just do not write the way these Puritans wrote. One of the criticisms I have read about this book is the old, flowery, Puritan language and use of words being out of style and perhaps difficult to understand. May I suggest to you, the potential reader, that the very use of words and phrases of which we are not much accustomed to today could be the primary means by which your attention is powerfully captured, and your mind drawn deeply into the message the writer is conveying in their written prayer, causing you to thereby pick up on the earnestness, piety, and godliness that you will find in them. They are so utterly inspiring; these writers have eloquently penned the thoughts which I have had, or that I want to have, but could never accurately or adequately put into words. I can't think of too many works that have affected me as much as this collection of prayers has done and as a result this book has the prominent place of being on my nightstand, right next to my Bible where it is easily accessible and often read. Another criticism I have read is that the editor Arthur Bennett did not place the actual Puritan authors name next to each individual prayer, and thereby people are hindered from being able to know who wrote which prayer, and to seek out writings from that author. Let me just submit that I think leaving the individual authors names off of each prayer is fitting for this book and the humble, godly attitude that is conveyed throughout. None of these men would care to be lifted up in the minds of their listeners or readers, but would rather have any glory be given solely to the Subject and Inspiration of their works. The editor gives a list of the men from whom these prayers originated in the Preface and Bibliography found in the front of the book for those interested in following up with more reading of their other works. I would venture to say that most of the Puritan writers, and certainly all listed as authors of the prayers in this book, are without a doubt very worthy of further reading. Here's a suggestion for you: purchase the less costly paperback edition of this gem and begin to explore the treasures that you will find inside. Once you have determined the usefulness and the value of having this book in your own library, you can then invest in the more durable bonded leather copy to keep forever and graciously pass along your paperback copy to another believer, thereby sharing a very valuable resource in our pursuit of the heart of God. They can then do the same. As we all press to become more like Christ, this book can and will be used by God to help us in our individual sanctification. I know you will enjoy and profit from having it.

EVERY Christian needs this book. Not just on the shelf, but to actively read it. They’re beautiful. They fill my soul. I’ve been reading one a day in the morning and they are truly speaking to the Christian life. World changing, truly.

I love how most, if not all, of these prayers are praying God’s were back to Him. I only wish that I had gotten the leather bound version as I will read it over and over and over again.

I’ve bought several to give as gifts! It’s an excellent way to pray or teaches us how to pray.

Great book of Puritan prayers.

I LOVE this beautiful collection of prayers. Such depth and thoughtfulness in each one.

Actually I was not aware of this book or it's writer until recommended by my pastor, and I am sure thankful he did!

Puritans prayed with a depth of knowing and having a relationship with the Trinity. Beautiful. Poetic. This is a read again and again collection.

It’s a pure golden asset

Um livro que toca a alma com as mais profundas orações dos puritanos. Excelente para pessoas cristãos que estejam buscando conforto em meio às aflições.

eine zusammenstellung von gebeten die die puritaner geschrieben haben... wunderschöne gebete. allerdings vorsicht, wie gesagt, von puritanern geschrieben... wenn man was damit anfangen kann- wirklich wunderschön... ich habe dieses buch bereits sehr oft gekauft und verschenkt und von einigen anderen sehr positive rückmeldungen bekommen!

This isn’t light devotional reading — it’s dense, 18th-century Puritan language that rewards slow, out-loud reading rather than skimming. What struck me most is the paradox in the title: for Bennett, the depths of suffering aren’t something to escape, they’re actually where clarity comes from. The prayers sit with real guilt and despair instead of rushing past them, which feels more honest than a lot of modern devotional

Lovely book on prayer