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You are here: Home / Reviews / Kneeling with Giants: Learning to Pray with History’s Best Teachers by Gary Neal Hansen: A Book Review

Kneeling with Giants: Learning to Pray with History’s Best Teachers by Gary Neal Hansen: A Book Review

June 12, 2013 By Mark Beresford

Kneeling With Giants

Hansen, Gary Neal. Kneeling with Giants: Learning to Pray with History’s Best Teachers. InterVarsity Press. 2012. ($14.95AU)

Kneeling with Giants introduces the reader to ten (10) historical approaches and practices of prayer. Each approach is considered through the writings of a prominent exponent and teacher.  Hansen draws widely, freely, and unapologetically from across Christian traditions and historical periods.

The result is stunning.

The book  takes readers on a pilgrimage that considers The Divine Office, The Lord’s Prayer, The Jesus Prayer, Studious Meditation on the Psalms, The Prayer of the Senses, Recollection of the Presence of God, Meditation through Writing, Contemplation in the Dark, The Healing Light, and the Ministry of Intercession. Teachers and writers include: St Benedict, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Ignatius of Loyola, St Teresa of Avila, the Puritan writers, the unknown author of ‘The Cloud of Unknowing’, Agnes Sanford, and Andrew Murray.

From this list it is clear that this is not simply a book on intercession. This is a book that takes on the many dimensions prayer. 

Hansen’s book began life as a seminary course. Indeed, the book is well structured and moves logically and progressively from beginning to end. At a number of points Hansen encourages readers to take this book slowly. The class Hansen teaches considers each practice over a two week period where he requires students to practice and discuss each method before making their assessment. He expects different personalities to be drawn to different methods and that many individuals will pray in different ways across a lifetime. He encourages a spirit of exploration and experiment.

Clearly Hansen’s primary concern is not  theoretical or even theological (a gathering of these chosen ‘Giants’ would produce an intriguing discussion indeed!). Kneeling with Giants is not about finding the one ‘right’ way to pray. Hansen openly expects most readers to struggle with at least some of the methods – whether this stems from theological concerns or personality traits.

The book would lend itself well to adult group study and discussion. Indeed, Hansen encourages readers to consider how his study might fit into the life of the church. Appendix 1 offers practical guidance in using the text in this way.

Another addition to Kneeling with Giants is the e-study guide which offers primary reading material from the writers considered under each practice – a nice bonus indeed!

Kneeling with Giants is one of those books that those who take prayer seriously are likely to re-visit regularly. It is practical and – when the opportunity  presents itself – a study I would like to offer and lead. The book will be worth the time it takes to consider, and practice, carefully.

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Reviews

Barefoot Follower: Inviting Reflection on the Stories of Jesus

The 'Barefoot Follower' site is a collection of passion-filled reflections, sermons, and reviews centred around the teachings of Jesus. Join me as we consider what these ancient, long-treasured documents might tell us about God and ourselves. For more information on the concept, purpose, and aspiration of the site please visit the Introduction page.

Comments

  1. Gary Neal Hansen says

    June 23, 2013 at 3:19 am

    Dear Mark:
    Thanks so much for writing about my book here — and for really getting it! You made my day. I’d love to be in contact and hear how you came across Kneeling with Giants. You can find me on my blog (garynealhansen[dot]com)
    Every blessing,
    Gary

    • Mark Beresford says

      June 23, 2013 at 2:06 pm

      Dear Gary,

      Thanks for your comment, Gary. I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the review. I really did like the book – and love the thought that it is a course. I am a little surprised you found it!

      I originally found it in the local Koorong book catalogue (a Christan bookstore in Australia) and later remembered and purchased it when I saw it in the store. I was not only attracted to the title and topic, but felt that it was a step in the right direction for bringing Christians and their varying traditions together. Something in me thinks it is quite a timely text.

      Thanks again,

      Peace,

      Mark

      • Gary Neal Hansen says

        July 3, 2013 at 6:38 am

        Dear Mark:

        I can thank “Google Alerts” for letting me know about your post. They are ever vigilant and fitfully efficient at such things.

        Do let me know if you ever lead a group study of the book. If you find they are interested in a Skype video chat with the author it can be fun — I did it recently with a group in New Zealand.

        And if you ever are in that bookstore and find it on the shelf again, and if you are feeling whimsically generous, zap a photo of it and post it to my Facebook page! (It turns out to be quite a challenge to get the book onto the shelves of actual bookstores — I’ve only found it once.)

        I’d love to keep in touch. I’ll be setting my rss reader to follow your blog.

        Blessings,

        Gary

        • Mark Beresford says

          July 3, 2013 at 3:42 pm

          Dear Gary,

          I will be going into Koorong on Saturday, so I’ll have a look to see if it is still on the shelves.

          Thanks for the offer of a skype chat. It certainly would be a bonus to converse with the author.

          Thanks again for getting in touch.

          Peace,

          Mark

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