Knocking on Heaven's Door: A New Testament Theology of Petitionary Prayer

by David Crump Ph.D.

Overview

How are we to understand petitionary prayer? This is a key question for any thoughtful believer who desires to take both the Bible and experience seriously. Some believe God answers any prayer as long as the one praying has enough faith and/or persistence. Others conclude from experience that prayer is really for our benefit and has no impact on God's actions. According to David Crump, both views are extreme and potentially harmful.

While books that deal with prayer from a devotional or experiential perspective have their value, Knocking on Heaven's Door takes a different approach. Crump carefully studies every New Testament passage that has to do with petitionary prayer and draws conclusions that are both theological and pastoral to help us understand the great mystery of prayer.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780801026898
Publisher:	Baker Academic & Brazos Press
Publication date:	09/01/2006
Pages:	352
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.77(d)

About the Author

David Crump (Ph.D., University of Aberdeen) is professor of religion and theology at Calvin College. He is the author of Jesus the Intercessor: Prayer and Christology in Luke-Acts and Feeling Like God: A Spiritual Journey to Emotional Wholeness.

Editorial Reviews

Scripture is filled with examples of prayer and supplication. Many of these prayers teach us about God and our relationship to Him, and can be rich sources of sound theological teaching. Crump, professor of religion and philosophy at Calvin College and author of Jesus the Intercessor, brings together a series of insightful and deeply spiritual thoughts on some of the major petitionary prayers in the Bible, which he describes as "asking for an audience with the cosmic king, and then making our requests clearly known." He expresses some concern that incorrect teaching on petitionary prayer can lead to disappointment and a consequent loss of faith, and sees the solution in a rational and scripturally sound approach to understanding the prayer relationship between God and humanity. Crump carefully studies several of Jesus' parables, the Lord's Prayer and the Pauline writings, among others, as they explain and clarify God's intent in urging his followers to pray. Crump's exacting attention to the original languages and a diversity of scholarship, along with his clear writing style, provide a rich and rewarding study of petitionary prayer. Academics and general readers alike will find much to appreciate. (July) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

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