With Christ in the School of Prayer

Andrew Murray wrote this devotional guide in 1885 as a practical handbook for Christians seeking to deepen their prayer lives. Drawing from his experience as a Dutch Reformed minister in South Africa and his encounters with various revival movements, Murray addressed what he saw as a widespread weakness in Christian prayer practice. He observed that many believers struggled with unanswered prayers, inconsistent prayer habits, and a lack of confidence in approaching God.

The work presents thirty-one meditations, each built around a specific passage where Jesus teaches about prayer or demonstrates prayer in action. Murray systematically examines Christ's instructions on prayer from the Gospels, including the Lord's Prayer, teachings on persistent prayer, and promises about asking in Jesus's name. He argues that effective prayer requires both understanding Jesus's teachings about prayer and cultivating an intimate relationship with Christ himself. Murray emphasizes that prayer is fundamentally about aligning one's will with God's will, not about persuading God to fulfill human desires. He insists that believers must approach prayer with faith, persistence, and a willingness to surrender their own agendas. The work also addresses practical obstacles to prayer, including doubt, selfishness, and insufficient preparation of the heart.

Murray's approach to prayer has influenced evangelical spirituality for over a century, particularly within Reformed and holiness traditions. His emphasis on both the mechanics of prayer and the spiritual preparation required has made this a foundational text in many prayer ministries and discipleship programs. The work's systematic progression through Jesus's teachings provides a structured approach to prayer that appeals to those seeking methodical spiritual growth. Who should read this: Christians who want a biblical, systematic approach to developing their prayer lives, particularly those from evangelical backgrounds who appreciate detailed exposition of scripture applied to spiritual practice. Those seeking more contemplative or mystical approaches to prayer may find Murray's didactic style less appealing.