Title: Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer
Author: C.S. Lewis
First published January 1, 1964
124 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780156027663 (ISBN10: 0156027666)
Rating: 3.97
Overview
In Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer, C.S. Lewis delves into the essence of prayer and what it means for us as imperfect beings. Through his personal letters to his friend Malcolm, Lewis reveals his own spiritual journey and invites us to consider the role of prayer in our lives.
With his signature wit and intelligence, Lewis explores the form, regularity, content and importance of prayer, and how it shapes our beliefs, values and character. This touching and insightful book offers a unique perspective on prayer, giving readers a deeper understanding of their relationship with God.
Editoral Review
Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer is a book written by the influential Christian writer, C.S. Lewis. First published in 1964, this collection of letters addresses the topic of prayer from a unique perspective, as Lewis writes letters to an imagined friend named Malcolm.
As such, the book falls into the category of Christian non-fiction and is a departure from Lewis’s more famous fictional works such as The Chronicles of Narnia and The Screwtape Letters. The book is divided into two parts: the first section explores the nature of prayer, while the second section delves into practical advice for those looking to deepen their prayer life.
Throughout the book, Lewis weaves in personal anecdotes and reflections on his own experience with prayer, making the text feel both accessible and relatable. The strength of this book lies in Lewis’s lyrical prose and his ability to explain complex theological concepts in a way that is easy to understand.
The book is also notable for its willingness to grapple with questions that many Christians struggle with, such as the purpose of prayer and how to deal with doubts and skepticism. One of the highlights of the book is Lewis’s emphasis on the importance of imagination in prayer.
He argues that our imagination plays a crucial role in our prayer life and that we should cultivate it as a way to deepen our relationship with God. This idea is one that is relevant not just to Christians but to anyone looking to cultivate a more contemplative and spiritual life.
At times, the book can feel a bit disjointed, as the letters were not written with the intent of being published together. However, the charm of the book lies in its informal tone, which feels like a conversation with a wise and patient friend.
Overall, Letters to Malcolm is a book that is sure to inspire and challenge readers in their personal spiritual journeys. Lewis’s insights are as relevant today as they were when the book was first published over 50 years ago, and his willingness to grapple with difficult questions is a testament to his enduring influence as a Christian thinker and writer.
For anyone looking to deepen their understanding of prayer and the Christian faith, this book is an essential read. Rating: 4/5 stars
