The Valley of Vision
A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions
| Weight | 0.74 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 8.5 × 5.4 × 0.6 in |
| ISBN | 9780851512280 |
| Paperback ISBN | 9780851512280 |
| Bonded Leather ISBN | 9780851518213 |
| Genuine Leather ISBN | 9781848713093 |
| Premium Goatskin ISBN | 9781848713123 |
| Binding | Genuine Leather, Premium Goatskin, Paperback, Bonded Leather, eBook (ePub & Kindle), Paperback & eBook (ePub & Kindle), Bonded Leather & eBook (ePub & Kindle) |
| Topic | Encouragement, Prayer, Spiritual Growth |
| Original Pub Date | 1975 |
| Banner Pub Date | Nov 1, 1975 |
| Page Count | 240 |
| Paperback Page Count | 240 |
| Leather Page Count | 432 |
| Format | Book |
Endorsements
‘When used slowly, for meditation and prayer, these pages have often been used by God’s Spirit to kindle my dry heart.’ — MARK DEVER
‘The prayers in The Valley of Vision are steeped in Scripture, yet never succumb to mere formula. They are theologically fresh and vibrant, yet they are rooted in confessionalism. They range over a huge sweep of Christian experience and devotion, but they are never merely esoteric or cute. They brim with deep emotion and transparent passion, but they carefully avoid mere sentimentalism. This is a book that teaches readers to pray by example.’ — D. A. CARSON
‘The Valley of Vision is a wonderful collection of Puritan prayers which both help to shape and inform our own private devotions and, perhaps more importantly, aid pastors as they seek to lead their congregations in prayer and into the presence of God.’ — CARL TRUEMAN
‘I cannot commend enough The Valley of Vision, which is a compilation of over two-hundred pages of Puritan prayers (each of which are one page in length). I pray through one of these prayers every day. Sometimes the prayers are so meaningful and relevant that I will pray through the same prayer for days. This is a wonderful aid to supplement one’s own prayers. Indeed, these prayers will also teach one how to pray, and, at the same time, they teach theological truth. I cannot think of any Christian who would not benefit from these prayers.’ — GREG BEALE
‘It’s amazing how frequently the prayers from the little book The Valley of Vision show up in our worship services. The Valley of Vision is a collection of Puritan prayers, and I would put them in that category. That is, they are thoughtful, reflective, and meditative. They’re even written in a certain kind of cadence, if you’ve ever noticed, which is probably very intentional, so that they might be used in corporate settings. But they came out of a deep heart of communion with God.’ — JOHN PIPER
Book Description
The strength of Puritan character and life lay in prayer and meditation. In this practice the spirit of prayer was regarded as of first importance and the best form of prayer, for living prayer is the characteristic of genuine spirituality. Yet prayer is also vocal and may therefore on occasions be written. Consequently in the Puritan tradition there are many written prayers and meditations which constitute an important corpus of inspiring devotional literature. Too often ex tempore prayer lacks variety, order and definiteness. The reason for this lies partly in a neglect of due preparation. It is here that the care and scriptural thoroughness which others found necessary in their approach to God may be of help. This book has been prepared not to ‘supply’ prayers but to prompt and encourage the Christian as he treads the path on which others have gone before. The author was a Canon of St. Albans Cathedral, sometime Rector of Little Munden and Sacombe, Hertfordshire, and was for seventeen years a tutor in Biblical Theology and Christian Doctrine at All Nations Christian College. He died in October 1994 aged 79.
PREMIUM GOATSKIN and GENUINE LEATHER EDITIONS
The Genuine Leather Gift Edition comes with a Genuine Leather cover, and a single ribbon marker. It has a Smyth Sewn binding, and comes in a protective case. This edition is a nice step up from the bonded leather edition.
The Premium Goatskin Gift Edition is our top-of-the-line, hand-finished edition, with a goatskin leather cover, gilded filigree edging, and two ribbon markers. It has a Smyth Sewn binding, and comes in a protective case. This edition is noticeably more supple than the Genuine Leather.
Ligon Duncan on The Valley of Vision
Mark Johnston on The Valley of Vision
Review
Gift Edition Review
Table of Contents Expand ↓
Paperback Edition
| Preface | vii | |
| Introductory: The Valley of Vision | xix | |
| I | Father, Son, and Holy Spirit | 3 |
| II | Redemption and Reconciliation | 35 |
| III | Penitence and Deprecation | 69 |
| IV | Needs and Devotions | 99 |
| V | Holy Aspirations | 127 |
| VI | Approach to God | 145 |
| VII | Gifts of Grace | 157 |
| VIII | Service and Ministry | 177 |
| IX | Valediction | 203 |
| X | A Week’s Shared Prayers | 209 |
| Bibliography | 225 |
Leather Editions
| Preface | ix | |
| Bibliography | xiii | |
| Introductory: The Valley of Vision | xxiv | |
| 1 | Father, Son, and Holy Spirit | 2 |
| 2 | Redemption and Reconciliation | 62 |
| 3 | Penitence and Deprecation | 122 |
| 4 | Needs and Devotions | 180 |
| 5 | Holy Aspirations | 230 |
| 6 | Approach to God | 262 |
| 7 | Gifts of Grace | 282 |
| 8 | Service and Ministry | 320 |
| 9 | Valediction | 370 |
| 10 | A Week’s Shared Prayers | 378 |
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Robert Winn –
During the summer of 2013, my son-in law died from a violent, self-inflicted injury. I spent 6 weeks at his bedside … over 1500 miles away from home. During those days, I often experienced a rather daunting emotional roller coaster ride. I struggled with the reality of death. I struggled with right-to-life issues. Often, I struggled with others, who shared this difficult path together with me. After three weeks, the Lord graciously provided still another home-away from home. Under the coffee table in that home, I discovered a copy of “The Valley of Vision.” It brought me life and peace and comfort. It challenged my heart and my attitude. I bless the Lord for the men whose hearts were on display for me in this book … whose prayers helped me to look upon my own heart and challenged me to lift my eyes up to heart of God. I only wish I had discovered this book over thirty years ago, when I began my full-time ministry. Along with the Scriptures, it will be my companion for the remainder of my earthly journey.
Grant –
In the mornings when I endeavor to set my heart on God, it is often difficult to awaken my mind and heart when still shaking off the lingering effects of a night spent sleeping. After a brief prayer, I have found the prayers in the book kindle the flame in my heart to seek His face anew. Often, after I’ve read through a prayer, slowly and deliberately, I’m left with tears standing in my eyes, and an “Amen” whispering from my lips. In my heart I say to the Lord, “Yes. Make that my prayer too, Lord.” When you have difficulty finding the words to pray, this book can be used of the Spirit to bring them out for you. I thank God for these prayers. They are timeless, and a means of grace to me.
Logan –
I start my morning prayer time by using this little gem and pray the prayers of my own. It often leads me into prayers of praise and/or confession. My prayer time has been greatly enriched by this little book. I recently gave my copy to a family in my church while they have been in the hospital, and I directed them to a particular section of prayers. They had told me that praying together was particularly comforting during this difficult time and I immediately thought of the Valley of Vision. They quickly sent me a note thanking me for the book and expressed what an encouragement it has been to them. I keep it with my Bible at all times. I once heard a pastor say, though I forget who he was quoting, that if he were stuck on an island that if he could only have two books it would be his Bible and the Valley of Vision. I immediately bought a copy to see why the excitement. Honestly the book sat unused for years. I wish I would have started using it much sooner. Other than the Bible, no book has affected my prayers more than the Valley of Vision. I would commend it to you with great excitement.
Christa –
Ligon Duncan’s video testimonial is so very true. I was a Roman Catholic for 50 years, and we never prayed like this in the Roman Catholic Church, nor does the Liturgy of the Hours contain prayers such as these. It’s difficult to describe how deeply moving it was for me for an entirely new world of prayer to be opened up to me. The title prayer, when I heard it read by Max McLean, was the prayer that first captured my attention. The collector and editor of these prayers, Arthur Bennett, is also a beautiful man. This collection is a beautiful entryway into the piety of the Puritans. You’ll never hear a prayer such as one of these at Willow Creek or any other similarly noisy, entertainment-driven “church.” The Puritans have become very dear to me and have helped me in my own thought and prayer. I pray they will with you as well.
Greg Myers –
Whenever I feel my heart at odds with my Savior or becoming separated, cold or indifferent I can kneel in prayer, reading from this book of splendid prayers and be brought to tears, once again feeling the conviction of sin and a renewed refreshing of my Spirit for Jesus. I am so grateful that this book is available. Thank you!
Leighton K. Derr –
The pastor of our church (Proclamation Presbyterian Church in Bryn Mawr, PA) gifted a copy of “The Valley of Vision” to us on the occasion of our marriage, the second for each of us 64-year-old folk. What a blessing. We read through it multiple times as one thing we would read together in our morning devotions. Turning the corner down so we could find “that really good one” didn’t work; there were just too many. We keep an inventory on our book shelf. It can be the perfect gift for someone who has just lost a loved one, whatever the circumstance, and it has always been well received.
James Dorman –
Regarding the content:
As a man who was not raised in a Christian household nor around believing family members, I owe a lot to works such as the Valley of Vision for enriching and shaping my prayer life.
For many of us, our prayer life lacks structure as well as prayer-content that is informed by God’s Word. If we are honest, we are naturally on auto-pilot towards vain-repetition or self-centeredness, or worse: wallowing in who we are rather than magnifying our Triune God for who He is, praising Him for this perfect and free redemption He has designed, purchased and applied to us, and living in light of these things. This is exactly what you will find in the Valley of Vision.
For anyone in similar shoes, looking for direction on prayer, I would immediately recommend the Valley of Vision as well as to become very familiar with how the Westminster Larger & Shorter Catechism handle the Lord’s Prayer as a guide for prayer.
As for the quality:
I have been using the Valley of Vision (bonded leather) for about 9 years (since my early 20’s). I had really run it into the ground from daily use and it was time for an upgrade. My wife recognized this and for Christmas (2020) she bought me the recent Goatskin edition and it is a great upgrade to the bonded leather. The content is identical but the cover is upgraded as well as two ribbon markers are included instead of one. My hope is to see this one last another decade and then some.
Thank you Banner of Truth!
Steven Martin –
I received the book “Valley of Vision” as a Christmas gift. Because it is a prayer book, I decided to use it as a beginning for my morning devotional time. I have been astounded by how reading a prayer each morning has been able to focus my mind and thoughts. I have been better receptive to scriptures and more focused in my prayers as a result. Fantastic book and I highly recommend it!
Joe Collis –
I have three editions of this amazing work (Paperback, Bonded Leather, and Premium Goatskin) and I will forever treasure this helpful product. As a church staff member spiritual vitality can become dull, routine, and even lifeless at times. But this work again and again has been used by the Lord to rekindle my spiritual fervor. To give me words of praise and prayer when my soul was weary. And it has drawn me into times of even greater praise in moments of celebration as well. A book with prayers for any season this is an incredible tool that encourages and helps sinners connect deeply with their God and Savior. I highly recommend you should get an edition of this work, read it, and keep it close.
Chad Getz –
It has been a long time since I have used any type of devotional aid. Recently, I have become the senior pastor at Calvary Chapel Wahiawa and have felt the need to be poured into my spiritual life. I found this book, which of a green and treasure. The prayers here spur my intelligence and arise my desire to grab my Bible and jot down the references in which these prayers, in many places, originate from. This never happens, though, because they accost my heart and desire into yearning for the sovereign work of God, the saving work of Jesus, and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit to take place in my life. I recommend everyone, especially ministered, to have a copy and get a few for those men and women around you.
wemales –
Excellent, I find it truly expands my narrow focus in prayer, pointing out aspects of my own life I failed to rightly consider and humbly place before the Lord.
Tim –
Great book of wonderful prayers to help us look up to God and to keep our minds and hearts under submission to Him. The quality of the bonded leather is great and feels good to hold and read. I liked it so much I purchased one for my father.
Lawson –
I was given the Valley of Vision by my campus ministry director in college and have grown to love it over the years. It’s been amazing to read the prayers of the Puritans and see their reliance on God in all of life. It has been both a sweet comfort and a strong encouragement in my prayers, and I just bought a copy for my brother.
Keifer Navey –
I’m ashamed to say that it’s taken me so long to read and utilize “The Valley of Vision”. I have distinct memories of my dad reading through the Valley of Vision for times of family worship on family vacations as recent as a few years ago. I’ve seen it everywhere with everyone but for some reason it’s just now made it into my hands. And let me tell you, there is a reason why it’s so popular.
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I’ve been using it daily for a few months now and it’s become a true companion. I look forward to reading it every morning. The flowery puritan language is compelling, moving, and worshipful. For nearly every moment in your life you could likely find a corresponding prayer in this helpful collection. Truly, one of the more remarkable things is how your own prayers begin to transform after reading through these prayers consistently.
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This gorgeous edition is their goatskin version, and it’s built with incredible attention to detail. For starters, it’s Smyth Sewn so it’s going to last your life time and probably your children’s children’s lifetime. It’s supple goatskin, but still firm in the hands. It has two ribbon markers, perimeter stitching, gold gilding.
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I can’t help but recommend this for your family worship time. We teach our children how to pray, and in learning how to pray from the puritans we’d set them on down a pretty good path. I’d also recommend it to you as high tier birthday present, anniversary present, and gift for your elders.
Russ W. Alford –
Just wanted to thank Banner of Truth for publishing an amazing and beautiful devotional in an amazing and beautiful binding. This is my second purchase of the VOV (genuine leather this time), and I am quite sure it will give me many years of use. Blessings to you all.
kellynussbaum –
This is a must read for every Christian! This book will inform your mind, stir your heart, and motivate your hands to be diligent and faithful in living every moment to the glory of God. This is, apart from the Bible, the most helpful book ever to come into my hands. I use it everyday and am continually pointed to the Scriptures, and, thus, the God of the Scriptures.
R. Greg Myers –
Whenever I feel a detachment from Jesus Christ or my walk has strayed, I find that kneeling down and praying the prayers from this book brings heartfelt tears to flow freely and my sensing His presence. I noticed the other day that I had dog-eared pages that had brought me close to Christ, but I smiled as I realized nearly the entire book’s pages had been so noted. What makes this book of prayers so special is that these prayers relate to us all. The authors of the prayers were feeling what I feel..my hope in Christ, my loathing of self, my desire to be closer to Christ, my fears of failings, and the wonderful joy in feeling closeness, again to our Lord and Savior