Why We Pray

I'm reading Why We Pray a second time because this isn't the kind of book one reads once. Dr. John C. Peckham has already written several helpful books on theodicy; he now takes his interpretive tools to the task of giving us a theology of prayer. Beginning with identifying common objections to prayer, Dr. Peckham then addresses them in the light of how God's covenantal love functions within the war of good and evil. He shows how even God submits to the rules of engagement of the cosmic conflict, and how this sometimes makes Him appear indifferent to our woes.

Toward the end of the book, Dr. Peckham's pen takes on a pastoral feel. All the elegant logic he has laid down in previous chapters builds his appeal to keep trusting God even when loss and grief challenge that trust. Speaking personally, this book fortified my faith, comforted my heart, and left me wanting more from the author.

The author of "Theodicy of Love" explores the problem of petitionary prayer in "Why We Pray: Understanding Prayer in the Context of Cosmic Conflict," a relatively quick read that somehow still also takes a deep dive into questions many questions have asked and others have thought but been afraid to ask.

If God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and entirely good, why do we need to ask God to do good things? Why do some prayers go unanswered? Do our prayers really make a difference?

In short, John C. Peckham looks at why we pray and what happens when we pray. Despite "Why We Pray" being a relatively short and quick read, it's not filled with easy answers or the usual formulaic responses to these questions. Instead, we get a thoughtful, well-informed, and theologically grounded discussion about these questions that mystify. Did I necessarily agree with all of Peckham's conclusions? Nope, but I deeply appreciated his discussions, observations, and invitations to wrestle with prayer and more reasons to commit myself to it.

So many books that try to approach this topic take a lighter, more inspirational route. Peckham does a Scriptural deep dive that I believe will resonate with Christians across the theological spectrum. "Why We Pray" is both deeply felt and theologically satisfying. Peckham directly addresses the issue of unanswered prayers, not the Garth Brooks type, and paints a wonderful portrait of a God who is impacted by our words and actions and in relationship with us.

In short, Peckham strongly creates an argument that prayer really does make a difference and discusses how cosmic conflict is actually essential. I was struck by just how much I felt I had learned, or been challenged to learn by "Why We Pray" and also how inspired to learn and pray I became by the end.

"Why We Pray" is a compelling and insightful work that reimagines the practice of prayer through a relational and love-saturated theological lens. John C. Peckham masterfully articulates how prayer functions within the context of a relational God who is deeply engaged with creation. He delves into the intricacies of petitionary prayer, addressing common doubts and reaffirming its significance in the cosmic conflict. The book skillfully incorporates the theme of cosmic powers, exploring how prayer interacts with spiritual forces and influences divine action in the ongoing struggle between good and evil. By emphasizing God's dynamic responsiveness, the book bridges traditional and contemporary theological thought, making it both profound and accessible. Peckham's integration of biblical narratives and theological principles provides a robust framework for understanding prayer as a transformative and relational practice. His exploration of divine love, human freedom, and the impact of prayer on both God and the world is particularly illuminating. This book is highly recommended for theologians, clergy, and laypersons seeking a deeper, more nuanced understanding of prayer.

Pray is a very ordinary spiritual discipline in the life of Jesus's disciples like me and you. But sometimes, we could get unmotivated to pray from time to time. We think that God don't answer our prayer so why should we pray anymore. Surely, Peckham will bring us to understand prayer in new context of cosmic conflict, and by this perspective, will encourage us to pray more for the growing of God's kingdom in the world.