Amish Prayers is compiled by Beverly Lewis. This book is a series of prayers which has been divided into different categories such as prayers for: a new day, divine guidance, gratitude, repentance, comfort, praise, strength, purity in heart, unity, humility, submission and the evening. This book is remarkable in that this is the first time that many of these prayers have been translated from their original source in German to English. Each prayer is beautifully written and meaningfully phrased to breathe life into the words anew. Illustrations from different aspects of Amish life sketched in brown enhance the simplistic, yet profound meaning uttered in these words. All prayers are also associated with a passage from scripture that biblically grounds the prayer.
Overall, this book is beautifully done. It would be perfect for a gift book or to add to a devotional library. The prayers are meaningful. As I read them, many times I considered the authenticity that the Amish had in their prayer lives in comparison to my own seemingly shallow life that I had thought was once richly average. One of the most beautifully translated prayers is found on pg. 25. It goes:
O Lord, awaken in us a hunger and thirst for you and your righteousness. Teach us to act according to your will, for you are our God. May your good Spirit lead us along the straight path. We commend ourselves to you. Let all of our works be blessed and bring honor to your name and be useful to our neighbors. Make us into tools of your mercy and let us joyfully go forth and practice our calling. Amen
For reviewing this book, I received a free copy of it from Bethany House Publishers.
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