The strength of Puritan character and life lay in prayer and meditation. In this practice, the spirit of prayer was considered of paramount importance and the best form of prayer, because living prayer is the characteristic of genuine spirituality. However, prayer is also vocal and can, therefore, at times be written down. Consequently, in the Puritan tradition there are many written prayers and meditations that constitute a significant body of inspiring devotional literature.
Too often extemporaneous 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 thoroughness of the scriptures that others found necessary in their approach to God can be of help. The Valley of Vision has been prepared not as "offered" prayers, but to promote and foster the Christian as he treads the path that others have gone before.
You will savor the elegance of these writings as they transport you to the heavenly throne of grace. Themes include redemption and reconciliation, holy aspirations, penitence, and more. This book is not intended to be read as a prayer manual. The soul learns to pray by praying, since prayer is communion with a transcendent and immanent God who, on the basis of His nature and attributes, puts all the faculties of the redeemed soul at the service of total worship and dedication.
