A Diary of Private Prayer

The overall appearance of the printed page is repulsive. Overly bold type, type size far too small for the weight of type face, cheap quality paper. These were to be gifts to treasured friends. A huge disappointment. I've owned a hardback copy for 40+ years and it is still elegant in its visual appeal. The current physical copy is a slap in the face to its spiritual content.

This book is so incredibly good. It is perfect for training your mind on what you should pray for and brings to mind so beautifully, the things in life that all of us need help with. Thank you John Baillie!!!!

The paper is a poor quality. The text of at least the prayer for the evening of the 12th has changed from the leather bound copy I received years ago. I haven't compared all the prayers. I wouldn't recommend it to friends.

The paper is a poor quality. The text of at least the prayer for the evening of the 12th has changed from the leather bound copy I received years ago. I haven't compared all the prayers. I wouldn't recommend it to friends.

Seems kind of funny to say that a book on prayer is a great read, but "A Diary of Private Prayer" by John Baillie is that and a whole lot more. I received the book as a gift just over 2 months ago. It has become a treasured tool to guide my prayer life, and even more to grow in my prayer life.

Dr. John Baillie from what I can tell was a Scottish theology professor, preacher, and author who had a heart for prayer and a desire to help others grow.

In the past 2 months, I've prayed through the book twice. It has morning and evening prayers for 31 days plus one special Sunday morning and evening page.

Here's why I like this book:

1) It affirms God as the one we come to in prayer, and His agenda trumps my agenda. Praying to God seems obvious, praying God's agenda for most people, not so obvious.

2) It recognizes the need to pray for others, not just myself. Not just the people I know, but the people I need to know to pray for -- unnamed faces, but critical issues in the eyes of God -- the poor, the lost, those in need.

3) It builds a pattern of prayer day and night that can be built into one's life. I"m more morning person, but because it's just a page to pray. I have time. I make time to pray morning and evening.

4) It improves my prayer life. I find myself praying these prayers, and saying God that's who I want to be -- one who follows Your will, one who builds his life on Your word.

The one potential downside, it is in more of a King James English. Not my cup of tea in prayer, but that too has led me to appreciate the use of language in prayer. In this case, to provide a prayer time that slowly looks at the words and even more learns to listen for Your spirit.

I am trying to make a spiritual practice of reading at least one of the daily prayers, each day. I am always blessed and so thankful to read words by a gifted author that bring me into the presence of God.

A friend purchased this short book for me and I love it. I would love to purchase several (approximately 12) but at a cheaper price. It is extremely helpful.

A thin book, but strong in the spirit. There are prayers, or parts of prayers, that will go straight to your heart and enliven your spirit. This is a beautiful set of prayer/meditations that you will cherish and return to again and again. Highly, highly recommended!

This book has opened up a new level of depth in my prayer life. He has a way of writing that helps me focus my soul on God. I found this book last fall and have since given it to four people, and will give it to many more in my role as a pastor.

I love this prayer devotional, Baillie does an excellent job helping you reflect on the amazing attributes of God. Would definitely recommend this to friends.