Book Review: Yours is the Day, Lord, Yours is the Night

Sometimes prayer life needs a little jump start.  So I was really excited to get a copy of a prayer book titled "Your is the Day, Lord, Yours is the Night" by Jeanie & David Gushee.


Each day includes two prayers, one for morning and one for evening.  The source for these prayers is very diverse, including authors such as Ralph Waldo Emerson; Charles Spurgeon; Mary Stuart, Queen of Scotland; and Martin Luther, just to name a very few.  Many of these prayers are absolutely beautiful and some are a little "different" (see October 31).  Some are wordy, others to the point.  

Personally, what I found challenging is that the vast majority of these prayers are written in "olde English".  I had hoped for something less formal; something more contemporary.  It made reading the prayers, for me, not the experience I had hoped for to move me to deeper prayer.  Instead I found it to be a bit trying.

So with that said, if you are a long-time Christian, steeped in King James, and adoring of Olde English, you will really enjoy this book.  But... I really would have to withhold my recommendation for someone who is a new Christian or one who appreciates a more contemporary approach to prayer.

Reviews are personal opinions.  I regret having to share a negative opinion with you about a book of prayer. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided with a free copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.