What Are We Doing When We Pray?

Prize: Winner of the Andrew Murray-Desmond Tutu Prize for Christian and Theological Books for 2009 'Vincent Brummer is a well-known world-class philosopher, who has also put his talents at the disposal of Christian theology. I always regard What Are We Doing When We Pray? as obligatory reading for the Philosophy of Religion at any level. With clarity and sophistication, this book addresses the practical question of whether prayer makes a difference. Brummer addresses the classic difficulty raised by Kant and others about whether prayer is only a private mental exercise or more than this. The first edition has long been out of print, and this was a tragedy. I warmly commend this newly revised and expanded edition.' Anthony Thiselton, University of Nottingham, UK 'This revised edition of this classic offers many new insights concerning the nature of faith and the relational character of God. Vincent Brummer makes stimulating company on a journey of philosophical reflection and spiritual exploration.' Christoph Schwobel, University of Tubingen, Germany 'Professor Brummer identifies clearly the significant theological complexities that arise when petitionary prayer is considered in relation to God's power and goodness and offers in each case a thoughtful, helpful perspective.' David Basinger, Roberts Wesleyan College, USA 'As always, Brummer is wonderfully clear and extremely insightful on how prayer guides the eyes of faith to understand God.' John Sanders, Hendrix College, USA 'Brummer certainly raises some interesting questions and subjects them to logical scrutiny that quite often proves illuminating... this book could be beneficial for those interested in Christian faith and practice as well as those undertaking a more philosophical examination of the relevant issues.' Theological Book Review 'Brummer's is a concise and sophisticated book that addresses the practical question of whether prayer makes a difference in the lives of believers. He addresses a classic difficulty initially raised by Kant and other philosophers about whether prayer is only a private mental exercise or something more. Brummer argues that, for believers, prayer has the power to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary.' Heythrop Journal 'The book is clearly written and should be within reach of most students.' SOPHIA 'What Are We Doing When We Pray? is an impressive book which contains profound insights but also stimulates to further fundamental thinking. Perhaps that is the highest praise a philosophical work can earn.' Journal of Reformed Theology