Seeking New Ways to Pray

Book Review:  "Committed but Flawed: Seeking NEW Ways to Grow Spiritually," by Cecil Murphey

I love all books that encourage a closer walk with God and offer practical ways to do it, but rarely does one come upon as fresh an approach as Murphey offers in "Committed but Flawed: Seeking NEW Ways to Grow Spiritually."

Focusing upon real people as presented in the Bible with all their flaws, Murphey zeroes in on one characteristic of each, one at a time, that he would like to have. He could pray to be LIKE Jacob, who with all his faults and shortcomings knew he was loved by God. Murphey wanted to know he was consistently loved by God too, despite his human failings, but rather than pray exactly this way, he chose a "shorthand" prayer simply because it seemed less cumbersome to him. He would pray, "I AM Jacob." He and God knew what he meant when he prayed that way. Others may feel more comfortable praying, "I want to be like Jacob" and Murphey recognizes that is fine, too.

Each chapter introduces a Biblical character who holds a trait Murphey wished to have for himself. Praying for each one for as long as he felt it took, over time, he believed he would take upon himself those characteristics he desired.

For some, this method of praying may seem unorthodox, awkward, or even strange - at least at first. But I encourage anyone who has a desire to grow in his or her relationship with the Lord to read this book and give it a try. It makes for a great book study. 

Even if this method doesn't seem to gel, I believe each reader might come to recognize there is no "one pat way" to pray, to seek His ways, or to grow in relationship with our Lord. I applaud Murphey for his courage to write something so different from the many "how-to-grow-spiritually" books available today. Thank God he was willing to "experiment" and dare to try something new, with much thought and care.

If you'd like to continue doing only what you're doing to grow spiritually, then don't buy this book. If you're willing to try something new that may definitely help you grow, then by all means, get this book today!