In the pages of this book the very heart of the Amish community is lain open for the world to see. It is in these prayers that were originally printed as Die Ernsthafte Christenpflicht in 1708 that we are invited into a deeper understanding of the faith that these people hold so dear. In prayer we each express those convictions of our faith that we hold close, those things that drive and influence us. It is in prayers that communities, families and churches are drawn together into a deeper more intimate relationship with Christ. Prayer reveals the heart of the believer. These prayers are poignant and beautiful - filled with the acknowledgement of the God who surpasses all things of this earth. I am thankful that the Amish community allowed something they consider so precious to be printed and that Beverly Lewis chose to pursue this. This book would be a welcome addition to any one's library of prayers. We are constantly teaching our children little rhyming prayers for bedtime and dinner - why not teach them prayers that are more significant in concern to their daily lives. These prayers are inspirational - causing one to strive for a more holy life, comforting - as they remind one of the great God we serve, and convicting - as they point out the very things we all struggle with and with humility ask for the guidance of God.

thank you Bethany House for this review copy. ( )

Admitedly I read this because I loved the irony of reading a e-book version of an Amish Prayer book. But these prayers are beautiful, theologically rich and self reflective. They come from the German prayerbook Die Ernsthafte Christenpflicht which is used by the Amish and other Anabaptists. The prayers are arranged here, topically as prayers for: a New Day, Divine Guidance, Gratitude, Repentance, Comfort, Praise, Strength, Purity of Heart, Unity, Humility, Submission and the Evening.

As the internet is a safe place to criticize the Amish, I offer this observation: There are no prayers about God's mission, the lost, evangelism, the outside world. These are community prayers, introspective and Godward. They are Trinitarian and rich, but an outward dimension is missing. ( )

I thought this was a great short read. Beverly Lewis's books are usually good, and this one is no exception. I was hoping for a little more amish stories in it, not just prayers and bible verses. However, it was still a very inspirational book. I didn't really have a favorite prayer or bible verse in Amish Prayers. I liked all of the book equally. It made a great Christmas gift for my mom, who absolutely loved it. It will definitely also make a great gift for anyone who likes Christian or Amish books. ( )