Andrew Murray (1828-1917) was a South African Dutch Reformed minister, who was educated in Scotland and Holland. Mystically inclined, he was greatly influenced by William Law and led a profound life of prayer. A prolific writer and speaker on devotional subjects he was the moving spirit in the missionary awakening in the Transvaal and Malawi. The most famous of his 250 publications was Abide in Christ, which appeared in numerous translations. Murray was the most influential leader of his own church in the nineteenth century, and an evangelical Christian of international stature.
Recently, friends of mine have recommended his books, and I have seen him referred to by other writers whom I respect. It has been many, many years since I have read him – probably, not since my student days. I found two titles in my library: With Christ in the School of Prayer, and The Prayer Life. In searching my files I found that I taught a class on Christian Spirituality at St. John’s Cathedral in Jacksonville in 1979 and recommended Andrew Murray’s books as resources. I have been rereading With Christ in the School of Prayer and it is proving more profitable than I can remember. I read one chapter each morning. The chapters are short and easy to read.
There are thirty one chapters on the following topics:
The Certain Answer to Prayer
The All-Comprehensive Gift
The Boldness of God’s Friends
Prayer Must Be Definite
The Faith that Takes
The Secret of Believing Prayer
The Cure of Unbelief
Prayer and Love
The Power of United Prayer
The Power of Persevering Prayer
Prayer in Harmony with God
The Main Purpose of Prayer
The All-Inclusive Condition
The All-Powerful Plea
The Holy Spirit and Prayer
Christ the Intercessor
Our Boldness in Prayer
A Life of Prayer
Each chapter begins with a verse of Scripture on the theme, an exposition of that Scripture, and closes with a prayer. Simple, clear, short, and spiritually enriching. I do recommend it to you.
This would make the perfect Lenten study. St. Paul urges us to “Pray without ceasing.” Andrew Murray can help us to do that. If we prayed more we would worry less. The apostles felt that they should give their attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word. (Acts 6:4) My desire is to become more prayerful about my life, and to turn my concerns into prayer. “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1 Timothy 3:1,2)