"Praying the Parables" is a creative workshop on Christian prayer. Our communication with God should be lively and active, yet too often it is a drudgery. Joyce Huggett uses "Praying the Parables" to introduce readers to new (or merely often forgotten) methods of prayer. Instead of merely tell God about your requests Joyce Huggett suggests specific ways of contemplating on the parables of Jesus that lead to prayers of honesty. These prayers are more aboutknowing God better than they are about lifting requests to God. She suggests many different methods of prayer. These vary from assuming the parts of certain parables, to spiritual stock-taking, to journalling, and many other methods. These methods may be new to some and old hat to others, but Joyce Huggett's application of them is refreshing.

This is an excellent beginner's guide to contemplative prayer and it is also a joy to read. "The Joy of Listening to God" may be especially helpful to individuals from an evangelical tradition who feel drawn to the presence of God in prayer but have been taught to be suspicious of contemplative prayer. The author (the wife of a minister) comes from precisely this sort of background and addresses the biblical issues along with spiritual issues and practical suggestions for how to get started. Her faith shines through the pages of the and it's worth reading for its uplifting qualities alone.

This book has literally transformed my prayer life. The author, a pastor's wife and counselor in England, describes her journey into contemplative prayer in a practical way anyone can relate to. She doesn't come off as super-spiritual, but as a real person who makes mistakes and learns from them. The tone of the book is like a good friend leading you through each step of listening to God's voice. To realize that God speaks to us in many ways and that we can listen in many ways is powerful and eye-opening. The chapter where the author speaks in turn to traditional Christians, evangelicals, and charismatics is particularly helpful.

This is the best work I have ever read on the subject of contemplative prayer. With a compelling transparency, Huggett shares with the reader the joys and pitfalls she has encountered in her spiritual quest for intimacy with our Creator. In this beautiful book on spirituality and faith, we learn the various stages a seeker may pass through in learning to listen to God. We learn to hear God in the stillness of our prayer closet, to see Him in nature, in visions, dreams, and. of course, in his Word. Numerous resources and techniques are mentioned so that the reader may find her own path for enhancing her relationship with God.

I'm Christian, but I had major issues with this book. It includes one of the most stereotypical/ignorant/attacking chapter titles I've ever heard ("Another Offshoot of Lonliness: Homosexuality"). I find it hard to stomach that someone could write that homosexuality is due to lonliness. There are much better Christian teen self-help books out there. You'd be better off purchasing "Life on the Edge" by James Dobson. Give this one a miss.

I'm Christian, and I had some major questions before I read this book. I found this book _very_ helpful for perspective. It includes some of the most compassionate and understanding writing I have ever come across in Christian writing--and especially about this very sensitive and central topic. Although some may differ with Hugget's stance on homosexuality, her perspective is a valid one. I trust she has done her research of the Scriptures and of experiential truth thoroughly in her many years of study and counseling. The discussion on the human need for intimacy, the walk-through on physical intimacy steps, and the simultaneously forgiving and purity-inspiring tone/approach are some of this book's many highlights. Grace is a central concept in this book. Definitely give this one a go!

This book is one that every home should have. Talking to teenagers about dating, sex and friendship can be difficult, this book offers the Christian views on how to handle these difficult times. Parents and children should read and discuss this book together.