The Barber Who Wanted to Pray Hardcover – Illustrated, September 16, 2011

Gift

Though the amount of words on each page can make you think it wouldn't read like a children's book, I read this to my children in one sitting. The great illustrations helped them remain engaged and I love the fact that R.C. Sproul is helping us all learn a little more about church history in such a creative way.I also recommend that parents buy the "A Simple Way to Pray" booklet for themselves that this book is based on.

R.C. Sproul has a way of "bringing the cookies" to a level that anyone can reach. Once again, he has accomplished this feat in his newest children's book, The Barber Who Wanted to Pray.Sproul retells the historical account of Martin Luther's trip to the barber shop. This was no ordinary visit. Luther was a wanted man. Nailing the 95 theses on the castle door at Wittenberg became more than public dispute. These nails sealed Luther's fate - at least in the eyes of the Roman Catholic Church.The barber who held a sharpened razor to Luther's neck knew that in one movement, Luther would be a dead man. The barber could retire in the lap of luxury. But instead of cashing in his chips, the barber asked Luther a penetrating question: "Dr. Luther, can you teach me to pray?" The German Reformer was astonished and impressed with this request. He asked for some time to frame a response. Within days, he was back with an answer - an answer that the people of God can all benefit from.Luther's response to his barber was a simple approach to prayer - all based on the Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Apostles' Creed. He would eventually compile his answer into a valuable little book, entitled The Way to Pray. The essence of his method is to pray line by line, reflecting on the truth contained in the Ten Commandments, Lord's Prayer, and Apostles' Creed.On this Reformation Sunday, let us remember the accomplishments of Luther and the Protestant Reformers. But more importantly, let us marvel at the beauty of the gospel and the precious truth of justification by faith alone!"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom. 5:1, ESV).Semper Reformanda!

What I love about some children’s books is that they have lessons for the adults. I have had trouble trying to figure out how to pray.I purchased this book and it was answer to my prayer. It goes through a fun story of a barber asking Martin Luther how to pray. Martin Luther teaches the barber how to pray in the most simple way. A model that is simple to copy on a daily basis.

Granted, I skimmed this, but it didn't hold my interest because it is not well written. The dialogue is forced, especially from the children: what child really tells a parent that their prayers are soooo beautiful it makes them want to cry?And the story of Martin Luther was also hokey in places. Why all the detail about how nervous the barber was, the temptation to kill him and gain the reward money, when....No! Martin Luther was his HERO!!!!I think the concept is solid, but the text needs improvement. Luther's gentle lesson and encouragement should be shared, but in a better way. Sproul is too academic here.

Great book on the life of Martin Luther. My kids loved the story and we very intrigued by the the reformation. If you’re looking for a good intro book for kids into the life of the reformation and Luther this is it. Also a beautiful explanation on prayer.

This is Sally.Excellent book. Exceptionally well written. My grandchildren (ages 5, 7 and 9) love ❤️ when i read it to them. Beautifully illustrated. Theologically and doctrinally sound.

I love reading it with my kids! Then I found out my barber was a Christian so I got him a copy and he loved it!

This is a fantastic book I was happy to add to my library! It is about some of Martin Luther's teaching on prayer. I really enjoyed reading it as an adult and with my tweens and teens. It is not really for very young children. It has lots of words. Great for older elementary and tweens.

Excellent book...we used the audio version for a K-8 Reformation Day assembly...the students spontaneously clapped when it was over.

Delightful history.

Anything by R.C.Sproul is to be read!