Another criticism I have read is that the editor Arthur Bennett did not place the actual Puritan authors name next to each individual prayer, and thereby people are hindered from being able to know who wrote which prayer, and to seek out writings from that author. Let me just submit that I think leaving the individual authors names off of each prayer is fitting for this book and the humble, godly attitude that is conveyed throughout. None of these men would care to be lifted up in the minds of their listeners or readers, but would rather have any glory be given solely to the Subject and Inspiration of their works. The editor gives a list of the men from whom these prayers originated in the Preface and Bibliography found in the front of the book for those interested in following up with more reading of their other works. I would venture to say that most of the Puritan writers, and certainly all listed as authors of the prayers in this book, are without a doubt very worthy of further reading.

I was given the Valley of Vision by my campus ministry director in college and have grown to love it over the years. It’s been amazing to read the prayers of the Puritans and see their reliance on God in all of life. It has been both a sweet comfort and a strong encouragement in my prayers, and I just bought a copy for my brother. Shebna looked for honor, glory, and a lasting memorial, but he would not find it. The LORD made certain of that. That proud leader was never buried in his expensive tomb. He died in exile away from his home, magnificent tomb, and the beautiful valley that had fallen into ruin. Chalk grassland restoration, an extensive events programme, new community trails, engaging with schools and conserving ancient monuments, are just a handful of the successful projects that were undertaken. Although now completed, the legacy of VOV and the hard work of the team, landowners and local organisations, continues. Discover more about the scheme in the Valley of Visions magazine and the Community Trails and Medway Valley Rail Trails leaflets continue to provide a great way to explore and enjoy the Medway Gap. Community Trails This next passage serves as a wonderful reminder of why we should never base our assurance of salvation on our feelings: A symbolic name generally understood to signify Jerusalem as being the home of prophetic vision ( Isaiah 22:1,5).The prayers in The Valley of Vision are steeped in Scripture, yet never succumb to mere formula. They are theologically fresh and vibrant, yet they are rooted in confessionalism. They range over a huge sweep of Christian experience and devotion, but they are never merely esoteric or cute. They brim with deep emotion and transparent passion, but they carefully avoid mere sentimentalism. This is a book that teaches readers to pray by example.’— D. A. CARSON The book is not intended to be read as a prayer manual. The soul learns to pray by praying; for prayer is communion with a transcendent and immanent God who on the ground of his nature and attributes calls forth all the powers of the redeemed soul in acts of total adoration and dedication. The prayer should, therefore, be used as aspiration units, the several parts of which could become springboards for the individual’s own prayer subjects.”~ Arthur Bennett Sovereign Grace Music has produced an album of songs inspired by some of the prayers in The Valley of Vision. Regarding the collection they say, And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision. Quite possibly the best book I've read all year. These prayers are amazing. In Mudhouse Sabbath, Lauren Winner talks about the benefit of a formal prayer book. She notes that her free-form prayers often devolve into narcissism (this has definitely been my experience), but that the formal, written prayers refocus her on God. This book is a great example of the benefit of written prayers. My own free-form prayers often send me down a rabbit hole of my own personal worries and burdens--worries and burdens that I am right to share with God. But I think every one of the prayers in this book contains the Gospel, and when I read them, I am preaching the Gospel to myself. Instead of bringing my problems to God for Him to change, I find my focus shifting to my own sin, God's grace, Christ's sacrifice, and my own undeserved salvation.

Because Elam, Babylon’s neighbor to the east, had strongly supported the Babylonians and the Chaldeans in the struggle against Assyria, the Elamites were probably allies of the Babylonians.” Wolf During the summer of 2013, my son-in law died from a violent, self-inflicted injury. I spent 6 weeks at his bedside … over 1500 miles away from home. During those days, I often experienced a rather daunting emotional roller coaster ride. I struggled with the reality of death. I struggled with right-to-life issues. Often, I struggled with others, who shared this difficult path together with me. After three weeks, the Lord graciously provided still another home-away from home. Under the coffee table in that home, I discovered a copy of “The Valley of Vision.” It brought me life and peace and comfort. It challenged my heart and my attitude. I bless the Lord for the men whose hearts were on display for me in this book … whose prayers helped me to look upon my own heart and challenged me to lift my eyes up to heart of God. I only wish I had discovered this book over thirty years ago, when I began my full-time ministry. Along with the Scriptures, it will be my companion for the remainder of my earthly journey. The [mournful, inspired] oracle (a burden to be carried) concerning the Valley of Vision: What is the matter with you now, that you have all gone up to the housetops, Homes at that time commonly had flat roofs which the people used as additional living space. In the vision, the prophet sees people escaping to their rooftops because of what they saw coming. From those rooftops, they could see approaching enemies, use defensive tactics, or just hide and delay capture. a) Meaning, Judea, which was compassed about with mountains, and was called the valley of visions, because of the prophets, who were always there, whom they named Seers.I received the book “Valley of Vision” as a Christmas gift. Because it is a prayer book, I decided to use it as a beginning for my morning devotional time. I have been astounded by how reading a prayer each morning has been able to focus my mind and thoughts. I have been better receptive to scriptures and more focused in my prayers as a result. Fantastic book and I highly recommend it! The prophet noted something ominous that made their efforts worthless. He removed the protection of Judah. God was their protection, but he would no longer be their protector. They had fatal flaws that God would not overlook. The prophet saw it in his vision But you did not look to its Maker, nor did you have respect for Him who fashioned it long ago.