Cries from the Heart (Book Review)

Cries from the Heart, Johann Christoph Arnold, GLS publishing, Mumbai, 2002, ISBN 81-7820-067-8, Pp. 222, Rs. 110
St Cyril of Alexandria said, “Prayer is conversation with God.” Many use prayer as a last resort in times of distress. For others, prayer is a ‘luxury’ afforded by the ‘lazy’ or weak willed. Prayer is a powerful weapon for those who commit themselves to it with all their heart, mind and strength. This is the basic message the author is trying to get across.
Cries from the heart offers an honest look into the lives of real men and women whose adversities were overcome through turning and listening to God- even if their problems worked our in the way they least expected. The book provides a feeling of comfort, by letting the reader know that no matter how big or hard your problems seem, there is an even bigger and stronger God out there who is willing to help you if only you surrender to him in prayer.
The author has explored a variety of topics and situations that cover major issues a person may or does face in life. For example, illness, despair, remorse, unanswered prayer. The life experiences narrated are touching and inspire the reader to engage in this wonderful exercise of prayer.

This book is well written and a great read. It is useful for acquiring a better, deeper and different understanding of prayer, its significance and effects. Those in middle age and young adulthood will especially find great comfort and encouragement in the book.

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