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CURRENTLY IN BOOKS
Leading teens on a journey of prayer

James Bergen

Take The Plunge: Journey Into Prayer Brad Huebert, Winnipeg, Man.: Kindred Productions, 2000. 92 pp, $7.95.<

Many in the evangelical world seem to be returning to the depth of the Christian past, to the mystical, to the spiritual disciplines, to prayer. The MB Herald has been focusing on these areas in recent months. So has Christianity Today, as indicated by the cover heading of its January 8, 2001 issue: “Learning the Ancient Rhythms of Prayer”. Is this the latest fad or genuine renewal? Is it merely popular reading and conversation or is it the reflection of hearts that deeply long for an encounter with God? Perhaps time will tell.

Take The Plunge is a devotional book geared to lead teens in a three month “plunge” into prayer. The book is a workbook, serving as a guide leading the reader through a prayer journey.

The journey focuses on three main areas: 1) The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4); 2) The names of God and how they can be used in prayer; and 3) Important tips for prayer. The book is organized into 91 daily readings and exercises organized in the three areas mentioned above. The readings are short, focused and take about two minutes to read. Each reading is then followed up with a suggestion for prayer.

I found this to be an excellent combination. The reader is encouraged to write down prayer requests and record when they are answered. I did not have three months to go through the book as Huebert intended, but I did follow it for about four weeks and found that I went deeper in prayer and grew in my relationship with Christ.

Huebert, youth pastor at Winkler (Man.) MB Church, writes in an easy-to-read manner using concise sentences, and presents the subject matter in a style that is easy to understand. This book stems from his personal journey in prayer and includes glimpses into his own prayer life. What I loved about the book is Huebert’s ability to “keep it real”. He acknowledges the difficulties and mysteries of prayer without trying to explain them away.

I would encourage teens to pick up this book and commit themselves to going through it. However, it may be helpful for them to have access to someone they can approach with questions, perhaps a youth pastor, friend or parent. The subject matter in the third section of the book deals with areas such as spiritual warfare and praying for healing, which may need more follow-up and guidance.

In any case, if read and used as intended, Take The Plunge, will lead to renewal in one’s prayer life and bring about an encounter with the living God. This book offers a great start for teens seeking to grow in their relationship with Christ, specifically in the area of prayer.

James Bergen is lead pastor of Peace Arch Fellowship MB Church in South Surrey, B.C.

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Last modified March 14, 2002.

© 2002 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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