Title: Letters to Malcolm: Cheifly on Prayer

Author: Lewis, C.S.

Format: Paperback, 132 pages

Publisher: Harvest Books, November, 2002

ISBN: 0156027666

Review Date: December 20, 2004

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Book Description: In the form of warm, relaxed letters to a close friend, Lewis meditates on many puzzling questions concerning the intimate dialogue between man and God. Lewis also considers practical and metaphysical aspects of private prayer, petitionary prayer, the Lord’s Prayer, and other forms of prayer. "A beautifully executed and deeply moving book" (Saturday Review).

Review:

This book is a collection of fictional letters between Malcolm and Lewis.  You only get to read Lewis's side of the story, but it greatly adds to the experience of reading the book.  The author leaves you with an idea in one letter, allowing you to form conclusions based on what he said, only to address your conclusion and concerns in the next letter.  This style of writing shows Lewis's strength in understanding the human condition and anticipating a readers reactions.

I particularly like how Lewis addresses prayers to the dead.  He simply states that of course he prays for the dead, when you get as old as he does, every one you know has passed away.  He uses this as a springboard to move on to ask if time matters in our prayers.  He comes to the conclusion that it does not because all of our prays are accounted for by God in the initial act of creation, and time is merely a part of that creation and thus subject to God.

He has many interesting thoughts and is not afraid to complain about prayer when he feels fit.  When you are finished you are left with a "raw" view of Lewis, and know of the strengths and the weaknesses he had in his prayer life.