| "This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true." John 21:24 |
| "The Post and Courier" May 13, 2007 ‘Questioner’s Prayer’ starting point |
Review
THE QUESTIONER’S PRAYER.
By Bishop Robert Baker 93 pages.
$9.95
In our country’s recent history, we’ve been shocked by such great tragedies as the Virginia Tech shootings, Hurricane Katrina, church
scandals and the attacks on the World Trade Center. These events, and other sorrows like them, occur in our society at times.
They are matched by occasional trials and crises in our personal lives and families. They call each person, and the Christian believer in
particular, to ask questions of God about the meaning and purpose of life.
Bishop Robert Baker of the Catholic Diocese of South Carolina wants to assist people in forming their questions and pursuing good answers.
His recent book, “The Questioner’s Prayer,” is a treasury of wisdom, reflection and counsel. Baker explains, “In writing this book it is my
intention to help you give voice to the questions you have for God in prayer – from the perspective of faith.“
In the book’s introduction, the bishop notes that in difficult situations, it is understandable for people to ask serious questions about life in
general, and faith in particular. He writes, “Isn’t that what faith is all about? It is the starting point for our encounter with God, and often, it
begins with a question.”
Baker explains that it is only in asking the question, and seeking an answer, that people will be able to move on and grow in faith, hope and
love.
In his book, Baker desires to give confidence to the person who is asking questions of God. He describes the life of Christ and shows that
Jesus always welcomed questions of his listeners. In fact, it was through such questions that some of the gospel’s greatest lessons were
given. Baker writes, “Only if we ask questions can we expect answers, from God and one another. A question put to God can be a real sign
of faith and trust in Him and the beginning of a profound loving relationship with Him for life, even when life may appear to be at its darkest
hour.”
At 93 pages, “The Questioner’s Prayer” is the seasoned insight and teaching of a theologian, spiritual writer and pastor of souls who desires
to help people encounter God and find meaning in their lives. Baker organizes the possible questions of people into six categories: Why? How?
When? What? Where? And Who? These general headings form the six chapters of the book, in which the bishop guides the person’s
questions, and then, through a sharing of his pastoral experiences, seeks to explain them from the perspective of faith.
Throughout the book, Baker notes that questions can be put to God in faith and prayer, or in despair and resistance. He encourages faith and
prayer and asserts that if the person allows them, then the questions themselves can become a prayer to God. God welcomes any questions
put to him, but the bishop shows that the prayerful questioner with hope is more open to receive the answers which God gives.
In the conclusion of his book, Baker summarizes his points and stresses the importance of prayer. He observes that some people think that
questioning God suggests a lack of faith. The bishop writes: “These reflections attempt to point out just the contrary: It’s failing to ask God a
question when one is dealing with a difficulty in life that may reflect a lack of faith.”
In his book, as in his ministry, Baker seeks to give some consolation and guidance to those who question and sincerely search for
answers.
- Reviewer the Rev. Jeff Kirby, a deacon of the Catholic Diocese of Charleston who is studying moral theology in Rome.
THE QUESTIONER’S PRAYER.
By Bishop Robert Baker 93 pages.
$9.95
In our country’s recent history, we’ve been shocked by such great tragedies as the Virginia Tech shootings, Hurricane Katrina, church
scandals and the attacks on the World Trade Center. These events, and other sorrows like them, occur in our society at times.
They are matched by occasional trials and crises in our personal lives and families. They call each person, and the Christian believer in
particular, to ask questions of God about the meaning and purpose of life.
Bishop Robert Baker of the Catholic Diocese of South Carolina wants to assist people in forming their questions and pursuing good answers.
His recent book, “The Questioner’s Prayer,” is a treasury of wisdom, reflection and counsel. Baker explains, “In writing this book it is my
intention to help you give voice to the questions you have for God in prayer – from the perspective of faith.“
In the book’s introduction, the bishop notes that in difficult situations, it is understandable for people to ask serious questions about life in
general, and faith in particular. He writes, “Isn’t that what faith is all about? It is the starting point for our encounter with God, and often, it
begins with a question.”
Baker explains that it is only in asking the question, and seeking an answer, that people will be able to move on and grow in faith, hope and
love.
In his book, Baker desires to give confidence to the person who is asking questions of God. He describes the life of Christ and shows that
Jesus always welcomed questions of his listeners. In fact, it was through such questions that some of the gospel’s greatest lessons were
given. Baker writes, “Only if we ask questions can we expect answers, from God and one another. A question put to God can be a real sign
of faith and trust in Him and the beginning of a profound loving relationship with Him for life, even when life may appear to be at its darkest
hour.”
At 93 pages, “The Questioner’s Prayer” is the seasoned insight and teaching of a theologian, spiritual writer and pastor of souls who desires
to help people encounter God and find meaning in their lives. Baker organizes the possible questions of people into six categories: Why? How?
When? What? Where? And Who? These general headings form the six chapters of the book, in which the bishop guides the person’s
questions, and then, through a sharing of his pastoral experiences, seeks to explain them from the perspective of faith.
Throughout the book, Baker notes that questions can be put to God in faith and prayer, or in despair and resistance. He encourages faith and
prayer and asserts that if the person allows them, then the questions themselves can become a prayer to God. God welcomes any questions
put to him, but the bishop shows that the prayerful questioner with hope is more open to receive the answers which God gives.
In the conclusion of his book, Baker summarizes his points and stresses the importance of prayer. He observes that some people think that
questioning God suggests a lack of faith. The bishop writes: “These reflections attempt to point out just the contrary: It’s failing to ask God a
question when one is dealing with a difficulty in life that may reflect a lack of faith.”
In his book, as in his ministry, Baker seeks to give some consolation and guidance to those who question and sincerely search for
answers.
- Reviewer the Rev. Jeff Kirby, a deacon of the Catholic Diocese of Charleston who is studying moral theology in Rome.