C.S. Lewis (1898-1963) is one of my favorite authors. He has written an array of books, my favorites being: A Grief Observed, Mere Christianity, and Letters to Malcolm. His books have been thoughtful and many times challenging.
As I read and processed the book, Letters to Malcolm : Chiefly on Prayer, I found it to contain very expressive language and challenging ideas. In his book C.S. Lewis uses a very clever way to discuss the main theme of the book, prayer. He uses a discussion or correspondence between two individuals to make his various points. In fact, the person that he is corresponding with is actually a fictional character. The correspondence or letters cover various aspects of prayer. From practical experience to mystical concepts that raise many questions.
In his letters, Lewis weaves his thoughts on prayer into the everyday questions of life and relationship. At times I found his writing difficult to grasp and his arguments even a bit circular. He uses church history, theology, philosophy and even Greek in his discussions with Malcolm to both raise and answer questions. Though the book is primarily about prayer, it does speak of the other aspect of spiritual life as well.
This book is thought provoking and certainly an honest expression of what we as humans question about ourselves and our relationship to God. It further demonstrates that through time men and women have wrestled with questions about faith and practice. That as human beings we are progressing on a journey that at times may be in the dark. That we are still waiting for both clarity and light. C.S. Lewis has shared insights that he has discovered on his journey, while at the same time acknowledging that each of us is at different points on our own. I highly recommend this creative and yet challenging reflection on prayer.
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