"This book is a general introduction to the theology and practice of prayer, essentially from a Christian perspective but not limited to it . . . very helpful for those who wish to understand, from someone on the inside, these practices of Christian spirituality [and] more helpful to those who wish to take up some of these prayer traditions themselves." —Choice
“For God Alone: A Primer on Prayer is a guide to prayer and its impact on Christians. Covering many methods and practices of prayer throughout Christianity, author Bonnie Thurston presents an intriguing and educational manual that is an excellent pick even for non-Christians trying to better understand prayer’s significance.” —Midwest Book Review
“We need to be faith-filled, but also full of hope and overflowing with love. Bonnie Thurston, poet and scholar, addresses this in her ‘primer on prayer’ called For God Alone.” —Review for Religious
“Using the traditional categories of oratio, meditatio, and contemplatio, Thurston offers definitions and explanations, examples and exercises, historical context and suggestions for further reading and study. Many benefits are here for those seeking refreshment, encouragement, or a new spark.” —The Living Church
“Thurston, author of The Spiritual Landscape of Mark (2008), describes prayer as a mode of being, and defines it as the attentiveness to God’s presence that restores God’s original image in and intention for us as human beings.” —New Testament Abstracts
“In her introduction, Bonnie Thurston states that she wanted to write a how-to book on prayer that would be ‘homey and comfortable in tone.’ She has succeeded in doing just that. Her book is a helpful and welcome blend of the theology and the practice of prayer. This book is very user friendly. There is much grace in this book. With insight and winsomeness, Thurston invites everyone to a deeper prayer in life.” —Interpretation
“Bonnie Thurston sets out in this book to teach people how to pray, writing directly and refreshingly from her own experience. There is much in this book to recommend it. Thurston has given us a book that uniquely communicates her own self and experience, and there is much to be gained in listening to the wisdom she offers.” —Anglican Theological Review
“For God Alone is a keeper, portable and practical, ‘a primer for those whose prayer pump needs a little priming.’ A seasoned teacher, Thurston, unpacks complex topics in clear ways and restates her points. Thurston leads us beyond praying-as-action and toward prayerfulness.” —Friends Journal
“As the title reveals, this is a primer for beginners in prayer, but Thurston’s book addresses a wider audience, as well, people wanting inspiration and deeper instruction. In the Summary Notes at the end she affirms that ‘one is always a beginner.’ . . . This is a very rich book, fed by the whole Christian tradition.” —Cistercian Studies Quarterly
“Thurston is an accomplished theologian, biblical scholar, lecturer and author of many books, although this is her first on prayer. She deftly combines traditional prayer practices from different religious traditions, pointing out commonalities and differences, with personal exercises to encourage an individual discipline of daily prayer. . . . This would be a wonderful volume for a study or prayer group, as well as for college and seminary classes.” —Catholic Library World
“Drawing on the best of Western and Eastern traditions, Thurston invites us into three traditional trajectories for prayer—oration, meditation, and contemplation—illuminating “voiced prayers,” prayers of thought and intellect, prayers of quiet or listening. Her work is at once theoretical and practical with suggestions for further reading.” —The Religious Book Club
