Karl Barth on prayer

Book Description

Ashley Cocksworth unveils a profound dimension of one of Christianity's most influential modern theologians, revealing how prayer serves as both the foundation and culmination of Karl Barth's theological vision. This scholarly exploration demonstrates that for Barth, prayer was not merely a religious practice but the very heartbeat of theological inquiry itself.

Through meticulous examination of Barth's key writings, Cocksworth illuminates how prayer permeates every aspect of theological understanding. The author traces prayer's presence across Barth's diverse works, from his reflections on the Sabbath that reveal an unexpected emphasis on contemplative prayer, to his monumental Church Dogmatics where petitionary prayer takes center stage. The journey culminates in Barth's ethics of reconciliation, where prayer finds its ultimate expression through invocation.

This investigation opens fresh perspectives on fundamental spiritual questions, particularly the delicate relationship between human initiative and divine action. Readers will discover how prayer shapes understanding of core Christian concepts including the nature of sin, the meaning of baptism, and the path of spiritual growth.

Cocksworth's work offers both rigorous scholarship and practical insight for those seeking to deepen their prayer life. By examining how one of theology's giants understood prayer's central role, this book provides valuable guidance for contemporary spiritual seekers exploring the intersection of intellectual faith and devotional practice.