W. Phillip Keller is perhaps best known for A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, a classic that has sold millions of copies. In 1976, he also released A Layman Looks at the Lord’s Prayer, published by The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago in partnership with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. I came across this “Special Crusade Edition” while researching the Lord’s Prayer for my Doctor of Ministry work at Kairos University.
Keller’s life story is as interesting as his writing. He grew up in Africa as the son of missionary parents and later traveled widely as a nature photographer and agronomist. Throughout his life, he authored over thirty-five Christian books. These include the bestseller “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23,” along with titles such as “God Is My Delight,” “Strength of Soul,” and “Outdoor Moments with God.”
Keller’s Approach in A Layman Looks at the Lord’s Prayer
This book truly is a layman’s look at the Lord’s Prayer. Keller notes that “next to Psalm 23, perhaps the most beloved and certainly the best-known passage in Scripture is the Lord’s Prayer.” His goal is to help readers rediscover the beauty of a prayer that has been recited by millions across twenty centuries, yet too often becomes buried under tradition and familiarity.
The book is just over 150 pages and is an easy read. It is written in plain language and presented with wide margins and a comfortable font size. After the preface, Keller works line by line through the prayer in twelve short chapters, beginning with “Our Father” and concluding with “For Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory, for Ever.” An evangelistic section closes the book, highlighting Keller’s heart for sharing the gospel in practical ways.
Strengths of the Book
The strength of Keller’s writing is in its simplicity. His words are clear and direct, without academic jargon, making the book approachable to a broad audience. Although he occasionally brushes against theology and history, these are not his main concerns. What he offers instead are straightforward reflections on each phrase of the Lord’s Prayer.
What I appreciated most was his gift for creating images with words. Another reviewer once said that Keller “has a way with words in which he can create pictures and descriptions for readers.” I found that to be true. His ability to paint pictures with words helps the prayer come alive and makes it easier for readers to carry its meaning into their own prayer life.
As mentioned above, I chose to read A Layman Looks at the Lord’s Prayer as part of my ongoing research for my Doctor of Ministry program at Kairos University. My project focuses on the Lord’s Prayer, and I am gathering insights from a diverse range of perspectives, including academic studies and devotional reflections. Keller’s book caught my attention due to its popularity and accessibility. Although it is not a scholarly work, I wanted to see how someone writing for everyday Christians approached this well-loved prayer. It gave me a chance to step outside of heavy academic material and hear a simple, pastoral voice that has resonated with many readers over the years.
Limitations
From the perspective of my doctoral research, this book did not provide much new material for theological or historical study. In a few places, I thought Keller stretched beyond his strength when he waded into theology. That being said, this is not an academic book, and it is not intended to be. It is a devotional work written for ordinary readers, and in that it succeeds.
Final Thoughts
A Layman Looks at the Lord’s Prayer will not be a cornerstone resource for my project, but I am glad I read it. Keller speaks with a natural and honest voice, one that can encourage readers to rediscover the richness of the Lord’s Prayer. His approach is not complex, but it is refreshing, and it may help readers see this familiar prayer in a new light. One Amazon reviewer observed that Keller “has a way with words in which he can create pictures and descriptions for readers,” and I found that to be true in my own reading. Visualizing this prayer is an essential part of my reading experience.
