This is a review of The Great House of God by Max Lucado, published in 1997 by Thomas Nelson. In this book, Max Lucado uses the Lord’s Prayer as a framework to guide readers in surrendering every aspect of their lives, envisioning it through the metaphor of their life as a house. He intends for this book to serve as a blueprint for discovering peace, joy, and love in a deeper relationship with God.
About Max Lucado
Max Lucado, a widely admired Christian author and pastor, is known for his warm, descriptive, and easily understandable writing style. In The Great House of God, he employs his signature pastoral and encouraging tone to walk readers through the practical and detailed teachings found in the Lord’s Prayer. Each line of the prayer is presented as a different room in the house of our lives, where we learn to make God our true home.
While Lucado draws on the insights of other authors and his own practical ideas to illustrate the meaning behind each line of the Lord’s Prayer, he largely avoids delving into historical or theological analysis. Though those familiar with the theological background of the Lord’s Prayer may not find groundbreaking insights, they will still appreciate Lucado’s gentle challenge and his unique way of making complex concepts accessible.
The Lord’s Prayer as a House Blueprint
Using the Lord’s Prayer as a blueprint, Lucado invites readers to explore the spiritual house God has designed for them. Throughout The Great House of God, Max Lucado encourages readers to feel the warmth of God’s love in the living room, find spiritual nourishment in the kitchen, experience the joy of community in the family room, and discover the gift of forgiveness as they walk through the hallway.
Why I Read This Book
As a student in the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program at Kairos University, I read The Great House of God by Max Lucado not for theological or historical contexts, but because it offers a uniquely practical perspective on the Lord’s Prayer. For my Doctor of Ministry, I am exploring the theological and practical foundations of utilizing the Lord’s Prayer in discipleship, communal contexts, and with those on a spiritual pilgrimage. This book proved invaluable and timely in my ongoing exploration of the Lord’s Prayer.
The Core of the Book
Max Lucado’s The Great House of God is organized into fifteen short chapters, each thoughtfully designed with ample white space for a pleasant reading experience. The chapters include explorations into: “A Home for Your Heart,” “When Your Heart Needs a Father,” “Where Trust Begins,” “A Heavenly Affection,” “Where Man Covers His Mouth,” “Touching the King’s Heart,” “How God Reveals His Will,” “Because Someone Prayed,” “God’s Abundance Table,” “The Roof,” “Grace Received,” “Grace Given,” “Learning to Live Together,” “Satan,” and “Relying on God’s Power.” Each chapter explores different aspects of the Lord’s Prayer, culminating in a comprehensive guide to creating a spiritual home in your heart.
Is This Book for You?
As a read, The Great House of God by Max Lucado is a valuable resource for exploring the Lord’s Prayer and its practical applications. Lucado’s metaphorical approach makes the prayer’s teachings accessible and relatable. I recommend using this book for personal reflection or group study to deepen your understanding of how the Lord’s Prayer can transform your spiritual life. However, the Lord’s Prayer is not a prayer for individuals but for the community. I think, at face value, Lucado’s book may privatize the prayer too much. We cannot do it alone, and I would suggest making this a communal exploration.
