Is the ESV Prayer Bible the right Bible for you? Let’s take a look at this Bible and see.
Right off the bat, let me say, the Pastor has worn this Bible slap out since I originally reviewed this Bible. It became his absolute favorite Bible for his personal devotional time. He has told quite a few people about this Bible. He LOVES it.
First Look
Crossway sent me this unique Bible to review. I have to say, this Bible is very aesthetically pleasing to me. It is a cloth cover with a look and feel like a church hymnal. It only has one bookmark ribbon which is pretty standard for a Bible. But it looks and feels very pleasant.
As far as I have seen, it only comes in this almost navy blue cloth hardcover, ebook, and brown imitation leather. It also does not come in a box, but with this half sleeve. So, while it is giftable– you don’t get a nice box.
Look Inside the ESV Prayer Bible
I really enjoy the artwork on the half sleeve and inside this Bible. The sketched portraits are a nice touch.
It does have a dedication page in the front should you choose to gift this Bible.
In the front of the ESV Prayer Bible, you have this introduction about the Bible and prayers. It includes information about praying through Scripture, which I think is a helpful addition.
Each book of the Bible begins with a small introduction. The format is single-column and very easy to read. It also has footnotes throughout. The reading experience is very pleasant and unencumbered.
Within the text, there are small prayers tucked among the Scripture. This is very much a devotional Bible and not a study Bible. If your daily Bible reading time looks more meditative and less “pull out the commentary and see what this word in Hebrew means”, this would be an excellent Bible for you.
Features at the End of the Prayer Bible
In the back of the Bible, you’ll find an author index where prayers are listed by author. This is an especially nice feature, especially if you’re looking for something specific. (What was that prayer I read week ago by Wilberforce?)
There is also a list of prayers by when they are placed through the Bible. As a Wesleyan, I did notice there were far more Calvin prayers than Wesley prayers. But John Wesley is at least represented. And I will say this is not as Reformed-centric as many of the Crossway Bibles I’ve reviewed.
There is also a reading plan in the back with an Old Testament, New Testament, and Psalm reading for each day of the year. (Except you get a day off on Leap Day every fourth year.)
Thoughts on the ESV Prayer Bible
Overall, this is a really unique Bible and very good resource. I’m not sure how much I would like this as my only Bible. As I said before, the Pastor does use it primarily in his personal devotional time. (His personal devotional time looks a lot different from mine.)
It does have footnotes and a concordance for study purposes, so it could be a study Bible. However, I do think it is primarily meditative and reflective in nature.
For homeschoolers, it would also make a lovely Morning Time Bible, since you could read Scripture and prayers from it to start off your day. Really, it’d be unique for anyone for that purpose.
Other Notes From the Parsonage Posts You Might Like
- ESV Interleaved Journaling Bible
- ESV Personal Study Bible Review
- She Reads Truth Review
- Heirloom Study Bible Review
- ESV Pocket Bible Review
** This Bible was sent to me for free to review. I am in no way obligated to give it a positive review.**
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