In researching prayer, I have come to realize many of our esteemed Christian leaders struggled with depression. Martin Luther, Charles Spurgeon, and David Brainerd are but a few who come to mind. Why should we be surprised? Twenty percent of Americans struggle yearly with anxiety disorders. Just because people pray and read their Bibles doesn’t exempt them from mental anguish.
We can add J. B. Phillips (1906-1982), a pioneer to modern Bible translation, to the list, having struggled with chronic depression through most of his ministry. I became acquainted with J. B. through his book Your God is too Small although he’s best known for his translation of The New Testament in Modern English. J. B. led a youth group in Cambridge, England in his early years. After recreation, he closed each meeting with Scripture, reading from the only Bible translation readily available, the 1611 King James Version (KJV). The students reacted with polite indifference. When J. B. read Colossians to his students, he decided to translate it himself, using modern language and contemporary idioms. His students loved it and wanted more. He wrote C. S. Lewis for advice and sent along his Colossians’ translation. Lewis responded, “Thank you a hundred times…It was like seeing an old picture after it was cleaned.” He urged him to continue yet warned him to expect opposition from KJV loyalists. Sure enough, Phillip’s translation was met with enthusiasm by students and fierce resistance from King James Version enthusiasts.
In his Price of Success autobiography, J. B. detailed his struggle with depression and his perceived failure to become a better pastor and writer. He was besieged with letters from people seeking counsel with similar afflictions, some of whom were fellow pastors. While I can’t find any printed prayers by Phillips, he translated Philippians 4.6-7, including words about telling God “Every detail of your needs in earnest and thankful prayer.”