Prayer in the life of a Christian is very important, and worthy of special focus. Recently, I’ve been intentionally trying to learn more about prayer and to develop my prayer life more fully. I believe it is something all Christians should strive for.
The following is a list of books on prayer which I have found helpful and encouraging in developing my own prayer life more fully. Perhaps they will be encouraging to you as well.
A Simple Way to Pray by Martin Luther
A classic treatise on prayer written by a giant of the faith. This book is surprisingly easy to read, yet profound in the truths it contains about prayer. It is a quick and deceptively simple read with an enormous amount of depth and written (and translated) in an easy to understand style.
With Christ in the School of Prayer by Andrew Murray
Another classic book on prayer by a well known preacher of old. From amazon.com: “This is one of the most beloved books on prayer, written by a man whose entire life was devoted to prayer. With Christ in the School of Prayer presents a thirty-one day tutorial: each chapter presents a new aspect of prayer, in a concise way that is at the same time rich and joyful, coming from the author’s vital relationship with God. A favorite book for generation after generation, it is as fresh today as when it was first published in the 1890’s.”
The Complete Works of E.M. Bounds on Prayer by E.M. Bounds
Yet another well known and much loved book on prayer. This is a thoroughly presented collection of eight books written by E.M. Bounds and covering every aspect of prayer in a readable way. Included in this collection are all that this great pastoral leader taught about the essentials, necessity, possibilities, power, purpose, reality, and weapon of prayer.
Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Bible by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I find the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer so inspiring. His courage and depth of conviction in the face of the evils of World War II is a shining example of what it means to have true faith. In this book, he gives one of his secrets behind the powerful witness of his own life. He had learned to pray the Psalms and from them drew on the power of God in his years of imprisonment.
Taking Hold of God: Reformed and Puritan Perspectives on Prayer by Joel Beeke and Brian Najapfour
From Amazon.com: “In ‘Taking Hold of God’, you will enter the treasury of the church of Jesus Christ and discover some of its most valuable gems on the subject of Christian prayer. The writings of the Reformers and Puritans shine with the glory of God in Christ, offering us much wisdom and insight today that can make our own prayer lives more informed, more extensive, more fervent, and more effectual.”
Developing a Healthy Prayer Life by Joel Beeke and James W. Beeke
This is an extremely practical yet inspiring look at the place prayer should have in our everyday life. It is a gentle challenge to examine your prayer life and an helpful motivation to focus on making it more effective and enjoyable. I love the emphasis this book places on the joy to be found in prayer.
The Power of Prayer by Charles Spurgeon
This is a collection of six sermons on the subject of prayer by the Prince of Preachers himself. In it, Spurgeon shows why prayer is so powerful and how a believer might best go about praying.
Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy With God by Timothy Keller
In this book, Timothy Keller offers biblical guidance as well as specific prayers for certain situations, such as dealing with grief, loss, love, and forgiveness. He discusses ways to make prayers more personal and powerful, and how to establish a practice of prayer that works for each reader.
Becoming a Woman of Prayer by Cynthia Heald
I first read this book as a newly married young woman. It shaped my view of prayer and it’s place in my life. Prayer is our response to the One who has called out to us and desires to be in a relationship with us. In this book, Cynthia Heald will encourage you to respond to God’s invitation to deeper intimacy with Him.
The Battle Plan for Prayer by Stephen Kendrick and Alex Kendrick
From Amazon.com: “Inspired by the Kendrick Brothers’ movie, War Room, this resource is designed to help anyone learn how to become a powerful person of prayer. The Battle Plan for Prayer begins with prayer’s core purpose, its biblical design, and its impact throughout history. Readers will be guided scripturally through the fundamentals of how effective prayer works, inspired towards a closer, more intimate relationship with God, and shown how to develop specific prayer strategies for each area of life. Prayer can accomplish what a willing God can accomplish. It should be your first plan of attack in all of life’s battles, not your last resort. If you want to experience the joy of mightily answered prayer, then it’s time to engage with God at another level.”
I hope this list inspires you to take a deeper look at the subject of prayer, just as it has done for me. Do you have any favorite books about prayer? I’d love to hear about them in the comments, if you’d care to share!
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