BOOKS:

Deepening Your Conversation With God, Ben Patterson.  (Bloomington, Bethany House, 1999).

Ben Patterson helps to turn prayer from a spiritual discipline into a delight by showing how God covets our prayers and how it gets God’s work done on earth. 

“Prayer is a discipline before it is a joy, and remains a discipline even after it becomes a joy.”

Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Jim Cymbala with Dean Merrill.  (Grand Rapids, Zondervan, 1997).

Jim Cymbala shares how the fire within his church was ignited when the Spirit worked within the hearts of his congregation moving them to their knees in humbleness before God.

“I discovered an astonishing truth: God is attracted to weakness.  He can’t resist those who humbly and honestly admit how desperately they need him.”

Power Through Prayer, E. M. Bounds.  (Grand Rapids, Baker Book House, 1992).

Edward M. Bounds addresses the issue of prayer being imperative in the life of pastors. 

“Every preacher who does not make prayer a mighty factor in his own life and ministry is weak as a factor in God’s work and is powerless to project God’s causes in this world.”  

The Coming Revival: America’s Call to Fast, Pray, and “Seek God’s Face,” Bill Bright.  (Orlando, New Life Publications, 1995).

Bill Bright explains how the power of fasting and praying by millions of believers can usher in a mighty spiritual awakening.

“Fasting reduces the power of self so that the Holy Spirit can do a more intense work within us.

The Hour That Changes The World:  A Practical Plan for Personal Prayer, Dick Eastman.  (Grand Rapids, Baker Book House, 1990).

Dick Eastman gives insights in offering a complete guide to prayer through adoration, surrender, confession, Scripture praying, watching, intercession, petition, thanksgiving, singing, meditation, listening, and magnification.

“Have you ever considered giving God a daily gift of time?  Not just a few minutes here or there, but a substantial gift of at least sixty minutes every day?  It would be time spent alone with God in prayer and the study of His Word.”

The Praying Church Sourcebook, Alvin J. Vander Griend with Edith Bajema.  (Grand Rapids, CRC, 1997).

The Praying Church Sourcebook is a complete guide of ideas, tips, and helps for individuals, families, pastors, and whole churches who want to focus on prayer.

“God has chosen prayer as the key by which his church does its work.  Through prayer we impact the world for God.”

With Christ in the School of Prayer, Andrew Murray.  (Pittsburgh, Whitaker House, 1985).

This book expounds the teaching of Christ on the secret of believing in prayer, the certainty of answered prayer, the power of prevailing prayer, and the chief end of prayer. 

“As we grow in the Christian life, the thought and the faith of the Beloved Master in His never-failing intercession become more precious, and the hope of being like Christ in His intercession gains an attractiveness never before known.”

JOURNAL ARTICLES: Because web links are subject to change without notice, the following list of articles includes the source for obtaining a hard copy also.

“Beyond ‘Prayer Requests,’” Wayne Jacobsen.  Leadership Journal, Fall 2001 [journal on-line]; available from www.christianitytoday.com/le/2001/004/8.48.html; Internet; accessed 11 July 2002.

Wayne Jacobsen explores the idea that we rarely stop to ask if a particular prayer request is in line with what God is doing. 

“What if people’s wishes run counter to God’s sometimes painful path of transformation?”

“How God’s People Pray,” Eugene H. Merrill.  Moody Magazine.com, [article on-line]; (Moody Bible Institute, 2001); available from www.moodymagazine.com/articles.php?action=view_article&id=783; Internet; accessed 11 July 2002.

Eugene Merrill discusses three main concerns that revolve around prayer issues:  (1) the manner of prayer; (2) the content of prayer; and (3) the practice of prayer.

“Our attitude matters more than our method.”

“How to Pray Until the Answer Comes,” Quin Sherrer.  Jan/Feb 2002, The Wait of Faith, Issue 28, [article on-line]; (adapted from Praying Prodigal by Quin Sherrer and Ruthanne Garlock, Regal Books); available from www.navpress.com/praytemplate.asp?2534; Internet; accessed 11 July 2002.

Quin Sherrer gives some examples of how faith principles help during a time of waiting for answered prayers.

“Trusting God to meet our needs may mean waiting in faith when natural circumstances seem absolutely impossible.”

“Prayer Changes Everything,” Donald R. Spradling.  Enrichment Online, Winter 2001 [journal on-line]; available at www.enrichmentjournal.ag.org/enrichmentjournal/200101/0101_118_prayer_changes.cfm;  Internet; accessed 11 July 2002.

Donald Spradling addresses the components of prayer, a prayer paradigm, the expectancy of prayer, the exercise of prayer, and the exponential power of prayer.

“I don’t know anyone who consistently enjoys the first few moments of an exercise program.  It is after we begin in prayer that a euphoria and an anointing emerge.”

“Praying Scripture,” Lance Witt.  [article on-line only]; available from www.saddleback.com/maturity/personal.asp?id=3670; Internet; accessed 11 July 2002.

Lance Witt explores several benefits of praying Scripture to stimulate prayer, and he offers some sample prayers.

“It delights the heart of our Father when we read His Word, sing His Word, and even when we pray His Word.”