Prayer – the communication we are privileged to have with God. Prayer is essential to our lives and yet, so much of our prayer remains a mystery.
In his book, Intercessory Prayer, Dutch Sheets brings together various aspects of intercessory prayer. The author shares life lessons and Bible stories which illustrate how our prayers are vital to our relationship with God.
The author asks the question many of us have probably asked at one time or another – Is prayer really necessary to bring about change? He answers that question with a quote from E.M.Bounds:
God shapes the world by prayer. The more praying there is in the world the better the world will be, the mightier the forces against evil …. The prayers of God’s saints are the capital stock of heaven by which God carries on His great work upon earth. God conditions the very life and prosperity of His cause on prayer. (from page 30)
Each chapter is easy to read as Sheets conveys his thoughts in a conversational style, which I enjoyed. He includes word studies and quotes from other sources enriching the topic. He concludes each chapter with “Questions for Reflection” thus helping the reader to think more deeply. Also included is a Leader Discussion Guide making this an excellent resource for a group study.
There were times I questioned the author’s interpretation or application of a Scripture to prayer. It is best, as when reading any book, to have a Bible close for reference. This book did contain insights and stories which will invite every reader to desire a more praying life. It is sure to cause one to pray for more faith and discernment in these days we are living.
*** I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. This post contains an affiliate link.
Today I am joining … Testimony Tuesday and Unite and True Story and Intentional Tuesday and Literacy Musing Mondays and Booknificent Thursday .
I was curious about this book when I saw it offered at BH. Thank you for your good advice about keeping the Word handy when reading. Like you, I need regular reminders that intercessory prayer is a huge part of the Christians’ job description.
I have read several posts about prayer today. There is a theme going here. Thank you for the book review. I love reading about books before actually digging into them to get a better sense if this is something I want to actually read. I appreciate the word of caution to have a Bible near by and your thorough review.
I often find a review will move me to buy a book I may have passed up otherwise. May we be wise and discerning in all we read to make sure it aligns with God’s truth. Something I am finding myself doing more these days – even with authors I am familiar. Enjoy your day!
I have always believed in the power of prayer.
Yes, me too!
The Bounds quote above, “The more praying there is in the world the better the world will be, the mightier the forces against evil ….” made me remember the first time I read “Piercing the Darkness” and “This Present Darkness” by Frank E. Peretti and how it discussed how the angels had more power to fight when the saints prayed. It was a revolutionary idea to me. Intercessory prayer is so needful and it is really a gift to someone when you take time to do battle in the heavenlies.
I’ve heard of Dutch Sheets before, I’d like to read this book.
I so agree with you, Jerralea – intercessory prayer is so needful and surely a gift we all can give to others. I have been the recipient of many a prayer and always was grateful for the help and comfort each prayer brought.
Like Mary above, I too, have read a number of posts on prayer today. I think God is trying to get my attention. 😉 I enjoyed your review, and the exhortation to be intentional about praying. Thanks for the reminder that, whenever we read a book by a person, we should always have our Bible handy to cross-check what they’re saying.
I think He may be trying to tell many of us to get to the serious business of praying!
I have been convicted of late to be more diligent in prayer. Thank you for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com this week. I found it very encouraging!
Tina
Tina, we all need to be more diligent to pray. The book will give you much to think on. Thank you for stopping here!
A wise teacher of the Word once told our class, if you do not understand what you are reading, put it on the “shelf” because later you may want to take it down and reconsider it again. There are depths of prayer that we may think are too deep or too controversial for us to enter in, but God by His Holy Spirit will reveal truth to us. I have not read this book, but I do respect Dutch Sheets as a gifted man of God and experiences in receiving answers to prayer. Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.
Good advice, Hazel. It is back on my shelf. Always good to join you!