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debs4jc's review against another edition
4.0
Yancey explores prayer with an honest and open approach, by discussing the questions about prayer he himself has had. It is a pleasure to read an author who doesn't offer pat answers, but explores the issues with the reader and acknowledges that God allows us room to doubt and grow in our understanding of him. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the topic of prayer.
susannadkm's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
Prayer
“I’m convinced the main requirement in prayer is honesty—approaching God just as we are.” (Chapter 14)
What’s the point of prayer? Why does God answer some prayers but not others? Why do I often feel far from God? What did Jesus actually mean when he said “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith”?
Philip Yancey asks more questions than he tries to answer. He’s willing to share his doubts and truly wrestle with answers, making him my new favorite Christian author.
“Why does one continent, Africa, absorb like a sponge so many of the world’s disasters? When will peace on earth ever arrive? Ultimately, I came to see these questions as God’s interrogations of us. Jesus made clear God’s will for the planet. What part am I playing to help fulfill that will?” (Chapter 19)
This book was comforting and hopeful. I guess my takeaway is that prayer is mostly about friendship with God. When I confess, I’m not telling God anything he doesn’t know; I’m bringing him my heart. When I pray for others, I’m not trying to make God change an outcome, but hoping to grow in compassion, be changed myself, and see how God wants me to be involved in helping that person. Yancey shares his friend’s advice: everything (conversations, Bible reading, painting) can be a prayer; find what you most enjoy, do it for the glory of God, and it can be a prayer.
This book probably could have been a lot shorter, but I didn’t mind, especially since I was listening to the audiobook.
friendlyreader's review
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.75
I found this book to inspire thoughtful conversation and discussion. Philip Yancey is not afraid to address challenging topics about prayer.
lucyatoz's review against another edition
5.0
A very encouraging and thought-provoking book which reads more like a journal. Deep and honest with his own insights and challenges to praying which encourages and has enabled me to move more deeply into my own prayer life.
smeets_books's review against another edition
Absolutely loved this book - its so easy to read and he's not afraid to mention the questions and feelings that we often worry about with prayer. He gave some good advice and has added small letters, prayer and asides from other people that he knows too.
vreadsabook's review against another edition
4.0
I found this book to be a comprehensive account of the types of questions, fears, and anxieties that Christians have while praying, with answers or meditations offered in response. The book is not a method guide, and only briefly mentions different ways of praying. Instead, it is an experiential account of what it is like to pray and indeed wonder if, and how, it makes a difference at all.
akoshodi's review
4.0
An honest reflection on prayer. Philip Yancey does not shy away from asking difficult questions in his books and this one is not different.
rosareading's review
5.0
Humbly written while expertly researched. Fulfilling and intriguing.
I like his writing style.
I like his writing style.
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