E. M. Bounds on Prayer

This is actually a collection of books that Bounds wrote on prayer. It's all good. I just wish the book weren't pink.

Someone once asked one of God's Generals, William Branham, how a christian could "get deeper (into) the love of God." His response? "Read your Bible and pray...read your Bible and Pray." This compilation by Confederate Civil War chaplain Edward McKendree Bounds unveils the mystery of prayer right before our eyes. Prayer is dealt with not so much as how to twist the arm of the Almighty to get what you want, but rather as being the birthright of every Christian. Through chapter and verse, as well as by example and illustration, Rev. Bounds show us that prayer ought to be as natural as drawing a breath. I am using this book during my devotional time and asking the Lord to teach me how to pray. I am coming to realize that not only do I have to learn how to pray, I am learning that I must pray. Jesus said His house would be known as a house of prayer. Does it stand to reason why we, whome name His name, should be a people of prayer? Please share your thoughts with me on this book, and prayer.

EM Bounds starts his book thus: "The prayers of God's saints are the capital stock in heaven by which Christ carries out His great work upon the earth. Great throes and mighty convulsions in the world have come about as a result of these prayers. The earth is changed, revolutionized; angels move on more powerful, more rapid wings; and God's policy is shaped when the prayers of His people are more numerous and more efficient." Or as John Wesley would say: "God does nothing except in answer to prayer." When I bought this book, I wasn't sure if it would be readable, having been written by someone who was born in 1835. But the English is highly modern and readable, and its truths, Oh! so penetrating and insightful. I never knew there was so much to write or teach about on prayer, but all 622 pages are rich in insights on why prayer matters. There is a chapter on "Prayer that gets results", another on "Prayer that is persistent", a third on "Prayer and Spiritual Warfare", and another on "God's need for people who pray". If we believe that God does nothing except in answer to prayer, we realize what a privilege and responsibility He has vested upon us to advance His kingdom and pray His will on earth into being. EM Bounds encourages us in this partnership with God in a systematic, passionate and deeply anointed way. Despite my vast collection of Christian literature, if I were to take three books onto a desert island, the shortlist currently stands as such: (1) The Bible (2) John Piper's "The Pleasures of God" and (3) EM Bounds on Prayer. This one is definitely for keeps!

THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER CANNOT BE EMPHASIZED ENOUGH. REVEREND BOUNDS BELIEVED IN A REGULAR PRAYER TIME & THE NEED FOR LENGTHY CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD. HE MENTIONED THAT WE SHOULD SPEND MUCH TIME PRAYING FOR OUR CHURCH LEADERS, REVIVAL, SALVATION OF OTHERS, & FOR WORLD LEADERS TO MENTION A FEW. HE BELIEVED PRAYER MOVED THE VERY HAND OF GOD INTO ACTION & ALTERED THE COURSE OF EVENTS/HISTORY. FAITH IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF PRAYER. THE MORE THAT WE PRAY THE GREATER OUR RELIANCE ON GOD GROWS & THE GREATER OUR FAITH.INSTANCES OF ANSWERED PRAYER ARE DOCCUMENTED IN THIS BOOK.REVEREEND BOUNDS WAS A GREAT PRAYER WARRIOR & MINISTER. THE BOOK WAS VERY UPLIFTING & INSPIRING TO ME. IT IS ALSO A GREAT GIFT ITEM.

I have always prayed a lot. I have studied the subject in the scriptures. But as I opened and read the pages of "E.M. Bounds on Prayer", I felt as if I hardly knew prayer and therefore my Father God. I had so limited God in my prayer life. Edward Bounds shows from the scriptures the importance of prayer, the power of prayer and God's desire for prayer. Prayer is how we talk to God. Mr. Bounds shows examples from the Bible how God responds to real, passionate, persistent prayer. The words of Christ were, "Men ought to pray and not to faint". E.M. Bounds echo's the words of our Lord and Savior and shows the hearts desire of a Father wanting to bless his children. His children though must talk to the Father. That is prayer. If you read this book and believe the scriptures quoted within it's pages, you will pray more and your prayers will get answers. God promises it!