How to Pray

"A business friend once asked me in a hurried call to tell him "in a word" how to study his Bible. I replied, "Think." (R.A. Torrey, How To Study The Bible) This paticualar rendition of Torrey's works is really two books in one: 1.How To Pray, and 2. How To Study The Bible. Both were written around the turn of the previous century, and both are strong in their presentation. How To Pray is really a noble and heart filled work of the author to exhort the christian to in fact pray. Torrey quickly demonstrates why many christians do not receive the blessing of God. To quote Torrey, "James brings this out very forcibly in the fourth chapter and second verse of his epistle. "Ye have not because ye ask not." These words contain the secret of the poverty and powerlessness of the average Christian-neglect of prayer." (Torrey, pg.5) The author expands upon this premise and makes a beautiful case for abundant prayer in a christians daily life. I was truly blessed once I prayed upon these concepts, and have introduced more prayer (with increase results in my life) to my daily walk with God. Where this author and I slightly disagree is on the premise of answered prayer. Torrey almost made it sound impossible to have ones prayers answered during one section. I believe he might have been a little fatigued with the lack of faith of the christian community at large during his time. This came across in his writing, and in doing so at one point he almost painted God as being unattainable. Which is why I give "How To Pray" 3.5 stars (it could have easily earned 4.5 stars had the my lone critique been avoided by the author). "How To Study The Bible" is a brilliant work, and after reading this I see Torrey's influence in Rick Warren's, "Bible Study Methods." Which if your interested I have a review of that book as well. "How to Study The Bible" truly is a masterpiece in it's time. The author goes over 7 bible study methods in just over 80 pages. These 7 methods include: The Study of Individual Books, Topical Study, Biographical Study, Study of Types (eg. Passover), study by Chronilogical order, and usefulness in dealing with men. After this the author informs the reader which habits he/she will need to properly study the Bible. I found this section very enlightening, and I will leave you with quotes from this section in just a moment. I have chosen to give "How To Enjoy The Bible" 4.7 stars for it's useful approach, and it's on target message to the reader. There are not a lot of books on the market that can give a christian the keys to a working relationship with God in less than 200 pages. This book does. On a parting note this book lists for $6.95 so buy it already!!! ANd Here's TORREY!! "One of the greatest follies of the day is to set unregenerate men to teaching the Bible, because of their rare knowledge of the human forms of speech in which the book was written. It would be as reasonable to set a man to teach art because he had an accurate tech

This book was written in 1900 by R.A. Torrey (1856-1928), evangelist, pastor, educator and author. In it, Dr. Torrey looks at prayer, with chapters on: 1) the importance of prayer, 2) praying unto God (as opposed to praying for the edification of the listeners), 3) obeying and praying, 4) praying in the name of Christ and according to the will of God, 5) praying in the Spirit, 6) always praying and not fainting, 7) abiding in Christ, 8) praying with thanksgiving, 9) hindrances to prayer, 10) when to pray, and 11) the need of prayer before and during revivals.Though this book was written more than a century ago, it is as exciting and relevant today as if it was brand new. The author makes copious use of Biblical passages, showing examples and admonitions on prayer. And, though many old books are dry reads compared to modern books, this one is so wonderfully written that its age is completely irrelevant. I think that this is a great book, one that would make a worthwhile addition to the library of every Christian.

Torrey's title is, in my mind, somewhat misleading, but don't let this stop you from reading this invaluable book. There is no handbook on how to pray, really, nor can there be as true prayer is personal and relational. Still, How to Pray offers words on what prayer is, what it can do, and why we sometimes fail, both personally and corporately. "You have not because you ask not" says Torrey repeatedly. He expounds on this simple truth inspirationally and practically. This book should be read by anyone serious about prayer.

This book is going on my top ten list of recommended reading for young believers. Torrey explains in easy to understand language the principles of effective prayer laid out in the scriptures. A must-read for anyone desiring to improve upon their prayer life!

This is an awesome book! I've given copies to several friends. While reading at a coffee shop one day, I thought "I can't wait to get home and pray like this!" This book focuses on God and aligning your heart with His will, not simply getting what you want. A short and easy read, but it efficiently makes an impact.