Prayer: Expanded Edition

This book helped me understand prayer. Most important for me are these four lessons. 1) Ask of God with the paradoxical combination of helplessness and absolute confidence. 2) Don't tell God HOW to answer your prayer - be like Mary who said simply "They have no wine." 3) Pray constantly - if you have the time to think a critical thought when passing a stranger on the street, try praying for them instead. 4) Pray as specifically as possible for particular people and situations, as it will attune you to recognize God's answers and to learn gratitude. Whatever your frustrations in prayer, Hallesby addresses them, and this book can help turn prayer into less work, more play. It can help you to more productive prayer, and a more fulfilling Christian life.

I read this book when I was in high school. Since then I have read many books on prayer, spirituality, and Christian living, but no book I've found has the depth of insight that this one does concerning prayer. Hallesby takes the reader to the starting line - helplesness and faith; he goes through the race explaining typical pitfalls, and then he describes with beautiful imagery the work of prayer by which we can place ourselves and others in God's healing light to let Him do His work. This is a book to soak up and enjoy.

I am not fond of re-reading. I have a short attention span and am addicted to the "new." However this book is truly great -- on par with Lewis and Schaffer. Powerful -- and when APPLIED, life transforming.

I am amazed at the simplicity and practical nature in which this book is written. When I knew it was written in the 1930's, I confess I was pesimistic. I was wrong. Mr. Hallesby communicates clearly and understandably to the 90's. If you are struggling with prayer as I have, please take the time to order and read this book. You will be encouraged, not beaten down. You will realize that prayer is as natural as breathing and that Jesus Christ is delighted to be our instructor. It is worth you time.