The Power of Prayer: And the Prayer of Power

While many people are writing books on prayer and revival, R.A. Torrey's (1856-1928) book written in 1924 is still the classic handbook on prayer that gets answers. At two points, Torrey "harps on" about personal morality. This put me off at first. But I came to see that the strength of his argument is entirely drawn from Scripture. Not that playing cards or ballroom dancing necessarily ruins our prayer life. But lack of personal holiness does. And this was the main point I think I took from The Power of Prayer. If we would pray and expect "to receive the very thing we ask from God," we must please God with a holy, uncompromised lifestyle. God's promise to do "whatever we ask" is not unconditionally and not for just anyone! Jesus says, "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish..." [Jn 15:7] The finest chapters were Chapters 9 "Hindrances to Prayer" and 10 "Prevailing Prayer and Real Revival." In "Hindrances to Prayer" he lists 6 categories: I. Wrong motives in prayer (usually to glorify ourselves), II. Sins in the heart or life (which we deal with by "judging" them), III. Idols in the heart (e.g. our wives or careers), IV. An unforgiving spirit, V. Stinginess in giving (which received the longest treatment), and VII. Mistreating ones spouse. This last is based on 1 Peter 3:7, which says, "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered." He applies it to men who abuse and harangue their wives as well as women who nag their husbands or even let themselves become frumpy. The last chapter was the most satisfying, partly because I was having trouble finishing the book (it was a painful rebuke), and also because he had hinted all through the earlier chapters of the importance of prayer to the coming of true revival. He first exposes false revivals, stepping on toes, then sends out the call for "Believing prayer that will not take no for an answer." I happened to finish the book on a flight to Chicago where, to my great pleasure, I was to hear a message delivered by Dr. John Armstrong on Ephesians 6:18,19: "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel." We earnestly need that "divine utterance" to preach the Word and in witnessing. Yet it comes only from the Holy Spirit by prayer. This Torrey also emphasized--that preachers cannot hope to be successful without a congregation committed to praying for them. So I highly recommend The Power of Prayer to any Christian who is not satisfied with himself or his church or the worldly state of his country. We shall have revival, not because of politics or improvements in microphones or trendy music or

R.A. Torrey is a Spirit-filled man of God. His works and sermons still speaks volumes to many hungry Christians. This book on prayer happens to be more indepth than another book he has written, which is "How to Pray" (also a good book). Just about any work from Torrey would be highly recommended. Perhaps you should also look into "The Fundamentals" this is a classic volume in responce to Higher Criticism.

Many books on prayer tell people what prayer is. The "Power of Prayer" describes why people are to pray and how to pray. It has been a great joy to use this book in Home Bible Studies. If you want to change your life and grow in this disciplen you will need this book.

This IS the book that taught me how I MUST pray in order to have my prayers answered.Never have I read a book that more clearly explains how one must pray in order to have one's prayes answered. Never, other than the Bible, have I read a book and in the reading felt the spirit of the author so keenly. Mr. Torrey was truly a man of God and he was a man whos prayers were answered. If one finds a man who has all his prayers answered, then, one should acquire that mans works, study them throughly and follow his teachings. Mr. Torrey goes into great detail to explain what prayer is, how to pray so that God hears our prayers, the results of effective prayer and the power of that prayer. Just one of the most powerful books I have ever read!

An excellent book that describes not only the great things that can be accomplished through prayer, but also HOW to pray so that our prayers are answered. In each chapter, Mr Torrey examines one aspect of prayer from a scriptural standpoint and gives illustrative anecdotes from his own experience in ministry. A very informative, edifying and encouraging book!