The Power of Simple Prayer: How to Talk with God about Everything

For the longest time, I've struggled with prayer. Then I got hold of this book I thought I had to assume the position (on my knees, eyes closed) I found standing at the bus stop, leaning over the copier or my child's bathtime works fine I thought I needed eloquent, prayer-worthy verses to be heard I found my everyday words get the message across to my Father I thought I needed to finetune my pitch before knocking on the Boss's door I found Someone who listens to everything I say- what I whine about, sob over- without judgement I thought that I needed to schedule a set block of time I found 5 second prayers work but I still to schedule a prayer date with my Friend- that works I thought I repeat my personal requests over and over in case the first never made it passed my ceiling I found I'm heard the first time and now I can spend the extra time praying for others who need it more than I I'm only a few chapters into the book ... excited about what else I'll learn about my Friend

How often do you talk to God? What do you say? What do you leave unsaid? New York Times bestselling author and Bible teacher Joyce Meyer explores what it really means to talk to God in her latest book, THE POWER OF SIMPLE PRAYER. If asked for one observation on prayer, Meyer says she would emphasize the simplicity of it. Though much has been written, discussed and debated relating to the topic of prayer, Meyer says that what surprised her most is that God has not made prayer complicated but rather incredibly simple. Sometimes we're tempted to create systems and postures to make prayer much more difficult than it really needs to be. In fact, God designed prayer to be one of the easiest things we do each day! In 14 easy-to-read chapters, Meyer explores various aspects of prayer beginning with the simple privilege we all have in being able to talk to God. Prayer opens the door for God to work. But don't be mistaken: Once that door opens, prayer packs a power punch! When people pray, all kinds of things happen. They are healed, protected, strengthened and blessed. Through prayer lives are changed forever. Prayer is not optional; it's part of an obedient lifestyle. That's why Meyer encourages each person to find out how to uniquely pray to God with the freedom to express yourself to Him in ways that are natural and not forced. In fact, prayer can be as easy as breathing. Meyer provides practical ways to become a living prayer --- praying everywhere you go in all circumstances and situations. Meyer says that one of the most powerful prayers we will ever pray is for our enemies. Those who are mighty in prayer are those who pray for their enemies like Job. Jesus made this clear in Matthew 5 when he instructed us to pray for those who use and persecute you. But one of the unique prayers that Meyer highlights is the prayer of agreement. She argues that unity is a powerful and dynamic element to prayer. According to Psalm 133, it is good and even garners God's blessing. When two or more gather in Jesus's name, God promises to be with them, and the scripture tells us that if one can make 1,000 run away, then two can run off 10,000. Such unity doesn't come just when we pray together, but when we live in agreement with each other avoiding the pitfalls of gossip and slander that can tear people apart. In addition, Meyer highlights 14 hindrances to answered prayer, including prayerlessness, sin, wrong motives, doubt, worry and unforgiveness. Overall, this book speaks to the heart of the matter concerning prayer. It's clearly written and accessible. Both new and veteran believers will benefit from the truths and insights provided here. --- Reviewed by Margaret Oines

Joyce Meyer combines Bible teaching with practical experience to show how the principles she teaches have worked. She discloses the errors she has made previously and how she has grown spiritually mature as a result. It is such a blessing to read books from authors who have prayed for their readers (which she mentions a couple of times in this book--as I'm doing for the readers of this review I might add). God answered her prayers as the teaching added significantly to my understanding. In the beginning she begins with the book's theme, i.e., that prayer is simple. From this opening she adds to the discussion by teaching about various kinds of prayers and uses illustrations from the Bible to make his case. Prayer is coupled with other principles in God's Word such as thankfulness. She writes, "Thankfulness opens the door for God to bless us, and complaining opens the door for the devil to curse us." Other writers on prayer such as Watchman Nee, E. M. Bounds, and Andrew Murray are cited throughout the book. On intercession, she links the experience with the priestly role Jesus performs on our behalf in heaven, telling readers, "I encourage you to draw nearer to God by joining Jesus in His ministry of intercession." Husband Dave is used to illustrate the different prayer assignments God gives. Dave prays passionately for the United States. She points out that it is a God-given passion and God assigns different concerns to us individually. On loving one's enemies, she tells us that something powerful happens in the spiritual realm when we do this. She correctly notes that "you don't do it because you feel like it--you do it as unto the Lord. Choosing to pray and bless instead of curse..." She adds that consequently, "God will do great things in your life as a result of it." Chapter eleven on walking in love and blessing people consistently is powerful reading. She gives creative ways to bless people in practical ways. In chapter 13 when she gives an example of a one word prayer that got dramatic results, it reminded me of something I read from Oral Roberts that talked about how a simple one word prayer is extremely effective. The word--"Jesus"--read that section of the book. What happened was a literal miracle. You can't get much more simple than one word. Read this book! Prayer is exciting and easy.

Where some authors fail to fully explain prayer or manifestation, Joyce Meyer does a great job of explaining the biblical processes of accepting or living by the law of attraction and how our lives are affected by the praying we do or don't do for that matter. She takes something complex and breaks it down to understandable units. You'll find no short comings here. With explannations and examples this book left me feeling extremely fulfilled. I would also recommend the Divine Matrix by Gregg Braden. The Divine Matrix: Bridging Time, Space, Miracles, and Belief