Why Pray?: 40 Days from Words to Relationship

This book is full of practical everyday information on why do we pray? It really isn't to get things from God. At least it shouldn't be! I bought my first copy of this book from a closeout sale of a Christian Book Store that went out of business. I was in a low spot in my spiritual life and I had the same question, "Why Pray?" This book was nothing like I had in mind! It took me from the doldrums to a much higher relationship with Almighty God. This book is an easy read, no big fancy words, just plain simple language and straight forward information. The chapters are short and it is intended to be read one chapter daily for 40 days. It is great for the newly saved person and also for the more mature Christian. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting a closer relationship with God! My wife and I have since bought over 20 coies of the book and she is teaching a class at church on "Why Pray?"

"Why Pray?" is an influential book on prayer by missionary and church leader John DeVries. Formerly titled, "Does it Pay to Pray?" DeVries argues that prayer is not intended to "get something out of God"--as if it were a divine way of getting something out of a heavenly vending machine--but rather the primary purpose of prayer is to build your relationship with God. Yet, even as your relationship with God is built, prayer is a privilege by which you may draw God's attention to particular issues, problems, and concerns with the hope that God would cast the bright beams of his light upon your various concerns. The book is structured as a 40-day devotional, with each week focusing on a particular dimension of prayer. Week 1 is entitled "Why Pray?" Week 2 is entitled "Why Pray First?" Week 3 is entitled "Why Pray for Neighbors?" Week 4 is entitled "How Should We Pray?" Week 5 is entitled "Three Foundations and Three Functions of a Home of Prayer." The book ends with en epilogue entitled, "Building a Home Of Prayer Everday" (H.O.P.E. is an acronym used frequently by DeVries). The original material in this devotional book, Weeks 1-3, are insightful and inspirational chapters. DeVries captures the reader's imagination and presents Biblical teachings and directives in a way that makes the reader eagerly look forward to prayer. From Week 4, the quality of the book begins to suffer as the depth of thought, devotional value, and beauty of the prose deteriorates; this second half appears forced and doesn't naturally follow the first three weeks. Evaluating the book from a theological perspective is challenging for this reader. First, the forward states that "Why Pray?" is not written as a treatise for the theologically trained, but simply to encourage the reader to pray. It reads, "John DeVries does not answer all our theological questions about prayer, but he is interested in helping us take seriously the exercise of faithful intercession (11)." Second, the book relies heavily on analogies, metaphors, and the life experiences of people DeVries knows (frequently congregations in the United States and India and American missionaries in India). Third, Western Christianity has an under-developed theology of prayer, making such an evaluation difficult. In terms of internal consistency, although DeVries writes that the primary purpose of prayer is to build a relationship with God (not to "get stuff"), many of the devotions show how frequent, fervent prayer often causes people to get the things for which they pray. Furthermore, it is troubling that Jesus is not emphasized as much as he could have been. Nevertheless, even with its imperfections, "Why Pray?" is an excellent devotional book. DeVries writes about how Indian Christians put us to shame with the time and emphasis they place on prayer compared with the Western church's apathy toward prayer. As a result of reading this devotional book, this reader has seen his prayer life expand exp

We loved this little book! 40 day devotional that focused our prayer life as a family like never before. Mr. DeVries explains what prayer is, what it's for, the power it holds, and the blessing it gives. We read it as a family in the evenings. It was engaging for everyone (age 8 to aged!). The stories and applications that Mr. DeVries tells at each point are apt and beautiful examples of God's love, power, and calling for each of us. Many nights we laughed, and most nights we were awed by God and convicted to seek change in ourselves. The difference between this and other books on prayer and possibly my favorite point is that the author also provides practical (and simple) steps to put these new lessons to action! Note: This is the first time that I have taken the time to sit down and write and book recommendation--ever! That's how pumped my family is about this book! I've just ordered a dozen to give to others.

Disclosure: I have known John, personally, for several years. I've really enjoyed this book and have been using it as a daily devotional. It is broken into 40 "days" with each day a short read followed by a "Discussion" question and a "Meditation" topic related to that day's segment. The days are combined into 5 weeks and a 5-day epilogue. The 5 weeks and epilogue are themed: Week One--Why Pray?, Week Two--Why Pray First?, Week Three--Why Pray for Neighbors?, Week Four--How Should We Pray?, Week Five--Three Foundations and Three Functions of a Home of Prayer, and the Epilogue--Building a Home of Prayer Every Day. This book would be an excellent choice for anyone interested in the topic of prayer, especially those that are looking to improve their prayer-life. New Christians and long-time believers will find something of interest and something thought-provoking as they make their way through the book. The book is filled with personal examples and stories about the impact prayer can have in the world. Wonderful stories, like the one on "Day 2" about Andrew riding on the tractor with Poppa Dystra, help to bring home the point. I highly recommend this book.