Praying the Scriptures: A Field Guide for Your Spiritual Journey

by Evan B. Howard

Although Christians are lovers of the Bible, not all have learned and followed the venerable Christian custom of praying directly from Scripture. In this thoroughly readable and helpful book, Evan Howard shows Christians how to recover and reap the rewards of this vital practice. Praying the Scriptures features down-to-earth guidance on praying the Lord's Prayer and the Psalms, on praying out of the Scriptures for worship, thanksgiving, revival and personal needs. It includes a clear and thorough listing of biblical passages for a variety of prayers. Free of gimmickry but full of practical advice, this book is for new Christians and those who desire a deeper, more biblically saturated prayer life.

Genres: Prayer, Christian Living

137 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Christian Cha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a timely book to read! Plus, it's short and readable. Over the past couple of weeks, I'm been struggling with my personal life, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This book has helped me not only because it's practical book also because it sheds light on unanswered prayers. I feel like many of my prayers have gone or are going unanswered, and because of that, I question God about His presence in my life. But Howard understands this hardship and affirms believers that "An unanswered prayer may indicate that God desires us to grow closer" (p. 106) and that "persistence in prayer will cultivate the transformation from merely seeking the object of your requests in prayer to seeking the Lord in prayer" (p. 107). For me, I ask God for a lot of things, things that I want for a more comfortable life, because my life has been an ongoing struggle concerning ministry, schooling, relationships, and personal issues. But because my mind has been focusing on these "wants", I forget about the little and hidden blessings that God has provided me with. And even the things that cause me stress and hardships, either present or past, were given by God to not only test me but also draw me closer to Him. That's my main takeaway from this book, and I hope that anyone else who's struggling with their prayer life read this book.

[Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is divided into two sections:
Part 1: A GUIDE TO PRAYING THE SCRIPTURES
Part 2: A GUIDE TO SCRIPTURES FOR PRAYER

Howard's premise, in part is that "the Scriptures are so adaptable for use in prayer.
First, the Bible itself is full of prayers.....
second, ....the Scriptures reveal to us the God to whom we come in prayer...
third, .... some passages... reveal God's priorities to us

It is a good book to come back to, to improve my prayer-life

[Tana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very useful reference book on prayer.

[antony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on a variety of influences and resources the author makes a compelling case for praying the scriptures.

Whilst this book is a detailed manual describing various ways you can employ the Bible in your prayer life, the author keeps it simple and practical. This is not a book of philosophy or theology, although that is there in part, this a practical prayer manual that speaks directly to the person wanting to improve or start their prayer life. The author sets out clear practical methods that can be easily implemented. As if that is not enough already it’s only part one. In part two the author presents a guide to scriptures for prayer. Based on the practical suggestions made in the body of the book part two details lists of scriptures for use with the different types of prayers.

This is book is easy to read and absorb whilst presenting a deeply powerful set of ideas. What is not to like.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brief and simple book, not at all flashy, but also deep and useful and very wise. Howard examines biblical prayer and describes how to follow its example in thoughtful and creative manners. The ten chapters are around ten pages each (and talk about the topics you would expect in a book on prayer) and the end of the book includes nine lists of biblical passages around themes and ideas to guide prayer. An excellent resource for individuals and congregations.