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Prayer - O. Hallesby
Prayer - O. Hallesby
176 pages, Paperback
First published May 28, 1959
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
December 31, 2025
Some books are read. Others are wrestled through.
This book was one of the latter. I could only really take the book by 1-2 chapters each sitting since I needed to build in time to reflect and grapple with Hallesby's challenges each time. And I'm not sure that I've really internalized his deep insights despite taking the time to do all of that. It's a book I'll need to revisit next year in order to feel like I can really grasp it.
But it's one of those books that makes you want to put in that additional effort because of its impact. My ideas and assumptions about prayer were challenged by his reflections. And it's given me a lot of good thoughts to work through.
This book was one of the latter. I could only really take the book by 1-2 chapters each sitting since I needed to build in time to reflect and grapple with Hallesby's challenges each time. And I'm not sure that I've really internalized his deep insights despite taking the time to do all of that. It's a book I'll need to revisit next year in order to feel like I can really grasp it.
But it's one of those books that makes you want to put in that additional effort because of its impact. My ideas and assumptions about prayer were challenged by his reflections. And it's given me a lot of good thoughts to work through.
July 17, 2025
Can't give this book anything less than 5 stars. I did not expect it to give me so much peace and settledness in my prayer life. Wish I'd read it years earlier.
August 13, 2022
Knyga kuri įkvepia dažniau melstis.
"Tikrai pasikliauti galime tik tuo, ką patys patyrėme. Turiu pasakyti, kad ištikimiausi ir pamaldžiausi užtarėjai, kuriuos man teko sutikti, išmoko švento užtarimo meno tik patyrę daug negandų ir sunkių kančių. Kai kurie gyvenimo pabaigoje galėjo tik kaip ta moteris iš Menedorfo gulėti lovoje, gal net būdami suparalyžuoti, ir melstis.
Betgi jie galėjo melstis! Nuošaly nuo žmonių jie buvo dvasinės jėgos centrai, kurių paprasta, primygtina malda buvo be galo reikšminga kaimynams, miestui, šaliai ir net pasauliui.
Tuos tylius užtarėjus galime palyginti su galingomis elektros jėgainėmis. Dažniausiai jos pastatytos nuošaly siaurame slėnyje. O kokios šios jėgainės svarbios, suvokiame tik tada, kai vieną dieną jos sustoja, ir mūsų namai paskęsta tamsoje, fabrikai nebeveikia.
Namuose, mano tėvo sodyboje, gyveno toks uolus maldininkas, vardu Jornas. Nuo pat gimimo jis buvo smarkiai nuskriaustas Dievo. Jornas taip prastai matė, kad tik vargais negalais užsidirbdavo pragyvenimui. Nepaisant negalių, šiam žmogui sekėsi. Haugionai, kuriems jis priklausė, rūpinosi, kad nė vienam jų broliui nereikėtų prašyti paramos labdaros organizacijose. Tačiau dėl negandų ir ligos Jornas išgyveno daug slogių dienų.
Ir jis nusilenkė Dievo valiai. Pamažu, nelaimių slegiamas, perprato šventą maldos meną ir meldėsi už savo bendruomenę dieną naktį. Jornas rūpinosi visos bendruomenės sielomis. Žmonės iš visos parapijos plūsdavo priėjo mažos lūšnelės patarimo ir pagalbos. Jei pamaldusis Jornas negalėdavo padėti, tai nors nuoširdžiai rūpindavosi ir melsdavosi už juos iš visos tyros širdies. Per daugelį metų galybė žmonių palengvėjusia širdimi išėjo iš Jorno trobelės. Į gyvenimo pabaigą uolusis meldėjas labai pasiligojo. Dvi jį slaugiusios religingos senutės papasakojo man, kad naktimis jis dažnai nemiegodavo. Tada galėjai girdėti jį meldžiantis už visus bendruomenėje. Bet ne paskubomis, kaip mes linkę. Ne, senasis Jornas ištardavo visų vardus, mintyse eidamas nuo namo prie namo. Vaikas, kurių niekad nebuvo matęs, tik girdėjęs apie jų gimimą, jis taip pat savo į maldomis nunešdavo prie malonės sosto.
Ak, kokie reikšmingi šie žmonės! Atsiveria tuštuma, kai jų nebelieka. Jorno mirtis buvo ypatinga. Visi laukė tarsi kokio ėmimo į dangų. Tikintieji varžėsi, kas prie jo budės. Bet Dievo buvo kitaip skirta. Jorno mirtis prisėlino nepastebėta tą akimirką, kai moteris, budėjusi prie ligonio, buvo nuėjusi kažko atnešti iš virtuvės. Jorno laidotuvės buvo didžiausios, kokias tik atsiminė visi mano gimtinėje. Jis neturėjo giminių, bet atsisveikinti suplūdo daugybė žmonių. Jie stovėjo prie Jorno karsto ir verkė, lyg būtų netekę tėvo. Net ir netikintys žmonės, niekad nepaisę Dievo žodžio, gedėjo.
Dievas jam, net ir mirusiam, leido teikti palaimą. Ir Jorno gyvenimas, ir mirtis buvo Šventojo Rašto žodžių patvirtinimas: „Prašykite, ir bus jums duota”."
"Tikrai pasikliauti galime tik tuo, ką patys patyrėme. Turiu pasakyti, kad ištikimiausi ir pamaldžiausi užtarėjai, kuriuos man teko sutikti, išmoko švento užtarimo meno tik patyrę daug negandų ir sunkių kančių. Kai kurie gyvenimo pabaigoje galėjo tik kaip ta moteris iš Menedorfo gulėti lovoje, gal net būdami suparalyžuoti, ir melstis.
Betgi jie galėjo melstis! Nuošaly nuo žmonių jie buvo dvasinės jėgos centrai, kurių paprasta, primygtina malda buvo be galo reikšminga kaimynams, miestui, šaliai ir net pasauliui.
Tuos tylius užtarėjus galime palyginti su galingomis elektros jėgainėmis. Dažniausiai jos pastatytos nuošaly siaurame slėnyje. O kokios šios jėgainės svarbios, suvokiame tik tada, kai vieną dieną jos sustoja, ir mūsų namai paskęsta tamsoje, fabrikai nebeveikia.
Namuose, mano tėvo sodyboje, gyveno toks uolus maldininkas, vardu Jornas. Nuo pat gimimo jis buvo smarkiai nuskriaustas Dievo. Jornas taip prastai matė, kad tik vargais negalais užsidirbdavo pragyvenimui. Nepaisant negalių, šiam žmogui sekėsi. Haugionai, kuriems jis priklausė, rūpinosi, kad nė vienam jų broliui nereikėtų prašyti paramos labdaros organizacijose. Tačiau dėl negandų ir ligos Jornas išgyveno daug slogių dienų.
Ir jis nusilenkė Dievo valiai. Pamažu, nelaimių slegiamas, perprato šventą maldos meną ir meldėsi už savo bendruomenę dieną naktį. Jornas rūpinosi visos bendruomenės sielomis. Žmonės iš visos parapijos plūsdavo priėjo mažos lūšnelės patarimo ir pagalbos. Jei pamaldusis Jornas negalėdavo padėti, tai nors nuoširdžiai rūpindavosi ir melsdavosi už juos iš visos tyros širdies. Per daugelį metų galybė žmonių palengvėjusia širdimi išėjo iš Jorno trobelės. Į gyvenimo pabaigą uolusis meldėjas labai pasiligojo. Dvi jį slaugiusios religingos senutės papasakojo man, kad naktimis jis dažnai nemiegodavo. Tada galėjai girdėti jį meldžiantis už visus bendruomenėje. Bet ne paskubomis, kaip mes linkę. Ne, senasis Jornas ištardavo visų vardus, mintyse eidamas nuo namo prie namo. Vaikas, kurių niekad nebuvo matęs, tik girdėjęs apie jų gimimą, jis taip pat savo į maldomis nunešdavo prie malonės sosto.
Ak, kokie reikšmingi šie žmonės! Atsiveria tuštuma, kai jų nebelieka. Jorno mirtis buvo ypatinga. Visi laukė tarsi kokio ėmimo į dangų. Tikintieji varžėsi, kas prie jo budės. Bet Dievo buvo kitaip skirta. Jorno mirtis prisėlino nepastebėta tą akimirką, kai moteris, budėjusi prie ligonio, buvo nuėjusi kažko atnešti iš virtuvės. Jorno laidotuvės buvo didžiausios, kokias tik atsiminė visi mano gimtinėje. Jis neturėjo giminių, bet atsisveikinti suplūdo daugybė žmonių. Jie stovėjo prie Jorno karsto ir verkė, lyg būtų netekę tėvo. Net ir netikintys žmonės, niekad nepaisę Dievo žodžio, gedėjo.
Dievas jam, net ir mirusiam, leido teikti palaimą. Ir Jorno gyvenimas, ir mirtis buvo Šventojo Rašto žodžių patvirtinimas: „Prašykite, ir bus jums duota”."
December 8, 2023
Such a helpful book! Took me months to get through because it’s not an easy thing to read or process but it was a blessing nonetheless. I was most convicted by the first chapter even explaining what prayer is. “Helplessness is the real secret and the impelling power of prayer. You should therefore rather try to thank God for the feeling of helplessness which He has given you. It is one of the greatest gifts which God can impart to us. For it is only when we are helpless that we open our hearts to Jesus and let Him help us in our distress, according to His grace & mercy.”
December 29, 2020
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
The section from Calvin's Institutes on prayer is fantastic, Wistsius' book is incredibly helpful, Luther's little A Simple Way is pretty good, as is Matthew Henry's Method, but none of them have been as much help as this little book by Norweign Lutheran Ole Hallesby (at least that's my guess, I've had years to chew on those others, only a couple of weeks for Hallesby). I heard of the book briefly on an episode of Christ the Center this summer, and then they devoted an entire episode to it later -- I was halfway through the book when that second episode was posted, thankfully, they didn't say anything that spoiled the ending. If not for those podcast episodes, I probably would've gone my whole life without ever hearing of this book. That would've been a shame.
He doesn't set out to write a comprehensive book on the subject, or a systematized theology of prayer, but to present "a few simple rules for the benefit of souls who are fainting at prayer." It's not much of a rule book, thankfully, as much as it wants to be -- more like a collection of helpful suggestions.
Hallesby describes two things that make up the attitude of prayer -- helplessness and faith. Faith that Jesus can and will answer our prayers and a realization that we are helpless and need him to even pray. What he writes about helplessness is worth the price of the book alone. I think it's changed the way I pray already. I would quote a bit of it here -- and I started to, but I wasn't sure where I'd stop. So let me just encourage you to grab the book.
I also really appreciated his discussion of how we "think we must help God to fulfill our prayer," by giving Him lists of suggestions for how to and times when He can answer us. Instead, we are to faithfully pour out our need to Him, and then trust that He will answer as He sees best. I'd really never thought of it in those terms but we really can end up trying to tell God the best way to go about helping us -- which flies in the face of our admitted helplessness in a given situation.
Hallesby covers the work of prayer, the struggles we may have in it, some suggestions for how to learn to pray better, as well as giving some answers to common questions about prayer (that seem to be the same questions I hear others having almost 100 years after this book was written, probably questions believers had 100 years before that, too). Throughout the book, you get a strong sense of a pastoral heart behind the words and advice, which makes it all much easier to heed.
It's not a perfect book by any means -- most of my problems have to do with the fact that I'm not a Lutheran, nor a Pietist. So, anything that leans too heavily on those traditions/characteristics are obviously going to at least raise my eyebrows, but on the whole those aspects of the book are quibbles. For example, his definition of prayer involves letting God help us, or his aversion to pre-written prayers (that one has many allies in my own tradition, so it is more of a note than anything). More substantial concerns are his utter lack of reference to -- much less use of -- the Psalms or the Lord's Prayer. A book on prayer that doesn't even touch on those is mind-boggling. None of these concerns or quibbles detract too much from the book -- and they're certainly outweighed by the help the book gives.
Pound-for-pound, the best book on the subject I've read. Easy to read, encouraging, convicting and insightful. Highly recommended.
---
The section from Calvin's Institutes on prayer is fantastic, Wistsius' book is incredibly helpful, Luther's little A Simple Way is pretty good, as is Matthew Henry's Method, but none of them have been as much help as this little book by Norweign Lutheran Ole Hallesby (at least that's my guess, I've had years to chew on those others, only a couple of weeks for Hallesby). I heard of the book briefly on an episode of Christ the Center this summer, and then they devoted an entire episode to it later -- I was halfway through the book when that second episode was posted, thankfully, they didn't say anything that spoiled the ending. If not for those podcast episodes, I probably would've gone my whole life without ever hearing of this book. That would've been a shame.
He doesn't set out to write a comprehensive book on the subject, or a systematized theology of prayer, but to present "a few simple rules for the benefit of souls who are fainting at prayer." It's not much of a rule book, thankfully, as much as it wants to be -- more like a collection of helpful suggestions.
Hallesby describes two things that make up the attitude of prayer -- helplessness and faith. Faith that Jesus can and will answer our prayers and a realization that we are helpless and need him to even pray. What he writes about helplessness is worth the price of the book alone. I think it's changed the way I pray already. I would quote a bit of it here -- and I started to, but I wasn't sure where I'd stop. So let me just encourage you to grab the book.
I also really appreciated his discussion of how we "think we must help God to fulfill our prayer," by giving Him lists of suggestions for how to and times when He can answer us. Instead, we are to faithfully pour out our need to Him, and then trust that He will answer as He sees best. I'd really never thought of it in those terms but we really can end up trying to tell God the best way to go about helping us -- which flies in the face of our admitted helplessness in a given situation.
Hallesby covers the work of prayer, the struggles we may have in it, some suggestions for how to learn to pray better, as well as giving some answers to common questions about prayer (that seem to be the same questions I hear others having almost 100 years after this book was written, probably questions believers had 100 years before that, too). Throughout the book, you get a strong sense of a pastoral heart behind the words and advice, which makes it all much easier to heed.
It's not a perfect book by any means -- most of my problems have to do with the fact that I'm not a Lutheran, nor a Pietist. So, anything that leans too heavily on those traditions/characteristics are obviously going to at least raise my eyebrows, but on the whole those aspects of the book are quibbles. For example, his definition of prayer involves letting God help us, or his aversion to pre-written prayers (that one has many allies in my own tradition, so it is more of a note than anything). More substantial concerns are his utter lack of reference to -- much less use of -- the Psalms or the Lord's Prayer. A book on prayer that doesn't even touch on those is mind-boggling. None of these concerns or quibbles detract too much from the book -- and they're certainly outweighed by the help the book gives.
Pound-for-pound, the best book on the subject I've read. Easy to read, encouraging, convicting and insightful. Highly recommended.
July 7, 2017
Mixed feelings. Really great on the core attitude of prayer as helplessness. I appreciated his descriptions of many of the difficulties of prayer (I'm sure every reader could identify with these). And I liked his insistence that prayer is work, and even *requires* planning (due to our forgetfulness and the opposition of Satan to our prayer lives).
But it was also "theologically loose." It is not tied to scripture as well as I would like. It is largely an expression of the author's general sense of what prayer is, based on his experience. He ends up with some odd categories for how God is at work in history, and what he is and isn't in control of. There is also little to no mention of Christ as our high priest. Lot's of phrases like "the Spirit of Prayer" without any real definitions.
This is a great little book for those struggling to find meaning in their prayers, or with the guilt of their own prayerlessness. It's an encouragement to bring all your needs (and even your neediness) to God in prayer. But it may confuse some with regard to God's sovereignty and man's responsibility, and it doesn't help you see how Jesus fits into the picture.
But it was also "theologically loose." It is not tied to scripture as well as I would like. It is largely an expression of the author's general sense of what prayer is, based on his experience. He ends up with some odd categories for how God is at work in history, and what he is and isn't in control of. There is also little to no mention of Christ as our high priest. Lot's of phrases like "the Spirit of Prayer" without any real definitions.
This is a great little book for those struggling to find meaning in their prayers, or with the guilt of their own prayerlessness. It's an encouragement to bring all your needs (and even your neediness) to God in prayer. But it may confuse some with regard to God's sovereignty and man's responsibility, and it doesn't help you see how Jesus fits into the picture.
July 30, 2025
This is going on the “every 5ish years” shelf. Some unhelpful language about stuff God can’t do without me at the end, but He can handle it
August 13, 2018
An older woman I know who attended the Dallas Theological Seminary told me that this book written in 1931 was the best book ever written on prayer. The author O. Hallesby was a Christian teacher and seminary professor in Norway. He was imprisoned for a time for his resistance to the Nazi regime.
I thought it was enlightening and profound.
I thought it was enlightening and profound.
March 25, 2024
Awesome.
May 13, 2018
It is a fine book explaining prayer and its uses. There are certainly some gems from Hallesby about the importance of our conversation with God. However much of the book I found to be repetitive and had information about prayer that can be be easily learnt by practice for the "seasoned believer". That being said I am quite intuitive and have reflected on these things before, so for the logical thinker needing a spreadsheet explaining every detail of prayer, then this book is for them.
Other concerns I had was that it is a very wordy book and many chapters sound like a persuasive speech. Book Four certainly has these characteristics, as a result I found myself speed reading and only flicking through.
A positive is Book Six - The Misuse of Prayer, which was the first chapter I read, clearly and briefly challenges the reader to understand the heart of prayer and our attitudes about prayer. For me, it was the most informative read of the book.
Despite being published by Augsburg Fortress, there was nothing too heterodox in the writing, apart from the occasional emotional language.
It is not a terrible read, wordy but easy to read and certainly full of hope and love, I just did not gain much from it.
This was recommended by my pastor and I've had it for a number of months. I better go give it back now.
Other concerns I had was that it is a very wordy book and many chapters sound like a persuasive speech. Book Four certainly has these characteristics, as a result I found myself speed reading and only flicking through.
A positive is Book Six - The Misuse of Prayer, which was the first chapter I read, clearly and briefly challenges the reader to understand the heart of prayer and our attitudes about prayer. For me, it was the most informative read of the book.
Despite being published by Augsburg Fortress, there was nothing too heterodox in the writing, apart from the occasional emotional language.
It is not a terrible read, wordy but easy to read and certainly full of hope and love, I just did not gain much from it.
This was recommended by my pastor and I've had it for a number of months. I better go give it back now.
January 24, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
My favorite book on prayer I have ever read!!!!
“All this is changed when we, like the mother of Jesus, learn to know Him so well that we feel safe when we have left our difficulties with Him. To know Jesus in this way is a prerequisite of all true prayer. This, therefore, is what the Spirit of prayer tries to teach us. It is His work to explain Christ to us and glorify Him (John 16:14). As we learn to know Jesus in this way better and better, our prayers become quiet, confidential and blessed conversations with Him, our Best Friend, about the things that are on our minds, whether it be our own needs or the needs of others. We experience wonderful peace and security by leaving our difficulties, both great and small, with Him, who is not only solicitous for our welfare but who also understands what is best for us.”
My favorite book on prayer I have ever read!!!!
“All this is changed when we, like the mother of Jesus, learn to know Him so well that we feel safe when we have left our difficulties with Him. To know Jesus in this way is a prerequisite of all true prayer. This, therefore, is what the Spirit of prayer tries to teach us. It is His work to explain Christ to us and glorify Him (John 16:14). As we learn to know Jesus in this way better and better, our prayers become quiet, confidential and blessed conversations with Him, our Best Friend, about the things that are on our minds, whether it be our own needs or the needs of others. We experience wonderful peace and security by leaving our difficulties, both great and small, with Him, who is not only solicitous for our welfare but who also understands what is best for us.”
February 9, 2024
What an amazing little treasure! This book has less than 200 pages but is PACKED with wisdom and inspiration and instruction on prayer. Written with care and deep reverence for the Lord, I would HIGHLY recommend it to anyone wanting to grow deeper in their relationship with God through prayer.
August 4, 2025
Absolutely recommend to any and everyone, perhaps a must read for any Christian with a struggling prayer life
February 7, 2015
I read this for the first time years ago. What I retained about it then was the explanation that prayer is helplessness -- we pray when we realize we are unable to change things in life, and we ask God's help, who can change things.
I read it again recently, and what I appreciated was his explanation of what it means to pray in Jesus' name. We pray having faith that in Jesus we are able to pray, that Jesus opens the door so we can pray and can pray well.
I read it again recently, and what I appreciated was his explanation of what it means to pray in Jesus' name. We pray having faith that in Jesus we are able to pray, that Jesus opens the door so we can pray and can pray well.
March 23, 2021
Great little gem on prayer. His section on helplessness alone makes the book worth reading. Simple encouragement to pray more.
February 16, 2021
The parts motivating you to prayer were great, and the chapter on the difficulties of prayer was top notch. The questions he answered were the questions I still see people asking about prayer today. The book also contains plenty of excellent illustrations and anecdotes about prayer.
As a book on the theology of prayer, this book was lacking however. The biggest problem was that he doesn't see prayer as a struggle at all. He dismisses Jacob wrestling with God quickly due to an understanding of that story which understands Jacob as being stubborn and wicked throughout the entire narrative, a reading of the story I disagree with. He also doesn't engage with Abraham or Moses interceding with God as both of those stories seem to depict prayer as something other than what Hallesby depicts it. This wouldn't be a huge problem except his theology of prayer concludes that prayer is not a struggle unless you yourself are the hindrance and the reason for struggle. Prayer seems to me to be a bit more paradoxical than he made it out to be in this book.
It was still a worthwhile read though, and I found myself in broad agreement with most of what he said. It wouldn't be the only book I read on prayer, but it is an acceptable addition to the library on prayer.
As a book on the theology of prayer, this book was lacking however. The biggest problem was that he doesn't see prayer as a struggle at all. He dismisses Jacob wrestling with God quickly due to an understanding of that story which understands Jacob as being stubborn and wicked throughout the entire narrative, a reading of the story I disagree with. He also doesn't engage with Abraham or Moses interceding with God as both of those stories seem to depict prayer as something other than what Hallesby depicts it. This wouldn't be a huge problem except his theology of prayer concludes that prayer is not a struggle unless you yourself are the hindrance and the reason for struggle. Prayer seems to me to be a bit more paradoxical than he made it out to be in this book.
It was still a worthwhile read though, and I found myself in broad agreement with most of what he said. It wouldn't be the only book I read on prayer, but it is an acceptable addition to the library on prayer.
December 31, 2020
Hallesby's book on prayer is so packed with great teaching that I am reading it a second time. It is one of the most thorough books on prayer I have ever read. One of the reasons I like the book is that it is written by a person who has not only studied the doctrine of prayer but has lived it. His gift of writing about prayer is that he speaks to the person in the prayer closet, not to the academy's lecture room. What is the fundamental principle of prayer? The fundamental principle is to glorify God. If one's prayer is not glorifying God, then it is not truly prayer. Hallesby's book is not a "How To" book, but a book that teaches the sincere student of prayer about genuine prayer. His steady pastoral hand guides the reader to a richer and deeper prayer experience with God. Prayer begins by inviting Jesus in our hearts. Let Ole Hallesby be your prayer guide. He will not disappoint.
May 31, 2022
An excellent (though somewhat dated) devotional book on prayer.
This is probably my second favourite book on prayer. Hallesby is authentic about the ways that prayer can be difficult or feel like a chore while also painting a compelling picture of all that it can be if we are able to cast aside our strength and instead allow Jesus to meet us in our own helplessness.
I adore Hallesby’s description of praying as the coming together of our faith and our helplessness.
That being said, there are a number of examples and metaphors that he leans upon in the book which have not aged particularly well. This is simply par for the course when reading old books and I think it is worth the cost of admission.
While I don’t agree with everything he has to say, I would certainly recommend this book to anyone struggling in their own journey with prayer. It has been a gift to read.
This is probably my second favourite book on prayer. Hallesby is authentic about the ways that prayer can be difficult or feel like a chore while also painting a compelling picture of all that it can be if we are able to cast aside our strength and instead allow Jesus to meet us in our own helplessness.
I adore Hallesby’s description of praying as the coming together of our faith and our helplessness.
That being said, there are a number of examples and metaphors that he leans upon in the book which have not aged particularly well. This is simply par for the course when reading old books and I think it is worth the cost of admission.
While I don’t agree with everything he has to say, I would certainly recommend this book to anyone struggling in their own journey with prayer. It has been a gift to read.
Read
November 6, 2019When I read this first, I was on a retreat of sorts in Estes Park, Colorado in 1973 or so. It was summer, but the mornings were brisk. I found this on a shelf in a motel or a retreat center, and was intrigued by the title. Why? I was dealing with my need to be in prayer. I knew that I wasn't praying enough and wondered if this would trigger some deeper connection with the Almighty.
I hadn't finished reading the first chapter and was immediately drawn to kneel and to pray.
I didn't stop that prayer for hours.
I didn't put the book down later that afternoon until I'd finished it completely.
The book radically changed my views on prayer and my practice of it.
IF you get this book, buckle your seatbelt; it will challenge you deeply.
I hadn't finished reading the first chapter and was immediately drawn to kneel and to pray.
I didn't stop that prayer for hours.
I didn't put the book down later that afternoon until I'd finished it completely.
The book radically changed my views on prayer and my practice of it.
IF you get this book, buckle your seatbelt; it will challenge you deeply.
August 30, 2020
I chose this book after reading Timothy Keller's book on Prayer and seeing it listed in his resource section. I can see why this is considered a "classic". The author was a theologian, teacher, and pastor, who led an exemplary life. He was imprisoned in a concentration camp during WWII for his outspoken opposition to the Nazi party. His insights on God and man and the importance of prayer are ones that I will take with me always. This is one of those books that I will go back to for a re-read each year to remind me of important truths. It was encouraging, easy to understand, and yet profound. It is a treasure.
August 5, 2021
If you’re looking for a book to help you grow in prayer, look no further. Hallesby not only explains the meaning and purpose of prayer, but also biblically addresses common misconceptions regarding prayer. And he does all this in a kind and gentle way that I haven’t seen many authors do.
There were parts regarding God’s dependence on humanity that didn’t sit well with me, personally. However, these (and some other questionable parts) were minor eyebrow raisers compared to the general message of the book. Regardless, I’ve definitely learned a lot and I can’t wait to put into practice the things I’ve learned.
There were parts regarding God’s dependence on humanity that didn’t sit well with me, personally. However, these (and some other questionable parts) were minor eyebrow raisers compared to the general message of the book. Regardless, I’ve definitely learned a lot and I can’t wait to put into practice the things I’ve learned.
December 24, 2021
Interesting little book. Some chapters leaned towards the Word of Faith and Prosperity Gospel idea because of how he worded sentences. Sometimes it seemed like he was advocating that only true faith will get answers to your prayer and you can only get what you want if you ask the right way. But then other chapters were little jewels on the how, why, and importance of prayer. The best gem was in chapter 7 as addressed here: https://perpetualfelicitiesblog.com/2...
I'd say there are better books on prayer, but I still was inspired and challenged to pray so it wasn't a waste of time :)
I'd say there are better books on prayer, but I still was inspired and challenged to pray so it wasn't a waste of time :)
December 30, 2021
Interesting little book. Some chapters leaned towards the Word of Faith and Prosperity Gospel idea because of how he worded sentences. Sometimes it seemed like he was advocating that only true faith will get answers to your prayer and you can only get what you want if you ask the right way. But then other chapters were little jewels on the how, why, and importance of prayer. The best gem was in chapter 7 as addressed here: https://perpetualfelicitiesblog.com/2...
I'd say there are better books on prayer, but I still was inspired and challenged to pray so it wasn't a waste of time :)
I'd say there are better books on prayer, but I still was inspired and challenged to pray so it wasn't a waste of time :)
August 5, 2025
This is a really good book about prayer from a person who you can tell prays a lot. It is not just a how to book but an encouragement to ask the Lord for the Spirit of Prayer and what that means in our lives. I was first struck by the prayer borne by helplessness. As someone who has recently been in the midst of Guillain Barre Syndrome I was able to identify with this helplessness and also to see that God was very much an answer to my prayers. It is quite short but it packs a lot in this small volume and I am glad to have read and hopefully put more of it into practice.
July 2, 2017
“It is not intended that our faith should help Jesus fulfill our supplications. He does not need any help; all He needs is access.” So encourages this Norwegian Lutheran pietist, who defines prayer as “helplessness plus faith.” Hallesby explains that efforts to appease, or to convince are just pagan gyrations. God simply wants our hearts, as He has already given His. Helpful is Hallesby’s explanation of faith and what it actually means to pray “in Jesus name.”
April 4, 2023
Excellent little book on Prayer
Someone suggested this book to me and I am glad they did. I especially loved the first third of the book, it presents some ideas of prayer that I have not thought about before. The rest of the book is good still, and had some things that helped me. The last chapter was especially interesting to me, and I felt like it was a great ending to the book. I recommend it to all Christians who are interested in prayer.
Someone suggested this book to me and I am glad they did. I especially loved the first third of the book, it presents some ideas of prayer that I have not thought about before. The rest of the book is good still, and had some things that helped me. The last chapter was especially interesting to me, and I felt like it was a great ending to the book. I recommend it to all Christians who are interested in prayer.
October 29, 2020
One of the best books I've ever read on prayer. This book gives you a beautiful and full description of what prayer is, and it is done in plain language. It discusses the much needed issues surrounding prayer, what will be difficult, what will interfere and yet points towards the power and impact of prayer. A must read.
December 25, 2020
A wonderful book on how to pray, why pray, and on how prayer works. It is short and pithy, while being filled with anecdotes of how God uses prayer for His glory and His children's good. A must read for anyone who does not understand how prayer works or struggles to pray to their Father who is always listening.
May 15, 2021
“Prayer and helplessness are inseparable. Only those who are helpless can truly pray.”
This book took me months to get through because it’s a lot to chew on but it is one that I should probably read every couple years. Good reminders that prayer is out of dependency but leads us to intimacy!!
Overall would highly recommend. Worth the read.
This book took me months to get through because it’s a lot to chew on but it is one that I should probably read every couple years. Good reminders that prayer is out of dependency but leads us to intimacy!!
Overall would highly recommend. Worth the read.
January 25, 2025
Comfort and Wisdom
I have read numerous books about prayer, this is one of simplicity and practicality. The author does not display the need to flatter his self with theological bragging to impress the reader. Most of the book is presented as if we are having a conversation.
I recommend this book.
I have read numerous books about prayer, this is one of simplicity and practicality. The author does not display the need to flatter his self with theological bragging to impress the reader. Most of the book is presented as if we are having a conversation.
I recommend this book.
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