Prayer: A Biblical Perspective

by Eric J. Alexander

We shall do well to watch our habits of prayer with a holy watchfulness. Here is the pulse of our Christianity. Here is the true test of our state before God.

These words of J. C. Ryle are as true today as they were when they were first written over 150 years ago. Prayer matters, and Eric Alexander s chief concern in this book is to remind Christians that prayer is fundamental, and not supplemental, both in the individual and in the corporate lives of God s people. He shows that nowhere is this dependence on prayer more fully exemplified than in the life and teaching of Jesus himself, and in the ministry of the New Testament church.

Church leaders will find these studies a great spur to pray for the spiritual growth of their people, and church members will see afresh the urgent need to pray for their leaders.

For those who find it difficult to pray there is much encouragement here, as the author also addresses the common problems believers face when coming to pray. In short this is a book for all those who want to live nearer to God and to be refreshed in their communion with him.

Genres: Theology, Prayer

91 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2012

Reviews

[Niall Balmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb, concise and practical book on prayer. I would recommend it to anyone, whether “a babe in Christ” or someone with many years experience.
Short, concise, practical chapters.
For various reasons I stopped reading this for several months. I restarted and not only was I refreshed and challenged again, but also I discovered new insight “gems” which I hope to put into practice in my daily prayers and prayer times.

[Brady · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book based on a recommendation from another book I read earlier this year called A Neglected Grace. The book was short and I generally liked it and learned from each of its brief chapters. The author presented some good concepts about why prayer is essential to the life of the believer, all based on select passages of the Bible. Not my favorite book of all time, but it got me focused on an important part of my Christian walk.

[Vincent Ng · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would highly recommend this book, it is a short little book on prayer that packs quite a punch. It is short but concise, going through what prayer is -or more specifically that prayer defies definition, how to pray, examples of prayer, the answer of prayer, and common questions that are asked regarding prayer. The book is filled with biblical examples to help describe what prayer is.

[Adam Kareus · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple and straightforward book on prayer. Alexander lays out the what, why, and how of prayer. This book would benefit anyone who wanted to refresh their prayer life or was new to striving in prayer.

[Joshua Duemler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe this is the best introductory book on prayer that I have read. It is very rich, but easy to read, with short chapters (and only 91 pp total). If you need a refresh on prayer or if you’re completely new to this topic, get Alexander’s book.

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short book, but it is to the point, and a help to understand the importance and need for prayer

[Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview of common difficulties and struggles in prayer, as well as a great encouragement to approach the throne of grace.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

The presumptuous title suggests a thorough analysis of the Biblical teaching on prayer. This short book hardly fits that ideal. Rather, this is more of a fanboy's list of proof texts in support of the dominant evangelical view of prayer. There is little critical analysis here and the author's observations are as likely to be useful as errant.

[Eric Marcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short, easy to understand, but helpful guide to prayer anchored in Scriptural texts. I found Alexander's observations on the mindset of "asking, seeking, and knocking" to be helpful in thinking through the focus and attitudes we should have. His thoughts on the importance of truthfulness and cohesion between our thought and prayer life were quite good, and I liked his observations on simplicity in prayer, a thought that, interestingly, echoed the Mystic Medieval text "The Cloud of Unknowing" which I just recently read. He hammers repeatedly that, if Christianity is about restoring man's proper relationship with God, and prayer is a way to commune with God, then praying and praying properly is of the utmost importance. A couple of times he might overstate prayer being the single vital aspect of the Church, but I certainly agree in its central importance. An easy but thought-provoking read, I found it quite enlightening, and think it will serve others right as well.

[Mark Loughridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little tonic for your prayer life. Eric Alexander packs his years of ministry and experience of the Christian life into this short book. Its 12 brief chapters are clear, encouraging, challenging and easily read.

If your prayer life is in need of refreshing--pick this up and read a chapter each morning.

[Mark Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful treatment of prayer. Practical and helpful as well as a thoughtful treatment of why we ought to pray.

[Zack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accessible, but not shallow. A wonderful resource for the Church. Would be easy to present as part of a Sunday School, New Members' Class, or small group setting.

[Matt Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and brilliant. Simple and clear exposition of the key 'prayer' passages.
Puts a particularly strong emphasis on the absolute necessity of prayer in the life of the local church.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise but rich guide to prayer. Useful to Christians no matter how long they have been walking with the Lord.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biblical, practical, succinct