It Happens After Prayer: Biblical Motivation for Believing Prayer

by H.B. Charles Jr.

Life’s inevitable difficulties and disappointments can discourage us from praying, but our response should be to pray anyway and keep praying. Whatever we seek, God invites us to come to Him with confidence, believing that He is able to answer—and He will answer. We can pray But are you convinced that prayer works, even when you don’t get the answers you want? In It Happens After Prayer , Pastor HB Charles, Jr. motivates and encourages us to respond to the challenges of life with prayer, to pray without ceasing, and to pray with great expectations. Are you ready for a new level of earnest, passionate, God-size prayers? Don’t let another day go by without praying and seeking the face of God, because it happens after prayer .

Genres: Prayer, Christian Living, Christian, Theology, Faith, Discipleship, Nonfiction

176 pages, Paperback

First published April 16, 2013

About the author

H.B. CHARLES, JR. Is the Pastor-Teacher at the Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Florida, where he has served since the fall of 2008. He is primarily responsible for preaching-teaching, vision casting, and leadership development. Prior to coming to Shiloh, he led the Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church of Los Angeles for almost eighteen years. Succeeding his late father, he began his pastorate at Mt. Sinai at the age of seventeen.H.B. Charles regularly speaks at churches, conferences, and conventions around the country. He has contributed to several books and journals, and is the author of It Happens After Prayer. H.B. and his wife Crystal have three children: H.B. III, Natalie, and Hailey. Keep in touch with HB Charles at HBCharlesJr.com.

Reviews

[Sarah Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

“When your focus is on God, He can lead you. You won’t try to lead Him. Stop asking God to bless what you’re doing. Start asking God to help you do what He is blessing.”

[Joellen]

This is a great comprehensive book on prayer! Prayer is a spiritual discipline that I have been lax on in the past. Although my prayers were daily, they weren’t as relational and reverential as they could be. I am excited for a deeper prayer life.

[Kiersa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this would be a great book to read annually. It is filled with helpful truth and reminders of why we should be praying throughout our lives.

[Bryan Eberl · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on prayer I’ve read. Will come back to review it more thoroughly

[Mike Crews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that is intended to jump-start your desire for prayer, and for the most part it does just that. You can almost hear Pastor Charles preaching each of these 9 expositions concerning why we should not only want to pray, but be excited to pray.
After beginning with a chapter on why we should pray, he moves on to Christ’s parable of the friend at midnight and the persistent widow. Chapter 4, entitled, “The Wise Prayer of a Weak Man” walks through Agur’s prayer in Proverbs 20. Two chapters are devoted to the example of Nehemiah’s prayers, one deals with David’s prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:10-19, and the final chapters walk through the familiar territory of Philippians 4:6 and Colossians 1:9.
The beauty of the book is how Charles weaves exposition with exhortation. Though some of his phrases are somewhat trite, there are jewels of expression to be found throughout. For example:
“Pray for the will of God by praying according to the Word of God” (p. 17)
“Prayer is not a scheduled appointment with a busy executive. It is quality time with a loving Father.”
“…you can’t do God’s will your way.”
“If you have a big God you have only little problems. But if you have a little God you have big problems.”
“…because we are short on praise we are short on peace.”
This book is an enjoyable, easy read. Though it teaches some important truths, it is not primarily addressed to the intellect, but the heart. If your prayers have grown long and lazy, this book might be just the thing to reignite your passion for prayer.

[Bill Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small but powerful book on prayer. Each chapter reminds the reader of our dependence on God as well as the joy and gift that prayer is. Whether you are needing a time of refreshing in your prayer life or desire to grow deeper this is a great read.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just the book I needed to read. Very good.

[Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have heard H.B. Charles, Jr. at a conference here in Albuquerque. He is a steady excellent preacher of the Gospel.
This book is sound theological teaching on the subject of prayer.
Christianity is a battleground, not playground p13
Pray about things that give God glory - His name, kingdom, will p30
Pray with shameless impudence, boldness, persistence p35
Jesus commands us to keep asking, seeking, knocking p38
- for
forgiveness like David, wisdom like Solomon, healing like Hezekiah, a child like Hannah, deliverance like Jonah, mercy like the 10 lepers, salvation like the thief on the cross p39

[Joy Kidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This slim book has so many nuggets about the importance of prayer. "Pray when you feel like it. Pray when you don't feel like it. Pray until you feel like it." Another example: "Turn your worries into prayers. Take everything off of your worry list and put it on your prayer list. Whenever you start to worry, stop and pray. Give each worry--one by one--to God in prayer." Prayer is not for a last resort. The author talks about the kind of prayer God answers and praying with spiritual priorities. Practical motivation.

[Colin Beers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books I have read. The simplicity yet convicting truth about prayer and my life of prayer was shaken because of H.B. Charles in his book did not just teach about prayer, but would call you to pray while reading the book. He has a great grasp of how we must apply the things we read that we may be sanctified to the glory of God. This is the first book I have read on prayer, and I will constantly encourage others to read it.

[Rachel Menke · Rating 5 out of 5]

The BEST book on prayer that I have read! This book will motivate you to pray - not just because you should - but because of the God to whom you pray! I will be re-reading this one and definitely recommending it to others! It’s easily understandable and profoundly convicting while I’ll also inspiringly motivating!

[Gina Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an explanatory supplement to any prayer life. Charles breaks down the reasons, inspiration, and instructions for a powerful prayer life. I highly recommend it, even if you have a strong prayer life already. It walks the reader through the persistence required for prayer and the explains why faith and relationship are dire components of any prayer life.

[Rob Sumrall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate H.B. Charles, Jr.'s writing style. Having heard him preach on multiple occasions, his books read very much like a sermon manuscript. AND THAT'S A GOOD THING because the dude can flat out preach!!

This short book uses parables on prayer, some of Paul's prayers, and other New Testament teaching on prayer to urge believers towards faithful, diligent prayer.

An excellent read!

[Dorothy Sherwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s all in the title

H.B Charles,Jr. removes the ever present question most of us have; does God really answer my prayers. Through solid scriptural support and personal experiences he shows the reader that the answer to this question is a resounding yes. Your prayer life and faith will grow after reading this book.

[Colby Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, I just really appreciated every chapter of this book and was greatly encouraged. I don’t think there was anything earth-shattering here. Just a well written book on the biggest strength of the Christian walk. “It does not happen after you read about prayer, talk about prayer, or hear a stirring message about prayer. It happens after prayer.” Amen.

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading books on prayer cultivate in me a heart on prayer, this book was no different. The authors push to pray, to keep praying, and to never stop praying was convicting. I’m good at reading, bad at sitting in extended times of prayer.

[Sarah and Brandon Edmunds · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book uses some cheesy illustrations, but it exegetes the scriptures and aligns the reader with scriptural expectations. The focus of prayer is not on ourselves or the outcomes we hope, but instead, our focus should be on God and what his will is for us. So grateful I read this book.

[Justin Likens · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific book that calls our minds back to the power and sufficiency of God and the availability believers have to tap into that power through prayer.

[Cho Yim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great short book on prayer. Highly recommended. Great illustrations.

[Alonzo Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read off you want to learn good spiritual foundations in how and what to pray,more importantly how to listen to God.

[Nathan Douthit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. It’s an easy read that reads like a collection of sermons. Inspiring and motivating.

[Will Abrams · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book for learning about and being encouraged in prayer. If you think the topic sounds dry, this is a good place to start.

[Melissa McCay · Rating 3 out of 5]

His illustrations and alliterations translate better through a sermon rather than a book. There was nothing groundbreaking but it’s a solid book.

[Kerry Lofton · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really wanted to like this book but it was a little too simple and repetitive. A lot of quotes from other sources but wanted a little more depth on the subject.

[Aaron Hand · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book on prayer I have read. Short, simple and helpful. Definitely one to re-read.

[jordan Tate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got some really good gems from this. And it came at a great time for me. I needed it.

[Melissa Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book I’d recommend for everyone!

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! An especially encouraging chapter on anxiety! Highly recommended

[Angie Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read and powerful!

I always love hearing HB Charles Jr. He makes the word come alive. It’s hard to put this one down.

[Becca Rudy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first chapter was a breath of fresh air. The following chapters were solid, albeit a bit succinct for my taste. He doesn’t soften the truth and brings in great quotes. Overall, a solid book on prayer.