If God Already Knows Why Pray?

by Douglas F. Kelly

Knowing who God is – his character, his plans and why he wants us to pray – are essentials in building our understanding of prayer. Douglas Kelly is a distinguished theologian – he is well qualified to guide us both as a teacher and a fellow traveller, sharing his own setbacks and blessings. One of the biggest questions about prayer is not ‘How do you do it?’ but rather ‘Do we know who we are speaking to?’

Genres: Prayer, Christian Living, Theology, Christian, Devotional

176 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 1989

About the author

Dr. Kelly is the Professor of Theology Emeritus. Dr. Kelly received his B.A. from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Diploma from the University of Lyon, his B.D. from the Union Theological Seminary, and his Ph. D. from the University of Edinburgh. He is the author of many written works including, If God Already Knows, Why Pray?, Preachers with Power: Four Stalwarts of the South, New Life in the Wasteland, Creation and Change, and The Emergence of Liberty in the Modern World. His firm grasp of multiple languages and his theological competence are capably demonstrated in translating such works as Sermons by John Calvin on II Samuel. He is serving with David Wright of the University of Edinburgh as a general editor for a revision of Calvin’s Old Testament Commentaries. Before joining the faculty at RTS, Dr. Kelly traveled extensively throughout the world preaching and teaching. He was also enlisted to serve on the Jurisprudence project of The Christian Legal Society and serves on the Credentials Committee of the Central Carolina Presbytery.

Reviews

[Pete Williamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a good number of books on prayer, but I've found this little volume to be the most inspirational and helpful. Would be a great book for a group study.

[Michael Roe · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read on prayer. Kelly provides a helpful exposition of the Lord's Prayer while skillfully drawing the Bible's teaching on prayer from other passages. I finished with a greater desire and expectation to go to the Lord in prayer.

[Gabriela Macaulay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book to read if you struggle with the idea that prayer doesn't make a difference when God already has a plan. Kelley really explains what intercession means in prayer and it's importance individually and a community of believers. I definitely did not agree with everything that was said in this book so take what is said with a pinch of salt. The joy of prayer and relationship with God is what is crucially missing in this book. I understand that it is because of the focus Kelley has on addressing a specific question; but he often over emphasises our individual role in prayer, potentially causing one to think that they alone can solve something through prayer, as opposed to trusting that God is working in lots of different ways including through our personal prayer. It just did not make me feel joyful and excited to pray, nor did it explain how to practically do this. It often presented statements that were not developed or followed up.

[Andrew Canavan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really good for biblical and theological reflection on prayer and practical exhortation to pray. There are quite a few illustrations and examples that come from one period (southern Presbyterians in the Confederacy) which seemed like a lot. These illustrations were usually relevant but sometimes not relevant or necessary.

[Calum Mackenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was informative and helpful. Based very much on scripture with real life examples. I’d have liked some more on ‘fasting’ though.

I enjoyed the book but it was dry at times and could’ve utilised bullet points, smaller chunks of writing…it was dry and ‘word heavy’ at times.

Recommend though

[Sean McGowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very rich and practical book.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Good primer on Prayer.

[Matt Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Kelly at his best. Pastoral, brilliant, theologically accurate. Can't recommend enough.

[Toni Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read on the “why” of prayer.

[Douglas Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on prayer generally. Well written, and very practical.

[Becky Carlan · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is some wasted space, but incredibly sound theological ideas of “releasing God’s blessing.” Worth it for appendix B alone.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read this year, besides Scripture.

[Gavin Breeden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here's a book by one of my seminary professors, so believe me when I tell you that Dr. Kelly's lectures/sermons/writing are not for everyone. He has a style that people either love or hate. I love the man and how God has used him to shape my own theology and my thinking about pastoral ministry. This is a great book (based on a series of sermons/lectures he delivered) which takes the reader through The Lord's Prayer and a few other passages on prayer in order to help the average person in the pew better understand prayer. Understanding is not the end to which the book aims, however. The book's purpose is to encourage the believer in their own prayer lives. The book is a good blend of theology and practical insights and it concludes with a few chapters focused on some of the discouraging aspects of prayer. There are also two appendices on plans for Bible reading and prayer.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book to make you think. I didn't necessarily agree with everything the author wrote, and he did keep referring to "prayer power" or "power in prayer", neither of which are Biblical terms (that I know of), but they weren't explained so I'm not entirely sure what he meant, from a Biblical perspective. Also, a lot was quoted from other Christian writers, rather than from the Bible, making it feel at points a little like a literature review. Still, it was a good reminder that God has planned it that He will work through our prayers, achieving His purposes. Our prayers are therefore not just a useless chat to someone who already knows anyway, but a means through which God will work. And that changes perspective on time allocated for prayer for others and the world, and for attending prayer meetings.

[Jeff Bettger · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a decent read. It helped me understand a few things about prayer that I had never really considered before. Mainly that "prayer is a means by which God is building His Kingdom through us!". There are better books on prayer and in the end this book is a little to practical, and feels like it boxes prayer in.

[mpsiple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good insights, both practical and theological, on prayer. Has already made an impact on my devotional life. It helps if you imagine his accent while you read (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJWcx...).

[Thiofhitshithu Rabali · Rating 3 out of 5]

build understanding of prayer. not only how we should pray, but also why we should pray and most importantly knowing who we are praying and speaking to.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. One of the most helpful books on the topic of prayer and it's relationship to the sovereignty of God that I have come across.

[Calvin Coulter]

I've read books on prayer before; this is the best yet.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the most interesting books on prayer that I have ever read. It contains a great deal of thoughtful and insightful remarks on prayer, but occasionally verges into more speculative arguments (in my opinion). I found this beneficial to my prayer life, and generally sound in its exposition of the Scriptures.