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The Papa Prayer: The Prayer You've Never Prayed
Something new and exciting happened when Dr. Larry Crabb began practicing the four steps of what he calls the PAPA prayer--a revolutionary conversational approach to talking with and enjoying God. In this book, Crabb shares his experience and encourages readers to be drawn into their own journey of prayer.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
150 people are currently reading
354 people want to read
About the author
Larry Crabb
113 books238 followersLawrence J. Crabb Jr.
Larry Crabb is a well-known Christian psychologist, conference and seminar speaker, Bible teacher, and author of more than 25 books—including his most recent, When God’s Ways Make No Sense and two Gold Medallion award-winners Inside Out and Understanding People. He is also the founder/director of NewWay Ministries & most recently his "legacy ministry", LargerStory.com. In addition to various other speaking and teaching opportunities, Crabb offers a week-long School of Spiritual Direction held each year here at The Cove and the Glen Eyrie in CO. He currently is scholar-in-residence at Colorado Christian University. Larry and his wife of 50 years, Rachael, reside near Charlotte, N.C.
Larry Crabb is a well-known Christian psychologist, conference and seminar speaker, Bible teacher, and author of more than 25 books—including his most recent, When God’s Ways Make No Sense and two Gold Medallion award-winners Inside Out and Understanding People. He is also the founder/director of NewWay Ministries & most recently his "legacy ministry", LargerStory.com. In addition to various other speaking and teaching opportunities, Crabb offers a week-long School of Spiritual Direction held each year here at The Cove and the Glen Eyrie in CO. He currently is scholar-in-residence at Colorado Christian University. Larry and his wife of 50 years, Rachael, reside near Charlotte, N.C.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
May 18, 2009
One of the most honest and challenging books on prayer that I have ever read. I like it so much I’m teaching a 10-week course on it at church. Focuses on relational prayer rather than “gimme” petitionary-type prayer.
May 27, 2019
Five Stars!!
This is the second time I've read this book and I highly recommend it for those who are looking to go beyond just words. I'm just beginning to talk openly with God, with no pretense and, it's an extremely challenging task. But, I know God will help me as I pursue this journey with the Holy Spirit's help. Great book!!
This is the second time I've read this book and I highly recommend it for those who are looking to go beyond just words. I'm just beginning to talk openly with God, with no pretense and, it's an extremely challenging task. But, I know God will help me as I pursue this journey with the Holy Spirit's help. Great book!!
August 28, 2015
This is a review of the Papa Prayer - it's gonna be an awesome review!
We're going to review the book called the Papa Prayer.
First of all I'll just mention that the book is called The Papa Prayer.
BTW while I had a bagel this morning I thought of this cool thing...
But anyway, on with the review.
We are now ready to review The Papa Prayer!
Are you ready?
Let's go!
Here is the review!!!
I hated this book.
That's how I felt reading this book - "just get on with it!"
And because it was such a bad backronym, I can't even remember what the letters PAPA stand for anymore.
In all honesty, there were a couple of things of interest but the whole book could be summarised in about 10 pages. And it didn't seem very biblical.
We're going to review the book called the Papa Prayer.
First of all I'll just mention that the book is called The Papa Prayer.
BTW while I had a bagel this morning I thought of this cool thing...
But anyway, on with the review.
We are now ready to review The Papa Prayer!
Are you ready?
Let's go!
Here is the review!!!
I hated this book.
That's how I felt reading this book - "just get on with it!"
And because it was such a bad backronym, I can't even remember what the letters PAPA stand for anymore.
In all honesty, there were a couple of things of interest but the whole book could be summarised in about 10 pages. And it didn't seem very biblical.
March 18, 2014
The PAPA Prayer (2006) by Larry Crabb provides a description of a method of relational prayer. Crabb, who admits early in the book, that he has written little about prayer in the past, indicated that for many Christians, prayer is often difficult. Much of our prayer is focused on ourselves or asking for requests to be filled. Crabb encourages the reader to back up and focus more upon the relationship with God. The letters in PAPA are an acronym for:
Present yourself to God without pretense.
Attend to how you are thinking about God.
Purge yourself of anything blocking your relationship with God.
Approach God as the "first thing" in your life.
Crabb takes the reader through a reasonably detailed description of what he means by each of these things and how it looks in action.
On the positive side, Crabb is right that prayer is difficult for many Christians. Furthermore, I think he is correct that too often we downplay the importance of relationship in our prayers. Our "first thing" is relationship with God. All other things may be added, but our relationship with our Papa is primary.
My fear is that, like other books on prayer, this may not have the intended effect. On the one hand, Crabb tries to clarify that this is not a model or magical roadmap to vibrant prayer, but as he writes about it, it is hard not to get that feel.
If you want to learn more about relational prayer, this is probably a really good place to start and I believe all of us can grow in learning more about how we relate to God.
Present yourself to God without pretense.
Attend to how you are thinking about God.
Purge yourself of anything blocking your relationship with God.
Approach God as the "first thing" in your life.
Crabb takes the reader through a reasonably detailed description of what he means by each of these things and how it looks in action.
On the positive side, Crabb is right that prayer is difficult for many Christians. Furthermore, I think he is correct that too often we downplay the importance of relationship in our prayers. Our "first thing" is relationship with God. All other things may be added, but our relationship with our Papa is primary.
My fear is that, like other books on prayer, this may not have the intended effect. On the one hand, Crabb tries to clarify that this is not a model or magical roadmap to vibrant prayer, but as he writes about it, it is hard not to get that feel.
If you want to learn more about relational prayer, this is probably a really good place to start and I believe all of us can grow in learning more about how we relate to God.
March 9, 2024
A Gem!
This little book was quite a surprise. It has radically affected the way I pray and challenged my thoughts on the subject. The simple concepts in this book can be communicated in very brief, simple terms that a child can understand. In fact, a child may be able to understand it better than adults. if you're content with your prayer life, don't read this book.
This little book was quite a surprise. It has radically affected the way I pray and challenged my thoughts on the subject. The simple concepts in this book can be communicated in very brief, simple terms that a child can understand. In fact, a child may be able to understand it better than adults. if you're content with your prayer life, don't read this book.
January 1, 2021
Earlier this year, God invited me to call him Papa and know him as a friend. A few months later, I noticed this book on my shelf--I don't remember when I got it, but I had never read it. It came just at the right time, when I was open to moving from head to heart on knowing God as friend. Dr. Crabb helped me with four simple steps for moving toward God relationally. All other kinds of prayer are fine and have their place, but Crabb says we should begin with relational prayer (before petition or even worshipful prayer). I aim to spend this year (2021) becoming more familiar with this way of approaching God and discovering the depths of his love and friendship.
Read this book not for information, but as a practical guide for a new way to pray.
Read this book not for information, but as a practical guide for a new way to pray.
January 24, 2023
I found this book helpful. I know some reviews have said it is repetitive and could be condensed… I didn’t have a problem with how things were repeated as I felt this was helpful to start practicing the principles in it and then develop those as I read further e.g keeping first things first in relating to God before petitioning and as I read on to identify how petitioning had slipped back in to prayer.
I think to practice this regularly could have a monumental impact on how we relate to God and our expectations in prayer… to desire more what God is achieving than what we believe is needed in any given circumstance.
I enjoyed going through it - I took my time with it… and I am looking forward to continuing to practice what I have learned here.
I think to practice this regularly could have a monumental impact on how we relate to God and our expectations in prayer… to desire more what God is achieving than what we believe is needed in any given circumstance.
I enjoyed going through it - I took my time with it… and I am looking forward to continuing to practice what I have learned here.
June 8, 2025
This book presents a system of praying using the acronym Papa, which in this case is used in an affectionate way to refer to God.
The acronym PAPA stands for the following: Present, Attend, Purge, & Allow. I am not going to delve into the specifics of the letters & what they stand for at this time (but a quick Google search should satisfy your curiosity).
I do plan to try to revisit this Christian devotional book in the future as time allows. It certainly can make an open-minded person rethink their concept of prayer.
The acronym PAPA stands for the following: Present, Attend, Purge, & Allow. I am not going to delve into the specifics of the letters & what they stand for at this time (but a quick Google search should satisfy your curiosity).
I do plan to try to revisit this Christian devotional book in the future as time allows. It certainly can make an open-minded person rethink their concept of prayer.
August 19, 2020
Go into this book knowing it isn't so much a definitive work on prayer as much as it is one Christian sharing what he has learned and is learning. Also, I feel like it helps to read is book Connecting first, because it really helps to understand where he is coming from.
While not my favorite by this author, I really appreciated this book and plan to apply it to my prayer life.
While not my favorite by this author, I really appreciated this book and plan to apply it to my prayer life.
July 15, 2023
I had to read this book for school and I was very leery. However, I was pleasantly surprised by his concept. It seems really solid and God-focused, not self-focused. His writing is quite repetitive. I feel he could have cut about 25% out, if not more. But if you can get past the repetition, the idea is solid and very thought provoking.
September 21, 2023
Buena narrativa. Me sentí muy cómoda leyendo me captó la atención hasta 3/4 partes. Pudo ser más breve pero creo que perdería la dinámica de ser ameno y relajado. Introductorio, para personas que empiezan en la fe y para experimentados que se enfocan demasiado en la oración centrada en la adoración/petición.
May 24, 2017
This is almost a five star. It is easy to read and not too long. It deals with forming a meaningful prayer life, and I found it powerful. It tells of needing to pray relationally before you go on to other forms of prayer, and when you learn that you encounter the heart of God.
October 22, 2017
Unique view of approaching God in prayer.
Dr. Crabb gives a unique illustration of how we should approach our Heavenly Creator during our personal prayer times. He challenges us to consider our motivations when praying.
Dr. Crabb gives a unique illustration of how we should approach our Heavenly Creator during our personal prayer times. He challenges us to consider our motivations when praying.
June 6, 2018
More profound than it first appears
The body of the book lays a foundation for the most profound part at the end: A Special Word to Women and Men. Don’t skip those summaries. Or maybe even begin your reading with that and then read from the beginning.
The body of the book lays a foundation for the most profound part at the end: A Special Word to Women and Men. Don’t skip those summaries. Or maybe even begin your reading with that and then read from the beginning.
November 27, 2021
Very interesting look on where we start in prayer, our thoughts on who God is, who we are and getting to that genuine place of knowing before making requests.
Very thorough look at it and some practical steps to follow.
Very thorough look at it and some practical steps to follow.
February 28, 2022
Interesting insight regarding how many look at prayer, struggle with prayer, and miss the meaningful purpose of prayer. The author offers some good strategy to get one on course to have a more meaningful and heartfelt prayer life.
July 25, 2025
Crabb's writing speaks to me in a singular way. I've benefited greatly from his walk with God, and this is only the second book I've read of his. I'm so thankful for how God used these words to soften my heart toward Him and to reveal misconceptions and assumptions in my mind.
January 21, 2018
This book gave me new insight on prayer and how to come before my Heavenly Father and speak with Him. It is a relationship changer!
April 14, 2018
This was a nice, leisurely read that helped me focus on honest prayer. Not the best written words but a very sincere heart and I appreciate that.
November 30, 2018
This book says about more meaningful way to pray. A good book but felt some concept keeps repeating.
June 11, 2019
I gave up! LOL
March 28, 2020
An inspiring book about prayer.
March 9, 2021
Prayer is not a list of prayer requests but a heart-to-heart conversation between us and God.
May 16, 2021
Wonderful help in getting relational with God.
October 6, 2022
This book has forever changed how I look at prayer. It was gut wrenching to read in places and so deeply tender in others.
May 2, 2023
Encouraging and helpful. Puts the focus where it must be!
February 24, 2024
Excellent little book on prayer. Essential point being that prayer is essentially about us Presenting ourselves to God authentically and honestly. Read the book - Dr Crabb unpacks this wonderfully
March 12, 2024
This book completely changed my prayer life. I've always struggled with prayer and "relation with God", but this prayer method has been so profoundly insightful for me.
May 11, 2024
I like how honest his writing is. I love the Papa process of getting closer to God and away from our selfish selves.
October 26, 2021
Excellent! Not a formula or a special method of approaching God so much as an encouragement to seek him and relate to him. Yes, PAPA is an acronym that describes a way to pray, but this is not a gimmicky new method. Dr. Crabb is a gifted author and storyteller, and his examples of situations and the ways people have spoken to God are extremely helpful. My only disappointment with this is finding that the audiobook is an abridgement. I'm looking forward to reading the entire ebook!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews