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Make Me Like Jesus: The Courage to Pray Dangerously
Most of us want to know God more intimately. But are we willing to boldly face the challenge of what that means? Are we truly willing to pray a prayer that may be dangerous in ways we cannot anticipate? Are we willing to ask God to make us like Jesus?
Author Michael Phillips shares from his own life how he has learned to take up that challenge. Then he examines key decisions in the life of Jesus Christ that illuminate what it means for each one of us to be conformed to the image of his son–to love like Jesus, think like him, pray like him, and trust the Father like him.
If status-quo spirituality is for you, do not read this book. It is a dangerous book–dangerous to the flesh–for the journey toward Christlikeness may be painful and costly. Yet that journey leads to the ultimate purpose God intends for all his conformity to the image of his son.
Author Michael Phillips shares from his own life how he has learned to take up that challenge. Then he examines key decisions in the life of Jesus Christ that illuminate what it means for each one of us to be conformed to the image of his son–to love like Jesus, think like him, pray like him, and trust the Father like him.
If status-quo spirituality is for you, do not read this book. It is a dangerous book–dangerous to the flesh–for the journey toward Christlikeness may be painful and costly. Yet that journey leads to the ultimate purpose God intends for all his conformity to the image of his son.
135 pages, Hardcover
First published January 21, 2003
17 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Michael R. Phillips
250 books610 followersLibrarian Note: there is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.
Michael Phillips has been writing in the Christian marketplace for 30 years. All told, he has written, co-written, and edited some 110 books. Phillips and his wife live in the U.S., and make their second home in Scotland.
Michael Phillips has been writing in the Christian marketplace for 30 years. All told, he has written, co-written, and edited some 110 books. Phillips and his wife live in the U.S., and make their second home in Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 15, 2008
It is a life changing book; next to the bible, it is the most powerful book I have ever read! It is like Christ is talking to you, giving you the steps, a guiding path to be in childship with him!
September 2, 2020
I felt like there nothing shockingly new in this book, but like I had to immediately reread it to fully let it all sink in. I think I've been praying these prayers and experienced many of the challenges he talked about. So in that way, I don't think it was a'dangerous' as he keep making it out to be. But at the same time, it challenged me to keep on going. Loved his description of the Sonship of Jesus and on the nature of Joy.
June 16, 2013
This book came into my life for a reason.
Being a born-again Christian, I have really been diving into the task of sincerely strengthening my faith and devotion to Christ. I began to feel, after a while, like I had come to a stagnant place as far as spiritual maturity was concerned; I had a strong desire to grow closer to God but didn't know how. Naturally, I prayed about it. A lot. But I began developing this out-of-character urge to do something dangerous; it was very strange for me to feel that way since I've grown up with a severe anxiety disorder and therefore have always played everything safe. I relayed this to my sister in hopes that admittance would lessen the urge but I couldn't shake the feeling or figure out where it was coming from. It was quite an uncomfortable feeling, especially when my faith was so stagnant.
A few days later, my mom came home with this book from the library for me. I was instantly captivated by the title for two reasons, causing a couple of things to click: that becoming more Christlike was exactly the next step I needed to take to develop the deeper relationship with God I was so desperately yearning for, and that doing this would require me to pray "DANGEROUSLY"! I see what He did there ;)
It's a relatively short book but it is in NO way lacking in message. I appreciate the honesty Mr. Phillips put into this book from both an evangelical standpoint as well as personal. There is no sugar-coating here: he warns readers from the beginning that this book is not for the faint of heart. This is true. Mr. Phillips brings to light some of the truest - and sadly most commonly overlooked - facts about what it takes to become one with God and build up spiritual maturity, and he is very careful to elaborate on how difficult - and lifelong- a task this is.
The main focus of this book is about the sacrifice of self, something we as Christians are called to do in order to follow God's will over our own. It is something we as Christians are called to do to really work on sonship and daughterhood for our Father. Difficult? Absolutely. But the effort is worth it if you are a person after God's own heart.
This is just the tip of the iceberg of what Mr. Phillips adresses in his book.
I commend Mr. Phillips for laying it all on the table so humbly yet without lacking truth or eloquence of writing ability. I am especially appreciative of his willingness to share his own difficult personal experiences in which he painstakingly applied what he generously relays to us while backing it with Scripture. I also commend him for tastefully calling out mainstream Western evangelicalism for mainly focusing on what God can do for us/the many ways God will bless us if we just believe. Of course it is necessary and appropriate to worship God and give Him thanksgiving for our blessings, but I think a lot of the time we forget that we need to ask what we can do for God and give MORE to Him than we tend to...we need to give OURSELVES to Him if we expect to truly be one with Him, and I am grateful of the many times he reminds us that giving thanks to Him should also be something we do when we feel like God is not there and when blessings have seemingly run dry. Such times is when our faith is truly strengthened.
"Make Me Like Jesus" is the first book by Michael Phillips I've read but I will definitely be checking out his other works. This book was a reality check and has given me a lot to think about; its given me a new direction in my spiritual journey and a new height to aim for each and every day, no matter how hard it will be.
If an ultimate relationship with God is something you are truly and honestly looking to work towards, do not feel afraid to read this book.
Being a born-again Christian, I have really been diving into the task of sincerely strengthening my faith and devotion to Christ. I began to feel, after a while, like I had come to a stagnant place as far as spiritual maturity was concerned; I had a strong desire to grow closer to God but didn't know how. Naturally, I prayed about it. A lot. But I began developing this out-of-character urge to do something dangerous; it was very strange for me to feel that way since I've grown up with a severe anxiety disorder and therefore have always played everything safe. I relayed this to my sister in hopes that admittance would lessen the urge but I couldn't shake the feeling or figure out where it was coming from. It was quite an uncomfortable feeling, especially when my faith was so stagnant.
A few days later, my mom came home with this book from the library for me. I was instantly captivated by the title for two reasons, causing a couple of things to click: that becoming more Christlike was exactly the next step I needed to take to develop the deeper relationship with God I was so desperately yearning for, and that doing this would require me to pray "DANGEROUSLY"! I see what He did there ;)
It's a relatively short book but it is in NO way lacking in message. I appreciate the honesty Mr. Phillips put into this book from both an evangelical standpoint as well as personal. There is no sugar-coating here: he warns readers from the beginning that this book is not for the faint of heart. This is true. Mr. Phillips brings to light some of the truest - and sadly most commonly overlooked - facts about what it takes to become one with God and build up spiritual maturity, and he is very careful to elaborate on how difficult - and lifelong- a task this is.
The main focus of this book is about the sacrifice of self, something we as Christians are called to do in order to follow God's will over our own. It is something we as Christians are called to do to really work on sonship and daughterhood for our Father. Difficult? Absolutely. But the effort is worth it if you are a person after God's own heart.
This is just the tip of the iceberg of what Mr. Phillips adresses in his book.
I commend Mr. Phillips for laying it all on the table so humbly yet without lacking truth or eloquence of writing ability. I am especially appreciative of his willingness to share his own difficult personal experiences in which he painstakingly applied what he generously relays to us while backing it with Scripture. I also commend him for tastefully calling out mainstream Western evangelicalism for mainly focusing on what God can do for us/the many ways God will bless us if we just believe. Of course it is necessary and appropriate to worship God and give Him thanksgiving for our blessings, but I think a lot of the time we forget that we need to ask what we can do for God and give MORE to Him than we tend to...we need to give OURSELVES to Him if we expect to truly be one with Him, and I am grateful of the many times he reminds us that giving thanks to Him should also be something we do when we feel like God is not there and when blessings have seemingly run dry. Such times is when our faith is truly strengthened.
"Make Me Like Jesus" is the first book by Michael Phillips I've read but I will definitely be checking out his other works. This book was a reality check and has given me a lot to think about; its given me a new direction in my spiritual journey and a new height to aim for each and every day, no matter how hard it will be.
If an ultimate relationship with God is something you are truly and honestly looking to work towards, do not feel afraid to read this book.
August 2, 2016
I did have to set this book down a few times, even though it is not particularly long. With that being said, it can sometimes be abstract and so I needed some time to process what I had read.
As a Catholic, I am always skeptical when picking up works by Protestants. Overall, I was pretty impressed with Phillips' thoughts. I particularly appreciated that he didn't fall into the trap of many Protestants- "feel good" Christianity. He was clear to combat those teachings in his work and indicated that while warm and fuzzy, these services and teachings ultimately do the soul a disservice.
Two things influenced a lower score-
1. I think he focused too much on the fact that Jesus wasn't/didn't have to be perfect. Yes, Jesus came down in human flesh. But He was still from the Father. He didn't have it in his nature to be evil. If that were the case, God himself would have that capability.
2. He did use several long quotes from other authors. I'm all for a good quotation now and again, but the length of a few of the quotations were entirely too long. I didn't pick up the book to read another author's thoughts.
All in all, it was thought-provoking and I do think it has helped me in my spiritual walk.
As a Catholic, I am always skeptical when picking up works by Protestants. Overall, I was pretty impressed with Phillips' thoughts. I particularly appreciated that he didn't fall into the trap of many Protestants- "feel good" Christianity. He was clear to combat those teachings in his work and indicated that while warm and fuzzy, these services and teachings ultimately do the soul a disservice.
Two things influenced a lower score-
1. I think he focused too much on the fact that Jesus wasn't/didn't have to be perfect. Yes, Jesus came down in human flesh. But He was still from the Father. He didn't have it in his nature to be evil. If that were the case, God himself would have that capability.
2. He did use several long quotes from other authors. I'm all for a good quotation now and again, but the length of a few of the quotations were entirely too long. I didn't pick up the book to read another author's thoughts.
All in all, it was thought-provoking and I do think it has helped me in my spiritual walk.
March 23, 2021
This is a difficult book to rate. The subject matter and truths were a five plus. I felt the author was using reverse psychology to encourage readers to read his book. His delivery made it difficult for me to stay focused on his words; but, I do recommend this book for a reminder of God's gifts. We are given a free will and the comparison of the two gardens was a new thought for me. Michael Phillips compared the free will exercised in the Garden of Eden, where sin was introduced; and, in the Garden of Gethsemane, where our deliverance was determined!!
August 26, 2014
Really enjoyed reading this book. Now to practice, re-practice and continue to go through the process of becoming aware and being perfected.
January 28, 2018
A short but very succinct book about Prayer.
July 7, 2020
This book is not for everyone. It's not for every Christian. Phillips makes it clear at the beginning that one should NOT read this book if you have not made substantial progress toward Christian maturity, if your church involvement is your primary emphasis, or if you are seeking blessings from God.
However, if you are seeking to know God more intimately and live in His presence, if you realize God's primary purpose is for you to be conformed to the image of Christ, then this book is for you. Phillips invites readers to an inward journey of the soul and to a life long process. He also gives a warning. There will be a heavy cost involved. The journey is not for the faint of heart.
I really appreciate Phillip's sharing his own journey with us. He reveals the prayers he prayed, starting with, “God, make me like Jesus.” He tells us of his struggles, of the years involved, of the hard lessons learned, of the state of joy gained.
The most insightful part of the book for me was a practical lesson gleaned from the life of Christ, that “God may appear to remove his hand from us.” (82) God gives us the opportunity to follow him when the heavens seem silent. (83) Phillips says this is the highest form of faith, exercising it when there is no experience, no feeling, no overwhelming assurance. (83)
I highly recommend this book to Christians but only if you have a hunger for a greater walk with Christ and are willing to accept the cost involved. Phillips' book is a joy to read as he presents his own journey. He is encouraging. He is also very honest about the reality of the high cost to the high call of becoming like Christ.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
However, if you are seeking to know God more intimately and live in His presence, if you realize God's primary purpose is for you to be conformed to the image of Christ, then this book is for you. Phillips invites readers to an inward journey of the soul and to a life long process. He also gives a warning. There will be a heavy cost involved. The journey is not for the faint of heart.
I really appreciate Phillip's sharing his own journey with us. He reveals the prayers he prayed, starting with, “God, make me like Jesus.” He tells us of his struggles, of the years involved, of the hard lessons learned, of the state of joy gained.
The most insightful part of the book for me was a practical lesson gleaned from the life of Christ, that “God may appear to remove his hand from us.” (82) God gives us the opportunity to follow him when the heavens seem silent. (83) Phillips says this is the highest form of faith, exercising it when there is no experience, no feeling, no overwhelming assurance. (83)
I highly recommend this book to Christians but only if you have a hunger for a greater walk with Christ and are willing to accept the cost involved. Phillips' book is a joy to read as he presents his own journey. He is encouraging. He is also very honest about the reality of the high cost to the high call of becoming like Christ.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
March 2, 2020
Make Me Like Jesus is a thought-provoking book that makes you take a close look at your walk with Christ. “What is the summum bonum—the greatest thing, the "supreme good" of life, the most perfect, ultimate purpose that is in God's mind and heart when he thinks of you and me? It can be simply stated: That we become sons and daughters of God who are conformed to the image of Christ. Jesus was the Son of God, the "only begotten" Son. God's design is that we, too, become sons and daughters, Christ's younger brothers and sisters, who are like him—who love like him, think like him, respond like him, resist the enemy like him, trust the Father like him, and who pray like him.”
This is not a passive book on prayer. It is, in fact, a beautiful companion to The Commands books. This book has you searching your heart and asking yourself, “Do I WILL to do Father’s will!?!” Then there’s the marvelous conclusion that all of this, the prayer to be like Jesus, making the hard choices to be like Him-obedient to the Father’s will, it all leads to peace and joy that is a state of being dependent on faith and trust in God, NOT outward circumstances.
This is not a passive book on prayer. It is, in fact, a beautiful companion to The Commands books. This book has you searching your heart and asking yourself, “Do I WILL to do Father’s will!?!” Then there’s the marvelous conclusion that all of this, the prayer to be like Jesus, making the hard choices to be like Him-obedient to the Father’s will, it all leads to peace and joy that is a state of being dependent on faith and trust in God, NOT outward circumstances.
February 4, 2021
This one is not recommended for everyone. In the introduction, Michael goes to great lengths to specify just who should and shouldn’t read this book. Mature Christians not looking for quick blessings will find this book full of depth and insight.
It is a hard book to read, because it’s convicting and challenging, but it is also an easy read, because Mr Phillips is an excellent and engaging storyteller, and he pours himself out into this work on a whole new level.
He points out things like answered prayer doesn’t mean we were praying for God’s best, Jesus’ humanity was very real, and he can relate to our struggles because of his own, and Joy can be a state of being, not just a feeling. The specific prayers covered are:
Christlikeness: Make me like Jesus.
Childship: Father, What would you have me do?
Relinquishment: Not my will, but yours be done.
Death: My God, my God, Why???
Life: That they may be one as we are one.
Joy: That they might have my joy fulfilled in them.
I received a copy of this book from the author, and chose to review it here. All thoughts are my own.
It is a hard book to read, because it’s convicting and challenging, but it is also an easy read, because Mr Phillips is an excellent and engaging storyteller, and he pours himself out into this work on a whole new level.
He points out things like answered prayer doesn’t mean we were praying for God’s best, Jesus’ humanity was very real, and he can relate to our struggles because of his own, and Joy can be a state of being, not just a feeling. The specific prayers covered are:
Christlikeness: Make me like Jesus.
Childship: Father, What would you have me do?
Relinquishment: Not my will, but yours be done.
Death: My God, my God, Why???
Life: That they may be one as we are one.
Joy: That they might have my joy fulfilled in them.
I received a copy of this book from the author, and chose to review it here. All thoughts are my own.
May 5, 2020
Easy read but very deep!
You could read this book quickly but that would be a mistake. There is so much food for thought about what it means to become like Jesus.I just finished reading it and plan on rereading it right away again.
You could read this book quickly but that would be a mistake. There is so much food for thought about what it means to become like Jesus.I just finished reading it and plan on rereading it right away again.
February 26, 2022
This book is a gem that I will be reading again. It was wonderful to read this author and find that his thoughts were right where mine have been for a very long time regarding the Christian life. I will say that this book will NOT be for everyone. Even he states this in his introduction. So I would highly recommend that before you pick up this little volume you pull up his introduction online and read it. This is not a book for those whose prayers at this time are focused on praying for blessings to be bestowed on your life. This is a very different look and what the Christian walk looks like.
However, if after you have read the introduction, you find that you are interested in reading this book I have a recommendation for you. This is a small volume, and you will be tempted to read through it quickly. Do yourself a favor and don't. Take your time, and allow yourself to absorb just what he is trying to say. I had to put the book down for almost a week because I had a speed trip to take in and I did not want to risk damage to the book. So when I returned I picked it up again, and I was glad that I had not taken it with me. This book deserves to be read without distractions pulling your thoughts away. It is one that I will be reading again, and I will most likely be reading it again very soon.
This book takes more of a look at Jesus and His example for us at the Garden of Gethsemane and the cross. This is about praying very differently as you proceed in your Christian walk with our God. I no longer felt alone in some of the thoughts that I have had regarding just what it is like to want to be like Jesus. Thank you Michael Phillips. He uses Scripture and a few quotes of George MacDonald, a pastor from the past, with a message that applies even today. He also uses some personal experiences that helped to make the message clear to him and to those who would read it. I enjoyed his openness about his personal thoughts and even struggles as he prayed the prayers of Make Me Like Jesus.
So for those who do pick up this volume may the messages help you to draw ever closer to a more intimate walk with our Savior. For those that are not yet ready for this book, maybe place it in your want to read section for a time in the future where you may be ready to read it. As I said there will be those that never pick it up, and that is okay. As he says, everyone's walk is in a different place and there is no hothouse to spiritual growth. I totally agree. In fact, there have been a few that have asked to read it behind me. I have discouraged some of them, because I feel that they need to be in a different place before reading it. Still for those that do pick it up, enjoy and I would be interested to read your review.
However, if after you have read the introduction, you find that you are interested in reading this book I have a recommendation for you. This is a small volume, and you will be tempted to read through it quickly. Do yourself a favor and don't. Take your time, and allow yourself to absorb just what he is trying to say. I had to put the book down for almost a week because I had a speed trip to take in and I did not want to risk damage to the book. So when I returned I picked it up again, and I was glad that I had not taken it with me. This book deserves to be read without distractions pulling your thoughts away. It is one that I will be reading again, and I will most likely be reading it again very soon.
This book takes more of a look at Jesus and His example for us at the Garden of Gethsemane and the cross. This is about praying very differently as you proceed in your Christian walk with our God. I no longer felt alone in some of the thoughts that I have had regarding just what it is like to want to be like Jesus. Thank you Michael Phillips. He uses Scripture and a few quotes of George MacDonald, a pastor from the past, with a message that applies even today. He also uses some personal experiences that helped to make the message clear to him and to those who would read it. I enjoyed his openness about his personal thoughts and even struggles as he prayed the prayers of Make Me Like Jesus.
So for those who do pick up this volume may the messages help you to draw ever closer to a more intimate walk with our Savior. For those that are not yet ready for this book, maybe place it in your want to read section for a time in the future where you may be ready to read it. As I said there will be those that never pick it up, and that is okay. As he says, everyone's walk is in a different place and there is no hothouse to spiritual growth. I totally agree. In fact, there have been a few that have asked to read it behind me. I have discouraged some of them, because I feel that they need to be in a different place before reading it. Still for those that do pick it up, enjoy and I would be interested to read your review.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews