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The Weapon of Prayer
Edward McKendree Bounds was a clergyman of the Methodist Episcopal Church South who is best known for his books on prayer. Bounds also served as a chaplain for the Confederate army in the Civil War despite the fact that he opposed slavery.This edition of Bounds’ The Weapon of Prayer includes a table of contents.
115 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1980
164 people are currently reading
557 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Bounds
328 books225 followersEdward McKendree Bounds was a Methodist minister, revivalist, author and lawyer.
Unsuccessful in the California gold rush of 1849, E.M. Bounds returned home to Missouri and became the state’s youngest practicing attorney at age 19. In his early twenties he was deeply impacted by the Third Great Awakening, and at age 24 he was ordained for ministry. During his lifetime he pastored churches, traveled as an evangelist, served as a Civil War chaplain, edited a Christian periodical and was a devoted husband and father. But E.M. Bounds is best known for prayer. His daily habit was to spend the time between 4 am and 7 am praying. His writings on prayer are widely acclaimed to be among the finest of any author before or since.
Unsuccessful in the California gold rush of 1849, E.M. Bounds returned home to Missouri and became the state’s youngest practicing attorney at age 19. In his early twenties he was deeply impacted by the Third Great Awakening, and at age 24 he was ordained for ministry. During his lifetime he pastored churches, traveled as an evangelist, served as a Civil War chaplain, edited a Christian periodical and was a devoted husband and father. But E.M. Bounds is best known for prayer. His daily habit was to spend the time between 4 am and 7 am praying. His writings on prayer are widely acclaimed to be among the finest of any author before or since.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 16, 2017
Not my favorite Bounds book on prayer, but excellent nonetheless. Many things could be said, but I want to say only a few things.
To begin, chapter 7, entitled "Preachers and Prayer", was one of the best chapters on prayer I have ever read. It was convicting and really stirred me to pray. I triple starred it in my book, and if I don't reread this whole book often, I look to returning to this chapter. The following chapter was also fantastic, chapter 8, "Prayerlessness in the Pulpit", which built upon chapter 7. Also an excellent chapter. Both are worth reading over and over.
Here's one quote from chapter 7: "[God's] concern has been for the character of the people who minister at His altars in holy things. They must be people who lean on Him, who look to Him, and who continually seek Him for wisdom, help, and power to effectively do the work of the ministry. So, He has designed people of prayer for the holy office, and He has relied on them successively to perform the tasks He has assigned them...People must do God's work in God's way and to God's glory, and prayer is necessary for its successful accomplishment" (89).
And at another place, Bounds shows that Jesus never trained the disciples (who would be his spokesmen after he left) how to preach. He writes, "[Jesus] focused on teaching His disciples the specific art of praying. He said little or nothing about how to preach or what to preach. But, He spent both His strength and His time in teaching people how to speak to God, how to commune with Him, and how to be with Him. He knew very well that he who has learned the craft of talking to God will be well versed in talking to people...The ability to talk to people is measured by the ability with which a preacher can talk to God for people. He who does not plow in his prayer closet will never reap in his pulpit" (92-93).
More could be said from chapters 7-8, but I lastly want to mention a quote from the end of the book. Speaking about Philippians 4 and how prayer brings the peace of God and how God uses it to guard our hearts and minds, Bounds writes, "Picture a besieged and distressed garrison, unable to protect the fort from attacking enemies, when suddenly strong reinforcements come pouring in. Into the heart oppressed, distracted, and discouraged, true prayer brings God, who holds it in perfect peace and perfect safety" (179).
This phrase "prayer brings God" is an apt summary of much of the book. Bounds firmly believes in the power and ability of prayer because of how God is attached to it.
In short, as with all Bound's books I have read, I would wholeheartedly recommend it.
To begin, chapter 7, entitled "Preachers and Prayer", was one of the best chapters on prayer I have ever read. It was convicting and really stirred me to pray. I triple starred it in my book, and if I don't reread this whole book often, I look to returning to this chapter. The following chapter was also fantastic, chapter 8, "Prayerlessness in the Pulpit", which built upon chapter 7. Also an excellent chapter. Both are worth reading over and over.
Here's one quote from chapter 7: "[God's] concern has been for the character of the people who minister at His altars in holy things. They must be people who lean on Him, who look to Him, and who continually seek Him for wisdom, help, and power to effectively do the work of the ministry. So, He has designed people of prayer for the holy office, and He has relied on them successively to perform the tasks He has assigned them...People must do God's work in God's way and to God's glory, and prayer is necessary for its successful accomplishment" (89).
And at another place, Bounds shows that Jesus never trained the disciples (who would be his spokesmen after he left) how to preach. He writes, "[Jesus] focused on teaching His disciples the specific art of praying. He said little or nothing about how to preach or what to preach. But, He spent both His strength and His time in teaching people how to speak to God, how to commune with Him, and how to be with Him. He knew very well that he who has learned the craft of talking to God will be well versed in talking to people...The ability to talk to people is measured by the ability with which a preacher can talk to God for people. He who does not plow in his prayer closet will never reap in his pulpit" (92-93).
More could be said from chapters 7-8, but I lastly want to mention a quote from the end of the book. Speaking about Philippians 4 and how prayer brings the peace of God and how God uses it to guard our hearts and minds, Bounds writes, "Picture a besieged and distressed garrison, unable to protect the fort from attacking enemies, when suddenly strong reinforcements come pouring in. Into the heart oppressed, distracted, and discouraged, true prayer brings God, who holds it in perfect peace and perfect safety" (179).
This phrase "prayer brings God" is an apt summary of much of the book. Bounds firmly believes in the power and ability of prayer because of how God is attached to it.
In short, as with all Bound's books I have read, I would wholeheartedly recommend it.
August 7, 2013
This was a great group study!
November 18, 2012
I suppose I should have closed this one at the end and started it right back over again at the beginning. Was it redundant? Yes. But I am sure that is the thing I need more than anything, – constant, urgent warnings to pray. Otherwise I don’t. How about you? I really appreciated this book. It was by no means very beautiful in its wording, or especially literary, but full of very compelling truth. Says Bounds,
"All this makes praying a real business, not child’s play, not a secondary affair, nor a trivial matter but a serious business. The men who have made a success of praying have made a business of praying. It is a process demanding the time, thought, energy and hearts of mankind. Prayer is business for time, business for eternity. It is a man’s business to pray, transcending all other business and taking precedence over all other vocations, professions or occupations."
"All this makes praying a real business, not child’s play, not a secondary affair, nor a trivial matter but a serious business. The men who have made a success of praying have made a business of praying. It is a process demanding the time, thought, energy and hearts of mankind. Prayer is business for time, business for eternity. It is a man’s business to pray, transcending all other business and taking precedence over all other vocations, professions or occupations."
June 12, 2008
a bit dry but really good meat within the front and back covers. Leaves the reader with a strong since of obligation and desire to pray as never before.
January 4, 2013
Somewhat redundant. Goes over the necessity of praying for those in minstry, especially pastors. Not what I was looking for as far as a book on Intercessory Prayer.
October 9, 2015
It is a great book but not easy to read for me, that is This is a vey old book./
October 15, 2017
This should definitely be required reading for ministerial staff. I was hoping for more practical application for lay persons.
November 15, 2021
Reading about praying will not necessarily get one praying, but reading E.M. Bounds sure helps. The man prayed daily from 4:00 a.m. until 7:00 a.m. I think I need to sit under his tutelage. The Weapon of Prayer is biblical, pastoral, and experiential. Here are several of the powerful and helpful words from this saint who graduated from his knees to the foot of the throne.
Key lines by Bounds on prayer:
1. Prayer necessary to God's work: "Sacred work,--Church activities--may so engage and absorb us as to hinder praying, and when this is the case, evil results always follow. It is better to the work go by default than to let the praying go by neglect. . . . Nothing is well done without prayer for the simple reason that it leaves God out of the account" (13t).
2. The effects of prayer: "Prayer affects three spheres of existence--the divine, the angelic and the human. It puts God to work, it puts angels to work, and it puts man to work. It lays its hands upon God, angels and men. What a wonderful reach there is in prayer!" (22).
3. The definition of prayer: "Prayer is but faith resting in, acting with, and leaning on and obeying God. This is why God loves it so well . . . " (24).
4. What God does with and through praying people: "Praying men are essential to Almighty God in all His plans and purposes. God's secrets, councils and cause have never been committed to prayerless men. Neglect of prayer has always brought loss of faith, loss of love, and loss of prayer. . . . As praying men are a help to God, so prayerless men are a hindrance to Him" (33).
5. On praying without ceasing: "Art thou praying in everything without ceasing, in the closet, hidden from the eyes of men, and praying always and everywhere? That is the personal, pertinent and all-important question for every soul" (34).
6. The power of prayer: "Even the fishes of the great deep are subject to the law of prayer (Jonah). Likewise the birds of the air are brought into subjection to this same law (Elijah)."
7. On praying men: "Praying men are the one commanding need of this day, as of all other days, in which God is to have or make a showing. Men who pray are, in reality, the only religious men, and it takes a full-measured man to pray. Men of prayer are the only men who do or can represent God in this world" (40).
8. On Christ and prayer: "What an inspiration and command to prayer is Christ's life! What a comment on its worth! How he shames our lives by his praying! His leadership was one of prayer"(42).
"He said little or nothing about how to preach or what to preach. But He spent His strength and time in teaching men how to speak to God, how to commune with Him, and how to be with Him. He knew full well that he who has learned the craft of talking to God, will be well versed in talking with men" (79).
9. The power of prayer: "Everything secured by Gospel promise, defined by Gospel measure, and represented by Gospel treasure are to be found in prayer. All heights are scaled by it, all doors are opened to it, all victories are gained through it, and all grace distills on it. Heaven has all its good and all its help for men who pray" (49).
10. Prayer and the church: "The Church upon its knees would bring heaven upon the earth" (57).
11. On self-centered prayer: "When prayer is confined to self and to the sphere of one's personal needs, it dies by reason of its littleness, narrowness and selfishness. Prayer must be broad and unselfish or it will perish. Prayer is the soul of a man stirred to plead with God for men" (59).
12. On praying and preaching: He "who ploughs not in his closet, will never reap in his pulpit" (80).
13. On the difference of prayer in pathos and unction: This is a lengthy passage, but it is so good, and it sums well Bound's heart for and rationale for prayer. Speaking of preaching and unction (the work of the Spirit of God) and pathos (emotional engagement) he writes:
Key verses on prayer:
1 Chronicles 21:7
2 Chronicles 7:12-15
Psalm 50:15
Isaiah 58:9
Jeremiah 33:3
Jeremiah 33:3
Matthew 6:9
Acts 6:1-8
Romans 12:12
Ephesians 6:18-20
Colossians 4:12
E.M. Bounds' The Weapon of Prayer is helpful tool, an encouraging word, and at times a necessary rebuke, but always so I appropriately wield God's "weapon of prayer."
Key lines by Bounds on prayer:
1. Prayer necessary to God's work: "Sacred work,--Church activities--may so engage and absorb us as to hinder praying, and when this is the case, evil results always follow. It is better to the work go by default than to let the praying go by neglect. . . . Nothing is well done without prayer for the simple reason that it leaves God out of the account" (13t).
2. The effects of prayer: "Prayer affects three spheres of existence--the divine, the angelic and the human. It puts God to work, it puts angels to work, and it puts man to work. It lays its hands upon God, angels and men. What a wonderful reach there is in prayer!" (22).
3. The definition of prayer: "Prayer is but faith resting in, acting with, and leaning on and obeying God. This is why God loves it so well . . . " (24).
4. What God does with and through praying people: "Praying men are essential to Almighty God in all His plans and purposes. God's secrets, councils and cause have never been committed to prayerless men. Neglect of prayer has always brought loss of faith, loss of love, and loss of prayer. . . . As praying men are a help to God, so prayerless men are a hindrance to Him" (33).
5. On praying without ceasing: "Art thou praying in everything without ceasing, in the closet, hidden from the eyes of men, and praying always and everywhere? That is the personal, pertinent and all-important question for every soul" (34).
6. The power of prayer: "Even the fishes of the great deep are subject to the law of prayer (Jonah). Likewise the birds of the air are brought into subjection to this same law (Elijah)."
7. On praying men: "Praying men are the one commanding need of this day, as of all other days, in which God is to have or make a showing. Men who pray are, in reality, the only religious men, and it takes a full-measured man to pray. Men of prayer are the only men who do or can represent God in this world" (40).
8. On Christ and prayer: "What an inspiration and command to prayer is Christ's life! What a comment on its worth! How he shames our lives by his praying! His leadership was one of prayer"(42).
"He said little or nothing about how to preach or what to preach. But He spent His strength and time in teaching men how to speak to God, how to commune with Him, and how to be with Him. He knew full well that he who has learned the craft of talking to God, will be well versed in talking with men" (79).
9. The power of prayer: "Everything secured by Gospel promise, defined by Gospel measure, and represented by Gospel treasure are to be found in prayer. All heights are scaled by it, all doors are opened to it, all victories are gained through it, and all grace distills on it. Heaven has all its good and all its help for men who pray" (49).
10. Prayer and the church: "The Church upon its knees would bring heaven upon the earth" (57).
11. On self-centered prayer: "When prayer is confined to self and to the sphere of one's personal needs, it dies by reason of its littleness, narrowness and selfishness. Prayer must be broad and unselfish or it will perish. Prayer is the soul of a man stirred to plead with God for men" (59).
12. On praying and preaching: He "who ploughs not in his closet, will never reap in his pulpit" (80).
13. On the difference of prayer in pathos and unction: This is a lengthy passage, but it is so good, and it sums well Bound's heart for and rationale for prayer. Speaking of preaching and unction (the work of the Spirit of God) and pathos (emotional engagement) he writes:
"Power from on high" means "the unction of the Holy One" resting on and abiding in the preacher. This is not so much a power which bears witness to a man being the child of God as it is a preparation for delivering the Word to others. Unction must be distinguished from pathos. Pathos may exist in a sermon while unction is entirely absent. So also, may unction be present and pathos absent. Both may exist together; but they are not be confused, nor be made to appear to be the same thing. Pathos promotes emotion, tender feeling, sometimes tears. Quite often it results from the relation to an affecting incident, or when the tender side is particularly appealed to. But pathos is neither the direct or indirect result of the Holy Spirit resting upon the preacher as he preaches (105-106).14. On David Brainerd and prayer: Brainerd, though barely 30 when he died, had a profound impact on the Indians to whom he ministered (see story of drunken interpreter on pages 134-135). Bounds writes of Brainard and his impact of Carey, Payson and Murry McCheyne: "But all I care is simply to enforce this thought, that the hidden life, a life whose days are spent in communion with God, in trying to reach the source of power, is the life that moves the world" (135).
Key verses on prayer:
1 Chronicles 21:7
2 Chronicles 7:12-15
Psalm 50:15
Isaiah 58:9
Jeremiah 33:3
Jeremiah 33:3
Matthew 6:9
Acts 6:1-8
Romans 12:12
Ephesians 6:18-20
Colossians 4:12
E.M. Bounds' The Weapon of Prayer is helpful tool, an encouraging word, and at times a necessary rebuke, but always so I appropriately wield God's "weapon of prayer."
March 18, 2016
I have read this book twice already. It is a bit redundant and there are some statements about which I wonder the theological accuracy-BUT it certainly accomplishes the task of motivating the reader to pray! In that regard, this book is a must-read in my opinion; I have added it to my short list of books to revisit annually.
May 25, 2017
As is the case with all of Bounds' books on prayer, there is some convicting and challenging material here. It also appears from the criticism that he levels against preachers and churches in his day that things haven't changed much. As I have noted in some of my reviews of Bounds' other books, there is a lot of repetition of material that is found in his other works.
July 25, 2014
another must-read for all those who are interested in more than just pulling a paycheck in the name of God's service. hard-hitting, holy spirit-convicting. not a long book and in this one he has a couple of chapters dealing with other prayer warriors and their habits. priceless. read it.
December 31, 2021
Good premises coloured by repetition and in some cases high speculation.
August 16, 2016
Excellent book on the importance of prayer.!
Read
January 24, 2017Very wordy and repetitive. It is, I think, a set of sermon transcripts.
September 16, 2024
E.M. Bounds surely has a heart for prayer! You may not agree with every conclusion, but you are left with a taste for more fervent, dependent and sweet communion with God. "The Weapon of Prayer" is a great corrective to the tendency in all Christians to neglect the need of the day... unwavering commitment to be a praying people, a people who call on God with faith and a deep desire for his fellowship.
If you were looking at reading one book by E.M. Bounds, I would probably start with "Power through Prayer." That's a great help to pastors. And Bounds connects prayer and preaching in a way I think few men capture. The Weapon of Prayer has several chapters on this, but the foremost classic on the subject is Power Through Prayer.
If you were looking at reading one book by E.M. Bounds, I would probably start with "Power through Prayer." That's a great help to pastors. And Bounds connects prayer and preaching in a way I think few men capture. The Weapon of Prayer has several chapters on this, but the foremost classic on the subject is Power Through Prayer.
October 26, 2019
3 ½ stars. A good book about prayer and the importance of it. Reading this made we want to pray even more. To have a God that loves us, a God that nothing is impossible for and a God that we can talk to whenever we want in prayer... this is one of the greatest privileges there are in life.
It's clear it was written a long time ago, though. The language felt old a lot of the time, but the content is still really good. So it's worth your time.
It's clear it was written a long time ago, though. The language felt old a lot of the time, but the content is still really good. So it's worth your time.
December 17, 2023
I got a lot of this. It encourages and challenges you on prayer and helps to understand the importance of it. The author clarifies that prayer is much like anything else, if you want to get better at it you have to be a willing participant. You have to be willing to pray and be alone. This is a great book and I will be revisiting it often. It's a good book to add to the faith arsenal.
There it is and there you have it.
There it is and there you have it.
April 14, 2018
Truly excellent.
Rich devotional material, I nibbled through most of this a paragraph or two per day.
Hope to return to it soon, or at least the rest in the “series.”
Very helpful, reminded me generally of the importance and necessity of prayer, but also specific elements like the emphasis Christ placed on teaching his disciples to pray, not preach.
Rich devotional material, I nibbled through most of this a paragraph or two per day.
Hope to return to it soon, or at least the rest in the “series.”
Very helpful, reminded me generally of the importance and necessity of prayer, but also specific elements like the emphasis Christ placed on teaching his disciples to pray, not preach.
July 8, 2019
Another good read from Bounds. I am still wary of some of his doctrine but that goes with his denominational leanings. If you are Methodist you should have no difficulty in this book. If you are Baptist you will likely be tripped by many of the humanistic teachings. Go for the meat about prayer and leave his theological errors to Wesley and the like.
November 17, 2019
An excellent book on prayer!!! There is a lot to it, so I recommend taking some time to chew on it. Not necessarily overly deep, if just gives you pause to think about what you just read. Great to use for devotions! And a great, and important, reminder to us as Christians of the power of prayer!!! Highly recommend!!!
June 19, 2020
um livro mt rico em conhecimento , q nós faz entender o real sentido da oração e as armas q elas nos traz e proporciona para nossa vida espiritual. Essa série de livros sobre a Vida de Oração de fato, abre os nossos olhos e nos faz desejar passar mais tempo no ato , melhorando nossa conexão e intimidade cm Deus.
April 21, 2024
This book made me re-rate other books on prayer with one star less. EM Bounds brings a perspective and challenge on prayer that still applies to the church over 100 years later. If you’re struggling to pray or lacking motivation to, this is the book for you. If you’re a seasoned vet in prayer, this is also the book for you.
June 19, 2018
While this book has been out for years and years the timeless truths about prayer will never grow old. It is very inspirational and should motivate the 21st centuries – Christian to pray.
January 11, 2020
Heart stirring and challenging.
June 7, 2021
Encouraging, convicting and inspiring. One of the best writers on prayer I have read thus far.
September 16, 2023
Good, lots of similarities to Power in Prayer, though I thought Power was better. Some of his books are appeals specifically to pastors, this is one of them
May 15, 2025
At times this book is so inspiring, and at other times this book is so repetitive.
December 2, 2021
This is another book written by E.M. Bounds on the subject of prayer. With all of the other books on prayer, which I believe is eight, you would think that there would be little else for Bounds to talk about when it comes to prayer. But that is only because of how little we think of prayer as well as how we think of prayer as little.
In this book, Bounds extols prayer as necessary and fulfilling to the Christian. In fact, he asserts that if you are a Christian that doesn’t pray, you aren’t a Christian. Prayer is so integral to our lives as followers of Jesus that a lack of prayer speaks of your lack of relationship with God. The way to get rid of the stagnation is to pray more. That is how you learn to pray, and it is a lesson stressed in all of his books on prayer.
With a lot of examples of (then) modern examples of those who prayed well, there are figures he’s talked about in his other books. Like Brainerd, who was a part of reaching the Indians (Native Americans) with God’s Word. He also mentions George Müeller, the man who trusted God for supplying the needs of himself and his orphans through prayer. And there are many more. Each example serves to prove that God can and does answer prayers like we see in the Bible. The most pressing issue is how little we pray and how we think of prayer as outdated or useless.
This book is a great look at how prayer can affect the world and our lives if we just set aside the time for communion with God. Prayer is the greatest weapon in our arsenal when it comes to the battle with sin and temptation, and it is so little used. If you need a reason to spend more time in prayer, pick up this old book and see what gems of wisdom you find in its pages. This is a book that still has the power and passion of Bounds, a true man of prayer, and it will speak to you.
In this book, Bounds extols prayer as necessary and fulfilling to the Christian. In fact, he asserts that if you are a Christian that doesn’t pray, you aren’t a Christian. Prayer is so integral to our lives as followers of Jesus that a lack of prayer speaks of your lack of relationship with God. The way to get rid of the stagnation is to pray more. That is how you learn to pray, and it is a lesson stressed in all of his books on prayer.
With a lot of examples of (then) modern examples of those who prayed well, there are figures he’s talked about in his other books. Like Brainerd, who was a part of reaching the Indians (Native Americans) with God’s Word. He also mentions George Müeller, the man who trusted God for supplying the needs of himself and his orphans through prayer. And there are many more. Each example serves to prove that God can and does answer prayers like we see in the Bible. The most pressing issue is how little we pray and how we think of prayer as outdated or useless.
This book is a great look at how prayer can affect the world and our lives if we just set aside the time for communion with God. Prayer is the greatest weapon in our arsenal when it comes to the battle with sin and temptation, and it is so little used. If you need a reason to spend more time in prayer, pick up this old book and see what gems of wisdom you find in its pages. This is a book that still has the power and passion of Bounds, a true man of prayer, and it will speak to you.
December 31, 2024
“Nothing is well done without prayer for the simple reason that it leaves God out of the account.”
Really solid book on prayer.
I especially liked the chapter on prayer + preaching. what a great call to action for our modern church and the leadership of our churches.
“...let it be said, at once, that a prayerless man in the Church of God is like a paralyzed organ of the physical body.”
“Men of piety are always men of prayer. Men are never noted for the simplicity and strength of their faith who are not preeminently men of prayer. Piety flourishes nowhere so rapidly and so rankly as in the closet. The closet is the garden of faith.”
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews