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Purpose in Prayer
Paperback
160 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1978
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390 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Bounds
329 books222 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 - 30 of 70 reviews
July 16, 2016
A gem from E.M. Bounds (1835-1913), widely known as The Master of Prayer. This book is not a "how to" so much as it is an impassioned treatise for Christians to understand the privilege we have been given to cooperate with the Almighty in His good purposes. There is a flame that leaps from the pen of this writer straight to the heart of the reader; I myself was stirred to desire a greater participation in God's purposes via prayer.
The author uses scripture and scriptural prayers as his foundation, handling them accurately and with a zest to lay hold of the promises therein. He also includes inspiring testimonies of answered prayer, the sit-up-and-marvel kind of stories that clearly cannot be tossed aside as mere coincidence.
A recurring theme in his book is the simple directive, ASK. It is the currency of God's economy----so simple and yet so often neglected.
I've highlighted MANY passages in the book, and pick it up often when I feel my prayer life is growing cold. Here are some of my favorite quotes:
". . . they lost their purpose in life, because the link with the eternal had been broken." pg. 18
"the progress of Our Lord's kingdom is dependent upon prayer." pg. 27
"Prayer is no laggard's work."
"the Believer who is the most highly skilled in prayer will do the most for God."
And my favorite, the one I go back to again and again:
"The prayers of God's saints strengthen the unborn generation. . . Woe to the generation of sons who find their own censers empty of the rich incense of prayer, whose fathers have been too busy or too unbelieving to pray. . . They whose fathers and mothers have left them a wealthy legacy of prayer are very fortunate, indeed." pg. 9
The author uses scripture and scriptural prayers as his foundation, handling them accurately and with a zest to lay hold of the promises therein. He also includes inspiring testimonies of answered prayer, the sit-up-and-marvel kind of stories that clearly cannot be tossed aside as mere coincidence.
A recurring theme in his book is the simple directive, ASK. It is the currency of God's economy----so simple and yet so often neglected.
I've highlighted MANY passages in the book, and pick it up often when I feel my prayer life is growing cold. Here are some of my favorite quotes:
". . . they lost their purpose in life, because the link with the eternal had been broken." pg. 18
"the progress of Our Lord's kingdom is dependent upon prayer." pg. 27
"Prayer is no laggard's work."
"the Believer who is the most highly skilled in prayer will do the most for God."
And my favorite, the one I go back to again and again:
"The prayers of God's saints strengthen the unborn generation. . . Woe to the generation of sons who find their own censers empty of the rich incense of prayer, whose fathers have been too busy or too unbelieving to pray. . . They whose fathers and mothers have left them a wealthy legacy of prayer are very fortunate, indeed." pg. 9
April 25, 2014
I had the privilege of reading a copy of this book from the early 1900's. It has thick pages and marks from previous readers, earliest having read it and signed it on Oct 18, 1918.
The benefit of the book is it's strong encouragement to be in prayer. Bounds calls his readers to follow the example of Christ as he was a man of prayer. This book helped increase my desire for God and to seek him through the hard, but rewarding labor of prayer.
The weakness of the book is that he relies far too much on anecdotal experiences of other saints, rather than on the word of God. He does cite Scripture here and there, but the bulk of his book is recounting example after example of praying saints. Although I truly enjoy Christian biography to spur me on in my faith, I would have much rather have him back up many of his claims to the power, purpose, and results of prayer with Scripture rather than with an anecdote.
This book, along with E. M. Bounds other works, is a classic in the prayer literature and I can see why. But Christians would be served to also read a more biblically grounded book on prayer.
The benefit of the book is it's strong encouragement to be in prayer. Bounds calls his readers to follow the example of Christ as he was a man of prayer. This book helped increase my desire for God and to seek him through the hard, but rewarding labor of prayer.
The weakness of the book is that he relies far too much on anecdotal experiences of other saints, rather than on the word of God. He does cite Scripture here and there, but the bulk of his book is recounting example after example of praying saints. Although I truly enjoy Christian biography to spur me on in my faith, I would have much rather have him back up many of his claims to the power, purpose, and results of prayer with Scripture rather than with an anecdote.
This book, along with E. M. Bounds other works, is a classic in the prayer literature and I can see why. But Christians would be served to also read a more biblically grounded book on prayer.
July 2, 2023
If this book doesn't make you want to go pray, I don't know what would. The advice in the book ranges from extremely inspirational to downright preachy ... as in, you sinners! Go PRAY if you want something! Pray loud. Pray at length. Pray repeatedly. Your future depends on it... as well as the future of others you may be praying for. Leave no stone unturned. Prayer is essential.
Having read the entire book now, I'm very much thinking I need to go pray somewhere private, more intensely than ever before. If I don't I'll be missing great opportunities to help others.
Final analysis: This book is amazing. I hope I manage to put the great advice into personal life practice.
Having read the entire book now, I'm very much thinking I need to go pray somewhere private, more intensely than ever before. If I don't I'll be missing great opportunities to help others.
Final analysis: This book is amazing. I hope I manage to put the great advice into personal life practice.
August 25, 2011
*deep sighs* books like these along with most devotional books drive me crazy, not because I think there's definitely something wrong, but because I'm not sure if what it's saying is right. In this instance my frustration is compounded because the way one tells if something is true or not is if it had Biblical support. But the reason I'm reading this book is because I'm not deeply familiar with/understanding of all the scripture dealing with prayer, so when it asserts things without showing me the scriptural support, I'm likely lost, wondering if what it purports is true or not.
examples of things I'm not sure about:
1) "Prayer, in one phase of its operation, is a disinfectant and a preventive. It purifies the air; it destroys the contagion of evil."
This is a nice notion, but I'm unaware of scriptural proof of it. I openly confess that I don't know all the scriptures regarding prayer (hence the reason for reading a book like this). But I'm disappointed to often not find scriptural support cited.
2) "The prayers of God's saints are the capital stock in heaven by which Christ carries on His great work upon earth. The great throes and mighty convulsions on earth are the results of these prayers. Earth is changed, revolutionised, angels move on more powerful, more rapid wing, and God's policy is shaped as the prayers are more numerous, more efficient."
Again, this is a nice notion, but I'm looking for Biblical support for it. He seems to cite a lot of testimonies of Christians in lieu of Biblical support for statements. I think testimonies are definitely helpful, but I'm hesitant/opposed to making assertions about the details of how the spiritual world works without support from scripture.
3) "It is true that the mightiest successes that come to God's cause are created and carried on by prayer. God's day of power; the angelic days of activity and power are when God's Church comes into its mightiest inheritance of mightiest faith and mightiest prayer. God's conquering days are when the saints have given themselves to mightiest prayer. When God's house on earth is a house of prayer, then God's house in heaven is busy and all potent in its plans and movements, then His earthly armies are clothed with the triumphs and spoils of victory and His enemies defeated on every hand."
Again, I was missing scriptural support/citation for this. There were numerous other examples where the author made statements about prayer that I really wasn't sure were supported by scripture and would have liked citations, but I'll stop listing them here. I think as the book went on there were fewer unsupported statements.
So overall, I really loved the parts of the book where he backed up what he said with Biblical citations. I was uncomfortable with many of the parts where he spoke forcefully without Biblical support. Also, sometimes he seemed to cite scripture like this apostle was able to work a miracle when he prayed therefore we should be able to work miracles through prayer as well--- which I think can be a misuse of the text seeing as the apostles were given special power by Jesus-- I suppose it's a great point of debate about whether saints today can "wield" the same power. All in all I still felt that my understanding grew and I was edified by listening to this book, so with that in mind this is going to get a very shaky 3 stars and recommendation with lots of bright warning flags attached.
examples of things I'm not sure about:
1) "Prayer, in one phase of its operation, is a disinfectant and a preventive. It purifies the air; it destroys the contagion of evil."
This is a nice notion, but I'm unaware of scriptural proof of it. I openly confess that I don't know all the scriptures regarding prayer (hence the reason for reading a book like this). But I'm disappointed to often not find scriptural support cited.
2) "The prayers of God's saints are the capital stock in heaven by which Christ carries on His great work upon earth. The great throes and mighty convulsions on earth are the results of these prayers. Earth is changed, revolutionised, angels move on more powerful, more rapid wing, and God's policy is shaped as the prayers are more numerous, more efficient."
Again, this is a nice notion, but I'm looking for Biblical support for it. He seems to cite a lot of testimonies of Christians in lieu of Biblical support for statements. I think testimonies are definitely helpful, but I'm hesitant/opposed to making assertions about the details of how the spiritual world works without support from scripture.
3) "It is true that the mightiest successes that come to God's cause are created and carried on by prayer. God's day of power; the angelic days of activity and power are when God's Church comes into its mightiest inheritance of mightiest faith and mightiest prayer. God's conquering days are when the saints have given themselves to mightiest prayer. When God's house on earth is a house of prayer, then God's house in heaven is busy and all potent in its plans and movements, then His earthly armies are clothed with the triumphs and spoils of victory and His enemies defeated on every hand."
Again, I was missing scriptural support/citation for this. There were numerous other examples where the author made statements about prayer that I really wasn't sure were supported by scripture and would have liked citations, but I'll stop listing them here. I think as the book went on there were fewer unsupported statements.
So overall, I really loved the parts of the book where he backed up what he said with Biblical citations. I was uncomfortable with many of the parts where he spoke forcefully without Biblical support. Also, sometimes he seemed to cite scripture like this apostle was able to work a miracle when he prayed therefore we should be able to work miracles through prayer as well--- which I think can be a misuse of the text seeing as the apostles were given special power by Jesus-- I suppose it's a great point of debate about whether saints today can "wield" the same power. All in all I still felt that my understanding grew and I was edified by listening to this book, so with that in mind this is going to get a very shaky 3 stars and recommendation with lots of bright warning flags attached.
June 15, 2022
This was another really good book by E. M. Bounds! So far I've read two of his books on prayer, and they have both been different but equally good. These books will revolutionize your prayer life and show you what a wonderful gift we have been given with the opportunity to bring our requests to God. I can't wait to read more of this author's books!
August 24, 2024
Great read on prayer. Convicting and encouraging
March 6, 2022
Bounds continues his works on prayer with this installment. Helpful reminders on how we should approach prayer, how God uses prayer for us, and how to make it a habit of grace, so to speak.
May 25, 2012
Bounds classic work on prayer is more than I could have hoped it would be. There has never been a book which has so immediately had such a large effect in my life. The number of books which I can point to and say, “That book largely affected who I am as a Christian today,” are few. But even so, the number of books that I can point to and say, “After reading only a few pages, my entire Christianity shifted for the better, and the next day, I was a different man,” are singular. This book is that book. I do not know if it is that way for many people, or if God simply decided to use this work to affect me greatly, nonetheless, I think this book would be exceeding beneficial for any believer to read.
Book thesis: Prayer is the keynote of the most sanctified life, of the holiest ministry; he does the most for God who is the highest skilled in prayer.
The thesis is supported, but not in argumentative, syllogistic fashion. Rather Bounds’ writing emerges from one whose life has been profoundly affected by prayer and has seen its effects elsewhere. Anyone who has the Spirit residing within him will resonate with the words in this book, knowing that they are true even with the lack of researched deliberation. Bounds’ “research,” so to speak, is his life. Although, it should not be thought that Bounds does not appeal to Scripture. Nor that he is solitary and unique in his consideration of prayer. At the beginning of each chapter, Bounds includes quotations from notable men of Christian history and some remarks they make concerning prayer—such men as Spurgeon, A.J. Gordon, and D.L. Moody. He also interlaces accounts throughout his chapters, showing the importance prayer has played in such men’s (and women’s) lives. Furthermore, Bounds does frequently refer to Scripture and its contents—whether it be the teachings of Jesus, the life of Jesus, the prayers of Paul, or the wrestling of Jacob.
The chapters are brief, thirteen in all, and adding to a total of 160 pages. But if you are anything like me, they will be some of the most life-changing words you ever read. I recommend this book to all Christians, young and old, mature and immature, and I pray (literally) that the words of Bounds come into the lives of countless other Christians, and that the subsequent prayers of those Christians bring the kingdom of God to bear upon the earth in a way not yet seen.
Book thesis: Prayer is the keynote of the most sanctified life, of the holiest ministry; he does the most for God who is the highest skilled in prayer.
The thesis is supported, but not in argumentative, syllogistic fashion. Rather Bounds’ writing emerges from one whose life has been profoundly affected by prayer and has seen its effects elsewhere. Anyone who has the Spirit residing within him will resonate with the words in this book, knowing that they are true even with the lack of researched deliberation. Bounds’ “research,” so to speak, is his life. Although, it should not be thought that Bounds does not appeal to Scripture. Nor that he is solitary and unique in his consideration of prayer. At the beginning of each chapter, Bounds includes quotations from notable men of Christian history and some remarks they make concerning prayer—such men as Spurgeon, A.J. Gordon, and D.L. Moody. He also interlaces accounts throughout his chapters, showing the importance prayer has played in such men’s (and women’s) lives. Furthermore, Bounds does frequently refer to Scripture and its contents—whether it be the teachings of Jesus, the life of Jesus, the prayers of Paul, or the wrestling of Jacob.
The chapters are brief, thirteen in all, and adding to a total of 160 pages. But if you are anything like me, they will be some of the most life-changing words you ever read. I recommend this book to all Christians, young and old, mature and immature, and I pray (literally) that the words of Bounds come into the lives of countless other Christians, and that the subsequent prayers of those Christians bring the kingdom of God to bear upon the earth in a way not yet seen.
March 14, 2015
More than 4 stars
It becomes the more convincing to me by really good books written by Godly men, that we search too often more vainly for how to do a thing better, or be a thing better.
A better leader. Better soul winner. Better husband/wife. Better at finding that husband/wife God wants for us. Better to pray. Better at giving. And, God help us all, better at living. Etc, etc.
Did I say better to pray?
Oh, this most certainly shows the need I do not come close to meeting, prayer. But much more it showed to me anyway, the Christ of the Bible is not known nearly as well as He should be. Not even by the best men. It is that we should seek in books. To be like Him. More like Him. In all, but perhaps especially in reading.
Do not think I speak against books. Not those written in wisdom honoring to the Lord at least in principles.
What seems to be making an impression upon me though is that what we lack most is becoming what that one book, the Word of God teaches us. We lack being more like Christ.
That one was easy. Tell me what Jesus Christ needs to learn or be taught. And yet He says “Be ye perfect”. Grow. Be like Me.
Would we have so much need of other books if that were true?
What this book 'Purpose In Prayer' said most to me was, I have a city whose Builder and Maker is God. And it is for me, very very far away as I come so short of what I ought. Like thinking you have climbed to the peak of the Appalachians, looking out and seeing the Rocky Mountains and after, the Himalaya's.
How much more I should be for the one who loved me. Who died for me.
That is what this excellent book said to me.
Really good books are Teachers dressed in paper.
It becomes the more convincing to me by really good books written by Godly men, that we search too often more vainly for how to do a thing better, or be a thing better.
A better leader. Better soul winner. Better husband/wife. Better at finding that husband/wife God wants for us. Better to pray. Better at giving. And, God help us all, better at living. Etc, etc.
Did I say better to pray?
Oh, this most certainly shows the need I do not come close to meeting, prayer. But much more it showed to me anyway, the Christ of the Bible is not known nearly as well as He should be. Not even by the best men. It is that we should seek in books. To be like Him. More like Him. In all, but perhaps especially in reading.
Do not think I speak against books. Not those written in wisdom honoring to the Lord at least in principles.
What seems to be making an impression upon me though is that what we lack most is becoming what that one book, the Word of God teaches us. We lack being more like Christ.
That one was easy. Tell me what Jesus Christ needs to learn or be taught. And yet He says “Be ye perfect”. Grow. Be like Me.
Would we have so much need of other books if that were true?
What this book 'Purpose In Prayer' said most to me was, I have a city whose Builder and Maker is God. And it is for me, very very far away as I come so short of what I ought. Like thinking you have climbed to the peak of the Appalachians, looking out and seeing the Rocky Mountains and after, the Himalaya's.
How much more I should be for the one who loved me. Who died for me.
That is what this excellent book said to me.
Really good books are Teachers dressed in paper.
December 2, 2013
My favorite of the four EM Bounds books I have read, yet it is still a writing style that is hard to endure. It isn't the old language, but almost incessant use of undefined words. The word "prayer" is probably mentioned 2,500 times in his complete works yet a definition of prayer is narrowly found on any page.
I would also add that no ultimate causation is given for prayer. The whole begs the question, from whence does prayer come? Quotes from Charles Finney towards the end and the author himself pointing to prayer and intercession as ultimate cause in revival, but what is the cause of this prayer? Much talk of cause and effect, yet no explanation as to where prayer comes from.
The grace of God credited as the effective cause of prayer removes superhero status from men of old, yet Bounds along with many others seem to ascribe the will itself to be cause of all things.
I would also add that no ultimate causation is given for prayer. The whole begs the question, from whence does prayer come? Quotes from Charles Finney towards the end and the author himself pointing to prayer and intercession as ultimate cause in revival, but what is the cause of this prayer? Much talk of cause and effect, yet no explanation as to where prayer comes from.
The grace of God credited as the effective cause of prayer removes superhero status from men of old, yet Bounds along with many others seem to ascribe the will itself to be cause of all things.
July 8, 2014
one of my favorite em bounds books. this book is challenging, convicting, thought-provoking. it forces one to evaluate the most powerful and the most important part of our life - our walk with God. great book. every christian must read this book. I rarely read a book twice. this would be one of those rare occasions.
November 12, 2020
I know this book has been helpful for many people, but I thought it was just passable, and gave it a bonus star out of respect since it’s regarded as a classic. For my taste there are just too many assertions here that are supported by the use of personal anecdotes rather than by scripture.
July 27, 2023
This was my first E. M. Bounds book, and it was helpful. I love the mix of stories and the earnestness of the writing. It is convicting and convincing, and every book on prayer shows me I am wasting too much time not praying. Forgive me, Lord.
November 30, 2019
This book has been a catalyst to my prayer life. Some succinct practical applications: 1) pray specific prayers 2) pray unselfish prayers 3) stay in the Word consistently and let it drive your prayer life.
December 14, 2020
Challenging, convicting, but so good for the soul. Bounds’ writing on prayer is matched only by the practice of that very prayer put into place. There is power here! God be praised!
September 6, 2023
Good. Lots of stories and quotes in this one
June 28, 2017
I truly love reading E.M. Bounds. He simply stirs one to prayer. I have been reading this every morning before my time of prayer, and words cannot express how frequently I have felt tired and languishing, and then after reading a chapter or two of this book I have this surprisingly excited sense to read my Bible and pray. In all his books, Bounds writes directly and powerfully about the importance of prayer, and it truly is a joy to read because of what it does to my heart.
That being said, I give this 4 stars simply because of two things: 1) it was quite unorganized, as many of his books are, but this one especially seemed a little repetitive and unorganized; 2) I thought the content in this book wasn't as exceptional as the others I've read by Bounds. He seemed to rely more on stories about prayer in this one.
That all being said, his idea about importunity (persistence) in prayer was simply gold. His idea that the praying man simply gets things that the non-praying man doesn't was emphasized rightly over and over again. His emphasis toward the end concerning praying for others was a much needed reminder. And his call for there to be men in the church who are set ablaze for their love for God due to their prayer closet was much needed. Again, I loved this book and plan on reading another Bounds book before my prayer times very soon. I would wholeheartedly recommend it, as with his other prayer book.
That being said, I give this 4 stars simply because of two things: 1) it was quite unorganized, as many of his books are, but this one especially seemed a little repetitive and unorganized; 2) I thought the content in this book wasn't as exceptional as the others I've read by Bounds. He seemed to rely more on stories about prayer in this one.
That all being said, his idea about importunity (persistence) in prayer was simply gold. His idea that the praying man simply gets things that the non-praying man doesn't was emphasized rightly over and over again. His emphasis toward the end concerning praying for others was a much needed reminder. And his call for there to be men in the church who are set ablaze for their love for God due to their prayer closet was much needed. Again, I loved this book and plan on reading another Bounds book before my prayer times very soon. I would wholeheartedly recommend it, as with his other prayer book.
December 20, 2009
EM Bounds is, if nothing else, a prophet of the first order. This book hit me upside the head like a left hook. A much appreciated blow, though. Bounds makes the case that we are to pray for two reasons: 1) b/c God calls us to pray; 2) b/c prayer DOES something. He's right on both counts, and I found his illumination of the second count particularly incisive. One critique would be that he can tend toward legalism, and he doesn't put forth a robust notion of the intimacy with God in prayer -- the relational benefits. At under 150 pages, it's a must read for everyone, though.
February 27, 2014
One of the more powerful pieces of Christian literature that I have had in hand. I listened to (actually devoured) the work in just over a day - some parts two or three times. I have now ordered a print version so that I may make notes in some sections that seemed particularly meaningful. It seems clear that my own personal prayer life needs work if even a tenth of Bounds' work has validity.
May 17, 2017
This book contains a good deal of inspiration to spark your prayer life. On the other hand, it contains a good deal of information that may lead one to feel guilty about one's lack of a prayer life. Bounds sprinkles illustrations of remarkable answers to prayer throughout the book to demonstrate the power of prayer.
August 31, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I have learned so much, and I believe this will be a forever resource to new avenues of learning and praying. I felt like I was alone with the thoughts I had, but E.M. Bounds brings up all the internal issues I had and explains them so well. Happy I was blessed to read this book.
June 26, 2024
"Without prayer the Christian life robbed of its sweetness and its beauty, becomes cold and formal and dead; but rooted in the secret place where God meets and walks and talks with His own, it grows into such a testimony of divine power that all men will feel its influence and be touched by the warmth of its love."
January 25, 2008
A short book, but full of excellent advice about the importance and significance of Christians praying. A little heavy in places, and rather old-fashioned in style, but well worth reading nevertheless.
July 29, 2015
This is not a formula book, but a book to show christian growth. In other words, a means of increasing faith. Living what we pofess to believe. Understanding that God is true to his word. "Ask according to his will", and understanding how to use his word to determine his will.
November 25, 2015
A great general motivator in prayer! A classic on prayer. It motivated me to pray and especially to get assurance that I get an answer or the assurance that my prayer is heard and the answer is on the way. Great book!
February 8, 2016
I don't know....I definitely believe in prayer yet I haven't been paying much. this book encourages me to pay more yet also revealed how weak I'm spiritually. may God have mercy on my poor soul
March 24, 2013
Not a bad book if you are looking for time of prayer..
Read
April 12, 2016 "The prayer of faith is the only power in the universe to which the great Jehovah yields. Prayer is the sovereign remedy– Robert Hall
September 5, 2016
Life-changing!
October 19, 2024
Fantastic book that should be read by every follower of Christ. Incredibly convicting!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews