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The Prayer Experiment: How Praying Like Jesus Realigns Everything - Our Thoughts, Our Hearts, and Our Posture Toward God and the World
One year.
One reluctant pray-er.
One prayer that changed it all.
Prayer is one of the most universal Christian struggles. Many of us feel like we don't "pray right," or we give up because prayer seems formulaic and dry. Deep down we wonder if prayer even makes a difference. Matt Smallbone--an Australian immigrant, pastor, and former touring musician--admits he once felt that way. Then he committed to an He would pray the Lord's Prayer every day for an entire year. That simple rhythm transformed his life.
The Prayer Experiment flows from that simple practice. Written in a tone that blends the insights of Dallas Willard with the modern sensibility of John Mark Comer, this book weaves together biblical teaching, candid personal stories, and a dose of Aussie humor to explore each phrase of the Lord's Prayer. If you want to pray with greater expectation and grow in your relationship with God, this book will guide you
Identify your "prayer barriers" and how to overcome themLearn how Jesus taught us to pray--and how he taught us not to prayReconcile God's goodness with the reality of unanswered prayersTransform prayer from a duty-based practice to a personal, meaningful conversation with GodEstablish your new spiritual practice with a thirty-day guide
Here's the You never outgrow the Lord's Prayer. There's no secret upgrade, no graduate-level version. These words remain--and they are always enough. They are simple enough for a child, deep enough for a theologian, strong enough to hold you for a lifetime. May you find, as you pray these words day by day, that this really is the only prayer you need.
One reluctant pray-er.
One prayer that changed it all.
Prayer is one of the most universal Christian struggles. Many of us feel like we don't "pray right," or we give up because prayer seems formulaic and dry. Deep down we wonder if prayer even makes a difference. Matt Smallbone--an Australian immigrant, pastor, and former touring musician--admits he once felt that way. Then he committed to an He would pray the Lord's Prayer every day for an entire year. That simple rhythm transformed his life.
The Prayer Experiment flows from that simple practice. Written in a tone that blends the insights of Dallas Willard with the modern sensibility of John Mark Comer, this book weaves together biblical teaching, candid personal stories, and a dose of Aussie humor to explore each phrase of the Lord's Prayer. If you want to pray with greater expectation and grow in your relationship with God, this book will guide you
Identify your "prayer barriers" and how to overcome themLearn how Jesus taught us to pray--and how he taught us not to prayReconcile God's goodness with the reality of unanswered prayersTransform prayer from a duty-based practice to a personal, meaningful conversation with GodEstablish your new spiritual practice with a thirty-day guide
Here's the You never outgrow the Lord's Prayer. There's no secret upgrade, no graduate-level version. These words remain--and they are always enough. They are simple enough for a child, deep enough for a theologian, strong enough to hold you for a lifetime. May you find, as you pray these words day by day, that this really is the only prayer you need.
- GenresChristian
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 12, 2026
A short but encouraging listen that challenged me to think differently about prayer and my relationship with God. Matt Smallbone shares personal experiences and biblical insights in a way that feels genuine and relatable.
🎧 Matt narrates the audiobook himself, and his Australian accent was honestly one of my favorite parts. I found listening at 1.15x speed was the sweet spot. *Any faster and it took away from the charm and warmth of his accent, which added so much to the experience.
A thoughtful, faith-filled listen that left me reflecting long after it ended. 🖤📖 Thank you Netgalley, HCCP & HCF audio for this ALC in exchange for an honest review. This will be 100% recommend for our women's Bible Study.
🎧 Matt narrates the audiobook himself, and his Australian accent was honestly one of my favorite parts. I found listening at 1.15x speed was the sweet spot. *Any faster and it took away from the charm and warmth of his accent, which added so much to the experience.
A thoughtful, faith-filled listen that left me reflecting long after it ended. 🖤📖 Thank you Netgalley, HCCP & HCF audio for this ALC in exchange for an honest review. This will be 100% recommend for our women's Bible Study.
June 8, 2026
Have you ever felt that you aren’t very good at prayer?
So did Matt Smallbone. But prayer has gone from being one of his greatest struggles to being one of his greatest joys. In The Prayer Experiment, Matt explains how that shift happened.
It all comes down to the Lord’s Prayer. Matt learned that it is not a script to recite but a foundation to live by. The entire book is devoted to teaching his readers the same lesson.
There is so much great insight and wisdom in this book. At the heart of its message is the reminder that when it comes to prayer, you don’t need to impress God; you just need to be with Him.
This audio experience was excellent and easy to listen to. Matt’s passion for helping others pray with confidence is evident through his narration. His personal stories are encouraging and humorous.
I love how relatable this book is and how the author admits that it can sometimes feel awkward or like hard work. But prayer doesn’t have to be polished.
The audio ends with a 30 day prayer guide as you read through the Lords Prayer. It’s filled with prayer prompts, reflection and spiritual practices.
Thank you NetGalley and HCCP & HCF Audio for the opportunity to review.
So did Matt Smallbone. But prayer has gone from being one of his greatest struggles to being one of his greatest joys. In The Prayer Experiment, Matt explains how that shift happened.
It all comes down to the Lord’s Prayer. Matt learned that it is not a script to recite but a foundation to live by. The entire book is devoted to teaching his readers the same lesson.
There is so much great insight and wisdom in this book. At the heart of its message is the reminder that when it comes to prayer, you don’t need to impress God; you just need to be with Him.
This audio experience was excellent and easy to listen to. Matt’s passion for helping others pray with confidence is evident through his narration. His personal stories are encouraging and humorous.
I love how relatable this book is and how the author admits that it can sometimes feel awkward or like hard work. But prayer doesn’t have to be polished.
The audio ends with a 30 day prayer guide as you read through the Lords Prayer. It’s filled with prayer prompts, reflection and spiritual practices.
Thank you NetGalley and HCCP & HCF Audio for the opportunity to review.
June 25, 2026
Wow. I’ve said right book right time before but I don’t think it has ever been truer than me listening to this book right now.
A deep dive into The Lord’s Prayer was right up my ally and exactly what my heart needed. Smallbone does a great job and exploring the depth of each line and relating them to our more modern issues. He’s also a fantastic narrator! Highly highly recommend to anyone who has ears 🤍
Thank you NetGalley for the ALC! And thank you Jesus 🤍
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July 14, 2026read for work! wanted to log it tho for my reading goal hehe
June 13, 2026
Matt Smallbone makes the radical decision to spend one year only praying the Lord's prayer. Hearing that, I was almost nervous and definitely curious. What do you mean? Isn't he a pastor? So he's not going to pray for anyone's needs? Not even for his family? The Prayer Experiment answers all those questions and more with deep, convicting theological Truths while walking readers through daily practice and the accompanying heart-work. Smallbone proves "you'll never out pray the Lord's Prayer".
Using the Lord's Prayer from Matthew 6: 5-15, Smallbone goes line by line, clearing misunderstandings and using Scripture to help us gain a deeper understanding of God's heart behind these verses. Readers confront their own beliefs and personal boundaries they may have about God and this "simple" prayer.
The Prayer Experiment ends with a 30-day prayer guide walking with readers through transformative heart change by thinking about and working our hearts through each aspect of the Lord's prayer. There are different prompts and reflections for continued growth each day, encouraging readers to start in the morning and continue to think and pray throughout the day.
This book would make an excellent Bible study with a group: read a chapter or two, meeting to discuss weekly, while at the same time working through the 30-day prayer guide. How amazing will it be to meet after the final chapter and see how prayer lives have changed over just a couple weeks!
A few favorite lines that almost provide an overview:
God as Father. "... Because the God you imagine is the good you pray to"
"When I was a kid, I used to pray for a bicycle, but then I realized the Lord doesn't work in that way, so I stole one."
"Our father in heaven" can also be translated as 'our father who is as close as the air'.
"Get informed. You can't pray in power about things you don't understand."
"He doesn't make us ask because he's clueless about what we need, he makes us ask because he wants us to confide in him."
"We're choosing not to drink the poison of bitterness by participating in God's healing work."
Lead us not into temptation is most often understood to be "testing" as James makes it clear God doesn't tempt anyone.
Thank you to HCCP & HCF Audio and NetGalley for this ARC!
Using the Lord's Prayer from Matthew 6: 5-15, Smallbone goes line by line, clearing misunderstandings and using Scripture to help us gain a deeper understanding of God's heart behind these verses. Readers confront their own beliefs and personal boundaries they may have about God and this "simple" prayer.
The Prayer Experiment ends with a 30-day prayer guide walking with readers through transformative heart change by thinking about and working our hearts through each aspect of the Lord's prayer. There are different prompts and reflections for continued growth each day, encouraging readers to start in the morning and continue to think and pray throughout the day.
This book would make an excellent Bible study with a group: read a chapter or two, meeting to discuss weekly, while at the same time working through the 30-day prayer guide. How amazing will it be to meet after the final chapter and see how prayer lives have changed over just a couple weeks!
A few favorite lines that almost provide an overview:
God as Father. "... Because the God you imagine is the good you pray to"
"When I was a kid, I used to pray for a bicycle, but then I realized the Lord doesn't work in that way, so I stole one."
"Our father in heaven" can also be translated as 'our father who is as close as the air'.
"Get informed. You can't pray in power about things you don't understand."
"He doesn't make us ask because he's clueless about what we need, he makes us ask because he wants us to confide in him."
"We're choosing not to drink the poison of bitterness by participating in God's healing work."
Lead us not into temptation is most often understood to be "testing" as James makes it clear God doesn't tempt anyone.
Thank you to HCCP & HCF Audio and NetGalley for this ARC!
August 8, 2026
A few years ago, I began praying the Lord’s Prayer daily, and it completely transformed my prayer life and connection with God. So when I came across The Prayer Experiment by Matt Smallbone, I was immediately drawn to it—after all, if Jesus gave us a specific template for how to pray, why deviate from it?
This book exceeded my expectations, especially as an audiobook listener. Matt Smallbone’s tone and tempo give you a direct window into his heart and intent. I particularly loved the way he concludes each chapter with a calm, almost meditative atmosphere that helps the truths sink in deeply.
Smallbone captures so many profound insights about what prayer is—and isn't. A few key truths that resonated deeply with me:
Praying in Jesus’ Name: It’s not a rubber stamp; it means aligning our prayers with His character, heart, mission, and values. We are praying for the things Jesus Himself would pray for.
Starting with Praise: "When I start with God's beauty instead of my anxiety, something in me settles." Prioritizing God's motives over our own changes our entire perspective.
God’s Heart: God isn't a puppet master pulling strings or manipulating us into compliance. He's a loving Father who invites, listens, and gives us room to choose.
Community: Jesus teaches us to pray with and for each other, assuming we will share what we receive rather than hoard it.
Forgiveness: It isn't about minimizing the wrong done to us—it's about refusing to let pain define our lives.
At its core, The Prayer Experiment reminds us that Jesus isn't after information; He's after a relationship. Whether you are looking to deepen an established prayer life or simply need a grounded place to start, I highly recommend this book (and especially the audiobook!).
This book exceeded my expectations, especially as an audiobook listener. Matt Smallbone’s tone and tempo give you a direct window into his heart and intent. I particularly loved the way he concludes each chapter with a calm, almost meditative atmosphere that helps the truths sink in deeply.
Smallbone captures so many profound insights about what prayer is—and isn't. A few key truths that resonated deeply with me:
Praying in Jesus’ Name: It’s not a rubber stamp; it means aligning our prayers with His character, heart, mission, and values. We are praying for the things Jesus Himself would pray for.
Starting with Praise: "When I start with God's beauty instead of my anxiety, something in me settles." Prioritizing God's motives over our own changes our entire perspective.
God’s Heart: God isn't a puppet master pulling strings or manipulating us into compliance. He's a loving Father who invites, listens, and gives us room to choose.
Community: Jesus teaches us to pray with and for each other, assuming we will share what we receive rather than hoard it.
Forgiveness: It isn't about minimizing the wrong done to us—it's about refusing to let pain define our lives.
At its core, The Prayer Experiment reminds us that Jesus isn't after information; He's after a relationship. Whether you are looking to deepen an established prayer life or simply need a grounded place to start, I highly recommend this book (and especially the audiobook!).
August 4, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
An absolutely fascinating and transformative audiobook! In The Prayer Experiment, Matt Smallbone dives into the Lord's Prayer in a way I had never considered before. I learned so much from this book—it helped me feel a depth and connection through prayer that I hadn't experienced previously. It is a powerful listen that really challenges and realigns how we talk to God.
A well-deserved 5 stars!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Prayer Experiment (How Praying Like Jesus Realigns Everything - Our Thoughts, Our Hearts, and Our Posture Toward God and the World) by Matt Smallbone
Narrated by the author
Publisher: HCCP & HCF Audio
Genre: Christian | Religion & Spirituality
Published: April 28, 2026
An absolutely fascinating and transformative audiobook! In The Prayer Experiment, Matt Smallbone dives into the Lord's Prayer in a way I had never considered before. I learned so much from this book—it helped me feel a depth and connection through prayer that I hadn't experienced previously. It is a powerful listen that really challenges and realigns how we talk to God.
A well-deserved 5 stars!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Prayer Experiment (How Praying Like Jesus Realigns Everything - Our Thoughts, Our Hearts, and Our Posture Toward God and the World) by Matt Smallbone
Narrated by the author
Publisher: HCCP & HCF Audio
Genre: Christian | Religion & Spirituality
Published: April 28, 2026
June 16, 2026
The Prayer Experiment: How Praying Like Jesus Realigns Everything - Our Thoughts, Our Hearts, and Our Posture Toward God and the World
This was a wonderful book!
This book struck a perfect balance of memoir and devotional situated around the Lord's Prayer.
I learned a lot about the Lord's Prayer and really enjoyed Smallbone's writing.
He covers barriers to prayer and how to overcome them, wrestling with unanswered prayer, and how to convert your prayers into conversations.
A really encouraging and uplifting read. One of the better books on prayer that I have read in a while.
Highly recommended checking out this book.
4.5/5
This was a wonderful book!
This book struck a perfect balance of memoir and devotional situated around the Lord's Prayer.
I learned a lot about the Lord's Prayer and really enjoyed Smallbone's writing.
He covers barriers to prayer and how to overcome them, wrestling with unanswered prayer, and how to convert your prayers into conversations.
A really encouraging and uplifting read. One of the better books on prayer that I have read in a while.
Highly recommended checking out this book.
4.5/5
June 30, 2026
This book caught my interest because of the author and because I'm a Christian. I really enjoyed hearing about Matt's experience with prayer and how he has restructured his prayer life based on the prayer Jesus taught his disciples. I found myself trying a lot of his suggestions this week and I think that some of the things I was in this book will remind me to keep bringing things back to God instead of pretending I have it all together. This book would be great for a new Christian but also has value for someone who has been a Christian for a long time.
June 23, 2026
This was such a good book. Simple enough for someone to read that doesn’t know anything about Prayer, but profound enough for those of us who’ve been passionate about Prayer for decades. I love how Matt pulled the veil of fog away to reveal who it is we are praying to. The kind of Father that wants to hear from us. I love the line that, “…we pray simply because He just wants to hear our voice..” 😭
July 1, 2026
An encouraging book for those of us who sometimes struggle with prayer or where to even start. Don't overthink it, just talk to your Father. Matt Smallbone's narration was so perfect and natural it felt like having a conversation over tea in the afternoon. He breaks down The Lord's Prayer and walks you through each part slowly and meaningfully. A short, but straight to the point book. I highly recommend.
July 11, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ability to listen to this audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion. I loved this so much. The narrator has a wonderful accent that draws you in. The topic is well known - praying the Lord’s Prayer. But there are so many tips and suggestions broke down in simple, doable actions to feel more comfortable praying. You also better understand what the Lord’s Prayer means. It’s pretty short and sweet. I really recommend!.
August 7, 2026
This talked alot about black and the division in the body of Christ. Good read.
Thank you, Matt Smallbone.
I got an ARC from NetGalley, thanks to everyone that made it available from me to read and enjoyed
Thank you, Matt Smallbone.
I got an ARC from NetGalley, thanks to everyone that made it available from me to read and enjoyed
May 18, 2026
Easy, quick, practical and helpful.
June 3, 2026
The first book on prayer that made sense, was accessible to a regular person, and will have a lasting impact on my life. I can’t recommend this highly enough!
June 19, 2026
🎧
chapter 6!
chapter 6!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews