What do you think?
Rate this book
Prayer: How to Have a Conversation with God
The classic study guide on conversational prayer that has revolutionized the prayer lives of millions.
"Prayer is a dialogue between two persons who love each other." With this profound insight, writer and missionary Rosalind Rinker gives the key to a simple yet powerfully effective method of increasing the joy and meaning of your prayers.
This classic and inspiring guide was named #1 in Christianity Today’s "Top 50 Books That Have Shaped Evangelicals," putting Rinker in close ranks with classic writers such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer, C.S. Lewis, and Elizabeth Elliot. As nearly one million readers have discovered, How to Have a Conversation with God offers a fresh take on the eternal "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them" (Matthew 18:20).
"Prayer is a dialogue between two persons who love each other." With this profound insight, writer and missionary Rosalind Rinker gives the key to a simple yet powerfully effective method of increasing the joy and meaning of your prayers.
This classic and inspiring guide was named #1 in Christianity Today’s "Top 50 Books That Have Shaped Evangelicals," putting Rinker in close ranks with classic writers such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer, C.S. Lewis, and Elizabeth Elliot. As nearly one million readers have discovered, How to Have a Conversation with God offers a fresh take on the eternal "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them" (Matthew 18:20).
114 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2016
76 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 22, 2023
A nice, short read. I was able to finish in a couple hours, and it provided extremely practical tips that encouraged my prayer life. The book helped me to recognize the multi-facetedness of prayer, and that there are multiple ways to experience the presence of God in prayer.
Two key points stood out. The first is that complex and fancy language can often be ingenuine and a ploy to gain respect or 'mmms' from those listening to you. Do we speak in such a manner with our friends? Isn't God our Friend? The second point I learned was to make my prayers more specific. Instead of saying "Bless this person" and "Help me with this" for every request, I've learned to ask God for what I can visualize Him granting in the near future.
A final disclaimer - this book is not a theology book. It answers "how to pray" rather than "what is prayer".
Two key points stood out. The first is that complex and fancy language can often be ingenuine and a ploy to gain respect or 'mmms' from those listening to you. Do we speak in such a manner with our friends? Isn't God our Friend? The second point I learned was to make my prayers more specific. Instead of saying "Bless this person" and "Help me with this" for every request, I've learned to ask God for what I can visualize Him granting in the near future.
A final disclaimer - this book is not a theology book. It answers "how to pray" rather than "what is prayer".
June 29, 2023
A short how to guide on prayer that is aimed to be super practical. I don’t know if I fully agree with the theology in this one, but I definitely see how this book is the most influential book on evangelicals . Mrs. Rinker certainly wrote the book on conversational prayer.
“God forgive me for the pride that wanted my prayer to be different! God forgive me for the times I deliberately planned my opening paragraph just to make it sound better than the others!”
“Prayer is the expression of the human heart in conversation with God. The more natural the prayer, the more real He becomes. It has all been simplified for me to this extent: prayer is a dialogue between two persons who love each other.”
“God forgive me for the pride that wanted my prayer to be different! God forgive me for the times I deliberately planned my opening paragraph just to make it sound better than the others!”
“Prayer is the expression of the human heart in conversation with God. The more natural the prayer, the more real He becomes. It has all been simplified for me to this extent: prayer is a dialogue between two persons who love each other.”
December 15, 2017
Christianity Today had a list of Top 50 Books That Have Shaped Evangelicals, and this book was listed as number 1! Yes, even above books like Knowing God and Mere Christianity. It is a pretty amazing award for this book.
So how was it? I really enjoyed it, and I really love the idea of 'praying conversationally.' I don't think the book necessarily deserves to be above the other two books listed above, but I think I can see why they say it is so influential. The premise of the book is that prayer isn't supposed to be so formal, but that it is having a conversation with God. This is a very evangelical idea (and I think in most ways it is biblical), and so I can see why it is so influential.
Her main thing she is trying to teach is 'praying conversationally.' This is an idea for private but especially corporate (2 or more) prayer. Here are some things this entails:
- It means that we treat talking with God how we talk to others, but of course with more reverence, faith, and relying on the Bible.
- This means that we don't use language we don't usually use (such as thou, thee, etc.).
- It means that we are to be honest when we speak: saying "I" when we mean I, saying "we" when we mean we, and being honest about the things you're feeling.
- And most importantly I think, it means that we don't see praying as a big monologue. Rather, we pray sentence-type prayers about a certain conversation topic. Then, when the Spirit leads, we change the subject. But the takeaway here is that we don't have to give a fancy 5 minute monologue. Rather, we feel free to give more 1-2 sentence prayers about a subject, which is more natural for us and more like how we talk in normal conversation.
Much more could be said about conversational praying. It is really helpful.
But some other things she talked about were devotional time and faith.
As for devotional time, she has an appendix with some really practical ideas for short devotions and times with Jesus. I will most likely try a few.
As for faith, she has a great chapter (maybe my favorite) where she talks about faith-sized requests. She takes those hard passages where Jesus says that if you have faith, believe that you have received it (such as Mark 11), and tries to flesh out what this looks like. In short, she says that 1) we need to ask for definite things (and therefore try to avoid vague prayers); and 2) that we need to actually believe that we receive it. On this latter point, she asks if you really believe you'll receive it. She says if not, then pray something more believable. In this way, you can step by step get to a big prayer goal by praying little by little things you'll believe you'll receive.
On this, she tells a story about someone who was trying to evangelize a neighbor. Instead of just praying a vague prayer about his conversation (which isn't necessarily bad), she talks about how he started praying faith-sized requests. So he started by asking that by the end of the day God would have him and his neighbor cross paths casually. It then happened outside. Then he prayed that they'd have a conversation in which he found out what his neighbor liked. Then he prayed to be able to go to a place his neighbor would like with him. Then he prayed that when he asked his neighbor to a Bible study, that he'd agree to go. Then he prayed that his neighbor's family would come over for dinner. Then he prayed that in conversation, his neighbor would accept Christ. And it all happened, step by step.
What is so intriguing and helpful about this idea of faith-sized requests is that it is so vague at first to just pray for this neighbor's conversation, who the guy doesn't even know. It isn't a bad thing, and it comes from a good heart, but Rinker is right that we can pray vague out of lack of planning, lack of effort, and even lack of faith. Going step by step makes it practical, makes the prayer conceive of a way that God could work in them, and makes them rely on God step by step. In this way, God gets the glory too as they get to see their small prayers answered, as they build up to answer huge things. Rinker says that "this method [of faith-sized requests step by step] works also in matters of guidance about getting a job, taking a trip, buying or selling a home, getting married, writing a book, or anything you may think of yourself, small or large" (76). This is a totally new idea to me. It does seem biblical (although what she calls 'vague' prayers are also biblical too, such as Paul's prayers often). And it is exciting.
More could be said. A short read that I will definitely read again. I found myself not agreeing with some of her exegesis here and there, but mostly she was right on. But it is totally worth reading for her ideas on prayer--especially praying conversationally--and faith.
So how was it? I really enjoyed it, and I really love the idea of 'praying conversationally.' I don't think the book necessarily deserves to be above the other two books listed above, but I think I can see why they say it is so influential. The premise of the book is that prayer isn't supposed to be so formal, but that it is having a conversation with God. This is a very evangelical idea (and I think in most ways it is biblical), and so I can see why it is so influential.
Her main thing she is trying to teach is 'praying conversationally.' This is an idea for private but especially corporate (2 or more) prayer. Here are some things this entails:
- It means that we treat talking with God how we talk to others, but of course with more reverence, faith, and relying on the Bible.
- This means that we don't use language we don't usually use (such as thou, thee, etc.).
- It means that we are to be honest when we speak: saying "I" when we mean I, saying "we" when we mean we, and being honest about the things you're feeling.
- And most importantly I think, it means that we don't see praying as a big monologue. Rather, we pray sentence-type prayers about a certain conversation topic. Then, when the Spirit leads, we change the subject. But the takeaway here is that we don't have to give a fancy 5 minute monologue. Rather, we feel free to give more 1-2 sentence prayers about a subject, which is more natural for us and more like how we talk in normal conversation.
Much more could be said about conversational praying. It is really helpful.
But some other things she talked about were devotional time and faith.
As for devotional time, she has an appendix with some really practical ideas for short devotions and times with Jesus. I will most likely try a few.
As for faith, she has a great chapter (maybe my favorite) where she talks about faith-sized requests. She takes those hard passages where Jesus says that if you have faith, believe that you have received it (such as Mark 11), and tries to flesh out what this looks like. In short, she says that 1) we need to ask for definite things (and therefore try to avoid vague prayers); and 2) that we need to actually believe that we receive it. On this latter point, she asks if you really believe you'll receive it. She says if not, then pray something more believable. In this way, you can step by step get to a big prayer goal by praying little by little things you'll believe you'll receive.
On this, she tells a story about someone who was trying to evangelize a neighbor. Instead of just praying a vague prayer about his conversation (which isn't necessarily bad), she talks about how he started praying faith-sized requests. So he started by asking that by the end of the day God would have him and his neighbor cross paths casually. It then happened outside. Then he prayed that they'd have a conversation in which he found out what his neighbor liked. Then he prayed to be able to go to a place his neighbor would like with him. Then he prayed that when he asked his neighbor to a Bible study, that he'd agree to go. Then he prayed that his neighbor's family would come over for dinner. Then he prayed that in conversation, his neighbor would accept Christ. And it all happened, step by step.
What is so intriguing and helpful about this idea of faith-sized requests is that it is so vague at first to just pray for this neighbor's conversation, who the guy doesn't even know. It isn't a bad thing, and it comes from a good heart, but Rinker is right that we can pray vague out of lack of planning, lack of effort, and even lack of faith. Going step by step makes it practical, makes the prayer conceive of a way that God could work in them, and makes them rely on God step by step. In this way, God gets the glory too as they get to see their small prayers answered, as they build up to answer huge things. Rinker says that "this method [of faith-sized requests step by step] works also in matters of guidance about getting a job, taking a trip, buying or selling a home, getting married, writing a book, or anything you may think of yourself, small or large" (76). This is a totally new idea to me. It does seem biblical (although what she calls 'vague' prayers are also biblical too, such as Paul's prayers often). And it is exciting.
More could be said. A short read that I will definitely read again. I found myself not agreeing with some of her exegesis here and there, but mostly she was right on. But it is totally worth reading for her ideas on prayer--especially praying conversationally--and faith.
February 5, 2021
Definitely not a theological treatise on prayer. This is book is rather subjective and in the good sense of the word 'subjective.' The idea is how do we subject ourselves to God, well in prayer. Rosalind opens the door for conversational prayer and also really promotes faith as the vehicle for healthy and communication with God through the means of prayer. This would be a good read for early converts struggling with the utterance of prayer. This is a good confidence booster also. However, I would go on to say this is the type of writing that the scholarly may critique for the lack of theology. Not all writings on practice need to be theologically laden. We should put prayer as foremost with God's word and fellowship. There are other writings that place emphasis on practices that deepen prayer and historically teach prayer method to help the believer grow in this expression of faith. Rinker does an excellent job of asking, if we are not connecting with the Lord than what are doing in our prayer?
May 4, 2017
Rosalind Rinker is a great spokeswoman for prayer. She teaches conversational prayer. This book has an appendix that contains some guides for prayer and study that will help the reader put what she teaches into practice. I highly recommend this book, especially to those who want to lead a prayer group.
October 12, 2023
Loved it
Great read on prayer. Has helped me understand prayers alone and in a group setting. Also has a great workbook at the end for training on worship and prayer. Worth reading!
Great read on prayer. Has helped me understand prayers alone and in a group setting. Also has a great workbook at the end for training on worship and prayer. Worth reading!
January 29, 2020
The Classic book on conversational prayer.
June 20, 2025
learned a lot from this book
November 21, 2025
Incredible Resource on Conversational Prayer!
I first read this book on a youth retreat in the early 1970s! The principles Rosalind Rinker taught in this book changed my entire attitude on my understanding ofprayer. I’ve been in the full-time pastorate for over 50 years and to this day I continue teach my congregation the principles found in this book. Get it! Read it! And put it into practice in your life! Without hesitation, I recommend, Prayer: How to Have a Conversation with God by Roslyn Rinker.
I first read this book on a youth retreat in the early 1970s! The principles Rosalind Rinker taught in this book changed my entire attitude on my understanding ofprayer. I’ve been in the full-time pastorate for over 50 years and to this day I continue teach my congregation the principles found in this book. Get it! Read it! And put it into practice in your life! Without hesitation, I recommend, Prayer: How to Have a Conversation with God by Roslyn Rinker.
October 16, 2024
Prayer seems to be getting more and more difficult in today's day and age, not least because we are so individualistic. Prayer was mostly communal in the early church, and yet today we are individuals with a personal relationship to Jesus while ignoring the communal aspect of the Church. This book showcases that prayer works best as it would appear naturally, in having a conversation with other Christians and using that to launch into prayer. This book offers a great look into what prayer can and should be. If you're unsatisfied with your prayer life or want to know what is lacking, this is the book for you.
March 28, 2017
Very practical.
Not 5 star as in a work of literary genius, but in practicality and brevity. This may be one I need to re-read periodically.
Not 5 star as in a work of literary genius, but in practicality and brevity. This may be one I need to re-read periodically.
April 3, 2017
Excellent
This is one of my favorite books on prayer and I am so glad it is now available on Kindle.
This is one of my favorite books on prayer and I am so glad it is now available on Kindle.
April 8, 2017
Beautifully sane.
April 25, 2017
Very helpful
This book is a classic on prayer. I read it many years ago, however I found it just as helpful today. It is clearly written, and has many examples to clarify her statements. It should be required reading before starting a prayer group.
This book is a classic on prayer. I read it many years ago, however I found it just as helpful today. It is clearly written, and has many examples to clarify her statements. It should be required reading before starting a prayer group.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews