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Talking with God: What to Say When You Don't Know How to Pray
ECPA BESTSELLER
Life is crazy. Prayer is simple.
Prayer seems like it should be so simple. Yet when it comes to actually praying, it often feels awkward and complicated.
I mean, what should you actually pray about? What do you say? Is there anything you should or shouldn’t say? Do you have to speak out loud? Where do you even start?
To make matters worse, we’ve heard about prayer for so long that we feel awkward asking about it. It’s like having to ask a person’s name after knowing them for years. We’re embarrassed to ask because we really should know their name by now.
Then comes the reality and craziness of life. Between work, parenting, walking the dog, a full inbox, keeping up on social media—who has time to pray?
The truth is, prayer is simple.
It’s like talking; talking with a good friend. Here’s the best part: No matter where we are in life, God can’t wait to talk with us.
What does it look like to pray in the midst of your life?
What do you say when you don’t know how to pray?
I’m asking the same questions. Let’s talk.
Life is crazy. Prayer is simple.
Prayer seems like it should be so simple. Yet when it comes to actually praying, it often feels awkward and complicated.
I mean, what should you actually pray about? What do you say? Is there anything you should or shouldn’t say? Do you have to speak out loud? Where do you even start?
To make matters worse, we’ve heard about prayer for so long that we feel awkward asking about it. It’s like having to ask a person’s name after knowing them for years. We’re embarrassed to ask because we really should know their name by now.
Then comes the reality and craziness of life. Between work, parenting, walking the dog, a full inbox, keeping up on social media—who has time to pray?
The truth is, prayer is simple.
It’s like talking; talking with a good friend. Here’s the best part: No matter where we are in life, God can’t wait to talk with us.
What does it look like to pray in the midst of your life?
What do you say when you don’t know how to pray?
I’m asking the same questions. Let’s talk.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published March 21, 2017
100 people are currently reading
547 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 24, 2021
I grew up Catholic, reciting rote prayers, round-and-round the rosary I went. But as someone who has spent a lot of time praying lately, I finally thought to question whether I was ‘doing it right.’ During a particularly difficult time when I was looking for inspiration, I ran across this title and it was the right book at the right time.
The overall theme is that we don’t need formality, instead have conversations with God. Treat God as a friend who knows what’s going on in your life, no need to provide a recitation or summary of your current circumstances. Speak with God as simply and plainly as children do, from the mouths of babes isn’t just a line in a psalm.
I listened to the audio read by the author and he provided comfort and light in a time when I needed it. His humor and humility shine through and for this alone I'll bump up to a 4.
The overall theme is that we don’t need formality, instead have conversations with God. Treat God as a friend who knows what’s going on in your life, no need to provide a recitation or summary of your current circumstances. Speak with God as simply and plainly as children do, from the mouths of babes isn’t just a line in a psalm.
I listened to the audio read by the author and he provided comfort and light in a time when I needed it. His humor and humility shine through and for this alone I'll bump up to a 4.
February 16, 2022
Over the years, I've read a lot of books about prayer. Probably because I always feel the need to improve my prayer life. If you want a theological book on prayer, this isn't it. This book is a reminder to simply spend more time talking to God and listening to Him in return. It's an encouragement to pray without ceasing, in every circumstance, in every moment of life. The good moments and the difficult moments. In joy and in exhaustion. It's a gentle nudge to remember that we have a good, good heavenly Father who is longing to spend time with us. 3.5 stars.
March 26, 2017
"Talking With God" by Adam Weber is not a theological treatise on prayer. It also does not provide you with specific prayers. It does not openly explore various forms or types of prayer. What this book does is give a very clear look at prayer in a very understandable manner. Weber explores prayer as it has come to have meaning for him. It has become the linchpin in his relationship with God. Without prayer, Weber would not be able to walk in the intimacy with God that God offers. This is not only true for Weber, but for all of us.
Prayer is the path to intimacy with God. Prayer is the grace of God manifest. Prayer is conversation. Prayer offers words of wisdom and fulfilment. Prayer deepens. Prayer assures. Prayer is the path down which we should walk. Prayer helps guide us in discovering life's purpose. Weber explores all these facets of prayer and more.
If you are looking for a book that explores Biblical passages on prayer, this one does not go in that direction too readily. For me, who experiences faith through knowledge and depth of knowledge I found this aspect disappointing. I wanted more Bible and less personal testimony.
Yet, what Weber offers is encouraging and urges the reader in discovering the value of prayer for the Christian life.
I received this book from Waterbrook as part of the Blogging for Books program.
Prayer is the path to intimacy with God. Prayer is the grace of God manifest. Prayer is conversation. Prayer offers words of wisdom and fulfilment. Prayer deepens. Prayer assures. Prayer is the path down which we should walk. Prayer helps guide us in discovering life's purpose. Weber explores all these facets of prayer and more.
If you are looking for a book that explores Biblical passages on prayer, this one does not go in that direction too readily. For me, who experiences faith through knowledge and depth of knowledge I found this aspect disappointing. I wanted more Bible and less personal testimony.
Yet, what Weber offers is encouraging and urges the reader in discovering the value of prayer for the Christian life.
I received this book from Waterbrook as part of the Blogging for Books program.
March 26, 2017
I have been a Christian all my life. However, when it came to prayer, I was always somewhat confused. Adam's book really helped clear up many things that I was confused about, and it certainly helped me become stronger in my faith. I highly recommend it for those who don't know how to pray.
January 16, 2018
Such a great read about talking with God through prayer— not dense or overwhelming, but so relatable, relevant, and engaging. If you’re looking for a way to connect with God in every day without making prayer some huge and complicated ordeal, this is a great book to read!
March 24, 2017
Prayer is not natural to many. Sometimes confusion arises on wording, where to pray, what to pray for, and how to pray when words will not come. Some take a mystical approach as if certain words or prayers are preferred by God. Is such confusion warranted?
In his book, Talking with God, Adam Weber gives some answers to these questions. Reading like a guidebook at times and an autobiography at times, Weber gives examples and thoughts on what prayer is. By so doing, the book tries to blow away the clouds of uncertainty and bring clarity to prayer.
I found this book a nice read but struggled some with the imagery used. I tend to lean towards book on prayer that are over a 100 years old. However, I do read current books on prayer for insights that I may have missed. I did not find such insights in this book. It may be a good book for those who are new to prayer but those who have been praying fervently for some time may find its content juvenile.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
In his book, Talking with God, Adam Weber gives some answers to these questions. Reading like a guidebook at times and an autobiography at times, Weber gives examples and thoughts on what prayer is. By so doing, the book tries to blow away the clouds of uncertainty and bring clarity to prayer.
I found this book a nice read but struggled some with the imagery used. I tend to lean towards book on prayer that are over a 100 years old. However, I do read current books on prayer for insights that I may have missed. I did not find such insights in this book. It may be a good book for those who are new to prayer but those who have been praying fervently for some time may find its content juvenile.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
December 5, 2019
This book came into my life in the midst of a lot of changes, a move, a break up and a change I didn’t really see coming. The main message this book brought home to me was God understands when you don’t know what to say. Even when it is nothing. Just calling him, Lord. Crying. Really, I’ve taken it as as long as you are communicating with him in some way, He hears and understands. I recommend this book if you are also going through a hard time, are new to prayer, or a reminder, God always wants to hear from us.
March 21, 2017
In our Sunday School at First Baptist Church of Sioux Falls, SD, we're studying Paul's letter to the Colossians. The saints to whom that letter was addressed were remaining faithful, but a heresy in their midst was starting to look attractive. It was the claim that Jesus alone couldn't save the Colossians; they needed a secret knowledge that could secure their safe passage into the afterlife. To a group of people who were depending on a Jesus they had never met, as told to them by an apostle they had never met, one can understand why this "secret knowledge" would look attractive. Maybe the Colossians would be better off hedging their bets?
In response to this, Paul said the mystery is Christ. There are no shortcuts and his prayer for the Colossians was that they "be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God" (1:9-10, ESV). Knowledge of Jesus' will leads to right conduct which in turn leads to more knowledge of God. That is a pretty good summary of the Christian life. It takes time to study and understand the will of God, trial and error to put it into practice and the reward is a better understanding of his will, which starts the circular process all over again.
I'm reminded of that process when I read this book, which I read as an early galley that Adam shared with me. There are many people who look at Adam today and are trying to find the shortcut he used to launch Embrace Church, one of the fastest-growing churches in America. But after you read this book, you'll understand the foundation behind that story. It was through seeking the will of God in his life, that Adam learned to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, which led to the knowledge he's sharing in this book. Don't be fooled by the title. The book isn't just about prayer. It's about that. But it's also a very personal story of how Adam stayed connected to the source of his faith and became the man he is today.
As a P.S. that ties this all back together, Adam took the title of the book from a former pastor of my church (First Baptist) that we both deeply admire, Roger Fredrikson.
In response to this, Paul said the mystery is Christ. There are no shortcuts and his prayer for the Colossians was that they "be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God" (1:9-10, ESV). Knowledge of Jesus' will leads to right conduct which in turn leads to more knowledge of God. That is a pretty good summary of the Christian life. It takes time to study and understand the will of God, trial and error to put it into practice and the reward is a better understanding of his will, which starts the circular process all over again.
I'm reminded of that process when I read this book, which I read as an early galley that Adam shared with me. There are many people who look at Adam today and are trying to find the shortcut he used to launch Embrace Church, one of the fastest-growing churches in America. But after you read this book, you'll understand the foundation behind that story. It was through seeking the will of God in his life, that Adam learned to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, which led to the knowledge he's sharing in this book. Don't be fooled by the title. The book isn't just about prayer. It's about that. But it's also a very personal story of how Adam stayed connected to the source of his faith and became the man he is today.
As a P.S. that ties this all back together, Adam took the title of the book from a former pastor of my church (First Baptist) that we both deeply admire, Roger Fredrikson.
May 3, 2017
Prayer has always been something that I've struggled with during my Christian walk. It's not that I don't pray, but when I do I don't feel like I pray "right." Words have never been hard for me to come by, but there is something about the pressure of praying to the God of the universe that gets me tongue tied every time. I know I put too much pressure on myself and apparently I am not alone.
In Talking with God, Adam Weber has a wonderful way of taking off the pressure of prayer with one simple word: relationship. When you look at prayer as developing a relationship with God it takes the pressure off in a lot of ways. Think about starting a relationship with another person. When you start a new relationship with someone, it takes time and attention to help that relationship grow. The same is true with Jesus. We need that time and attention both in prayer and in God's Word to help that relationship grow.
Mr. Weber's own personal stories are sprinkled throughout the book and are the perfect touch. It's like listening to an old friend instead of reading a book on prayer. You never feel like Mr. Weber is talking above you, but having a conversation with you, building a beautiful relationship between author and reader.
This book was quick to read but packed full of wonderful nuggets of truth and stories that bring the author's points home and make the truth all so clear. When you pray, you are literally talking to God. It really is that simple.
If, like myself, you've struggled with prayer, I HIGHLY recommend this book. I no longer feel the burden that I felt before when it comes to prayer. I am simply having a conversation with my Lord and building a relationship that will last for eternity.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
In Talking with God, Adam Weber has a wonderful way of taking off the pressure of prayer with one simple word: relationship. When you look at prayer as developing a relationship with God it takes the pressure off in a lot of ways. Think about starting a relationship with another person. When you start a new relationship with someone, it takes time and attention to help that relationship grow. The same is true with Jesus. We need that time and attention both in prayer and in God's Word to help that relationship grow.
Mr. Weber's own personal stories are sprinkled throughout the book and are the perfect touch. It's like listening to an old friend instead of reading a book on prayer. You never feel like Mr. Weber is talking above you, but having a conversation with you, building a beautiful relationship between author and reader.
This book was quick to read but packed full of wonderful nuggets of truth and stories that bring the author's points home and make the truth all so clear. When you pray, you are literally talking to God. It really is that simple.
If, like myself, you've struggled with prayer, I HIGHLY recommend this book. I no longer feel the burden that I felt before when it comes to prayer. I am simply having a conversation with my Lord and building a relationship that will last for eternity.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
May 26, 2025
Weber’s book on prayer is entertaining enough that I wanted to read the notes section and actually did! I found his take on prayer and Jesus a bit irreverent or flippant at times (Yo? Jesus asleep on his favorite memory foam pillow? The “wild” party thrown to celebrate the prodigal son’s return and answers to a father's prayer?), but usually, he balanced reverence about the serious subject of prayer with an easy entertaining style offering up his own family or self in real life analogies. For example, a son's disobedience and getting stuck in the mud showed the similarity with eating the fruit in the garden and the need for God's grace. Many of our prayers should be about our need for grace and distributing God's grace to others who have wronged us.
I came away with a handy tidbit or two. Some of them came from the quotes at the beginning of each chapter, like Martin Luther’s “The fewer the words, the better the prayer.” Weber offered up short and honest prayer examples, especially in the chapter on keeping prayers short and honest. Many chapters revealed the reasons we pray and last, the need to stop and listen to God’s voice for His answers. If we have read the scriptures, he says, we will recognize the voice and answers God is most likely to reveal to us. I like that scriptures themselves lend us a knowledge of God’s part in a life of prayer.
I came away with a handy tidbit or two. Some of them came from the quotes at the beginning of each chapter, like Martin Luther’s “The fewer the words, the better the prayer.” Weber offered up short and honest prayer examples, especially in the chapter on keeping prayers short and honest. Many chapters revealed the reasons we pray and last, the need to stop and listen to God’s voice for His answers. If we have read the scriptures, he says, we will recognize the voice and answers God is most likely to reveal to us. I like that scriptures themselves lend us a knowledge of God’s part in a life of prayer.
February 25, 2021
This was a very relatable book. I have been called to minister for 16 years going on 17. Namaste prayer with something that I did constantly and sad to say as I've walked in my faith prayer has been something that's dwindled down. My knowledge and love for the Lord has grown but my communication has not been that great. So this book was something that hit me very hard. I think what hit me the most was the simplicity of the book and the directness of the book. My prayer life is something that I have been growing in since the beginning of this year nd this book has helped solidify my Pursuit.
September 14, 2024
Although I am Catholic, I really enjoyed this plain-spoken and sincere protestant pastor’s thoughts on speaking with God as one would talk with a very close friend, who, indeed, God is. It provides excellent encouragement, especially for those dry times we all have now and then, and reminds one to take the time to develop a relationship with God as one would with an earthly friend – again, by speaking honestly, earnestly and often.
February 10, 2020
This book would be helpful to someone wanting an easy and relatable read about prayer to get started on the deeper journey.
Some chapters like “how to pray when you’re discouraged” hit home a bit to me, but as someone looking for a bit deeper expositions, it was just an easy read and a good reminder.
Some chapters like “how to pray when you’re discouraged” hit home a bit to me, but as someone looking for a bit deeper expositions, it was just an easy read and a good reminder.
March 22, 2017
Reading Adam Weber's Talking With God is like spending an evening with a new friend who shares his thoughts, insights, and stories freely, leaving you feeling uplifted and inspired. If prayer is something that you struggle to understand or feel awkward doing (and let's be real, so many of us do) or find yourself doing by rote, then this book will give you some great food for thought and maybe even some inspiration to spur your prayer life.
April 22, 2019
It was an ok book. I got a couple of things from it however it was a VERY light read. I think someone has already mentioned in a previous review and I agree it's probably more aimed at youth than adults.
September 14, 2020
The author provides a lot of good anecdotes related to the theme of prayer. It’s a good reminder that prayer is a honest conversation with God. It isn’t a deep theological treatise, but an accessible introduction to new believers. Likely better as an audiobook, not difficult to multi-task to.
July 8, 2017
Good, easy read. It felt like the author was bringing very good punches, but never really delivered the knockout, which is why I gave it four stars.
August 4, 2017
Easy to read, written by a South Dakota pastor, I enjoyed his humor.
August 12, 2017
If you spend hours in prayer each day, or if you've never talked with God before, this book is amazing! Adam Weber's style is honest, hilarious, and immensely helpful.
January 27, 2018
Good content, light reading. I listened to it on audio.
Want to read
August 11, 2020248.32 W388T
February 24, 2021
This book is for anyone who has ever had questions about prayer. Written in a conversational style - quick and easy read.
June 8, 2021
I loved the how simple Adam made it to understand the easy of prayer and talking with God. That I don't have to be a Bible scholar to have a relationship with God
August 1, 2021
Such a great book!
January 12, 2023
Would recommend to anyone at any journey in their faith!!!
March 8, 2023
Easy listen and gives valuable perspective to prayer.
June 23, 2025
nope
This is just
A book
of random
Sentence strewn together
Like this loosely
Combined with personal
Stories and not
Any new message.
This is just
A book
of random
Sentence strewn together
Like this loosely
Combined with personal
Stories and not
Any new message.
June 26, 2025
Quick read, but super helpful for giving some guidance and new light into praying and conversing with God
August 6, 2025
A really practical book with lots of examples for the day-to-day life. Will definitely reread in the future!
October 19, 2025
again, reading and listening to a book written by your pastor feels like you’re sitting in church on a sunday. such a good book to remind us that life is crazy but prayer is simple.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews