Kingdom Prayer: Touching Heaven to Change Earth

by Tony Evans

If you want to know the temperature of your spiritual life, look at the thermostat setting on your prayer life.

Prayer is the most misunderstood and neglected aspect of the Christian life. It has been estimated that most Christians pray three to five minutes a day. Compare that to the time many spend complaining, and you’ll gain insight into the spiritual and emotional condition of our day.

Yet God has constructed the world in such a way that there is much He won’t do in a Christian’s life apart from prayer. Prayer, when combined with faith, can accomplish great things.

In this practical and comprehensive overview of prayer, Tony Evans covers a variety of topics,

Principles of productive prayer The power of prayer and praiseFasting and prayerPrayer and God's purposes Tony’s expositions of various passages on prayer will help you realize its critical importance and encourage you to make it a dominant mark of your life.

Genres: Prayer, Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Faith, Audiobook, Ebooks

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 16, 2016

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Anthony Tyrone "Tony" Evans Sr. is an American evangelical pastor, speaker, author, and widely syndicated radio and television broadcaster in the United States. Between 1976 and 2024, Evans served as senior pastor at the over-9,500-member Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas.

Reviews

[Jacqueline Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written in a really relatable and practical way. The author gives great illustrations from his life that help in his readers’ understanding of prayer. There are some stories that greatly impacted me as a reader that have also increased my prayer life.

[Marilyn Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this reference book with a group of beta readers and could not put it down.
Bishop Evans gives a modern day strategy to praying on various topics. Excellent. Having a relationship with God Bishop Evans shows us the established mechanism to advance God's kingdom. Using simple every day strategies, Bishop shows us how to tap into God in three sections to enrich your prayer walk. Excellent, spine-tingling and to be used daily. Put this in a reference section in your private library to return to over and over again.

[Kyle Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tony Evans defines Kingdom Prayer as "the divinely authorized methodology to access heavenly authority for earthly intervention. The theme of this book is built around that definition, and you will see it repeated and presented in different ways throughout the book. Prayer is simply communicating with God, whether it be for thanksgiving, supplication, or intercession. However, God does not force Himself on our situations. He waits for us to ask instead. This three part book examines the concept, context, and conditions of kingdom prayer. Evans tells us that the emphasis of this book will be examining the authoritative nature of prayer, its relationship to God's kingdom, and the DNA of effective prayer. This is not necessarily a book about how to pray, rather it will help you learn when and why to pray and how to do it more effectively. Effective prayer is based on faith, authority, surrender, obedience, tenacity, and trust.

Evans uses many vivid illustrations to portray the enormity of God, highlighting His power and His love for us. He writes in a way that engages the reader and musters strength and courage within them to trust God and step out in faith. Evans has a special gift of pulling out and illustrating the power of prayer throughout scripture. One chapter that I found interesting discusses fasting in correlation with prayer.

I would recommend this book to all Christians, especially those who would like a deeper, more enriching prayer walk, and to anyone searching for strategies to abide in God's will and His grace. I received this as a free ARC from Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

[Tara Rounds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a toolbox full of tools on prayer...

Kingdom Prayer: Touching Heaven to Change Earth
By Tony Evans

Reading this book has helped me grow in the understanding and depth of my prayer life. I plan on reading this book over and over to gather and learn more about having a more powerful and rich prayer life that will give glory to God. I have struggled with prayer my entire life-getting distracted, praying set prayers just to get a check mark for the day, not praying because I was discouraged and felt like God didn't really care about me or my prayers or forgetting to pray because I was too busy too name a few. This is one book I will keep in my toolbox to continue to grow in my prayer life and help me pray more effective, bold, and confident prayers. Will I continue to struggle daily with my prayer life probably but this book will give me a reference to read when my prayer life is struggling or seems silent.
The book Kingdom Prayer is divided into 3 parts- 1) The Concept of Kingdom Prayer, 2) The Context of Kingdom Prayer and 3) The Conditions for Kingdom Prayer. Tony Evans defines kingdom prayer as "the divinely authorized methodology to access heavenly authority for earthly intervention." (pages 18, 28). "Kingdom prayer is the established mechanism to advance God's kingdom agenda on earth by accessing His authority in heaven and drawing it down." (p28). It has to do with having a close relationship with God so we can access His power given to us and pray in accordance to His will. In this book Tony Evans shows us the tools we need to tap into this power. The first tool is that we need to have a relationship with God and be connected to the power source. (see Ephesians 3:20-21, Chapter 5 Accessing the Able Kingdom Prayer by Tony Evans).
Tony uses practical illustrations, such as a trip to Niagara Falls and a microwave or Crock-Pot (""So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31 NIV) Bring God to bear on everything in your life. Stay plugged in. Lots of people just want a microwave experience with God, but God wants us to have a Crock-Pot experience instead.") (page 174 Kingdom Prayer by Tony Evans), and the lives of people from the Bible (Elijah, Hannah, and Jesus with Martha and Lazarus to name a few) to explain and develop the tools we should know to experience an effective and powerful prayer life. There are many other tools discussed in this book such as being sincere,direct and honest in your prayers and praying specifically, persistently, and expectantly. I recommend reading this book to have a further understanding, insight, and growth in your prayer life. Even if you have a deep prayer life I think you can still find something to learn from reading Kingdom Prayer. Praying that we all can become mighty prayer warriors that touch Heaven to change Earth.


A copy of this book was provided to me by Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tony Evans writes in a manner that is easy to follow and presents the message clearly. His illustrations are right on target. He does not soft-pedal the fact that we need to pray according to the will of God and not according to our own whims and wishes. Kingdom prayer opens the door to the untapped power and authority available to us from God. He discusses the concept, context, and conditions of kingdom prayer. The book is challenging and uplifting. If you have ever struggled with praying, I encourage you to read this and put it into practice. One of the highlights for me, beyond the great material shared by Evans, was to learn that I am not the only one who struggles with distractions, interruptions, and even a tendency to doze at times. He states that he has faced many of the same issues as the rest of us have. This is not a how-to book, but rather a solid statement about what prayer really is. Read it and learn.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book. My only critique is that Evans paints fasting as "getting God's attention", which I don't see accurate from scripture, or at least portrays an immature view of this spiritual discipline. I think there are better books to read on prayer, but it's a decent one.

Quotes:
Don’t pray general prayers. Lord, bless my day. Father, help me on my job. Lord, give me guidance. God, give me strength and good health. Sometimes the answer we need is precise, and we need to ask a specific question. And bring God in, before we attempt to solve it. Love God first. Seek God’s kingdom first. Make Jesus first place in everything.

God tied their victory to their thanksgiving. 2 Chronicles 20:22-23. To give thanks is to be smack dab in the center of God’s will. God sees the whole picture. (Rom. 8:28)

[Darrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential. It almost needs to be included in the "HOW TO..." section of anyone's library. Dr. Tony Evans talks us through prayer - what we are doing incorrectly, how to pray with the right mental state, what we should/shouldn't prayer for, what should be our true goals, everything. It isn't so much that everything we are taught as children is wrong; it's more like we are coming to that part in our lives where we really require some true mentorship - - and that is precisely what God is providing through Dr. Evans. This book is worth every minute you can spare to invest in this valuable (and overdue) information. Prepare to be blessed.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book on prayer. Prayer is a communication with God, it wasn't difficult for me, though I'm always want to have a heart attitude of how can I deepen my relationship with God. This book will definitely give you some insight on how to expand and grow in your prayer life as you strengthen your relationship with God. Highly recommended.

[Clara Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the better books I have read on prayer. He spoke of the concept of kingdom praying, the context of kingdom praying and the conditions for kingdom praying. There was nothing of the self-congratulating seen in many of the books on prayer. "The world is God's house and it operates according to His rules." "...sovereignty is to acknowledge the validity of His jurisdiction..."

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy the teachings of Tony Evans. In Kingdom Prayer he explains the process of effective prayer. This includes allowing the Lord to have access to all areas of your life, building up your trust and faith, love and care for others, persistence and intimacy/closeness with God.

[Miss BP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kingdom prayer: touching heaven to change earth

Excellent book packed with wisdom and practical examplesI would definitely recommend this book. It is a great resource which teaches how prayer can access heaven and ultimately achieve the will of God on earth.

[Stacey Woodall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Excellant reading! I would recommend to everyone who wants a better relationship with God. A blessing to read about our role in this world.

[Brent · Rating 3 out of 5]

A part of the Christians life is prayer but its often neglected. With this book get back to a successful prayer life.

[Debs Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love Tony Evans.

[Freedom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it.. a great insight to how God wants us to pray

[Elizabeth Hibler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent in improving your prayer life.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

An encouraging, devotional look at the subject of prayer. Personal illustrations and plenty of deference’s to God’s Word make this an interesting and engaging read.

[Kelly Bowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I highly recommend it - for me it will be a read and read again. I love most everything by Tony Evans but this I believe is my favorite of all!

[Lee A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second time to read through this book. Great stories to illustrate key concepts. Excellent.

[A.J · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a good first primer on prayer and has some excellent points to make. It is very accessible. My complaint would be that it is three times too long for the content covered.

[Quinn Fforde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this very helpful and insightful.

[Whitnee B · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Prayer is relational communication with God.”-Dr. Tony Evans

Great reminders of the foundation and power of prayer.

[Lynn Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book that guides the reader into more meaningful prayer so Heaven touches earth. Loved it!

[Shane Ryan Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Far superior than most Christian books on prayer.

[Anthony Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book with Valuable Content

I found this book very helpful. It seemed like a long read, but then, I read small sections to focus on the key points. Tony Evans is a guy that understands life and how we can strengthen our relationship with GOD. I recommend this book.

[Joan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have found that books on prayer generally fall into one of two categories. Some books emphasize the sovereignty of God and understand prayer as a means of intimate relationship with God and a stimulus for character transformation and growth. Other books emphasize prayer as a means to get things to happen. This book falls into the latter category.

Evans defines prayer as “the divinely authorized methodology to access heavenly authority for earthly intervention.” It is the “established mechanism to advance God's kingdom agenda on earth by accessing His authority in heaven and drawing it down.” “It is bringing into the physical what God has predetermined in the spiritual” “Prayer is the mechanism God has decreed for Him to release what He intends.”

I have found that books emphasizing prayer as a “mechanism” to get things to happen on earth must somehow deal with the sovereignty of God. Evans writes, “While God retains absolute sovereign authority and ownership, He has delegated relative authority to humanity within the sphere of influence that each person has been placed.” He suggests the example of the bank owning our house while we are responsible for the upkeep. But that example falls flat. Do we call the bank before we mow our lawn or fix a broken window? If not, then why would we need to be in touch with God?

Evans does make some good points. We often find prayer difficult because it takes us out of the realm of our five senses and into the spiritual. We are talking to someone we cannot see and who does not speak back to us audibly. He notes that humility is one of the key ingredients to effective prayer. So are faith, authority, surrender, obedience, and trust. Evans also makes sure readers do understand that they must check in with God first before they make a move. “Prayer is a tool to access God on the front end of the situations of your life.” He also warns against selfish motives and suggests we give consideration to how God will be glorified.

Evans' goal in writing the book, he says, is to confront readers with the power and authority available in prayer and to motivate them to use it. He wants readers to know what their spiritual rights are. Of believers, he writes, “And you are free to persistently remind Him through prayer of what is rightfully yours under His rule.”

If you believe your prayers control whether God can act, you will like this book. Prayer is mostly seen as a mechanism and a tool to get God to act. If you would rather read a book that emphasizes the interpersonal love relationship between God and man that happens with prayer, you will have to look elsewhere.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[David Wiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read about one of the most important areas of a Christian’s life: prayer. But at the same time, this is also one of the most difficult areas to excel in continuously. We have moments where we feel the presence of God and prayers flow from us, getting answered. Yet there are times where we feel so removed from God and get frustrated by the lack of answers to our prayers. If you’ve ever felt discouraged about your prayer life, or wanted to learn to how supercharge your prayer connection, this book is definitely a must-read.

There are many excellent areas that this book covers, each of them pertaining in some way toward activating or maintaining an effective prayer life: fasting, abiding in Christ, steeping yourself in God’s word, knowing God’s will, connection to the Holy Spirit, and many other topics and subtopics. Each of them are written in a clear and convincing manner, expressing how those areas work to unlock the full effect of Kingdom Prayer.

There was mention, early on, about prayer being more likely to be answered if it aligns to God’s Promises. And I had hoped, for the rest of the book, that a chapter would arise that would list some of the more beneficial promises that we could pray. But upon reaching the end and reflecting a little, I think this choice of his was intentional. Sure, he could guide us to where we could find these promises and get us on the superhighway to praying those in our lives. But that is missing the point. It’d be like surgically removing a bunch of weight but continuing to live the same life: you might see immediate results but, without a change in your daily life, you will eventually end up right back where you started. Instead, he focuses on the critical concepts of abiding in God and steeping yourself in the Word, both of which will eventually allow you to unlock those promises.

I cannot recommend this book strongly enough. Prayer is an important thing for every Christian, and an area of our lives that we need to unlock to its full potential. A few thousand men and women, praying powerful prayers that align with God’s will, can change a nation and, perhaps, the world for the glory of God. It won’t be quick or easy. It will require some active work on our parts to get to the point where our prayers can be that impactful. But this book helps to outline the key areas to accomplishing these things, and should be a book you will not only want to read, but also keep close at hand so you can refer back to it and reread important passages again and again.

**I received a copy of this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

[Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Objective: 4/5; Experience: 3.5/5 - This was good, but it dragged on a bit. It's really just not my type of book. Some of these types of books tend to do that though, and they get repetitive and all that. But it was still good. I found plenty of items worth underlining in the book. I was struggling to not feel like I was doing homework when reading this book at times, but it was a good read. I like, personally, relating things in life to other things through metaphors, similes, imagery, etc., like relating the brain and neuron firing to the galaxies and their design. Finding parallels in the greater design. Tony Evans does this a lot throughout the book which I really like. I think it makes things very understandable and also points out the ways that God wants us to see patterns in things throughout this life.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful- this is a mighty powerful book on prayer. Mr. Evans not only teaches how important prayer is in your daily lives but he also teaches how important GOD is in our daily lives. He says, "When you experience GOD the way HE intended, you will experience power in your prayers like never before." "Now how can you live in God's prayer power? It starts by first knowing HIM - really being intimate with who GOD is". He shows us how and what we have to do. It is an incredible book and you will truly love it and you will not feel like you are wasting time reading it or wasting a dime paying for it. I received a copy of this book for an honest review.

[Zee Space · Rating 5 out of 5]

This read is not a breeze through the book! Pastor Evans explains prayer goes to the Kingdom. He gives us his experience in life as a pastor, son, father, and believer in Christ. Personally, it's a need to have book, perfectly explaining prayer unfolds the key to get in the Lord's presence and that's how to communicate to Him. Pastor Evans, also remains us that God is all seeing and all knowing. That God loves us and knows what is RIGHT FOR US. He reminds us that God will ALWAYS fight for us but we have to get out of our the flesh and pray. Prayer is truth, prayer is to be studied, prayer is growth in God.