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If Ye Shall Ask
Oswald Chambers brings you a simple approach to prayer. It has little to do with getting what you need from God--and everything to do with God getting what He needs from you.
In this refreshing approach to this important biblical principle, If You Will Ask helps you discover that prayer is intimate communication intended to bring the bride alongside her Bridegroom.
By the author of My Utmost for His Highest.
In this refreshing approach to this important biblical principle, If You Will Ask helps you discover that prayer is intimate communication intended to bring the bride alongside her Bridegroom.
By the author of My Utmost for His Highest.
112 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1963
339 people are currently reading
1161 people want to read
About the author
Oswald Chambers
343 books491 followersOswald Chambers was born to devout parents in Aberdeen, Scotland. At age 16, Oswald Chambers was baptized and became a member of Rye Lane Baptist Chapel. Even as a teenager, Chambers was noted for his deep spirituality, and he participated in the evangelization of poor occupants of local lodging houses. Oswald married Gertrude in May 1910, and on May 24, 1913, Gertrude gave birth to their only child, Kathleen. In 1915, a year after the outbreak of World War I, Chambers was accepted as a YMCA chaplain. He was assigned to Zeitoun, Cairo, Egypt, where he ministered to Australian and New Zealand troops, who later participated in the Battle of Gallipoli. Soon his wooden-framed "hut" was packed with hundreds of soldiers listening attentively to his messages. Confronted by a soldier who said, "I can't stand religious people," Chambers replied, "Neither can I." Chambers was stricken with appendicitis on October 17, 1917 but resisted going to a hospital on the grounds that the beds would be needed by men wounded in the long-expected Third Battle of Gaza. On October 29th, a surgeon performed an emergency appendectomy, but Chambers died November 15, 1917 from a hemorrhage of the lungs. He was buried in Cairo with full military honors. Gertrude, for the remainder of her life published books and articles for him edited from the notes she had taken in shorthand from his sermons. Most successful of the thirty books was, "My Utmost for His Highest", which has never been out of print and has been translated into 39 languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
September 21, 2013
***If you never read another book on prayer, read this one***
This small book on prayer is taken from lectures Oswald Chambers gave at the Bible Training College in London where he focused on all aspects of prayer, from prayer’s simplicity to intercessory prayer for others. He believed that “prayer changes the one praying” as much as “prayer moves the hand of God.”
The foreword introduces readers to a simple man of keen insight who, regardless of who he was with or what they were doing, without warning would say, “‘Off with your hats, it is good to pray everywhere,’ followed by a brief prayer.” This was a common occurrence among the group of young men Chambers took hiking on Saturday mornings.
Even though the world was at war, Chambers made plans to travel to Egypt in 1915 to “serve as a YMCA chaplain.” Shortly after his arrival he asked to deliver a “week-night religious service” even though skeptics warned him no one would attend since it wasn’t Sunday. Soldiers were too busy during the week writing letters and playing cards…Full Review: www.examiner.com/list/if-you-will-ask...
This small book on prayer is taken from lectures Oswald Chambers gave at the Bible Training College in London where he focused on all aspects of prayer, from prayer’s simplicity to intercessory prayer for others. He believed that “prayer changes the one praying” as much as “prayer moves the hand of God.”
The foreword introduces readers to a simple man of keen insight who, regardless of who he was with or what they were doing, without warning would say, “‘Off with your hats, it is good to pray everywhere,’ followed by a brief prayer.” This was a common occurrence among the group of young men Chambers took hiking on Saturday mornings.
Even though the world was at war, Chambers made plans to travel to Egypt in 1915 to “serve as a YMCA chaplain.” Shortly after his arrival he asked to deliver a “week-night religious service” even though skeptics warned him no one would attend since it wasn’t Sunday. Soldiers were too busy during the week writing letters and playing cards…Full Review: www.examiner.com/list/if-you-will-ask...
November 9, 2023
A more honest rating would be 3.5 stars. This was a challenging book and very hard to read. Half way through the book I didn’t know if I disagreed with everything Oswald Chambers was saying, or if I didn’t understand it lol. There definitely is truth in his writing, but I do question some of his interpretation of the scripture. But at the end of the day, this is just one guys perspective on prayer and it’s good to challenge yourself in reading other perspectives sometimes.
February 2, 2017
Solid book on the power of prayer, our participation in the conversation, and the price prayer cost God.
Oswald Chambers brings his eloquent way of crafting words to this book as he compels us to actively engage in the act of prayer. We ought be making use of the resource of directly accessing God endlessly.
I recommend readying this book.
Oswald Chambers brings his eloquent way of crafting words to this book as he compels us to actively engage in the act of prayer. We ought be making use of the resource of directly accessing God endlessly.
I recommend readying this book.
January 12, 2018
Chambers goes deeper to explain what prayer actually is. "Prayer is
not what it costs us, but what it cost God to enable us to pray."
This was one of the best books I've read on prayer. Prayer is personal, deep, and powerful. Chambers is probably one of the best authors pertaining this subject.
not what it costs us, but what it cost God to enable us to pray."
This was one of the best books I've read on prayer. Prayer is personal, deep, and powerful. Chambers is probably one of the best authors pertaining this subject.
Read
September 1, 2017Easily the best book on prayer I've ever read. I know I will read this one again.
Chambers writes about difficult concepts in ways that make it so clear to me. I'm so thankful for this man and his ministry that continues a century after his death! God's words and truth are timeless.
Chambers writes about difficult concepts in ways that make it so clear to me. I'm so thankful for this man and his ministry that continues a century after his death! God's words and truth are timeless.
February 10, 2018
Oswald Chambers has some highly-spiritual lingo, but great insight into this topic.
"Let is not forget that our prayers are heard, not because we are in earnest, not because we suffer, but because Jesus suffered."
"Prayer is usually considered to be devotional and more or less impractical in ordinary life. Our Lord in His teaching always considered prayer work, not preparation for work."
Notes:
-Chapter 1: Our prayers ought to entail a good bit of watching and waiting, wonder, and expectancy
-Chapter 4 is on silence as an answer to prayer and it was really helpful understanding what to do when it seems God hasn't answered us.
-Chapter 8 talks about sanctification, and I began to feel overwhelmed by the work that must be done in me, but the breakdown of 1 Thes 5:23 and the peace of God was the best part of the book.
-Chapter 11 is on intercessory prayer in mission. Really good thoughts on how the Spirit of God does things unknown and unseen to us as a result of prayer.
At first when I read the following quote, I disagreed, but now I see his viewpoint.
"It is not so true that 'prayer changes things' as that prayer changes us, and then we change things. Consequently, we must not ask God to do what he has created us to do."
"Let is not forget that our prayers are heard, not because we are in earnest, not because we suffer, but because Jesus suffered."
"Prayer is usually considered to be devotional and more or less impractical in ordinary life. Our Lord in His teaching always considered prayer work, not preparation for work."
Notes:
-Chapter 1: Our prayers ought to entail a good bit of watching and waiting, wonder, and expectancy
-Chapter 4 is on silence as an answer to prayer and it was really helpful understanding what to do when it seems God hasn't answered us.
-Chapter 8 talks about sanctification, and I began to feel overwhelmed by the work that must be done in me, but the breakdown of 1 Thes 5:23 and the peace of God was the best part of the book.
-Chapter 11 is on intercessory prayer in mission. Really good thoughts on how the Spirit of God does things unknown and unseen to us as a result of prayer.
At first when I read the following quote, I disagreed, but now I see his viewpoint.
"It is not so true that 'prayer changes things' as that prayer changes us, and then we change things. Consequently, we must not ask God to do what he has created us to do."
May 3, 2018
This was a book I read in a study class at my church. I have never read Oswald Chambers and was very impressed with his in depth description of prayer. This is a book that, although it is only 128 pages you can read it again and get more out of it. Loved this book and will read again and also study this author's view point on prayer. :)
March 3, 2025
Thank u Oswald I missed you
August 29, 2022
This is one of those really essential books.
My review: https://withfreedomandbooks.blogspot....
My review: https://withfreedomandbooks.blogspot....
February 18, 2014
Chambers is a man who knows prayer. At times he is gracious and kind and at other times he is hard hitting and straight to the point. Chambers looks at a good number of verses to focus his message arc which other books today don't. His focus on Christ's prayer in the garden of Gethsemane was amazing. His coverage on prayer is in more broad strokes than specifics. Reading his book encouraged a further devotion to the necessity of prayer and not being afraid to ask and to not know everything. For me, this was challenging and a blessing. This book is up there on the list of books on prayer. It will be read again because Chambers is so much higher than I currently am. The one flaw the book suffers from is that it may read from chapter to chapter as a bit disjointed or having no real tie ins with other chapters as a result of the messages being from sermons. However, that doesn't detract from Chambers' beautifully focusing on the Scriptures of prayer. Final Grade - A-
November 6, 2015
I read this book very slowly, one section each morning during my quiet time. Chambers has a way of bringing out a verse in the bible and helping you to understand the richness and complexity behind God's meaning.
If You Will Ask comes from lectures from Chambers during a difficult time in history. During WWI. Although these ideas are a hundred years old, I would not call them out of date, but very timely to today's Christian. We must truly learn to pray.
I believe this sentence sums up this book pretty well: Are we making it easy for the Holy Spirit to work out God's will in us, or are we continually putting Him on one side by the empty requests of our natural hearts, Christians though we be?(116)
If You Will Ask comes from lectures from Chambers during a difficult time in history. During WWI. Although these ideas are a hundred years old, I would not call them out of date, but very timely to today's Christian. We must truly learn to pray.
I believe this sentence sums up this book pretty well: Are we making it easy for the Holy Spirit to work out God's will in us, or are we continually putting Him on one side by the empty requests of our natural hearts, Christians though we be?(116)
July 19, 2024
If You Will Ask: Reflections on the Power of Prayer by Oswald Chambers is a 1963 publication.
This is a thin volume focused on prayer written by Oswald Chambers who is best known for his devotional book, “My Utmost for His Highest”.
While not very long, the book really packs a punch. I've never read a book solely devoted to prayer, and Chambers brings out some truths that I’d never really considered before.
The reason I mention that is because, though I pray often, but I’ve never thought about how I approached it or what it cost God for me to pray- making me realize what a privilege it is to pray.
Chambers, though, well versed on the subject- with only a few exceptions, is mostly down to earth enough for anyone, no matter where they may be on their spiritual journey to understand his message.
There were a couple of passages in which I’d have to respectfully disagree, but overall, this is a very good place to start if you want to learn about the power of prayer and its extreme importance in your daily walk with the Lord.
4 stars
*Very old book, but amazingly, it is available at a reasonable price in the Amazon Kindle store- at this writing. I own a copy- gifted to me by my parents.
This is a thin volume focused on prayer written by Oswald Chambers who is best known for his devotional book, “My Utmost for His Highest”.
While not very long, the book really packs a punch. I've never read a book solely devoted to prayer, and Chambers brings out some truths that I’d never really considered before.
The reason I mention that is because, though I pray often, but I’ve never thought about how I approached it or what it cost God for me to pray- making me realize what a privilege it is to pray.
Chambers, though, well versed on the subject- with only a few exceptions, is mostly down to earth enough for anyone, no matter where they may be on their spiritual journey to understand his message.
There were a couple of passages in which I’d have to respectfully disagree, but overall, this is a very good place to start if you want to learn about the power of prayer and its extreme importance in your daily walk with the Lord.
4 stars
*Very old book, but amazingly, it is available at a reasonable price in the Amazon Kindle store- at this writing. I own a copy- gifted to me by my parents.
April 20, 2024
Oswald Chambers is one of those authors that you either have to read SUPER slow or over and over to fully see and understand what you're reading. Which is why My Utmost for His Highest is always my recommendation for a yearly devotional because you can read it over and over and always discover something new!
This book is the same, I feel like I barely scratched the surface of what gems this holds in my first read through! Chambers hits on prayer more from the perspective of intercession and the Holy Spirits role, which I think is definitely not talked about enough in regards to prayer! It's a super short book, but still felt like it was as full, thorough, and saturated with truths as any 300 page book I've read!
I'll definitely be reading it again to search for more treasures, and it's reassured me that Oswald Chambers will always be one of my favorite authors. He's one of the authors that speaks so plainly on things not as often looked at in depth in such short, scripture saturated ways, which is a good description for this book. Short, saturated with Scripture, and such a good in depth look at prayer.
This book is the same, I feel like I barely scratched the surface of what gems this holds in my first read through! Chambers hits on prayer more from the perspective of intercession and the Holy Spirits role, which I think is definitely not talked about enough in regards to prayer! It's a super short book, but still felt like it was as full, thorough, and saturated with truths as any 300 page book I've read!
I'll definitely be reading it again to search for more treasures, and it's reassured me that Oswald Chambers will always be one of my favorite authors. He's one of the authors that speaks so plainly on things not as often looked at in depth in such short, scripture saturated ways, which is a good description for this book. Short, saturated with Scripture, and such a good in depth look at prayer.
September 12, 2024
I should have looked up information about this book before reading it. After finishing it and reading about how it is just a big collection of a bunch of his teachings, and not a regular “book,” my complaint about all the topics seeming jumbled and harder to follow doesn’t really apply!
I also didn’t fully grasps just how old this book was, so it makes a lot more sense why the religious language felt very overly flourished and often higher than my reading level apparently!
That said, he did make some really interesting points regarding prayer, and, though I’m not sure I agreed/understood all of it, it definitely succeeded in making me reevaluate my own prayer life and meditate deeper on the power of prayer.
Would recommend, but be ready to put on your thinking cap!
I also didn’t fully grasps just how old this book was, so it makes a lot more sense why the religious language felt very overly flourished and often higher than my reading level apparently!
That said, he did make some really interesting points regarding prayer, and, though I’m not sure I agreed/understood all of it, it definitely succeeded in making me reevaluate my own prayer life and meditate deeper on the power of prayer.
Would recommend, but be ready to put on your thinking cap!
March 7, 2021
Excelente libro sobre la oración.
Muy práctico y a la vez muy profundo. Chambers a lo largo del libro hace énfasis en que el poder e importancia de la oración no radica en lo que nosotros podamos hacer mediante ella, sino lo que Jesús ya hizo en la cruz.
Sin embargo, a veces los temas tratados se hacen difíciles de llevar, a veces de entender. No estoy de acuerdo con todos los puntos que plantea Chambers, y a veces creo que las citas de versículos están mal usadas.
Aun así el libro vale la pena. Totalmente recomendado.
Muy práctico y a la vez muy profundo. Chambers a lo largo del libro hace énfasis en que el poder e importancia de la oración no radica en lo que nosotros podamos hacer mediante ella, sino lo que Jesús ya hizo en la cruz.
Sin embargo, a veces los temas tratados se hacen difíciles de llevar, a veces de entender. No estoy de acuerdo con todos los puntos que plantea Chambers, y a veces creo que las citas de versículos están mal usadas.
Aun así el libro vale la pena. Totalmente recomendado.
November 19, 2021
Don't miss this!
"Spiritual Epiphany" I believe best describes this Oswald Chambers masterpiece. This book took me down a path of prayer revelation. And to consider that Biddy Chambers basically recorded notes from Oswald's lectures and sermons to help her practice her shorthand! Awesome...nothing shorter than awesome. Thank you God for the Holy Spirit at work in the lives of so many devout children of God. And the blessings that work brings. I'll be reading it...again.
"Spiritual Epiphany" I believe best describes this Oswald Chambers masterpiece. This book took me down a path of prayer revelation. And to consider that Biddy Chambers basically recorded notes from Oswald's lectures and sermons to help her practice her shorthand! Awesome...nothing shorter than awesome. Thank you God for the Holy Spirit at work in the lives of so many devout children of God. And the blessings that work brings. I'll be reading it...again.
May 17, 2022
This has got to be the best book on prayer I have ever read! Would recommend to anyone wanting to dig deeper into this topic. So many Christians (including me) have struggled in their prayer lives. I can't help but wonder if that's because Satan knows it's our greatest weapon, and he'll try to distract us from it any way he can!
A beautiful, thought-provoking little book. So much truth packed into a small package!
A beautiful, thought-provoking little book. So much truth packed into a small package!
August 27, 2025
This one took me a year to finish. To read slowly. To reread. To struggle. Here are some highlights:
“Remember that Jesus Christ’s silences are always signs that He knows we can stand a bigger revelation than we think we can.”
“A disciple is not above his teacher. Do we think our lot ought to be better than Jesus Christ?”
“There may still be great darkness, exasperating providences, but the inner secret of the Lord is with those who have His spirit.”
“Remember that Jesus Christ’s silences are always signs that He knows we can stand a bigger revelation than we think we can.”
“A disciple is not above his teacher. Do we think our lot ought to be better than Jesus Christ?”
“There may still be great darkness, exasperating providences, but the inner secret of the Lord is with those who have His spirit.”
February 14, 2025
This was a tough read for me. I am not a fan of Chambers’ writing style: It’s disjointed and often confusing. I’m glad I am studying this book in a group, or I may not have finished it at all. Although there were certainly some good points and passages, the book confused me more than it brought clarity. I’m honestly not sure if I even agree with some of what he’s saying.
October 10, 2020
This is one of the most severe yet constructive books on the practice of Christianity I've read. The writing is somewhat poetic yet boldly assertive and directional. The author expounds a challenge delivered with gracious passion, desiring that all would know the place and position of prayer.
April 10, 2021
Great Sunday School lesson book
We have used this book as Suchapters are reasonably short and provide a fabulous , thought provoking approach, rationale for, and some guidance on how to pray.nday School weekly lessons.
We have used this book as Suchapters are reasonably short and provide a fabulous , thought provoking approach, rationale for, and some guidance on how to pray.nday School weekly lessons.
August 3, 2021
Prayer in the Spirit
An excellent book on the importance of prayer in the life of a Christian and the role of the Holy Spirit, especially in intercession. It challenges us to evaluate our attitudes toward and practice of prayer. The works of Oswald Chambers are a blessing!
An excellent book on the importance of prayer in the life of a Christian and the role of the Holy Spirit, especially in intercession. It challenges us to evaluate our attitudes toward and practice of prayer. The works of Oswald Chambers are a blessing!
May 10, 2022
Profound yet accessible!
Oswald Chambers lays out thought-provoking scripture and breaks it down I to bite sized pieces the reader can understand. The truths that are exposed are life giving.
Oswald Chambers lays out thought-provoking scripture and breaks it down I to bite sized pieces the reader can understand. The truths that are exposed are life giving.
November 19, 2023
Sat down and read this book 📕 early in the morning.
Such a great book to reflect on your own prayer life and ask yourself questions about it.
“Am I believing God for the greater works He wants to do in my life?”
Such a great book to reflect on your own prayer life and ask yourself questions about it.
“Am I believing God for the greater works He wants to do in my life?”
January 30, 2024
So so deep. I'm sure I missed much of the truths, but I also gained deeper understanding of prayer, my Father, and the Holy Spirit. It's a book I will have to read multiple times to glean everything in it.
May 29, 2024
This book touches your spirit
I would highly recommend this book. What a blessing! It does bring you closer to God and the Holy Spirit and brings a peace that can only come from God.
I would highly recommend this book. What a blessing! It does bring you closer to God and the Holy Spirit and brings a peace that can only come from God.
March 26, 2025
Teaches a lot about prayer that I wasn't aware of. We get so caught up in thinking God is a genie in a bottle and our prayers reflect that. There is so much more we should be praying about, taking the focus off our ourselves and our human desires.
May 6, 2017
Oswald Chambers delivers rare spiritual insights that is hard to find in other works. This one was good but his "My Utmost for His Highest" tops them all.
December 15, 2017
Good meditations on prayer. Sometimes he overstates one side of truth too much, but overall found his thoughts helpful to encourage my in prayer.
February 4, 2018
Good read
Good read. I enjoyed the different perspective and how it makes you reflect on your prayer life. I will definitely read it again.
Good read. I enjoyed the different perspective and how it makes you reflect on your prayer life. I will definitely read it again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews