Before Amen: The Power of a Simple Prayer

by Max Lucado

We all pray . . . some.

We pray to stay sober, centered, or solvent. When the lump is deemed malignant. When the money runs out before the month does. When the marriage is falling apart. We pray.

But wouldn't we like to pray more? Better? Stronger? With more fire, faith, and fervency?

Yet we have kids to feed, bills to pay, deadlines to meet. The calendar pounces on our good intentions like a tiger on a rabbit. And what about our checkered history with prayer? Uncertain words. Unmet expectations. Unanswered requests.

We aren't the first to struggle with prayer. The first followers of Jesus needed prayer guidance too. In fact, prayer is the only tutorial they ever requested.

And Jesus gave them a prayer. Not a lecture on prayer. Not the doctrine of prayer. He gave them a quotable, repeatable, portable prayer. Couldn't we use the same?

In "Before Amen" best-selling author Max Lucado joins readers on a journey to the very heart of biblical prayer, offering hope for doubts and confidence even for prayer wimps. Distilling prayers in the Bible down to one pocket-sized prayer, Max reminds readers that prayer is not a privilege for the pious nor the art of a chosen few. Prayer is simply a heartfelt conversation between God and his child. Let the conversation begin.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Prayer, Faith, Religion, Spirituality, Inspirational

163 pages, Paperback

First published October 7, 2014

About the author

With more than 150 million products in print and several NYT bestsellers, Max Lucado is America's bestselling inspirational author. He serves the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and their mischievous mutt, Andy. His most recent book published in August 2024 and is titled What Happens Next.

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Reviews

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max Lucado's newest book, Before Amen, The Power of a Simple Prayer, is a "how to" book about prayer. For anyone who has ever wondered how to approach God in prayer or just simply how to pray, this book is for you.

The book is small consisting of nine simple to read chapters.

1. The Pocket Prayer
2. Father...Daddy
3. You Are Good
4. I Need Help
5. Heal Me
6. Forgive Me
7. They Need Help
8, Thank You
9. In Jesus' Name, Amen

I loved the way Mr. Lucado started chapter one, "Hello my name is Max. I'm a recovering prayer wimp. I doze off when I pray. My thoughts zig, then zag, then zig again." I could have made that same statement entering 'Cindy' for Max. Let's be honest, I'm sure some of you out there start prying at bedtime and the next thing you know you are waking up and never said 'amen'. Or you're in church and the pastor is leading prayer and your mind zig's to what to fix for lunch or where you plan to go after church. I'm sure most of us have been there before. If you find this to be true for yourself, this book is for you.

Mr. Lucado shares about the different types of prayer and how we should pray during the times that are the hardest. In the first chapter, he shares with the reader his "Pocket-size Prayer". This prayer is easy to remember and should help the person who feels they don't know how to pray get started.

So many times I have heard people say, 'I don't know how to pray'. Believe me there are many people in the world that feel that way. Mr. Lucado explains, "God will teach you to pray." He also goes on to tell the reader, "Prayer is simply a heartfelt conversation between God and his child".

I enjoy Max Lucado's writing. It is simple for the reader to understand. In fact, it's like he is sitting across the room talking with you. His explanations are clear and easily understood.

I would highly recommend Before Amen to anyone who wants a clear picture of praying. I truly enjoyed this book.

On a 5-Star scale - *****

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson Publishers for my advanced reader's copy of Before Amen. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

[Amanda Geaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Before Amen The Power of A Simple Prayer, Max Lucado demystifies prayer. He suggests a basic outline that we can build our own prayers on using the example given by Christ himself (The Lord’s Prayer). It’s simple, it’s memorable, and it will be helpful for anyone who wants to pray better, deeper, and stronger.

I wish this book would have been available to me when I first began to follow Christ. There was a time when putting my praises, fears, and questions into a prayer was intimidating. I didn’t know how to pray or where to even begin. What if I messed it up, misspoke, or angered God? Max Lucado shares two things in this book that every new believer needs to know: Prayer is “a heartfelt conversation between God and his child” and even the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. This book serves as a practical lesson in prayer for all believers and is especially helpful for those of us who have never had prayer modeled to us.

In the first chapter, Max shares a few examples of how prayer is used in scripture, what Jesus said about prayer, and God’s intended purpose for prayer. Then the author introduces The Pocket Prayer. The Pocket Prayer provides a scaffolding of sorts on which readers can begin to build their own conversations with God. In each subsequent chapter, he offers thought provoking stories and prayer prompts to guide readers in praying for themselves and others.

Before Amen is concise--Max presents his ideas within the first 100 pages of the book. The remainder of the book is a study guide prepared by Jenna Lucado Bishop. It’s a valuable tool that prompts readers to personalize the narrative, reflect on passages of scripture, pray, and then be attuned to hear God’s reply. While I completed the study alone, I could see it being used effectively in a teen/college ministry, Sunday School, or new believer class.

I have a tendency to put pastors and Christian authors on a faith pedestal, so I was moved when Max confessed to being a "recovering prayer wimp". By admitting his personal struggle with prayer, it took the self-imposed weight of prayer perfection off my shoulders and spurred me to reexamine my prayer life. I believe that by building upon The Pocket Prayer, my conversations with God are becoming broader (less self-centered), deeper, and stronger. If you would like to grow in the spiritual discipline of prayer read Before Amen The Power of A Simple Prayer, it earns of 5/5 stars from this reviewer.

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max Lucado hits it out of the park once again with this excellent book on the topic of prayer!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful writing style and message.

[Elisabeth (Bets) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book. I listened to the audiobook and it was very very enjoyable. He gives such practical examples.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

BEFORE AMEN arrived in the mail and my preacher/husband snagged it. I told him, I have to review this. You can have it as soon as I finish! He's like, when will that be? I said, it's due tomorrow. He was happy. Especially as his Wednesday night sermon topics are on prayer.

Okay, people call me a "Prayer Warrior." I do pray. All the time. Nonstop. I pray as I go about my day. I have the Lord's Prayer memorized (and no, that is not what I pray all day long.) I wasn't real happy to see the prayer simplified. "God, you are good. I need help. They need help. Amen." Really? What kind of a relationship are you going to have with someone when you communicate like that? This isn't a text-message prayer we need to learn. This is real time, people!

Max Lucado treats the whole topic of prayer, in my opinion, with a very cavalier attitude. Yes, God doesn't expect thees and thous. He wants a relationship. And again. If you communicated with your best friend like that, your relationship will go downhill fast. "Hi, BFF. You are good. I need help. They need help." Uh uh. Not good.

I also (and again, this is my opinion, my husband disagrees) don't condone approaching the God of the Universe with a "Hi, Daddy!" He may be our Father in Heaven. He may be approachable, through Jesus. But He's not my daddy. He is my God. My Saviour. My Lord. To me, the "Daddy" reference to God really downplays who and what God is.

If you do need help praying, this is a simple, easy to read, nonfiction book by acclaimed author Max Lucado. And he probably knows a lot more about the topic than I do. I was offered the book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I have read other Max Lucado books and enjoyed them.

[Janelle Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a Max Lucado fan. Always have been!

I love to read his books because he speaks on a level that, no matter what, I can relate to. I enjoy his direct approach to teaching the reader what he wants to teach them. Most of all, I feel like if I were to meet Max on the street somewhere, he would be amazingly down-to-earth and real.

before amen

What do I love about Before Amen? That it is down to earth, real, straightforward and for everyone. You do not have to be a believer to get the things he is sharing, in fact this is a great book for a young Christian. This would help a young (age) or a new believer to really understand the point of praying and the simplicity of it. However, this book can help the more mature believer come back to the basics and be reminded that those wordy, lengthy, "holy" prayers are not really what the Lord delights in. He delights in real. Not fake.

I could have picked up this book and finished in a day, it is that easy to read. But, if you want to really get what Max is trying to say, you need to read this book slowly and really chew on the truths he is teaching. This is a book that will have a home on my bookcase, one that my middle school boys will be reading and one I expect to pick up and read again! I loved it!

[Cara Putman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max Lucado brings a fresh perspective filled with child-like faith to the study of prayer in his new book before amen. That's what struck me about the book. The way Max Lucado highlights the true father-child relationship of prayer. I read passages of this book to my husband because they so struck me. I also highlighted, underlined, and tweeted thoughts...not because they were so revolutionary. But because in their very simplicity, the concepts urge me to approach my Father God as a child. To curl up in His lap and share my days and concerns. Prayer doesn't need to be complicated or pious. All that is needed is a heart ready for and seeking relationship.

[Cathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this quick read. Max Lucado is always encouraging and I enjoy his writing style. This was a great reminder on the discipline of prayer and that we should go to God as his child. Just be yourself and chat with your Savior. His pocket prayer was a cute example…”Father, you are good. I need help. They need help. Thank you. Amen.”

[Leanne McElroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple, compact break down of prayer. This book is good for those at any level of their walk with God. I’d say it provides useful wisdom and insight into how to expand your vision and mindset towards prayer. Prayer is a must have in your walk with the Lord, as it’s the foundation of your relationship with him.

This book has a very pretty cover. It’s a quick and well formatted read with short chapters.

My only critique is that some of the metaphors felt wanky or a tad off. Otherwise a good read. I recommend it to any Christian seeking to learn more about prayer or strengthening their prayer life.

Be mindful of different versions of the book. My book ended at page 159 in terms of content.

[Redbird · Rating 2 out of 5]

First, the book should make itself more clear about who the target audience is. This is not for believers who have studied scripture for years and are long-time pray-ers. Even the intro is misleading where Lucado is self-deprecating about his ability to pray.

There is a difference between the new believer who isn't sure how to come to God and have regular talks without repeating rote, nonpersonalized pleas, and those who those seek answers to tough questions like, "Why does God seem silent on this issue after all these years?"

This is also a very short book, 60-90 minutes depending on your style. I listened to the audiobook, which ran a tad longer.

Second, I found the book odd advice even for a new believer. It’s a "pocket prayer" providing yet another rote mini-prayer as a starter prayer. We already have Jesus telling his disciples how to pray as an example. That is a good format -- not to memorize and repeat but to understand "this is HOW you should pray." (I don't think Jesus would mind the all caps this one time. ;) )

Third, Lucado explains illness as part of the bad stuff that happened when we lost our immortality as part of original sin. I didn't really follow that. His example of the man who is a great witness to others because he suffers but still goes to church with a smile on his face sounds great for...no, it just doesn't. What about the many who suffer in silence with a smile on their faces? Or the ones who suffer but you don't see their smile or lack thereof because they can't even make it to church or anywhere else?

I detest preachy reviews, so perhaps I've already overstepped my bounds.

Redeeming qualities: it never hurts to be reminded that constant conversation with God is a good thing; God wants to hear from us, even though He knows it all; seekers and new believers need a place to start. This is a warm, inviting place. Let the relationship with God grow. Time for deeper questions and more critical thinking can and will happen later.

Two stars because it didn't meet my expectations. Others may love it and if so, that is even better. It is good that we are seeking to understand our Heavenly Father more. Let's always return to His original words as our final authority.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend this amazing book to anyone who is struggling in their prayer life and they are wanting to become closer to their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I liked how Max Lucado wrote in a way that was very practical and easy for readers to comprehend. I liked how he illustrated that when children talk to their father, they use simple language and they don’t have to use the most vocabulary words. I learned that prayer can be simple and it doesn’t have to be dramatic and I don’t have to pray to impress God or anyone else. He wants me to pray what’s in my heart and in my mind. Max reminded readers to come to God like a little child and I think this is critical. This book personally couldn’t have been written in a better time because we all know the world is in chaos, fear is trying to overwhelm us, and trials are trying to overtake us. Prayer is the key to communicating with God and this book can be a huge benefit to you, if you take its message to heart! If you’re looking a book to help you in your prayer life, then read this one!



“I received a review copy of Before Amen from Litfuse for this review.”

[Lourdes Varela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Antes del amén, es un libro que logró tocar partes muy profundas de mi ser, mostrandome que "orar en todo tiempo" no hace referencia a dejar todo para orar, olvidar todo y orar, sino va más allá que eso, es un estilo de vida, simple, sencillo de hacer, pues implica que mientras vas a trabajar, mientras cocinas, mientras comes, o sea cual sea la actividad que estés haciendo ores al Señor, es decir, hables con él, como le hablarás a tu pareja, familiar, amigo, etc., y mientras estás en esa conversación con él le entregues todo, aunque eso tal vez no cambie mágicamente tu situación pero sí puede cambiar tu actitud hacia ellas, pues dejaste toda tu carga no a cualquiera, sino a una Dios dueño, Señor y Creador de todo, y eso es un motivo más que suficiente para estar en paz, suceda lo que suceda sabrás en tu corazón que Dios tiene el control de todo y se hará su voluntad. Cómo dice Romanos 12: 2b "Entonces serás capaz de probar y aprobar cuál es la voluntad de Dios: su voluntad buena, agradable y perfecta."
Razón más que suficiente.
Recomendado 101%

[Mikayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was packed with amazing advice and simple directions. I haven't enjoyed a non fiction as much since I read Control Girl
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a great book on prayer, why we do it, and how to do it.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book about the importance of prayer and how to pray in a more meaningful way. I also loved all the bible verses threaded throughout this short, but very powerful read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars !!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is never a Luado book that I don't come away from refreshed and convicted at the same time.

[Lovely Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

I would’ve given this a higher rating, but it was just too short and didn’t go deep enough.

My copy of the book also includes the study guide, so that is great!

[The Bookworm Girl Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend this book! It brought me new insights and drew me closer to God’s love and kindness. It also showed me the tremendous importance of prayer! Plus, Lucado writes humorous tidbits, too.

[Joanna Latour · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shows how easy and powerful prayer is!!!

[Susan Kendrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Max Lucado is like sitting down with a cheerful, encouraging Christian Grandpa. I hate to admit it, but sometimes I stick my nose up at Max Lucado because of his lack of theological depth; othertimes, however, I just need someone who is for me and for Jesus, and that is Max's sweet spot. This book on prayer is approachable and practical. And helpful! Good ol Max. Thanks for this book.

[Bobbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the way Max Lucado writes. His books are so easy to read and understand with scripture applied to daily life. He always gets his point across without getting into complicated theology. This one has a study guide written by his daughter with scriptures for further study.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple, helpful, informative and quick read

[Heather King · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved so many of Max Lucado's books so I expected to love Before Amen just as much. I was a bit disappointed. First of all, I think it's important to know what you are getting. Max Lucado actually only wrote 100 pages of this book, which is printed with extremely large print. So, it may only be about 80-ish pages of a typical book. The rest of Before Amen is a study guide prepared by his daughter. I read the book in about an hour tops. It's the typical quality of Max's storytelling and insight, but ultimately such a shockingly superficial treatment of prayer. I definitely got the sense that he had preached some sermons and then just jotted them down on paper---and WHAM---instant bestseller because he's Max Lucado. I just finished reading, A Praying Life, by Paul Miller and am currently reading Timothy Keller's book, Prayer. Either of those books dug so deeply into the topic of prayer---the why's, the how's, the practical side, the theological side. I learned so much! But at the end of the day, all I could say about Before Amen is that it was mildly inspirational and essentially just a pamphlet on prayer for those who don't really want to learn anything in depth about praying. I love Max Lucado's writing. Nothing changes that! I'm just glad that I picked this particular book up from my church library and didn't actually pay money to read 100 pages.

[T. R. · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Lord’s Prayer is watered down a bit in the book.

[Madelein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rekommenderar starkt denna bok. Med avstamp i hur Jesus levde och bad, kan vi lära oss mycket av honom, även i bönen. I slutet av boken finns även en studiehandledning som innehåller konkreta tips på hur bönen kan bli en större del av det vardagliga livet.

Nedan följer några favorit quotes


”Jesus gav helt makalösa bönelöften.
Och han var ett utmanade föredöme i att be. Jesus bad innan han åt. Han bad för barn. Han bad för de sjuka. Han bad och tackade. Han bad med tårar. Han har gjort planeterna och format stjärnorna, men han bad. Han är änglarnas och härskarnas Herre, men han bad. Han är ett med Gud, den exakta representationen av den Helige, men ändå var han en hängiven bedjare. Han bad i vildmarken, på kyrkogården och i trädgården.”

”Lär oss att hitta styrkan i bön.”

”När lärjungarna ville att Jesus skulle lära dem att be gav han dem en bön. Inte en föreläsning om bön. Inte en rad doktriner om bön. Han gav dem en behändig bön som var lätt att bära med sig.”

”Bön är inte ett privilegium för de fromma, inte en konstform för en liten utvald skara. Bön är helt enkelt ett hjärtligt samtal mellan Gud och hans barn.”

”Om bönen är beroende av hur jag ber är jag körd. Men om kraften i min bön är beroende av Honom som hör den, och om han som hör min bön också är min Pappa, då kan jag hoppas.”

”Innan du går och möter världen, gå in och möt din Fader.”

”Skulden uppmärksammar oss på att det vi är skiljer sig från det som Gud längtar efter. Den väcker omvändelse och nu överlåtelse. I lagom doser är skulden en välsignelse. Men om den får växa okontrollerat blir den en outhärdlig börda. Vi kan inte bära den.”

”Han (Gud) sover aldrig. Han är aldrig irriterad. När du knackar på hans dörr öppnar han snabbt och utan att se till personen. Jesus nekade aldrig när en person kom och bad om hjälp för en annans räkning.”

”Inget gläder Jesus mer än när människor vänder sig till honom i djärvt tro.”

”Du är aldrig mer lik Jesus än när du ber för andra.”

Slut på quotes innan jag har skriva ner hela boken. 🙃

[Katie Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

The thing that I liked most about this book is that it boiled prayer down to something so simple that it can't be intimidating: bringing your thoughts and feelings and requests to your Father, who loves you. The pocket prayer (basically a modified and modernized version of the Lord's prayer) is something I will likely be using in the future.

Favorite quotes:

"Forget greatness; seek littleness. Trust more, strut less. Make lots of requests and accept all the gifts. Come to God the way a child comes to daddy."

"Just as a happy child cannot mis-hug, the sincere heart cannot mis-pray."

[Ema · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Tata,
Tu esti bun.
Eu am nevoie de ajutor.
Ei au nevoie de ajutor.
Iarta-ma. Vindeca-ma.
Multumesc.
In Numele lui Isus, Amin.”

Cartea potrivita la momentul potrivit. Slava Domnului!! 💗

[Stephanie Reece]

Easy Read but powerful and an unforgettable small prayer that covers it all. just like Christ covered it all for us.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The emphasis that was put on thanksgiving to God at the end was well put. When we pray, when we thank God for what He’s done, we are recognizing His power in and over our lives.

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple prayer derived from the Lord's Prayer:
Father, you are good. I need help. Heal me and forgive me. They need help. Thank you. In Jesus's name, amen.