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The Hour That Changes the World: A Practical Plan for Personal Prayer; 25th Anniversary Edition
The Hour That Changes the World, first published by Baker in 1978, is a classic book on prayer that offers practical suggestions on how readers can revitalize their prayer lives. Dick Eastman challenges Christians to spend one hour each day in prayer, and he outlines a twelve-step prayer program to help them accomplish the task.
By dividing one hour into twelve five-minute "points of focus," such as praise, waiting, confession, and Scripture praying, believers will develop a more consistent habit of daily prayer. The Hour That Changes the World draws heavily on Scripture and classic devotional writers and includes an appendix titled "Scriptural Intercession."
This 25th anniversary edition features a new introduction by Eastman and a new foreword by Joni Eareckson Tada, in which she writes: "The Hour That Changes the World may appear small and modest, but don't let its size fool you. Full of biblical insights about prayer, packed with testimonies of prayer warriors from years past, brimming with practical suggestions that will help you carve out a purposeful time of praise and intercession, Dick Eastman's book is arguably the most significant book on prayer written in modern times."
By dividing one hour into twelve five-minute "points of focus," such as praise, waiting, confession, and Scripture praying, believers will develop a more consistent habit of daily prayer. The Hour That Changes the World draws heavily on Scripture and classic devotional writers and includes an appendix titled "Scriptural Intercession."
This 25th anniversary edition features a new introduction by Eastman and a new foreword by Joni Eareckson Tada, in which she writes: "The Hour That Changes the World may appear small and modest, but don't let its size fool you. Full of biblical insights about prayer, packed with testimonies of prayer warriors from years past, brimming with practical suggestions that will help you carve out a purposeful time of praise and intercession, Dick Eastman's book is arguably the most significant book on prayer written in modern times."
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First published January 1, 1978
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
October 24, 2014
Amazing short little book with practical REAL hands-on ways to pray that have completely changed how I pray. I want to buy hundreds of these and give to everyone!
October 19, 2025
Very practical! I made lots of notes and plan to put this to use in my prayer time. Even if you don’t use his 60 minute method, you’ll gain insight in his descriptions of the different types of prayer. Biblically sound and easy to follow format.
January 15, 2010
The tag line of this book is A Practical Plan for Personal Prayer and that it is - a practical plan. The Hour That Changes The World does not just preach about the importance of prayer and give lists of why we should pray, but rather addresses the how of praying.
Dick Eastman gives a practical plan for breaking down an hour of time into twelve five-minute segments. In each chapter he walks you through a segment (i.e. Praise, Waiting, Confession, Intercession...etc...)and shares how to do it, why to do it, and in what ways this impacts your life.
I appreciated this book and the way it makes praying for an hour seem much more feasible than just sitting down to pray with no plan of action. I learned what areas that I need to strengthen and what areas that I need to stop overusing.
While this plan may not work for everyone, Eastman is quick to share that this is a guide, not a rule, and gives gives the frame work for making a customized plan for prayer.
This is a great book for anyone wanting to grow in their prayer life, both in knowledge and in application.
Dick Eastman gives a practical plan for breaking down an hour of time into twelve five-minute segments. In each chapter he walks you through a segment (i.e. Praise, Waiting, Confession, Intercession...etc...)and shares how to do it, why to do it, and in what ways this impacts your life.
I appreciated this book and the way it makes praying for an hour seem much more feasible than just sitting down to pray with no plan of action. I learned what areas that I need to strengthen and what areas that I need to stop overusing.
While this plan may not work for everyone, Eastman is quick to share that this is a guide, not a rule, and gives gives the frame work for making a customized plan for prayer.
This is a great book for anyone wanting to grow in their prayer life, both in knowledge and in application.
November 12, 2023
This one was pretty good. I liked the practical advice and the application of it. I don't think I totally agree with everything said but most of it.
January 31, 2010
Absolutely incredible! A strong biblical basis for these 12 steps of prayer that is sound and reasonable. Practicing each step for 5 minutes will cultivate an hour of prayer a day, and it will eventually develop a habit a prayer. Once the habit is developed, a more personal, intimate devotional time of prayer can be made.
Talking with God and listening with God by prayer is one of the most important things to do as a Christian, but it's one of the hardest things to know how to do in a way that honors God and blesses us.
This book shows you how. Read it.
Talking with God and listening with God by prayer is one of the most important things to do as a Christian, but it's one of the hardest things to know how to do in a way that honors God and blesses us.
This book shows you how. Read it.
March 28, 2015
This second time reading this book was even more meaningful than my first time through in the 1980s. If you want a practical plan for learning to pray daily in answer to Jesus' question, "Could you not watch with me one hour?", then this is the book for you. The book is rich with quotes from prayer warriors who have made a difference in the world through prayer.
July 21, 2010
Are you like the disciples in the garden...Jesus asked 'couldn't they even pray for one hour?' Don't have any idea how you COULD pray for an hour? Dick Eastman offers a practical outline that makes it easy to pray for an hour (or longer!).
February 27, 2016
This book has helped me to overhaul and completely change my prayer life. I am now re-reading it with my small group at church and the impact has been incredible! Highly recommend!
January 11, 2020
Practical and encouraging. I am working on implementing what I learned through this book on prayer.
February 10, 2023
I longed to make my prayer life deeper, more connected, more personal, and more tuned to Him without the world and my daily pressures seeping into my time with Him. I thought this book brought many key reasons for personal prayer to the surface...to focus on God by giving Him at least one hour of my uninterrupted time from the day He gave me in the first place. At first, I thought, "an hour is a long time...I don't have time for that!"
The world tries to take so much more from us...really, what is an hour?
The world tries to take so much more from us...really, what is an hour?
January 22, 2021
Great little book on planning your prayer time by dividing it up into 5 minute blocks focusing on 12 different aspects of prayer. The Christian reader will have to overlook the occasional theological foibles so as to sift out the good what from the little bit of chaff. Highly recommended.
January 1, 2016
SUMMARY: The Hour That Changes the World, first published by Baker in 1978, is a classic book on prayer that offers practical suggestions on how readers can revitalize their prayer lives. Dick Eastman challenges Christians to spend one hour each day in prayer, and he outlines a twelve-step prayer program to help them accomplish the task. By dividing one hour into twelve five-minute "points of focus," such as praise, waiting, confession, and Scripture praying, believers will develop a more consistent habit of daily prayer. The Hour That Changes the World draws heavily on Scripture and classic devotional writers and includes an appendix titled "Scriptural Intercession."
REVIEW: I found this book very interesting. If your prayer time has become some repetitive, your not sure what or how to pray, or your searching for ways to go deeper into prayer, I would highly recommend this book. I did not agree with everything it suggests, but did find lots of wonderful ideas for enriching and strengthening my prayer time. Eastman bases it on Jesus words to his disciples "Can you not watch with me for one hour?" I felt that the set time segments for each 5 minutes of the hour to be somewhat restrictive and binding; but the suggestions for the 12 different focuses and how to make them stronger were excellent. I think this is a book that I will definitely find myself rereading parts. I also found a website where you can download a synopsis of his idea: www.hiskingdomprophecy.com/prayer-plan
FAVORITE QUOTES: "A prayer without penitence is a prayer without acceptance." (Charles Spurgeon quoted)
"Every major spiritual failure begins as a tiny seed of misconduct."
"Only God can move mountains, but faith and prayer move God."(E.M. Bounds quoted)
"The Word of God is more than a mere foundation for effective praying; it is the actual substance for effective praying."
REVIEW: I found this book very interesting. If your prayer time has become some repetitive, your not sure what or how to pray, or your searching for ways to go deeper into prayer, I would highly recommend this book. I did not agree with everything it suggests, but did find lots of wonderful ideas for enriching and strengthening my prayer time. Eastman bases it on Jesus words to his disciples "Can you not watch with me for one hour?" I felt that the set time segments for each 5 minutes of the hour to be somewhat restrictive and binding; but the suggestions for the 12 different focuses and how to make them stronger were excellent. I think this is a book that I will definitely find myself rereading parts. I also found a website where you can download a synopsis of his idea: www.hiskingdomprophecy.com/prayer-plan
FAVORITE QUOTES: "A prayer without penitence is a prayer without acceptance." (Charles Spurgeon quoted)
"Every major spiritual failure begins as a tiny seed of misconduct."
"Only God can move mountains, but faith and prayer move God."(E.M. Bounds quoted)
"The Word of God is more than a mere foundation for effective praying; it is the actual substance for effective praying."
September 10, 2015
This is the second or third time I have read this book:
I offer the website review rather than my own, for my future review.
I was challenged in the introduction by Joni Eareckson Tada's note that this book turned hours of suffering on her bed at night into meaningful prayer times with the Lord.
The Hour That Changes the World, first published by Baker in 1978, is a classic book on prayer that offers practical suggestions on how readers can revitalize their prayer lives.
Dick Eastman challenges Christians to spend one hour each day in prayer, and he outlines a twelve-step prayer program to help them accomplish the task.
By dividing one hour into twelve five-minute "points of focus," such as praise, waiting, confession, and Scripture praying, believers will develop a more consistent habit of daily prayer.
The Hour That Changes the World draws heavily on Scripture and classic devotional writers and includes an appendix titled "Scriptural Intercession."
This 25th anniversary edition features a new introduction by Eastman and a new foreword by Joni Eareckson Tada, in which she writes: "The Hour That Changes the World may appear small and modest, but don't let its size fool you. Full of biblical insights about prayer, packed with testimonies of prayer warriors from years past, brimming with practical suggestions that will help you carve out a purposeful time of praise and intercession, Dick Eastman's book is arguably the most significant book on prayer written in modern times."
I offer the website review rather than my own, for my future review.
I was challenged in the introduction by Joni Eareckson Tada's note that this book turned hours of suffering on her bed at night into meaningful prayer times with the Lord.
The Hour That Changes the World, first published by Baker in 1978, is a classic book on prayer that offers practical suggestions on how readers can revitalize their prayer lives.
Dick Eastman challenges Christians to spend one hour each day in prayer, and he outlines a twelve-step prayer program to help them accomplish the task.
By dividing one hour into twelve five-minute "points of focus," such as praise, waiting, confession, and Scripture praying, believers will develop a more consistent habit of daily prayer.
The Hour That Changes the World draws heavily on Scripture and classic devotional writers and includes an appendix titled "Scriptural Intercession."
This 25th anniversary edition features a new introduction by Eastman and a new foreword by Joni Eareckson Tada, in which she writes: "The Hour That Changes the World may appear small and modest, but don't let its size fool you. Full of biblical insights about prayer, packed with testimonies of prayer warriors from years past, brimming with practical suggestions that will help you carve out a purposeful time of praise and intercession, Dick Eastman's book is arguably the most significant book on prayer written in modern times."
December 11, 2010
Eastman's book is an innovative manner to address the modes of prayer that many of us or at least I in particular have engaged in through my years walking with Christ. Eastman tries to use these modes not as a formula, but as a guide and reference to help the believer become watchmen and watchwomen in prayer. Especially those who feel led to be prayer warriors, intercessors, and/or work officially in an intercessory ministry. It is simple and insightful by examining these modes from various Christians through history and from various denominational disciplines to get a very Christian holistic approach and view of prayer. The prayer wheel is appropriate for seeing prayer as an hour long watch that incorporates various modes and methods of prayer as represented in Scripture and through church history. As I have started to become more involved in intercessory ministry and to becoming a watchman of prayer I am very much appreciative of Eastman's insight and ministry. I used this book simply as part of a prayer walk ministry I was part of long time ago and then picked it up recently as I have had more of a burden to be involved in intercessory ministry. The fire that needs to continue to burn for a local church and the Body of Christ to run the race well and to the end.
December 17, 2015
What an audacious assertion! An hour that changes the world?
The subtitle sums up the content. Eastman has developed a practical plan for personal praying that will indeed change the doer as well as the lives of others all around, near or far.
Eastman speaks from personal research and practice in regard to the nature of prayer and then elements of the prayer life: praise, waiting before the Lord, confession, praying Scripture back to God, watching (being mentally alert to needs and God's intervention), intercession, petition, thanksgiving, singing, and meditation.
All that can be accomplished within an hour, but Eastman's point is not adherence to the schedule; rather it is an emphasis on focused time with God, enhancing the personal relationship with Him through prayer.
Seeing the significance of prayer reaching to all corners of the earth, thus changing the destinies of individuals for eternity is the great joy of obeying God's command to "pray without ceasing."
Very readable and practical! I read this in a study group—excellent!
The subtitle sums up the content. Eastman has developed a practical plan for personal praying that will indeed change the doer as well as the lives of others all around, near or far.
Eastman speaks from personal research and practice in regard to the nature of prayer and then elements of the prayer life: praise, waiting before the Lord, confession, praying Scripture back to God, watching (being mentally alert to needs and God's intervention), intercession, petition, thanksgiving, singing, and meditation.
All that can be accomplished within an hour, but Eastman's point is not adherence to the schedule; rather it is an emphasis on focused time with God, enhancing the personal relationship with Him through prayer.
Seeing the significance of prayer reaching to all corners of the earth, thus changing the destinies of individuals for eternity is the great joy of obeying God's command to "pray without ceasing."
Very readable and practical! I read this in a study group—excellent!
April 2, 2025
Practical and to the point. Lots of good inspiring truth!
February 1, 2017
I liked this book because it did one of my favorite things, it got straight to the point of the matter.
Many book on prayer ramble in a lot without really telling you what to do. This book mediately sets out an easy plan for improving, or starting, your prayer life.
There are many insight and quotes by many well known prayer masters that mostly do the right thing and point straight to the heart of the matter.
I would recommend this book to both the beginner and the seasoned knee bender.
I gave it five big fat stars because it is short, sweet, direct and very pragmatic. You get they idea straight away without having to get to the end.
A very useful book.
Many book on prayer ramble in a lot without really telling you what to do. This book mediately sets out an easy plan for improving, or starting, your prayer life.
There are many insight and quotes by many well known prayer masters that mostly do the right thing and point straight to the heart of the matter.
I would recommend this book to both the beginner and the seasoned knee bender.
I gave it five big fat stars because it is short, sweet, direct and very pragmatic. You get they idea straight away without having to get to the end.
A very useful book.
November 30, 2015
I have read this book through at least twice, and have re-read some sections several times, so I highly recommend this book as a guide to developing your understanding and practice of communicating with the God of the universe! This isn't a book that just talks about prayer, it is a book that shows you the whys and the how tos and then says, "Go and do it!" at the end of each chapter. For those who wrestle with having consistency in their prayer lives and want to pray with more frequency and power, this is a great guide. It is not formulaic at all, but life giving!
May 22, 2014
This short book is really more a guide or handbook. Eastman challenges people to grow in prayer by using the model he created to pray for one hour. His hour is divided into 12 segments -
1) Praise
2) Waiting
3) Confession
4) Scripture praying
5) Watching
6) Intercession
7) Petition
8) Thanksgiving
9) Singing
10) Meditation
11) Listening
12) Praise
I found this a handy tool for growing in many expressions of prayer and learning to listen to God.
1) Praise
2) Waiting
3) Confession
4) Scripture praying
5) Watching
6) Intercession
7) Petition
8) Thanksgiving
9) Singing
10) Meditation
11) Listening
12) Praise
I found this a handy tool for growing in many expressions of prayer and learning to listen to God.
September 8, 2016
This is great book on how to pray. Several of the aspects of prayer I have never considered. The aspects I had heard of or try to implement I know have gain a deeper understanding of. I hope to rise to the challenge of the book. My prayer is that God will teach me how to pray and full understand every aspect that was taught. I highly recommend this book.
December 18, 2017
Excellent review of various types of prayer and how to incorporate them into a daily time with the Lord. Eastman gives not only a Scriptural focus for each chapter, but liberally laces his book with quotes and illustrations from various men and women of prayer who have gone before.
One of the most practical books on prayer I have read in quite some time. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
One of the most practical books on prayer I have read in quite some time. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
February 14, 2013
Loved the premise, loved the ideas. Jesus asked his disciples "could you not watch with me for one hour?" The author Biblically lays out a plan for one hour of daily prayer. I'm looking forward to trying a half-hour version to start.
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March 10, 2014I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking to improve their prayer life. Eastman divides up an hour of prayer into 12 sections. He devotes a chapter to each section, giving biblical reference, prompts, and helpful hints to incorporate each aspect into an hour of prayer each day.
November 20, 2014
Another must read for the Christian desiring to learn the value, and practical application of prayer! This book has helped me see the importance even more of affective prayer and the importance of consistency. I heartily recommend it!
April 1, 2017
Loved this! Has really impacted my prayer life!!!!! Highly recommend!!!!
January 2, 2022
This is a short read that calls out 11 areas or ‘points of focus’ to incorporate into daily, consecutive prayer time, with a few application prompts at the end of each chapter.
I appreciated the emphasis towards a devoted time of prayer everyday and how consistency in prayer helps to align our hearts with God, deepens our relationship with Him, softens our hearts for the unbelieving to know Him, and glorifies Him with praise and adoration of who He is. The prayer areas were thoughtfully addressed and ordered in the practical plan that the author shared.
I was concerned by the reasoning and interpretation of Scripture at multiple points in the book, but I feel encouraged to apply certain practices from this book to my life and prayer.
I appreciated the emphasis towards a devoted time of prayer everyday and how consistency in prayer helps to align our hearts with God, deepens our relationship with Him, softens our hearts for the unbelieving to know Him, and glorifies Him with praise and adoration of who He is. The prayer areas were thoughtfully addressed and ordered in the practical plan that the author shared.
I was concerned by the reasoning and interpretation of Scripture at multiple points in the book, but I feel encouraged to apply certain practices from this book to my life and prayer.
April 7, 2022
Wonderful ideas about what to include in an hour of prayer. The main drawback of this book is that it is way too structured for me. If I tried to do this prayer hour method I'd probably feel like a failure because it is so legalistic.. it shows what I can't do while showing what I could do if I was a more perfect Christian.
That said, the advice about what to include in a prayer hour is grounded in scripture and worthy of consideration and action. The last two chapters focused more on commitment and community action, along with intense well-planned intercessory prayer for the lost.
I admire anyone who can stick with a regimen like this but I think while I may benefit from the suggestions in this book, I'm not likely to ever try to follow it to the letter.
That said, the advice about what to include in a prayer hour is grounded in scripture and worthy of consideration and action. The last two chapters focused more on commitment and community action, along with intense well-planned intercessory prayer for the lost.
I admire anyone who can stick with a regimen like this but I think while I may benefit from the suggestions in this book, I'm not likely to ever try to follow it to the letter.
June 20, 2020
In some ways, this is a practical book. I plan to use some of the concepts and outlines, but the author uses a lot of obscure and sometimes confusing quotes from many people that I have never heard of, and some that I have heard of and from whom I certainly would not want to take advice.
There are a few ideas that I disagree with but nothing that would keep me from benefitting from this book. I would say, read it and learn from but do so with a discerning eye.
The author's commitment to prayer is real and worth emulating. It is my desire to make a greater commitment to prayer. I believe that this book may be helpful to me in achieving that goal.
There are a few ideas that I disagree with but nothing that would keep me from benefitting from this book. I would say, read it and learn from but do so with a discerning eye.
The author's commitment to prayer is real and worth emulating. It is my desire to make a greater commitment to prayer. I believe that this book may be helpful to me in achieving that goal.
November 10, 2023
It's hard to know how to rate this one because it could have been so helpful.
The author outlines 12 points of focus for prayer, and you're supposed to spend five minutes praying in each point of focus. That would mean you would spend one hour in prayer each day. His points of focus were great, really practical, and helpful!
However, some of the ways he talked about prayer just don't align with scripture. Prayer won't change God. Prayer should change US! I felt like his views on prayer were a little prosperity gospel-esk.
The author outlines 12 points of focus for prayer, and you're supposed to spend five minutes praying in each point of focus. That would mean you would spend one hour in prayer each day. His points of focus were great, really practical, and helpful!
However, some of the ways he talked about prayer just don't align with scripture. Prayer won't change God. Prayer should change US! I felt like his views on prayer were a little prosperity gospel-esk.
May 1, 2022
This is a great book for those who have the goal of praying for an hour a day. The author shows people how to pray using a 12 point system, each point taking at least 5 minutes. What a great way to start praying for at least an hour a day!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews