Prayer: The Ultimate Conversation

by Charles F. Stanley

Book DescriptionRelease Date: May 7, 2013A New York Times bestselling author?s definitive book on prayer?springing from Dr. Charles F. Stanley?s life-long study and application on the topic of prayer.In The Ultimate Conversation, Dr. Stanley discusses how to truly know God through communication with Him. Dr. Stanley not only teaches the disciplines of intercession, but he also explains how to fight life?s battles through intimate communion with the Lord. He explores such topics as learning to recognize the sound of the Father?s voice, how your perception of God shapes your prayer life, and finding true peace and joy through intimacy with the Lord.No matter what confounding questions, perplexing circumstances, or insurmountable dilemmas you are facing today, the solution to them is obvious to God. He has the most profound knowledge and understanding of every topic in the universe?including your personal situation?and He longs to share his answers with you. He also has the power and wisdom necessary to help you overcome your deepest issues and experience your most rewarding successes.Draw closer to the Father. Get to know God by engaging with Him in The Ultimate Conversation.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity, Religion, Prayer, Faith, Christian Living

304 pages, Paperback

First published September 4, 2012

About the author

Dr. Charles F. Stanley is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church Atlanta, founder of In Touch Ministries, and a New York Times best-selling author who has written more than fifty books, and has sold more than nine million copies. He demonstrates a keen awareness of people's needs and provides Christ-centered, biblically-based principles for everyday life.

Charles Frazier Stanley was born September 25, 1932, in the small town of Dry Fork, Virginia. The only child of Charley and Rebecca Stanley, Charles came into the world during a time when the entire nation felt the grip of the Great Depression. To make matters worse, just nine months later, his father Charley died at the young age of 29.

However, Charles refused to let the Great Depression or the difficulties of his life define him. Instead, like his father and grandfather before him, he clung to God’s Word and took up the mantle to preach the gospel to whoever would listen.

Dr. Stanley’s motivation is best represented by the truth found in Acts 20:24, “Life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love.” This is because, as he says, “It is the Word of God and the work of God that changes people’s lives.”

Dr. Stanley’s teachings can be heard weekly at First Baptist Church Atlanta, daily on “In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley” radio and television broadcasts on more than 2,800 stations around the world, on the Internet at intouch.org, through the In Touch Messenger, and in the monthly, award-winning In Touch magazine.

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll admit it. I've never been a big fan of Charles Stanley. I'm not sure why, either. It may be something silly, like a family member that I wasn't crazy about being crazy about Charles Stanley. Not a good reason, but isn't that how we are?

Anyway, I saw this book and decided that, since I had strongly felt God leading me into a prayer ministry earlier this year, I should give it a read. And, quite honestly, I'm glad I did. There are a lot of good tips and ideas in this book, some of which were reminders to me, and some of which were new to me.

Dr. Stanley begins the book by describing this "conversation," for that is truly what prayer is. He opens up with several "foundational principles," being #1, "God desires to communicate with us;" #2, "Prayer is rooted in a personal relationship with God. Its purpose is to strengthen and deepen your intimacy with Him;" and #3, "The ultimate conversation is not just about you talking to God. To truly interact with Him, you must listen to Him as well." Each chapter ends with a prayer that Stanley has crafted, part of which is directly related to the individual who is reading the book. For some reason, I found these to be especially meaningful.

From there, he goes into a chapter about God, called "With Whom are You Speaking?" It delves into the trustworthiness of God, his names, and our confidence in him. There are chapters on how God answers prayer, how we learn to listen and walk with him through various means, most importantly, the Bible, the example of Christ as he prayed to the Father, what we should be asking for, the Holy Spirit as our Helper, and there is even a chapter on silence, an art form that is all but lost in the modern church. We can't stand silence, can we?

I won't lie...there were parts of the book that almost lost my interest, because they started sounding like the words of a Southern Baptist preacher (well, surprise...that's what Dr. Stanley is, after all!), but just when that happened, he would let out a "zinger" that would grab me back in.

I enjoyed the book, and, as I said, I'm glad I decided to read it. In fact, I plan to re-read it more carefully, taking some notes, perhaps during my morning devotions.

If you are one who is interested in a deeper prayer life, or just starting to learn about prayer, I recommend this book to you.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prayer can be a stumbling block for many of us. Dr. Stanley has written a biblically sound book on prayer. He begins with Jesus and the many times he would wander off or go into the mountains to be alone and pray. He also writes about Nehemiah, David and there are others. The point is we all struggle with prayer at times. He ends his book with praying for others. What I take away from this is it’s not the “way” we pray, but that we do pray. God will get it regardless of how simple or how elaborate. I still struggle at times but I’ve learned praying is like having a conversation with my best friend. There must be a relationship with God. God’s will, God’s timing.

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a believer, then I am sure you understand that prayer is a part of a Christian's life. That there is a power to prayer and it's a direct line of communication for us to God. Yet so many of us wonder just how to pray or if our prayers are even worth it. Often times we find ourselves resorting to prayer as a last ditch effort when everything else fails and hardly believe that anything will change when we do. So how can you be assured that God hears our prayers, how can we tell if God is speaking to us, how do we know if our prayers fall in line with God's will instead of it being simply a wish list or to do list for God to act in our lives?

In the latest book by senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta and best selling author, Charles F. Stanley, he begins to answer these questions and such much more in The Ultimate Conversation: Talking with God Through Prayer. In this book, Charles Stanley answers the questions that all of us as believers have often wondered along with great stories from the Bible and scripture to encourage us in just what our prayer lives should be and what we should be doing on a daily basis. Topics include why you can trust God's character, how the Holy Spirit helps you pray, how to win your battles on your knees, how to pray for others and God's ultimate goal in speaking with you. You can help but be encouraged through this book as I found myself in desperate need of prayer when this book arrived. Just in the first chapter alone, I was immediately comforted.

At the conclusion of each chapter it closes with a prayer guiding the reader in the next step in working toward learning more about the will of God and in using prayer. This will definitely help you grow deeper in your relationship with God and enable you to understand just how simple and powerful adding to prayer to your daily walk will change not only your life, but even the lives of those around you that not only request your prayers but in some cases never ask. Lives can be changed in the most simple response to anything in a Christian's life. We need to make this a first response to our lives in all situations instead of a last minute desperate plea. See how your own life can be profoundly impacted today by picking up a copy of The Ultimate Conversation today!

I received The Ultimate Conversation compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review and think this is a MUST HAVE for any believer. There is so much knowledge to work this into a Bible Study for a personal or even a small group Bible Study to grow in your personal faith with Jesus Christ today! I rate this resource a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to see the growth and changes in my own personal walk with Jesus.

[Richelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really thought, as someone who prays frequently, that this book would be a waste of time. I'm so glad I was wrong! Stanley provides both traditional and refreshing insights into the act of prayer, as well as how to draw closer to God in the hardest of times, when we feel He's the farthest away.

[IrenesBookReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and how easy to understand Dr. Stanley made the subject of prayer. His writing style is what makes this book a great study book on talking with the Lord. I gave this book 5/5 stars. I liked how the book gave practical steps to growing in your relationship with the Lord through prayer. I really liked how much he talked about how the Lord wants to talk with us. You will feel so loved and accepted by the Lord after reading this book. Your desire to pray will also grow immensely as you learn how easy it is to talk to the Lord and how much He wants you to talk with Him. I would recommend this book to anyone who desires a better prayer life or who needs to be reminded how important prayer is!

I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

[Jason R Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

an encouraging and transforming read. if you are considering the value of starting a daily prayer life this is a GREAT place to start. I've already bought and gifted it to 4 friends.

[Jesus Beach Girl Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 9, 2023

I've enjoyed Dr. Stanley's teachings for many years. Dr. Stanley has a gift of explaining God's Word in such a caring, loving way that allows the message to penetrate your heart and life in ways you can not imagine until you have listened to Dr. Stanley. Whether you are having issues settling in and concentrating during prayer or you want to draw closer to the Lord, pick up Prayer: The Ultimate Conversation. You will be glad you did.

[Pam jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

This book is like Dr. Stanley is sitting in your living room talking to you personally. He is telling us to trust in God, and that we can have a personal relationship with him. If you have circumstances that seem more than you can handle, seek God and give it to him. This book inspired me to seek God and to trust him. Thank you Dr. Stanley for writing this book.

[starlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Charles Stanley teaching are a valuable learning tool .

Pastor Stanley never disappoints!!!
This is another very informative teaching book that comes straight from the personal heartfelt experience
of a well versed " Man of God ! " Thank you to the Family of the late Dr. Charles F. Stanley.

[John Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent primer for developing or improving your prayer life.

[Eva Nieves · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars!

[Octavia D. Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book and a must read for anyone who desires more intimacy with God.

[Barb Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Another wonderful book from Charles Stanley. He is one of my favorite authors. Excellent book about prayer and a closer relationship with God.

[Ulysses Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

review

Dr Stanley is a man of God who teaching is truly inspired by the Holy Spirit. Glad I read this book!

[Ashley Skoda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading Dr. Stanley's books. He uses scripture to get his point across unlike others I've read.

[Scott Kenney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book about prayer, especially for people who didn't grow up in a Christian home and don't have the knowledge to draw from.

[Lindsay Lalonde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really helped me understanding prayer 🙏

[Diego · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lo mejor es que se lee súper rápido, y te recuerda que de rodillas ante Dios, es que vive mejor el hombre.

[Christian Fiction Addiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

So often our prayers can seem like one-sided conversation, a constant list of demands sent up to heaven with desperate appeal. In his book, The Ultimate Conversation, Dr. Stanley shows us that prayer is so much more, that it is an actual conversation with give and take, with us not only talking to God, but listening to him as well. The book is highly readable, well-laid out, and absolutely packed with truth based on scripture. I appreciated the chapter on "How God Uses Silence", and learning about God's purpose for silence, such as to get our attention, reveal our sin, or train us to hear his voice. I also loved the chapter entitled "Talking to God on Behalf of Others", a truly moving chapter that addresses those things we may spend years praying about, such as for someone's salvation or healing. I truly believe that there is nothing more important we can do then spend time praying on behalf of others, starting with our spouses, our children, those closest to us, and moving on to praying for the lost and the hurting in this world. I love how the author teaches us to pray for others "without getting in the way of what God desires to do in and through them", with a goal of true intimacy with our Creator.

I have learned much from Dr. Stanley's book, and also been challenged in my own prayer walk. I strongly recommend this well-written book about prayer, a book that will leave you craving more time spent on your knees with our amazing God. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher, Howard books, for the purposes of this unbiased review

[Gail Welborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Stanley draws on a lifetime study of prayer to pen The Ultimate Conversation, a practical how-to guide on the often misunderstood topic of prayer. He teaches God “wants to talk with you” because He loves you, knows all about you and wants you to know Him too.

In addition to prayers for guidance, comfort and wisdom, Dr. Stanley writes, “The most important things to the Father are strengthening our bond with Him and enjoying profoundly satisfying and transformational fellowship.” That kind of intimacy God is rooted in prayer and could be compared to what happens when friendship is cultivated.

When we want to make friends, we spend time with the person, talk with and do things with them. That’s where we come to know who they are, what they like and what makes them happy or sad. That’s how friendship with God develops, except the relationship is pursued in prayer. However, Dr. Stanley cautions, “…our first motivation…should be to know Him.”

That’s why he wrote The Ultimate Conversation, to teach God wants to communicate, be known and have personal relationship with His Creation. He considers communication and relationship foundational prayer principles while the third ingredient involves active “listening,” perhaps the hardest to do—to “be still.” (Psalm 46:10) and wait on the Lord.

He believes God still speaks today…Full Review: http://tinyurl.com/ba382fq

[Richard Kuhn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply put, PRAYER: THE ULTIMATE CONVERSATION is one of the most inspiring, encouraging, and resourceful books I have come across in the religion/inspiration genre. This is my first Charles Stanley book and I assure it won't be the last.

The author fills the entire work with scripture upon scripture and breaks them down and relates it not only to prayer, but his and our journeys as well. The style is clear, crisp and leaves the reader with no question about the content.

I do not judge books in this genre based on content as I don't like to judge others beliefs. That being said, this book deserves to be read and should be read by every partaker in the gift of prayer. A serious student of prayer and of bible application should consider what I call the foundational anchor thought and the People who walked their talk. It's clearly evident that Charles Stanley deservedly belongs in that category.

I personally made many notations and I will refer to this book many times over. PRAYER: THE ULTIMATE CONVERSATION has earned a place in my primary resource bookshelf. Much like Bisagno's classic, THE POWER OF POSITIVE PRAYING; the principles shared in PRAYER: THE ULTIMATE CONVERSATION are life changing. This book is most definitely worth the investment in terms of time and money.

[Jennah · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, Charles Stanly discusses about trusting God's character, how to discern God's voice above others, what might hinder you from hearing Him, how the holy Spirit helps you pray, how to win your battles on your knees, how to pray for others, and God's ultimate goal in speaking with you.

I loved reading this because I could apply it to my own life and it was so easy to understand. God wants to have an intimate relationship with us and He wants us to desire it as well. Through prayer and getting into God's Word daily, we will become closer and closer with our Creator.

In chapter 2, Charles Stanly listed a partial of God's names and he tells the reader to circle those that mean the most to you. It got me really thinking about God's character and each one that I circled had to do with what He is to me. I loved that Charles Stanly involved that into his book.

I recommend this book to every true Christian who wants to develop a closer relationship with the one and only true God.

[Brent Soderstrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charles Stanley is one of my favorite authors to read on Christian matters and prayer is one of the most important matters in my life, although I don't take it as serious as I should at times.

Stanley addresses almost any question you could have regarding prayer and he backs up his response with God's Word as set out in the Bible. He also throws in his own personal experiences with prayer in various circumstances which is always enlightening.

My biggest concerns with prayer have been unanswered prayer and listening to God as part of prayer. I have gone years without prayer being answered, at least not the way I want it to be answered. Yet often I have found that God is merely saying wait. I have found his timing is perfect.

As for listening to God when I pray I have not done a very good job at that over the years. My prayer tends to be me telling God my wants and desires and not listening to what God has to say. I also struggle recognizing His voice. Stanley gives helpful advice for this.

[Anita Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the best "conservative" biblically based book on prayer I've read. I borrowed it from the library and liked it so much I had to recheck it out several times to finish it - so much to absorb. I took a ton of notes and then bought my own copy so I could re-read it. In the "conservative" realm I think we often act like we don't know who the Holy Spirit is or are afraid to talk about how the Holy Spirit works in our lives. I was particularly encouraged by the discussion on when God is silent or is seemingly slow to answer prayers - why God uses silence, how to respond and continue to anticipate His answer. I highly recommend this book.

[Joe Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pastor Stanley is on que in delivering a message that is inspiring and reflective in our relationship with the creator of the world. The power of having a loving father, who desires nothing short of what we were created to be with all capability and capacity at our hands. It is the love and free will that puts us at risk of distraction and destruction. Our God is available to us, he steadfast and true by nature, if we seek him.

I love Pastor Stanley reference to the our desire to ask minimizes as our relationship in him becomes primary source of our direction. Our faith and trust becomes secondary, knowing that his will for us is perfect.

Feeling Blessed... In Jesus mighty name... Amen

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a powerful read!! It was exactly what I needed right now as I'm striving to cultivate my relationship with God. This is the first book I've used multiple highlighter colors to study with because there were too many passages I wanted to mark! Stanley truly is a marvelous and spiritual man who has developed a solid relationship with God, one he's spent a lifetime on. His wisdom and love for the Lord comes out in these pages. He also expresses great love for the reader, which was a nice touch. All in all, I would HIGHLY recommend this book if you want to strengthen the quality of your prayers or simply draw closer to the Lord. It's definitely a top gospel read for me!

[John Lim · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a young Christian who lacks direction in prayer, this book provides a structure and focus in prayers. Dr. Stanley expounds on many critical aspects in prayer that are essential to a Christian's life, both young and old, in bite-sized pieces and plenty of Scriptural examples. A wonderful read. However, for one seeking an in-depth study of the theology of prayer, this book would not serve as well as some others as it is more devotional in nature. Nonetheless, for one seeking to improve one's prayer life and a greater level of intimacy with God, this is the book for you.

[Freddie Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spiritual, Another book that I have enjoyed reading by Author Charles F. Stanley, I was extremely grateful how God spoke through him about Listening To God----Walking With God
In a situation, I was in need of some guidance and direction from the Lord in making a big decision. I was and am reading this book and in the book, He talks about (1.) Meditate on the Word (2.) Anticipate that God will meet you in a personal way, (3.) Pray that the Lord will show You how to Apply it, (4.) Be Prepared to Obey whatever the Lord Tells you to Do as I was reading God appeared.

[David Keith]

What a wonderful, and fulfilling, ultimate conversation with the Father of lights. Charles F. Stanley is such a genuine pastor for ages to come. The prayers at the end of each chapter are so endearing and complete, no one says it better. The intimacy with the Father is the greatest gift, and the first priority of everyone's life. We Love you Mr. Stanley

[Nadine A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is one of the best, most helpful, direct, Christian based books I have read in a long time. The only reason I give it 4 and not 5 stars is because of a few editing issues I noticed including a scripture verse being annotated incorrectly.