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How I Know God Answers Prayer: The Personal Testimony of One Life-Time
How I Know God Answers Prayer is a moving book, a source of encouragement to Christians, and a demonstration to the unbelieving world of the reality of God. Rosalind and Jonathan Goforth were on the front lines of the Boxer Rebellion in China during 1900-1901, and they saw the mighty hand of God respond to their passionate prayers. This book describes how God met their needs in times of struggle. You will be challenged by Mrs. Goforth's testimony of how Almighty God cares for His children when they express their reliance on Him through prayer.
84 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1921
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212 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
October 19, 2017
A profound little book by a woman who had to learn the trust God in literally everything. Rosalind Goforth and her husband were missionaries to China in the early 1900s, and this is her story of reliance on God. Excellent.
June 28, 2023
I have heard about this missionary all my life, but this is the first book by Goforth that I have read.
In How I Know God Answers Prayer, she recounts God's miraculous intervention in their lives throughout their decades in China. In a book like this it is easy for the author to come off as super spiritual, so I appreciated Goforth's honesty and humility regarding her many times of doubt and despair before remembering to pray.
She closes the book describing her experience of going deeper with God (what many churches call sanctification) and also gives many helpful scripture verses on prayer - especially what hinders effective prayer. She is definitely NOT in the "name it, claim it" camp.
This is a fascinating look at how missionary work was done a hundred years ago, but, more importantly, a reminder that God is the same throughout the ages. He is faithful. He hears us when we pray.
In How I Know God Answers Prayer, she recounts God's miraculous intervention in their lives throughout their decades in China. In a book like this it is easy for the author to come off as super spiritual, so I appreciated Goforth's honesty and humility regarding her many times of doubt and despair before remembering to pray.
She closes the book describing her experience of going deeper with God (what many churches call sanctification) and also gives many helpful scripture verses on prayer - especially what hinders effective prayer. She is definitely NOT in the "name it, claim it" camp.
This is a fascinating look at how missionary work was done a hundred years ago, but, more importantly, a reminder that God is the same throughout the ages. He is faithful. He hears us when we pray.
January 24, 2023
This read like a diary. Prayer requests and trials from her personal life and so many answer to prayers. Her account of their escape from the Boxcar Rebellion was astounding.
July 19, 2023
This was a wonderful read. I feel renewed in prayer. Rosalind’s humbleness and complete trust in God has been rebuking. Great faith can change EVERY situation in our lives.
As a missionary myself, this really made me realize how little I actually trust God with carrying out His will in my life and in the situations around me. My prayer life needs so much more depth than I have now. I think chapter nine was my favorite out of all of them, the list of reasons why God doesn’t answer certain prayers was a wake up call. I feel as if I have been praying for something recently and I never once sat down to examine how my own actions and mindset can be the one thing holding me back from reviving an answer. Praise be to God for sending this book my way, this itself can count as an answered prayer!
“Prayer has been hedged about with too many man-made rules. I am convinced that God has intended prayer to be as simple and natural, and as constant a part of our spiritual life, as the intercourse between child and parent in the home. And as a large part of that intercourse between child and parent is simply asking and receiving, just so is it with us and our Heavenly Parent.”
As a missionary myself, this really made me realize how little I actually trust God with carrying out His will in my life and in the situations around me. My prayer life needs so much more depth than I have now. I think chapter nine was my favorite out of all of them, the list of reasons why God doesn’t answer certain prayers was a wake up call. I feel as if I have been praying for something recently and I never once sat down to examine how my own actions and mindset can be the one thing holding me back from reviving an answer. Praise be to God for sending this book my way, this itself can count as an answered prayer!
“Prayer has been hedged about with too many man-made rules. I am convinced that God has intended prayer to be as simple and natural, and as constant a part of our spiritual life, as the intercourse between child and parent in the home. And as a large part of that intercourse between child and parent is simply asking and receiving, just so is it with us and our Heavenly Parent.”
August 25, 2024
First- the book cover shown on Goodreads is ugly.. the copy gifted to me has beautiful artwork on front and it does make a difference in the reading experience 😜
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn to trust God more fully.
It is simply a journal of the lessons learned by Rosalind as the wife of a pioneer missionary to China; lessons in the power of prayer, conditions to prayer, and hindrances to prayer. She gives many examples of trusting God for needs and the answers given, lamenting that she had not kept a more thorough record over the years.
I am convicted, reading this, to trust the Lord with all, and to pray more fervently for others!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn to trust God more fully.
It is simply a journal of the lessons learned by Rosalind as the wife of a pioneer missionary to China; lessons in the power of prayer, conditions to prayer, and hindrances to prayer. She gives many examples of trusting God for needs and the answers given, lamenting that she had not kept a more thorough record over the years.
I am convicted, reading this, to trust the Lord with all, and to pray more fervently for others!
March 2, 2020
(Year 1921 pick for 2020 reading challenge)
Picked up this obscure (to me, anyway) little kindle book because I needed to find a book written by a woman in 1921, and this looked the most interesting of the bunch. I didn't know anything about Rosalind Goforth before reading this, but I learned that she and her husband were Presbyterian missionaries in China in the early 1900s. They lived a life of extreme hardship and experienced great tragedy. Through it all, Rosalind maintained a deep and abiding faith in God and the power of prayer. This book is essentially her testimony of prayer. There were some absolutely beautiful passages. One of my favorites:
"Prayer has been hedged about with too many man-made rules. I am convinced that God has intended prayer to be as simple and natural, and as constant a part of our spiritual life, as the intercourse between a child and his parent in the home. And as a large part of that intercourse between child and parent is simply asking and receiving, just so is it with us and our Heavenly Parent."
There were elements of her life and faith that I found extremely relatable - especially aspects of missionary life (the story of her husband struggling to learn the language and the Chinese people requesting that his companion teach instead of him because they couldn't understand him was soooo relatable!). This was written nearly a hundred years ago, after her time as a missionary. Which was almost exactly 100 years before I spent time in Peru as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Really interesting to see missionary life from the perspective of someone from a different Christian denomination who taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a different country in a completely different time period. While there were a few relatable things, much of her experience was very, very different. Her life was in danger on more than one occasion. And - this is where I really struggled with the book - she and her husband repeatedly put their children's health in danger in the name of spreading the Gospel and doing the Lord's work. I know this book is nearly a century old and people just kind of accepted the fact that some of their kids would probably get smallpox and die, but to knowingly go into parts of the world where sanitation was a huge concern, as well as living in areas where smallpox, dysentery, diptheria, malaria were rampant...yeahhhh..NO. I lost track of how many of her kids she said got sick and died. Her reasoning for most of their deaths is that she resisted taking the kids back to rural China, so they ended up dying, but once she followed the will of the Lord, they didn't get sick as frequently (or something like that?). I can't remember how it all played out. I just remember that she said her husband sort of chastised her and asked her where her faith was when she said she didn't want to leave the safer city in China and take her kids out into the sticks again. Maybe I'm just lacking the faith Rosalind had, but if my husband asked me to do that after a couple of my kids had already died, I'd probably smack him. BUT - Rosalind Goforth, like me, also believes in the power of prayer when it comes to finding lost keys, so she gets props for that.
Also - because I don't want to forget this detail if I ever read this review again some day - I read this in a few hours this afternoon because I had to stay home from church to take care of barfing kids. So, this was my Sunday school lesson for today. Ha!
Picked up this obscure (to me, anyway) little kindle book because I needed to find a book written by a woman in 1921, and this looked the most interesting of the bunch. I didn't know anything about Rosalind Goforth before reading this, but I learned that she and her husband were Presbyterian missionaries in China in the early 1900s. They lived a life of extreme hardship and experienced great tragedy. Through it all, Rosalind maintained a deep and abiding faith in God and the power of prayer. This book is essentially her testimony of prayer. There were some absolutely beautiful passages. One of my favorites:
"Prayer has been hedged about with too many man-made rules. I am convinced that God has intended prayer to be as simple and natural, and as constant a part of our spiritual life, as the intercourse between a child and his parent in the home. And as a large part of that intercourse between child and parent is simply asking and receiving, just so is it with us and our Heavenly Parent."
There were elements of her life and faith that I found extremely relatable - especially aspects of missionary life (the story of her husband struggling to learn the language and the Chinese people requesting that his companion teach instead of him because they couldn't understand him was soooo relatable!). This was written nearly a hundred years ago, after her time as a missionary. Which was almost exactly 100 years before I spent time in Peru as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Really interesting to see missionary life from the perspective of someone from a different Christian denomination who taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a different country in a completely different time period. While there were a few relatable things, much of her experience was very, very different. Her life was in danger on more than one occasion. And - this is where I really struggled with the book - she and her husband repeatedly put their children's health in danger in the name of spreading the Gospel and doing the Lord's work. I know this book is nearly a century old and people just kind of accepted the fact that some of their kids would probably get smallpox and die, but to knowingly go into parts of the world where sanitation was a huge concern, as well as living in areas where smallpox, dysentery, diptheria, malaria were rampant...yeahhhh..NO. I lost track of how many of her kids she said got sick and died. Her reasoning for most of their deaths is that she resisted taking the kids back to rural China, so they ended up dying, but once she followed the will of the Lord, they didn't get sick as frequently (or something like that?). I can't remember how it all played out. I just remember that she said her husband sort of chastised her and asked her where her faith was when she said she didn't want to leave the safer city in China and take her kids out into the sticks again. Maybe I'm just lacking the faith Rosalind had, but if my husband asked me to do that after a couple of my kids had already died, I'd probably smack him. BUT - Rosalind Goforth, like me, also believes in the power of prayer when it comes to finding lost keys, so she gets props for that.
Also - because I don't want to forget this detail if I ever read this review again some day - I read this in a few hours this afternoon because I had to stay home from church to take care of barfing kids. So, this was my Sunday school lesson for today. Ha!
February 1, 2022
I’m purchasing a copy of this small, powerful book on prayer for our own home library. Rosalind’s life and simple trust in the Lord to provide for each need is challenging and inspiring.
October 11, 2014
This vintage book is the testimony of Rosalind Goforth. Along with her husband, Jonathan, as missionaries to China in the late 1800s to early 1900s, their lives were often in peril, or at least in strange or unreliable predicaments. God was Rosalind's constant companion, through her faithful prayers.
"...the wonder is not that God can answer prayer, but that he does, when we so imperfectly meet the conditions clearly laid down in his Word."
Set up similarly to a diary, this book chronicles instances of God's own touch and healing power in the Goforth's ministry. Many times throughout the years, Rosalind found that it was only when she fully trusted and relied on God's goodness that the unimaginable feat that they so badly needed would come to pass.
"The slogan of this glorious life in Christ is just 'Let go and let God'."
I personally think this profound little book packs a punch and shares a big message. It reminds all Christians of the glory and power God has in our lives, if we let Him.
"How I Know God Answers Prayer" is a shining jewel in the midst of other books.
"...the wonder is not that God can answer prayer, but that he does, when we so imperfectly meet the conditions clearly laid down in his Word."
Set up similarly to a diary, this book chronicles instances of God's own touch and healing power in the Goforth's ministry. Many times throughout the years, Rosalind found that it was only when she fully trusted and relied on God's goodness that the unimaginable feat that they so badly needed would come to pass.
"The slogan of this glorious life in Christ is just 'Let go and let God'."
I personally think this profound little book packs a punch and shares a big message. It reminds all Christians of the glory and power God has in our lives, if we let Him.
"How I Know God Answers Prayer" is a shining jewel in the midst of other books.
March 7, 2022
An inspiring recount of the author’s answered prayers. Her life is extraordinary and sometimes the prayers answered are dramatic but sometimes they are more simple everyday prayers but nonetheless meaningful. Well worth reading as an inspiring faith builder.
Most of the reviews and ratings are on the other edition of her book with a different cover that is also uploaded to Goodreads. Technically this is the one I read.
Most of the reviews and ratings are on the other edition of her book with a different cover that is also uploaded to Goodreads. Technically this is the one I read.
January 8, 2025
Rosalind Goforth’s How I Know God Answers Prayer is a deeply humbling, encouraging, and convicting account of God’s faithfulness in answering prayer. Through her honest reflections on years of ministry with her husband as Presbyterian missionaries in China, Goforth provides a powerful testimony of God’s sovereignty and intimate care for His people. Each story of answered prayer reminds us that God is personal, trustworthy, and attentive, even answering in unexpected ways.
I was particularly challenged to pray more often, more specifically, and more sincerely, truly trusting God and seeking His will. The example of the Goforths’ dependence on prayer for every need—whether physical, spiritual, or circumstantial—is a model of faith that stirs the heart to deeper devotion.
What stands out in this memoir is its humility and Christ-centeredness. It is not a colonialist or imperialist account, but a sincere effort to share the good news of Jesus with a love for the Chinese people. Rosalind’s clear focus on the gospel and the grace of God through prayer is inspiring and convicting.
The final section, with its practical guidance on prayer and review of the Scriptures and prayers that sustained the Goforths, was a particularly helpful and meditative way to conclude the book. This portion provides not just reflection but actionable encouragement for anyone seeking a richer prayer life.
I highly recommend this book to anyone desiring to grow in prayer, trust God more deeply, or simply be reminded of His power and faithfulness. It’s a must-read for anyone with a heart for missions or a desire to live a life rooted in prayer.
I was particularly challenged to pray more often, more specifically, and more sincerely, truly trusting God and seeking His will. The example of the Goforths’ dependence on prayer for every need—whether physical, spiritual, or circumstantial—is a model of faith that stirs the heart to deeper devotion.
What stands out in this memoir is its humility and Christ-centeredness. It is not a colonialist or imperialist account, but a sincere effort to share the good news of Jesus with a love for the Chinese people. Rosalind’s clear focus on the gospel and the grace of God through prayer is inspiring and convicting.
The final section, with its practical guidance on prayer and review of the Scriptures and prayers that sustained the Goforths, was a particularly helpful and meditative way to conclude the book. This portion provides not just reflection but actionable encouragement for anyone seeking a richer prayer life.
I highly recommend this book to anyone desiring to grow in prayer, trust God more deeply, or simply be reminded of His power and faithfulness. It’s a must-read for anyone with a heart for missions or a desire to live a life rooted in prayer.
July 28, 2023
I listened to this as an audiobook and I really enjoyed hearing all of these stories of God’s faithfulness! It is a wonderful encouragement and a challenge to me to lean more deeply into trust.
April 18, 2017
A mini testimony to the faithfulness and greatness of God. Rosalind Goforth, missionary to china reflects on how God answered ber prayers over the years. From the need of clothing, to serious illness God answered and provided and many times in (what would be to us) miraculous ways.
September 2, 2017
This book is a testimony to the power of God in response to sheer faith of a woman. Rosalind Goforth persevered in service to God through overwhelming circumstances of life. Not only do five of her children die due to illnesses, she trusted her Father for the simple and huge needs in her life. In an era when most women were often in the background, she raises many children, endures untold loss, works until bone-tired, and ministers in service and preaching and teaching in China and Canada when on furloughs. God provides above and beyond throughout her life. This woman comes to a place where she is able to bring a need before God and then leave it there, awaiting His answer, whether it be yes, no, or miraculous intervention. She is submitted and at peace with God's will. Never does she write as a woman who knows all, rather she writes humbly and simple. This book will put most of us modern Christians to shame while inspiring us to go deeper and let go of the trappings that prevent us from laying all aside for Christ.
March 14, 2023
This book was such a challenge and encouragement to me. Rosalind Goforth, wife of missionary Jonathan Goforth, wrote this simple, convicting book by “merely” telling about some of their many trials, encouragements, convictions, and happenstances that occurred during their years as pioneer missionaries in China. If she could sweetly trust God in the midst of their many trials and persecutions - even death – what excuse do I have to fret or try to solve things on my own? This was simultaneously uplifting and convicting, and I want to buy my own paper copy of this book so I can easily read it and mark it up.
July 21, 2022
Very challenging to read of Rosalind Goforth's great sacrifices for the Lord. She gave up the well-being of her children to live in obedience to God. In the book, Rosalind is honest about weaknesses and spiritual growth. I enjoyed reading her thoughts and realization of the spiritual victory we have in Christ after so many years of ministry!
I'm a little wary about her role in the ministry, such as speaking to churches on furlough...not sure what all that entailed. Also not sure of her and her husband's philosophy of ministry...
I'm a little wary about her role in the ministry, such as speaking to churches on furlough...not sure what all that entailed. Also not sure of her and her husband's philosophy of ministry...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2023
This is an older book in a very different time-period, but boy, it touched my heart. The dedication and faith of these missionaries of old is confronting and inspirational. Rosalind tells story after story, both dramatic and simple, of how God has answered her prayers over the years - from saving her family in the Boxer Rebellion to providing new clothes for her children. There were also many prayers that didn't get answered, and she is honest about her struggles. Her words have stayed with me and challenged me to pray more as well.
August 3, 2017
Jesus was so close while I was reading this book. It's constant reminder of His every-present faithfulness made my prayers so sweet as I was reading. It is such a strong encouragement to grow in submission to Christ, and to trust and witness in the midst of others who may doubt His faithfulness. The more wholly surrendered we become, the more we will see His lavish love for us and those around us.
February 20, 2022
Excellent detailed look into a life of prayer and faith. This book answered a prayer of my own and I'm wondering if I'll ever see this review and be thankful that I was reminded to "pray to the Lord of the Harvest to send more workers for the harvest" or if I will sadly put down my head once more in regret because I got distracted by other concerns yet again, instead of spending time on my knees every day ministering.
January 31, 2020
What a story! In the language of a friend speaking to another friend, Goforth shares the ways in which God moved in her life as a missionary in China at the turn of the century. Though the text does at times feel somewhat dated (understandable given its publication date), her faith remains timeless, and she provides great encouragement to other believers in its writing.
March 4, 2019
Inspiring!
This little book gave me much to think about. Reading of the amazing answers to prayer, I am convicted and encouraged to pray more boldly and confidently in God's power. Nothing is impossible with God!
This little book gave me much to think about. Reading of the amazing answers to prayer, I am convicted and encouraged to pray more boldly and confidently in God's power. Nothing is impossible with God!
June 16, 2020
I'm glad I read it.
The majority of the describes the answered prayers of Rosalind and Jonathon Goforth. At times, what she shared was powerful and encouraging. Other times you wish added more details.
The majority of the describes the answered prayers of Rosalind and Jonathon Goforth. At times, what she shared was powerful and encouraging. Other times you wish added more details.
January 31, 2022
A review of the prayer's life of Mrs. Goforth and how she confidently wait on God's answer. She discovered God cares for the little details and for the big one.
This book teachs us that we don't believe sufficient in His providence. He knows best.
This book teachs us that we don't believe sufficient in His providence. He knows best.
March 7, 2022
An inspiring recount of the author’s answered prayers. Her life is extraordinary and sometimes the prayers answered are dramatic but sometimes they are more simple everyday prayers but nonetheless meaningful. Well worth reading as an inspiring faith builder.
March 11, 2022
I found myself completely in awe of the way God answered very small and very big prayers in this book. Such a beautiful collection of answered prayers throughout the lives of the Goforth’s years of mission work in China.
February 13, 2023
It’s a good book! God has used it to effect me and how I view prayer.
If anyone is struggling with prayer - get through this book it’ll help.
It is hard to get through and boring at times as a story.
If anyone is struggling with prayer - get through this book it’ll help.
It is hard to get through and boring at times as a story.
August 25, 2023
Incredible testimonies to the Lord's answers to prayer. A quick and encouraging read very similar to George Mullers "Answers to Prayer." I found the last chapter of this book to be particularly powerful. A great read.
June 1, 2017
great book of testimony
she seemed relatable, not on any kind of high horse; it was easy to see that she struggled with things just like I do
God cares about the large and the small!
she seemed relatable, not on any kind of high horse; it was easy to see that she struggled with things just like I do
God cares about the large and the small!
February 2, 2019
Absolutely wonderful book. Very encouraging. We need to call out to God more. Rosalind’s personal testimonials of the power of prayer should drive us to get to know our God and to call to him.
June 30, 2019
Sweet perspective on the power of prayer from a wise and faithful follower.
March 29, 2021
Enjoyed the book immensely. It is written as more of a journal than a book but amazing faith!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews