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Blessings of the Faith
Persistent Prayer
We have many reasons to be excited about prayer—and to pray with urgency! Guy Richard shows us that as we pour out our hearts to the Lord, we and the world around us will be changed. Informative, encouraging, and practical, this brief book will serve as a helpful primer for pastors, elders, study groups, and Christians who seek encouragement and instruction on prayer and its blessings.
Endorsements“Be after reading this book, you’ll want to pray big, God-honoring prayers.”
—Christina Fox, Author, A Holy Trading Lesser Fears for the Fear of the Lord
“I love this book! . . . Thank you, Guy, for giving us such clear answers, anchored in the Scriptures, for why we should pray. What a gift.”
—Crawford W. Loritts Jr., Author; Speaker; Radio Host
“Guy Richard is such a mentor. . . . Here’s a rich source of encouragement to spend time with our loving God!”
—Sean Michael Lucas, Senior Pastor, Independent Presbyterian Church, Memphis, Tennessee
Endorsements“Be after reading this book, you’ll want to pray big, God-honoring prayers.”
—Christina Fox, Author, A Holy Trading Lesser Fears for the Fear of the Lord
“I love this book! . . . Thank you, Guy, for giving us such clear answers, anchored in the Scriptures, for why we should pray. What a gift.”
—Crawford W. Loritts Jr., Author; Speaker; Radio Host
“Guy Richard is such a mentor. . . . Here’s a rich source of encouragement to spend time with our loving God!”
—Sean Michael Lucas, Senior Pastor, Independent Presbyterian Church, Memphis, Tennessee
136 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 20, 2021
20 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Guy M. Richard
5 books4 followersDr. Guy M. Richard is executive director and assistant professor of systematic theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Atlanta. He previously served as senior minister of the First Presbyterian Church in Gulfport, Miss. He has been teaching at RTS since 2010.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 19, 2025
This is an excellent resource on prayer. I would recommend it for anyone wanting to grow in their theology and discipline of prayer.
February 1, 2022
Why do I need to pray? Is prayer really necessary? Persistent Prayer, by Guy M. Richard, serves as a helpful primer for pastors, elders, study groups, and Christians who seek encouragement and instruction on prayer and its blessings. These books were written with the church in mind to introduce and celebrate Reformed doctrine and practice as a part of P&R’s Blessings of the Faith series.
Pleading with God
Prayer is pleading with God -- pouring out our hearts before him. It is motivated by a need that we cannot meet ourselves and that we desperately want God to supply for us. Richard uses the memorable phrase of prayer being “relationship glue,” and he means prayer provides us intimacy with Christ.
By looking at Abraham, Moses, and David, we learn that pleading our case before God means making arguments. He doesn’t mean fighting with God, but he means making claims that will hold weight with the Lord because it is in keeping with his character and his revealed will. Pleading and praise should go together, so prayer remains an act of worship. Confession and thanksgiving should be included as well. And God calls us to be persistent in prayer. It is comforting to know that he wants to hear us.
In Jesus’ Name
Chapter 2 tells us what it means to pray “in Jesus’ name.” There is a Biblical basis for being sure that God answers prayer, but we must watch out for selfish motives and desires as well as persistent and unrepentant sin in our lives. God is more interested in spiritual healings and blessings rather than physical healings and blessings. Richard encourages those especially of the Reformed traditions to pray for big things and for grand ideas and plans, knowing that God is willing and ready to give.
Chapter 3 explains why prayer is necessary -- starting with the fact that God commands prayer. Moreover, it is spiritual breathing, an expression of our relationship with God, and our lifeline on the battlefront. Chapter 4 is about growing in prayer, and one of my favorite takeaways is that we must pray kingdom prayers with a greater sense of urgency. We live in a world of spiritual warfare, and we have the means to turn the world upside down.
Moved to Pray
If God is sovereign, why should I pray? How can I learn to pray? How can I overcome my fear of praying in public? What does it mean to pray in the Spirit? These are some excellent questions that are answered at the back of the book.
Through prayer, we have the privilege of being coworkers with the God of the universe. Through prayer, we have God’s resources in the worst situations. This book is encouraging and motivating. I am moved to pray with anticipation and expectation.
I received a media copy of Persistent Prayer and this is my honest review.
Pleading with God
Prayer is pleading with God -- pouring out our hearts before him. It is motivated by a need that we cannot meet ourselves and that we desperately want God to supply for us. Richard uses the memorable phrase of prayer being “relationship glue,” and he means prayer provides us intimacy with Christ.
By looking at Abraham, Moses, and David, we learn that pleading our case before God means making arguments. He doesn’t mean fighting with God, but he means making claims that will hold weight with the Lord because it is in keeping with his character and his revealed will. Pleading and praise should go together, so prayer remains an act of worship. Confession and thanksgiving should be included as well. And God calls us to be persistent in prayer. It is comforting to know that he wants to hear us.
In Jesus’ Name
Chapter 2 tells us what it means to pray “in Jesus’ name.” There is a Biblical basis for being sure that God answers prayer, but we must watch out for selfish motives and desires as well as persistent and unrepentant sin in our lives. God is more interested in spiritual healings and blessings rather than physical healings and blessings. Richard encourages those especially of the Reformed traditions to pray for big things and for grand ideas and plans, knowing that God is willing and ready to give.
Chapter 3 explains why prayer is necessary -- starting with the fact that God commands prayer. Moreover, it is spiritual breathing, an expression of our relationship with God, and our lifeline on the battlefront. Chapter 4 is about growing in prayer, and one of my favorite takeaways is that we must pray kingdom prayers with a greater sense of urgency. We live in a world of spiritual warfare, and we have the means to turn the world upside down.
Moved to Pray
If God is sovereign, why should I pray? How can I learn to pray? How can I overcome my fear of praying in public? What does it mean to pray in the Spirit? These are some excellent questions that are answered at the back of the book.
Through prayer, we have the privilege of being coworkers with the God of the universe. Through prayer, we have God’s resources in the worst situations. This book is encouraging and motivating. I am moved to pray with anticipation and expectation.
I received a media copy of Persistent Prayer and this is my honest review.
January 1, 2024
Overall a good summary on prayer. There were a few parts in the general Q&A where he voiced his opinion on an aspect of prayer that I didn’t think were well based in scripture. Furthermore I disagreed with a few of them. Him saying that we could pray for past events (as long as we didn’t know the outcome) was wiggy and imo contrary to scripture. Continuationism was prevalent when he was talking about speaking in tongues as well. Beyond that, overall I appreciated him explaining what prayer was and why it’s important.
June 15, 2023
I have such a hard time with reformed books on prayer. As I read them I’m not stirred up to encounter the personal God who hears my prayers and wants me to be expectant. Rather I’m left with a load of qualifiers that tell me why I should temper my expectations. These books are really good about taking the wind out of the unqualified statements on prayer that should lead us to pray and expect big things from “the God who is able to do far more abundantly above and beyond all that we ask or imagine.” The author does warn against over-qualifying prayer, citing James’ as only giving one qualification, that we don’t waste what we ask for in our selfish desires. Yet, he immediately follows this with a section qualifying the good gifts promised by the Father in Matthew 7:11 by comparing it with Luke 11:13 and essentially narrowing the “good gifts” down to good gifts pertaining to the Spirit. I’m not arguing that there’s no truth to this, but I can’t help but think so many would read this and come away thinking they can only pray for spiritual things explicitly prescribed by the Scriptures when so many long for that intimate prayer life where they want to pray their very heart and ask for audacious things.
I’ve grown tired of a theology of prayer that drives me away from expectancy and toward a theological framework for disappointment. “Pray along these very narrow permissible lines, don’t get your hopes up too high so that your prayer life always matches your low expectations and you never experience disappointment.”
I’ve grown tired of a theology of prayer that drives me away from expectancy and toward a theological framework for disappointment. “Pray along these very narrow permissible lines, don’t get your hopes up too high so that your prayer life always matches your low expectations and you never experience disappointment.”
September 2, 2025
I love this series. It is like a Presbyterian equivalent to the 9 Marks series. This is the first one that was published and so I read it first. I've only read the author on baptism before and that was maybe ten years ago so wasn't sure what to expect. I loved it. He very clearly lays out why prayer is so important, how to grow in it, etc. Many topics are touched on in the extensive FAQ at the end. I was really encouraged and spurred on in my prayer life through reading this excellent yet short book. I love how short and to the point it is. It doesn't need to be any longer. Folks who aren't serious readers could easily pick this up and enjoy reading it. I read it fairly slowly for me over three days and this really helped me to take it in as opposed to flying through it in one sitting just to get it finished. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series soon. Highly recommended!
May 6, 2022
I read this book because I wanted to be exhorted to pray more often and more fervently. It did just that and had some very interesting insights into prayer I have not thought of before. Here are just 2:
- fasting and praying to prepare ourselves for temptation just as Jesus had done in the wilderness. I have never considered fasting and praying, depending on God before moments I know I will be tempted.
- Argue with God in prayer such as Abraham and Moses had done. “Will you not?” “Are you not?” “Have you not?” This does not twist Gods arm but forces us to think about what we are praying and why, “aligning us more with his character and will” as Richard said.
Helpful book from the “Presbyterian 9marks series” lol
- fasting and praying to prepare ourselves for temptation just as Jesus had done in the wilderness. I have never considered fasting and praying, depending on God before moments I know I will be tempted.
- Argue with God in prayer such as Abraham and Moses had done. “Will you not?” “Are you not?” “Have you not?” This does not twist Gods arm but forces us to think about what we are praying and why, “aligning us more with his character and will” as Richard said.
Helpful book from the “Presbyterian 9marks series” lol
January 27, 2024
I really enjoyed this short book, and have enjoyed the series so far, I read the one on infant baptism last. I appreciate how easy it is to read. Two ideas he brought out that I hadn't thought of before: 1. "Praying with people to God is intimate, and vital for church community". He goes so far as to say that often in counseling Christian couples who had sex before marriage, that they often spent too much alone time together praying. It made me think how helpful praying together with the guys at my church has been in increasing our brotherly affection. 2. "Prayer isn't preparation for the hard work, prayer is the hard work'.
January 21, 2022
This is a helpful little book on prayer that can serve as a primer on prayer for God's people. It is full of practical, pastoral wisdom and is very easy to read. Because of its brevity and clarity, it is a book that can be given to a new believer, or to someone who has been a believer for a long time but has struggled to pray and has serious questions about prayer. The last chapter, "Questions and Answers on Prayer," addresses most of the questions that people have about prayer. This can be a very helpful tool both to the pastor who is discipling his flock and to the believer who wants to grow in prayer.
January 16, 2024
“Through prayer, we have the privilege of being coworkers with the God of the universe. Through prayer, we have God's resources in the worst situations.”
This was very easy to read. It has a question and answer portion in the back, which tackles a lot of the questions people have about prayer.
This was very easy to read. It has a question and answer portion in the back, which tackles a lot of the questions people have about prayer.
June 30, 2024
A great encouragement to “pour out your heart to the Lord” in prayer! I appreciated the thorough but brief overview and, especially, how Richard answers pastorally difficult questions like what to do with seemingly unanswered prayer.
January 10, 2025
A great reminder of the simple reasons for and applications of prayer. Pages 89 -125 are a section of Q&A, which was helpful as well! Supposedly, a "single sitting read"; but there was a lot to digest.
August 1, 2025
Weak in substance compared to other writing in this series. Several personal recommendations, while nuanced, fit more with an op ed article than here :)
36 - “our confession and thanksgiving ought to be specific.”
67 - “prayer as breathing… In situations in which we struggle to breathe, we know that the quality of our breathing is not nearly as important as the fact that we are breathing.”
112 - “We ought not look for new (or extrabiblical) revelation from him, because he has already given us his final word in and through Christ.”
36 - “our confession and thanksgiving ought to be specific.”
67 - “prayer as breathing… In situations in which we struggle to breathe, we know that the quality of our breathing is not nearly as important as the fact that we are breathing.”
112 - “We ought not look for new (or extrabiblical) revelation from him, because he has already given us his final word in and through Christ.”
November 28, 2021
Clear, pastoral, biblical, and short.
October 10, 2025
Overall it was very good and insightful. It had a lot of emphasis on how prayer is more of a relationship builder between God and man rather than a wishing well. I gave it four stars because some parts were a bit hard to understand. And also there was way more emphasis on supplication than the other three parts of prayer, adoration, thanksgiving and confession.
October 28, 2024
A truly excellent book
May 11, 2022
Short and practical throughout on a subject I (and others, I presume) struggle with. Question/Answer section was very helpful.
April 4, 2023
Must-Read Prayer Book
If you're looking for a comprehensive guide to prayer, then look no further than this book.
This book covers everything you need to know about prayer, from when to pray to how often to pray, and even who to pray for. It's a true gem in the realm of spiritual literature.
What sets this book apart from others is its practicality. It doesn't just offer vague, philosophical musings on prayer, but rather provides actionable steps for readers to implement in their prayer lives. Whether you're a seasoned prayer warrior or just starting out, "Persistent Prayer" has something to offer.
One of the things I appreciated most about this book was its emphasis on persistence. Richard encourages readers to keep praying, even when it feels like their prayers aren't being answered. He offers insights into why prayer can sometimes feel unanswered and how to navigate those seasons with faith and perseverance.
Overall, this is an outstanding book that I would highly recommend to anyone looking to deepen their prayer life. It's well-written, easy to read, and full of valuable insights. If you're serious about prayer, this book is a must-read.
4.8/5
If you're looking for a comprehensive guide to prayer, then look no further than this book.
This book covers everything you need to know about prayer, from when to pray to how often to pray, and even who to pray for. It's a true gem in the realm of spiritual literature.
What sets this book apart from others is its practicality. It doesn't just offer vague, philosophical musings on prayer, but rather provides actionable steps for readers to implement in their prayer lives. Whether you're a seasoned prayer warrior or just starting out, "Persistent Prayer" has something to offer.
One of the things I appreciated most about this book was its emphasis on persistence. Richard encourages readers to keep praying, even when it feels like their prayers aren't being answered. He offers insights into why prayer can sometimes feel unanswered and how to navigate those seasons with faith and perseverance.
Overall, this is an outstanding book that I would highly recommend to anyone looking to deepen their prayer life. It's well-written, easy to read, and full of valuable insights. If you're serious about prayer, this book is a must-read.
4.8/5
May 10, 2023
A very helpful book on prayer, in the “Blessings of the Faith” series. Though the book is titled “Persistent Prayer,” it isn’t specifically focused on or limited to persistence in prayer. This is a good basic overview of the Bible’s presentation of prayer, from a self-consciously Reformed perspective. Guy Richard does a fine job of engaging with other viewpoints as he lays out the Reformed understanding of “biblical prayer.” His use of the Scriptures is extensive and insightful. Despite one or two little exegetical quibbles or differences in emphasis, I give this excellent treatment 5/5 stars. I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in personal piety or Reformed spirituality.
November 8, 2025
Such an insightful read on prayer. We are reading this book with our church staff and we all have benefited from what Dr. Richard taught about pouring out our hearts in prayer and on pleading (making a case) before God. The Q&A section in the back of the book is a trove of pastoral wisdom on prayer, from many different angles, and is a model of gracious pastoral reponse to questions. I enjoyed his response on how to help your church learn to pray together. I would have loved to hear him say more on that topic!
January 19, 2024
I like the series and I really want to like this book. But…there are some serious theological issues with some of the questions and answers in the back. The questions on speaking in tongues and praying g for things after they happen are bad and not supported biblically. I would caution people based on that to be careful. There is good and encouraging content in here as well hence 3 stars.
July 8, 2022
A fairly quick and easy read but also so very thorough. I appreciate that it's theologically sound but doesn't require a seminary degree to comprehend. It's beautifully practical and encouraging as well.
August 8, 2023
I would recommend this book for any Christian who wants to grow in prayer (which is probably every Christian!) It's convicting, refreshing, and theologically solid. Definitely one of the best books on prayer I've read.
December 31, 2021
Very helpful book. Would highly recommend.
March 31, 2023
Great book! Simple, Actionable, Compelling… highly recommended.
June 21, 2025
Very helpful and practical introduction to a life of prayer
December 29, 2023
very short and compact read which served it well. I liked his ideas about praying for large things, making your case fr your prayers to God (which might help you to reframe them in the process), and really praying over and over again. if you ask for something one time then give up, did you really want it that bad? (think about the widow and the cruel judge who got her way by pestering him until he grew weary)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews