The God Who Hears: How the Story of the Bible Shapes Our Prayers

by Sarah E. Ivill

Author Sarah Ivill contends, “As we study prayer through the lens of the unfolding story of Scripture, it will teach us how to pray, but more importantly it will reveal the Covenant God to whom we pray.” And just such an endeavor provides the foundation and motivation necessary to enrich our prayer life. See how Old Testament prayers find their fulfillment and transformation in Christ. Discover boldness and joy in prayer because Christ is the high priest who gives us access to the throne of grace. Moreover, look forward to an eternity in which our prayers will consist of unhindered praise.
 

Table of Contents:

A Note from Sarah

Acknowledgements

Introduction to Biblical Theology

1. The Lord Who Calls: From Creation to the Fall 

2. The Lord Who Is Worthy to Be Called On: From the Fall to the Flood 

3. The God Who Is Faithful: From the Flood to the Patriarchs 

4. The God Who Remembers: From the Patriarchs to Moses 

5. The Lord God Who Hears: From Moses to David and Solomon 

6. The Lord Who Is Trustworthy: From Solomon to the Exile 

7. The God Who Forgives: From the Exile to the Return to the Land 

8. The Lord Who Prays: The Inauguration of the Kingdom 

9. The Lord Who Is with Us by His Spirit: The Inter-advent Age 

10. The Lord Who Is Coming Soon: The Consummation of the Kingdom 

Genres: Christian

176 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2022

About the author

Sarah Ivill (ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary) is a Reformed author, mother, homemaker, Bible study teacher, and retreat and conference speaker who lives in Matthews, North Carolina, and is a member of Christ Covenant Church (PCA).

Reviews

[Madeline Lind · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Sarah Ivill and have had the pleasure of listening to her speak. She is a fellow tall lady! She is so good at mixing scripture/ theology and real work examples together! We serve a God who prays for us and cares for us. If Jesus prayed during his Earthly ministry, how much more do I need to pray. It is important to pray with the gospel in mind. We have the hope of Heaven. When we are in Heaven our prayers will give way to praise!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. The ladies at my church and I are going to discuss it soon (it was a summer reading book). It helped me to learn more about prayer. God's Word can give us more insight into praying.

[Shannon Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered Sarah by reading an article she wrote in Tabletalk. I’m so glad I did. I very much enjoyed this book regarding prayer. This is not a book of prayers but a deep look in scripture regarding prayer. Highly recommend!

[Meghan Dzurichko · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this for my church's yearly women's retreat where Sarah Ivill was speaking and read it over the course of the three days of the retreat. I found her approach to prayer as an organic communication that developed over the course of the entire biblical narrative something I hadn't really considered before. It was interesting to see how prayer became more intimate throughout the course of scripture and has taught me to pay closer attention to the prayers of individual character while doing my daily bible readings. She had something new to say, which is rather rare in the overly saturated market of Christian-nonfiction that now mainly consists of living people badly quoting the works of dead people and repetitive truths I've heard a hundred times. Overall, it was a well thought out, well ordered book that gave me something to think about.

[Erica Donoho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, read this! The author takes you through the Bible with ancestors who turned to God in prayer. Prayer is gift and a privilege. She reminds us of reasons we must pray, who God is in being and character, and even what and how we should pray. Each chapter has discussion questions, making this a perfect fit for small groups.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stop what you’re doing and read this book! From Genesis to Revelation the Bible teaches us, encourages and shows us all about prayer - the who, what, why, where, when and how. The God Who Hears book summarizes just that, clearly and consistently.

[Abigail Whitcomb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read it quickly through and it was for a women's Bible study that I didn't get to be a part of this semester. I'd like to go back and read it slowly again if I'm ever presented with the chance.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super helpful book to start the year with and a reminder of the importance of prayer, and the right attitude in which to approach prayer.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐