In Jesus' Name I Pray: TJ the Squirrel Learns the True Heart of Prayer

by Costi W. Hinn, Christyne Hinn, Guy Wolek (Visual Art)

This simple story teaches children the biblical model for praying in Jesus’ name and not for their own wants. Kids can take comfort that God hears and answers their prayers when they ask for the things that are important to Him and His Kingdom.
 
Someone told TJ the squirrel that he could ask for anything in Jesus’ name and it would happen.
 
All the nuts in the entire forest? Done.
Never to have to work hard again? Sure, no problem.
To have a big tree house? Why not?
 
All TJ needs to do is ask for anything he wants and make sure to say the magic words, “In Jesus’s name.” After all, isn’t that how prayer works?
 
Your child will learn along with TJ that praying in Jesus’ name means asking for what the Bible says is important to Jesus—things like obedience, hard work, and thankfulness—not just whatever we want.
 
Help your child develop a lifelong habit of effective, biblical prayer.
 
 

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

Published November 15, 2022

About the author

Costi W. Hinn is a pastor and author who is passionate about equipping Christians to boldly live out the gospel of Jesus Christ. His stand for truth and refutation of the prosperity gospel have been featured on CNN and in Christianity Today and in numerous other publications. He is married to the love of his life, Christyne, and they have three children.

Reviews

[Zorina Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far one of my new favorite picture books! Costi Hinn used to be apart of the Word of Faith movement and is the nephew of Benny Hinn. He has since been speaking out against this dangerous movement along with all of the unbiblical things that are associated with it and the prosperity gospel. You can see this in his picture book that he has done with his wife. He teaches children what Biblical prayer is. In the word of faith movement, it is all about praying and having faith that God will give you what you ask for.
This story follows a young squirrel as he is told by another squirrel that all he has to do is pray and say, "In Jesus' Name I pray", and then God will give it to him.

He learns the truth that this is not correct and that God cares more about our spiritual needs than just making us comfortable in this life. "Jesus wants us to pray for the things he talks about in the Bible. He promises to help us to do those things. We should pray to love our neighbors, to share with others, to obey him, and most of all, to believe him."

Highly recommend this picture book for chidlren ages 4-8 to teach them the true heart of prayer.

[Neh · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book that hits the prosperity gospel hot

[T K · Rating 5 out of 5]

TEE-JAYYYYYY.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Aren't we all tempted to use "the secret phrase, In Jesus' name" at the end of our prayers, thinking that somehow God will answer those prayers exactly like we want them to be answered?

A clever little story explaining exactly what it means to pray in Jesus' name with the expectation and assurance that He will answer our prayers.

[Mrs.MakesReadingFun · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really heartwarming & relatable story to teach about prayer to young children.
I like how this is told in a way that children can really understand- ex. praying for more toys and running to your room to see if they appeared!
Lovely message, sweet illustrations, and some great Biblical applications!

[Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

As an adult I understand the purpose of (and problem of prosperity gospel teachings behind) this book, but for kids it is confusing, not only including--and starting with, at that--a "bad example" of prayer, but also then only vaguely, in my opinion, explaining what prayer is.

[Evan Boothe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Costi and Christyne do an excellent job at presenting the proper heart posture of prayer in a way that young children can understand. This has become a staple for my daughters: almost every night they want to read “the TJ the squirrel book”.

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great children’s book for kids who may be thinking they can use Hod like a genie and see the truth of what prayer can look like. It’s a great talking point to add to your family bible time and teaching.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent, short story highlighting the difference between spellcasting (saying the right words to get your way) and biblical prayer (seeking Christ's help to live in God's will).

[James · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful book from a homophic biggot. Never picking up another book from this author again.

[Deja Roden · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 glowing stars!

[Sydney Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come.