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The Prayer Rider #1

Keep on Asking

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His brother’s tragic accident drives him to his knees. As he begs for restoration, he is lifted beyond hope and imagination to where miracles are real.
His brother in a coma, ten-year-old Josiah Winslow faces the hardest weeks of his life. Little Matty may not survive. If he does survive, he may have serious brain damage.

Praying. That’s what his family is doing, what their church is doing. As Josiah struggles to imagine the power of those prayers, a celestial visitor takes him on a miraculous ride into the realm where petitions rise toward heaven and enemies fight to oppose them.

Josiah’s glimpse into the spiritual battle zone inspires his faith. But it also reveals that Matty’s life is in the balance. What if people don’t pray enough? Or don’t have enough faith? What will Josiah do if Matty doesn’t wake up?

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 24, 2022

261 people are currently reading
91 people want to read

About the author

Jeffrey McClain Jones

53 books140 followers
As a small boy in Lincoln, Nebraska, I listened enrapt to my grandmother reading me children’s stories, such as The Little Engine That Could. I also recall the elementary school librarian who read us Winnie the Pooh, imitating all the voices. And I remember the first summer I was allowed to ride my bike to the library on my own.

​Writing started for me in school. Teachers encouraged me to pursue what they perceived as a gift. For me, my imagination was a challenge as much as a gift. I found the real world so much less enthralling.

​In my Christian high school, the English teacher supplied me with unassigned novels. I wrote the senior class play and served as editor of both the yearbook and the school newspaper.

​At Houghton College, I majored in writing, including coursework in poetry and fiction. But I also majored in biblical studies and was persuaded to take my writing skills in a more “respectable” direction—academia and nonfiction writing. Remember that less enthralling real world?

​When all my academic work led to no great employment breakthrough, I hopped from there onto that rapid conveyor known as the tech industry. Starting in the 1990s, I shaped a new career, eventually starting my own computer consulting firm.

​During those years, I focused on raising two boys and cherished the role of doing the bedtime reading, including attempting all the voices in The Chronicles of Narnia series. I also composed a few stories from scratch for my attentive little audience, usually around a campfire.

​I started writing again in 2006. Following a friend’s suggestion, I meditated on scripture by imaging myself present on a day when Jesus healed an entire multitude. That meditation turned into my first novel, And He Healed Them All. Closing the gap between the sparse descriptions in the Gospels and what must have been a rich miraculous experience enticed me.

​A series of unusual events (ask me someday) prodded me to write my second novel, The Reign: Out of Tribulation. I began self-publishing with those first two books. My third novel, Seeing Jesus, expanded into a series when numerous readers begged me for more. As it turns out, that kind of begging is hard to resist.

In all, I have published fifteen books on Amazon, fourteen of them as installments in one of my series. I am constantly working to improve my skills and to better share my message with the reading public.

​Anyone tracking my address could guess that I’ve had some setbacks in my life. But God has stayed the same, even as I evolve and have to start over again.

Now I am married and living in Vernon Hills, Illinois, attending a vibrant church and meeting new people. I work part-time on my computer consulting business, and I devote much of the rest of my time to writing and marketing my books, with my wife as my highly motivated marketing director.

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5 stars
156 (72%)
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47 (21%)
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10 (4%)
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1 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Michelle.
8 reviews
May 28, 2022
Anytime a writer positively impacts a life with his words, he is a success. Several years ago I read the ‘Seeing Jesus’ series by Jeffrey McClain Jones and my life was forever changed. The judgmental Jesus of my past became Jesus, my best friend. Meeting the characters Jones develops so intimately, showed me a whole new way of Seeing, Hearing, and Knowing Jesus. I was grateful to join the launch team for his new book, ‘Keep on Asking’ and quickly read my Advance Reader Copy that was free in exchange for my honest review.
His style of writing immediately draws me into the believable characters and their families as they walk through life. This story introduced me to a deeper understanding of prayers power. A thought-provoking message! I recommend this and all books by Jeffrey McClain Jones.
Profile Image for Frieda Thompson.
400 reviews6 followers
May 7, 2023
Keep On Asking

This book is about prayer, how to pray, & a bit about how it works. It is written in what I would call a YA style, but this 67 y/o found quite a bit to think about. The main protagonist is a 10 y/o boy, Josiah, whose 5 y/o brother is in a coma after being hit by a car. Naturally, all the family prays nearly without ceasing, but also praying are the members of their church, neighbors, & school friends & teachers of Josiah & his 2 sisters. Very soon after Josiah wonders about prayer...does it really help, does God really hear everyone's prayers, how are we supposed to pray...he begins to have visions which slowly answer his questions, & shows him how to help the grown-ups to keep praying even when it seems there prayers go no higher than the ceiling. The only real negative I have to say about this book is that Josiah, as written, seems to be much older than 10 y/o. He faces this tragedy & everything that goes with it, in a mature fashion & with wisdom that many adults couldn't manage. While there are some denominational differences to my Christian beliefs, they are small when compared to the fact that it shows that Jesus is the center of the healing they pray for. Jesus' Gift of Salvation is not mentioned, however the focus is on healing & how Believers (so already saved) are to rely on Jesus alone, to pray with intact faith, & to Keep On Asking! I recommend this book to anyone, young or old like me, who questions prayer itself, or their own quality of prayer. To repeat the title one more time, Keep On Asking!!!
Profile Image for Nay Denise.
343 reviews81 followers
August 23, 2025
This was a beautifully written novel about a young boy and prayer. As an adult, I learned so much from Josiah and his endeavors with prayer and the spirit realm. I was intrigued by his faith and understanding. Even that of his little sister Grace. The Winslows, in general, were a great family who endured a hard and terrible time, but pushed through. I enjoyed seeing how Josiah learned and shared his visions. Very powerful read.

I am giving this a 4.5 star rating only because I found some parts to be long and found myself skipping over pages, but other than that it was an excellent read.
9 reviews4 followers
May 3, 2022
Jones has done it again. The first book I ever read by this author was Seeing Jesus. It literally changed how I saw my daily walk in the marketplace. Since that book I have read every book Jones puts out. This book, Keep On Asking answers questions about why and how to pray and makes the Spiritual warfare constantly at work all around us so real. My world viewpoint has strengthened. One of the questions so often asked by someone suffering is why God allowed this to happen. Thank you Jeffery for taking that one head on and showing the heart of God. I would recommend this book to everyone because pain and suffering doesn’t play favorites. This book will help walk you through it and will strengthen your faith. I received an advanced copy of this book.
21 reviews
April 18, 2022
I received an advanced copy of this book. I love that this is written from the point of view from a ten year old child. The book begins with an accident, and details the family coping with the situation. Although this book is a Christian perspective it doesn't get "preachy" and I believe even the unchurched would find this a good read. The main character, Josiah, has supernatural experiences which are very exciting and interesting. I plan on getting a hard copy for my niece, who is more into fantasy novels, but I believe this will capture her attention and she will enjoy it and may even learn something. Jeffrey, as with his other books, has a very good attention to the minor details of every day life that we all at some level, overlook, but it's the details that bring you into the story. I did enjoy every minute of it and the story never lagged, just kept building to a very satisfying ending that doesn't leave you hanging there in a fiction reading limbo.
Profile Image for Gretchen Garrison.
Author 3 books32 followers
May 24, 2022
This book is about a young boy who is in a coma as the result of an accident. His brother, his two sisters, his parents and extended family as well as his church family are praying for him to come home. The person who gets much of the focus is Josiah, the older brother.

For the first time, Josiah starts seeing visions when he prays. He wisely shares these visions with his parents and with an elder from church. From then on, his family almost waits for him to have these visions as if they were definite truth. The book did talk about the need for interpretation, so that is good. The concepts portrayed were ones that would make sense with the unseen spiritual battle. One did impact me - the picture of the woman being bound up in chains of guilt and shame that she allowed to have more power than Jesus.

I do think that was the author's intention - to really convey the power of prayer. When we pray, we do move heaven. I do think he based his premise on certain Scriptures, but he also used His imagination since no one is exactly sure what happens. The plot revolves around visions. Does God speak this way? Absolutely. But He may not always speak that way.

Writing about this subject is a brave thing to do for an author. After all, the book has two outcomes - healing on earth or in heaven. I think this book could definitely help people grow in faith. But it also could have an opposite result - discouragement. Not every situation ends the same. Seeing others get the supposed answer of "yes" while we get a "no" for our fervent prayers will always be hard. God is bigger than we are. I also think that the author tried to point this out as well - that God is the mighty one. But at times, I did feel like the emphasis was on what humans had to do in prayer in order to get God to act. I do think prayer matters, but I also feel like God will respond even if we do not pray as much as we should.

My final review is 4.3 stars. I do think this is a powerful book. Since it is more speculative in many areas, that does make me say to future readers, please read the book with an attitude of discernment and of prayer. It is eye opening to think about the prayers of God's people determining the outcome of a situation. But I always want to make sure that my eyes are on Jesus first. Not on me getting Him to work on my behalf.

I did receive an advanced copy of this book. I requested to read it. All opinions are my own.
309 reviews4 followers
May 21, 2022

What I particularly liked was the reference to Michael battling the Prince of Persia as was related to us in the book of Daniel.

“Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia.” Daniel 10:12-13NIV

11 And he said to me, “Daniel, [a]you who are treasured, understand the words that I am about to tell you and stand at your place, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. 12 Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was standing [b]in my way for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia."

"10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of this dark age (the darkness of this world), against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."
Eph. 6:10-13NASB

"In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. 11Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places. 13Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious]." Amplified

"3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but they are mighty through God to the pulling down of enemy strongholds;)

5 Casting down imaginations, and every high and lofty thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;..." 2 Cor.10


Jeffrey very skillfully weaves all these verses together and gives a glimpse into what the battle could look like in the Heavenly realm.

We ought to always pray and not lose heart. We are admonished to ask, seek and knock. ...and keep on knocking! Luke 11:5-13 and again in Matthew 7:7-8.

"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."


I was given an Advanced Reader Copy of Keep on Asking
Profile Image for Liz.
16 reviews
May 3, 2022
Keep on Asking review:

Ten year old Josiah is grieving over his 5 year old brother who is laid up in the hospital in a coma after being hit by a car. Josiah, the son of a youth pastor is bright, sensitive, imaginative and observant. He is aware of his grieving sisters, aunt and parents. Somehow he feels responsible even though he was not present when the accident occurred. Josiah begins to pray for his family and little brother when he starts to wonder just how prayer works and what happens to those prayers. He is visited by a being, a spirit that takes him on a convoluted journey that eventually answers his questionings.

Through the youthful mind and imaginings of a 10 year old we a lead on a journey to where we have often gone in our own thoughts. Here there is no judgement when we identify with this child. We see the acceptance of Jesus and feel the freedom to wonder at our own curiosity.

Even though I received this as an Advanced Reader’s Copy, I would have eventually ready it anyway as I read all of Jeffrey McClain Jones’ books. I find his writing somehow reflects my own thoughts and wonderings. I loved this book and, like several of Jones’ books will re-read it at a future date.
13 reviews
May 7, 2022
Extremely enjoyable and well written book about persistence in prayer. It has an element of suspense and is a page turner. The main character is a spiritually sensitive 10 year old boy whose beloved 5 year old brother is in a coma after being hit by a car. After asking God what happens to his prayers, the 10 year old begins having visions to guide the community effort in prayer for the 5 year old. The interactions between the 10 year old and his two sisters is so touching it brought tears. The author has great skill in writing about details dealing with love and the human heart. Overall I have found his writing so well crafted that I always look forward to my next reading session.
Jeffery McClane Jones wrote the well loved and successful “Seeing Jesus “ series. I had never read anything quite like it as he presents a Jesus most loving, compelling, and more accurate than anything I have read outside of the Bible. All of Jeffery’s e books that I have purchased have been a very affordable $5.00 or less. Have you ever bought a book that you knew you would enjoy because of the quality of the writing?
I received this book for free for providing feedback by joining a Facebook group discussing the book.
1 review
May 7, 2022
I was one of the advanced readers of Jeffery McClain Jones' latest book - "Keep On Asking." It is about a young boy of 10 years old, Josiah, whose little brother was hit by a vehicle and was in life threatening condition in the hospital. Josiah shows such maturity and compassion for one so young, and his concern for his little brother led him to have dreams and visions on how prayer works and what happens to the prayers we send out. It was heartwarming at how his parents and other adults didn't make 'light' of Josiah's visions - they took him seriously and encouraged him to be receptive to all that his visions could teach him about prayer. Josiah's coping with this crisis reaffirms how we all need to become as 'a little child' in our faith. This book will inspire and encourage you no matter where you are on your spiritual journey, (and even if you are not) regarding prayer and faith. It will help one understand the importance of 'praying it through.'  Another 'winning' and 'food for thought' book from Jeffery! Recommend!!
Profile Image for  Northern Light.
326 reviews
May 12, 2022
This is the story of a family living an everyday life until young Matty is knocked over by a taxi and is unconscious in hospital. His whole family and church are praying for his recovery.
His older brother Josiah prays with everyone else but wonders what does happen when we pray. He then starts to have what at first appears to be dreams but it soon is evident that he's having visions from God.
The story through these visions shows Josiah and through him the wider church how God uses prayer to achieve the results He has ordained
What a beautiful picture we are shown of the care between God and us and also within a family. The love between Josiah and his sisters is very special.
I was reminded very much of scenes from A Christmas Carol.
Of course this is a work of fiction and we are unlikely to know what really happens but this is a picture of what it could look like
I would suggest this book for all who wondered themselves about prayer and it's place with God.
I received this book for free and the views expressed are entirely my own.
1 review
October 1, 2022
the importance of Persistence

Having read Jeffrey McClain Jones’ previous series - and the “Seeing Jesus” series hooked me - I find the most important take away for me is the immediacy and closeness of God’s concern for us. Each book gives me fresh insights into his unconditional love and new ways that I can increase my awareness of Him/Jesus. If that is important to you, I recommend each of his series. This book is an insight into the persistence necessary in prayer - not because God is testing to see how sincere our prayer is - but because the forces of evil gain power from suffering, misery, blame, guilt and death. So they are forever pushing us in that direction; and we, all too often are helping to spread the darkness by refusing to let go of blame, guilt, suffering. In the clearest way possible, Jones shows us that the chains that bind us in the darkness are our own.
13 reviews
May 7, 2022
So what does it look like from the other side when we pray? Josiah Winslow's young brother has been hurt in a road accident and it draws pre-teen Josiah, his family and church to pray like never before. But Josiah is graced with some unique revelation of spiritual matters.

If my tablet hadn't run out of batteries, I would have read this in one sitting! I really like Jeffrey McClain Jones style of writing and this book is no exception, in fact I think this tale might have gone to the top of my favourites list. It's thought provoking, it's surprising, it's convicting and it'll really encourage you to pray through hard situations.

I had an advanced reader copy. I don't normally read a book multiple times but I think 'Keep on asking' will stir up something different every time it's read. Can't wait for the next instalment! But until then, I will read it again!
27 reviews
April 23, 2023
Emotional story that really looks at the importance of perseverance in prayer

This story is an emotional rollercoaster from the first page to the last. Set around a 10 year old boy and his Christian family in the aftermath of a tragic accident that leaves his little 5 year old brother on life support/ in a coma.

The main character Josiah begins having visions that seem to be teaching his family and all Christians on the importance of faith and perseverance in prayer. The teaching of which seems to be based upon some of the parables of Jesus - eg the persistent widow.

I found it very faith affirming, however it may be upsetting to those who have lost loved ones especially children, I can see where the well intentioned Christian teachings may make loved ones feel that they didn’t pray enough, or that they somehow didn’t fight hard enough for their loved ones.
Profile Image for Debbie Grimes.
7 reviews
March 19, 2024
I really enjoy this author! He is not afraid to jump into the questions that many are afraid to ask about God, Spirituality and our enemy! I love how he follows young Josiah through his very tough days after his little brother is hit by a car and spends time in a coma. God teaches him how to pray and how it all works in the Kingdom of God through visions and dreams and he learns how to guide his young sister when it's time for her to step in!

Jones is so good at bringing the sometimes hard-to-understand truths of the Word of God into practical life, while also drawing us closer to those we love!
Profile Image for Nay Denise.
1,741 reviews88 followers
August 23, 2025
This was a beautifully written novel about a young boy and prayer. As an adult, I learned so much from Josiah and his endeavors with prayer and the spirit realm. I was intrigued by his faith and understanding. Even that of his little sister Grace. The Winslows, in general, were a great family who endured a hard and terrible time, but pushed through. I enjoyed seeing how Josiah learned and shared his visions. Very powerful read.

I am giving this a 4.5 star rating only because I found some parts to be long and found myself skipping over pages, but other than that it was an excellent read.
Profile Image for Mary Pauline M.
306 reviews8 followers
May 21, 2022
While I've been blessed by Jeffrey's writing in the past, the first book in the Prayer Rider series was more than a blessing, if that's possible. At the same time, I wanted to read thru to see how this turned out, but yet, I didn't want it to end. During each reading, the writing transports the reader into this family's life .. and more.

Really am coming away from this read with a new look at prayer. Cannot wait to read the forthcoming book .. and all that may follow.

( please note I was blessed with an advanced reader copy )
Profile Image for Bonny Rambarran.
1,521 reviews21 followers
May 3, 2022
This book will change the way you think ABOUT prayer
A young man has dreams and visions. . . . and they change the way he thinks about prayer. And as he shares and as the family and church pray for his brother it changes more then him and his family. I cannot even begin to say how this has changed my thinking about prayer!!!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
5 reviews
May 8, 2022
I really enjoyed the book. Have you ever wondered what happens to your prayers after you prayed. Josiah asked God what happens, so God took him on a journey to show him the answer. No one laughed at Josiah’s visions but instead encouraged him. I was one of the advance readers of the book. I am anxious for more of them . I love this author. He is very good. I have all of his books. I will continue to read all of them.
Profile Image for Penny Johnston.
Author 2 books27 followers
June 2, 2022
A compelling and inspiring story about persisting in prayer and not giving up. My favorite part was when Josiah and his older sister prayed together with their faces pressed against the carpet. It was particularly touching because they earnestly prayed together for their little brother without any prompting from the grown-ups. This book inspired me in my own prayers, and I couldn't resist skipping to the end to see what happened—something I almost never do!
14 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2022
I had the privilege of reading an Advanced Reader Copy of Keep on Asking. Such a good read! Jeffrey's look beyond what we can see into what happens when we pray is imaginative and inspired. His characters are always so relatable. Their thoughts, doubts, worries, and joys sound so much like what happens inside me! Can't wait for the next one in this series!
Profile Image for Kalyn Thomas.
204 reviews23 followers
September 5, 2023
This book was beautifully written in my opinion! We all have had questions about praying or prayers, are they heard? Where do they go? How do they get answered? Does God really hear them?

To have faith the way Josiah does and to be close spiritually to God and to witness the things he has seen could only come from heaven!. I loved this book and I highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Daphne McDaniel.
36 reviews
August 19, 2025
wow! what a heartfelt story

This example of deep faith in not just a family but of a church and community was so encouraging. It had you rooting for them. I did find some of the interpretations a little hard to understand. The sheer amount that f faith and prayer that this young boy had was very convicting. Definitely gave me pause.
5 reviews
May 31, 2022
Just Wow

The faith of a child, believing in spite of circumstances. The proof that God is always faithful and always here. What a wonderful and awesome Father we have. Mr. Jones , you had done it again.
78 reviews
April 24, 2023
Another Winner!!!

I have come to both love and to anticipate Jeffrey's books!! His ability to not only tell amazing stories but to be able to involve me in them or them in me.... it's hard to tell the difference.
Jeffery, thank you for inspiring me yet again!!! Well done!
Profile Image for David Bergsland.
Author 133 books50 followers
June 19, 2024
A wonderful view of the Lord working

It’s not a prescription, but a fictional testimony and it was truly well done. A five year boy tried to race a cab for a soccer ball, and lost. A remarkably story of his slightly older brother and his visions from the Lord. It was a true joy.
Profile Image for Cindy .
709 reviews2 followers
February 4, 2026
A must read!

If you want a great story and knowledge of how to pray for someone who is I'll or injured, even at death's door, then this is the book for you. I enjoyed the story and it was great confirmation for me to see how this family handled their sons injury.
2 reviews
May 24, 2022
A great story about how we evolve through prayer. Deeply human, and at the same time written in Jeff's own style, uplifting, thought provoking and inviting to start or deepen your own prayer habits
Profile Image for melody harris.
20 reviews
May 24, 2022
This book gives you a whole new perspective of what goes on while we pray.Lots to think about.
Profile Image for Jennifer Cagle.
778 reviews1 follower
June 8, 2022
Intriguing novel

This is a beautiful story of God making prayer real to a young boy whose younger brother has been hit by a car. A very interesting story indeed!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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