Going Higher with God in Prayer: Cultivating a Lifelong Dialogue

by A.W. Tozer, James L. Snyder (Editor)

"Not knowing how to pray is one of the greatest obstacles in a Christian's life. In Going Higher with God in Prayer, Tozer challenges you to Are my prayers more powerful and effective today than they were a year ago? Only God can teach us what is on His heart, what is His will, and what our part in it can be"--

Genres: Christian, Prayer, Nonfiction, Religion, Christianity, Theology, Faith

176 pages, Hardcover

Published July 19, 2022

About the author

Aiden Wilson Tozer was an American evangelical pastor, speaker, writer, and editor. After coming to Christ at the age of seventeen, Tozer found his way into the Christian & Missionary Alliance denomination where he served for over forty years. In 1950, he was appointed by the denomination's General Council to be the editor of "The Alliance Witness" (now "Alliance Life").

Born into poverty in western Pennsylvania in 1897, Tozer died in May 1963 a self-educated man who had taught himself what he missed in high school and college due to his home situation. Though he wrote many books, two of them, "The Pursuit of God" and "The Knowledge of the Holy" are widely considered to be classics.

A.W. Tozer and his wife, Ada Cecelia Pfautz, had seven children, six boys and one girl.

Reviews

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! I love the way he presents his thoughts in such a conversational, Easy to understand way.

"As a Christian I need to concentrate on discovering God's will on a daily basis and then bring my life into alignment with that will."

"Prayer is not a ritual or the mumbling of phrases,but rather it is experiencing the awesome presence of God."

"Prayer is, first of all, access to God."

[Michelle Haggard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should come with a journal as you will need to take many notes.

Here are a few favorite quotes:

If we’re not living in prayer, we are not living the life God has for us

Prayer is experiencing the presence of God. It is what offers a life of victory

Prayer is not something we add to our life, rather it is something we ascend to.

Prayer is not merely emotional, it is experiential.

In everything by prayer

Barriers to answered prayer:
1. Human Self sufficiency
2. Believe in the soundness of our own moral judgement
3. Human righteousness

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prayer is the most essential thing in a Christian's life, Tozer said. “Prayer is the greatest privilege ever granted to men.” (126) True prayer is experiencing the power and presence of God.

Prayer is also the hardest thing for a Christian to do. True prayer means obedience and requires getting your heart right with God. Tozer preached much on prayer and Snyder has collected material to challenge us to be proactive in effective prayer.

This is not a fluffy book on prayer. Tozer lived a generation ago and some of his teaching may be a surprise to contemporary Christians. He was clear and bold. God does not listen to every prayer, Tozer said. The unsaved have no voice with God. And not every prayer is answered. There are particular conditions for our prayers to be heard and answered by God.

Tozer takes to task those who do not realize the necessity of prayer in doing God's work. He is critical of the modern church, saying, “...remember the Church is in Babylonian captivity...” (85) He reminds us the purpose of our prayer should be the same as the purpose for our lives. “We do not live one way and pray another.” (76)

Two aspects of Tozer's teaching really spoke to me. One was his arguing that our entire life is to be prayer. “Our whole life ought to pray.” (102) Prayer is not something I do at a particular time and place but is rather the way I live. The other teaching was on the folly of asking God to do something when I am entirely capable of doing it myself. “Don't waste your time asking for things you can do yourself. Just do them.” (106)

His teaching helps us understand why our prayers are unanswered and helps us overcome difficulties in prayer. He teaches how to pray in preparation for attacks from the devil. He reminds us what prayer does for us. “It is vastly more important that I should be changed on the inside to suit God than that I should have the power to change an external thing.” (92).

I've covered just some of the important teachings in this book. I highly recommend every Christian read it. Tozer's bold preaching is not the feel good message we often hear today. This book is a challenge to true and effective prayer, to experience God working through our prayers. If you are seeking a transformed prayer life, read this book and be challenged.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are aan independent and honest review.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many A.W. Tozer books and this new one was recently compiled by James Snyder, who has done other books from a collection of Tozer’s sermons. This book definitely does not disappoint and even though these sermons are from over 50 years ago, they are still so relevant today. Which is a reminder that God’s Word never changes, no matter what is going on in this world. This book of Tozer’s is probably one of my favorite ones. It is my favorite book on prayer and I would recommend all Christians to get this book. His books always speak to me, point back to Christ and God’s Word, provides truth and wisdom, remind me of the promises of God, and convict me in a good and needed way. Going Higher with God in Prayer was a timely much needed read.

This book focuses on prayer and having a dialog with God. Lately I feel as though my prayers have been repetitive or weak, but I know that God always hears my prayers and is working. This book helped remind me of the purpose of prayer and why it is important! It is one of the most important things a Christian can do, and this is mentioned in the book. Prayer is not about me so much as it is aligning with His will in my life (Matthew 26:39).

The book is twenty-one short chapters but each chapter is very meaty chapters that focus on God’s Word in learning about how to prayer, barriers, challenges, effective prayer, having confidence in prayer, unanswered prayer, praying God’s will, corporate payers, how satan destroys, what prayer does, casting your cares on God, blessings in prayer, God’s providence, and being a person of prayer. I recommend reading one chapter at a time and pondering on it or discussing it with others, to get the most out of it.

Here are a few quotes from the book, though I have many, I will share just a few so you can see for yourself why I recommend this book:

“What bothers me is that many Christians do not understand how powerful prayer is and do not take it seriously. Prayer is replaced with works, programs, or methods. They thing that if you have the right method,then God will answer your prayer.”

“Prayer is not merely a process or a program, but a sacred and holy activity.”

“The most essential thing in my life as a Christian is prayer, but not prayer according to man’s understanding. It is prayer in harmony with ascending into the presence of God in such a way that separates us from the world.”

“In everything by prayer, is an unfailing technique for successful prayer and should be on the cornerstone of every church building, in every pulpit, and in every boardroom.”

“For our ministry to be successful, we must radically separate ourselves from the kingdom of man. We are not to serve the kingdom of man, but rather we are to serve the kingdom of God.”

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going Higher with God in Prayer is a new teaching compiled together containing the teachings of A.W. Tozer. He begins the book by sharing the dynamics of prayer. He explained that prayer needs to be more about being in the presence of God. It doesn’t need to be rituals or repeated sayings. We need to instead believe and pray that prayer can accomplish things. He described Jacob and Esau. Jacob deceived his father and had to flee. Jacob eventually learned to communicate with God and to experience Him. He had a dream about a ladder into Heaven. He compared the message of the story to the ladder of prayer. He stated how far up the ladder we climb the closer to God we become. He described how our prayer life needs to be more on being in the presence of our Holy Savior and communicating with Him.


I would recommend this awesome book about prayer and how we can improve our prayer life. It was interesting to read about his sermons and why he believed that the greatest curse is unanswered prayer. I liked how he looked at the three basic barriers to our prayers from being answered. This was very eye opening to read about how these can stop our prayer life. I also enjoyed reading the story about the couple wishing for corn and having their neighbors join in and believing for ten acres of corn. I liked how he related this back to James 4:2-3 and how important it is to pray and ask for it. We can’t just wish things in our lives would be different. Wishing is useless. Readers will benefit from learning how to climb the ladder into God’s holy presence.








"I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House/ Chosen for my honest review.”

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very much a fan of reading any and all of A. W. Tozer's writings. The most recent compilation of Tozer's writings by James L. Snyder is Going Higher with God in Prayer: Cultivating a Lifelong Dialogue. If there is one topic in Christian literature that has been and ought to be continually studied, applied, and taught, it would be prayer. According to Tozer, "the most important aspect of the Christian life is prayer. It is the most potent weapon we have in the spiritual warfare before us in this world" (Tozer 12). Many Christians would agree with Tozer with the importance of prayer, yet many of us sadly do not actively apply this truth in our own lives. I know that I often get distracted or busy with less important matters, when I know I should be spending time in prayer. I appreciated the challenge given by Tozer to truly consider the importance of prayer as well as the privilege and reverence which we must approach God with in prayer. Tozer also brought up the fact that prayer is not mere words, but in fact is," experiencing the awesome presence of God" (Tozer 12).

I truly enjoy and learn much from Tozer's works and this book is no exception. I learned to have a renewed awareness of the sacredness of prayer. I especially appreciated the biblical example of Jacob, the frequent scripture references, the quotations from other authors, as well as the poignant prayers that are included at the end of each chapter. Tozer excels at conveying his passion and zeal for God in written form, leading his readers to increased spiritual growth and zeal. Tozer frequently brought up the point that our prayers should not be full of worldly things or our own wisdom as well as many common errors in prayer. I enjoyed the frequent Biblical characters that Tozer included into his writings, leaving his readers with familiar examples and circumstances that bring his point across very clearly. I also enjoyed the organization of the book, the clarity and zeal of Tozer's writing style, as well as the brevity of chapters. There are so many reasons I enjoyed this book, but above are some of the major ones. I highly recommend this book. I hope that you have the opportunity to read this book to learn more from the wisdom of Tozer. Happy readings!

Disclaimer: Bethany House Publishers graciously provided me with a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased review 

Reference

Tozer, A. W., and James L. Snyder. Going Higher with God in Prayer: Cultivating a Lifelong Dialogue, Bethany House Publishers, a Division of Baker Publishing Group, Minneapolis, MN, 2022.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

First sentence: The most important aspect of the Christian life is prayer. It is the most potent weapon we have in the spiritual warfare before us in this world. Every Christian is defined by their prayer life, and if we are not living in prayer, we are not experiencing the life God has for us.

This is a collection--edited by James Snyder--of A.W. Tozer's thoughts on prayer. The chapters don't flow the smoothest. All chapters have the potential to hit their mark--to pack a punch, to hit you where it hurts, to wake you up. Some chapters perhaps a little more than others. This is not, however, an instruction book on how to pray OR how to fix your prayer life OR anything remotely technical or mechanical. It can leave you feeling that something OUGHT to be done, but not necessarily filling in the blanks as to what. I think that was purposeful, intentional. Perhaps serving as a reminder that prayer is an encounter with the living God, the three-times-holy God. It isn't something mechanical or formulaic. It isn't a matter of piecing together specific words at a specific time of day. It isn't about a certain length of prayer. Or posture of prayer. Tozer's philosophy seems to be more down-to-earth: pray until you pray. No excuses, just do it.

Is this helpful? Again, I don't think the point is to be helpful. I think it is what it is. Prayer was ESSENTIAL, absolutely irreplaceable, foundational, emphatically EVERYTHING of the Christian life...according to Tozer. Prayer was important to him. These are collected thoughts that perhaps read a bit disjointed at times. But the focus is always on prayer.

I found the book convicting but not particularly helpful. Inspiring, yes, for sure. But also frustrating. You see Tozer's zeal for God on every page. It is easy to want that kind of zeal, to want that kind of experience for yourself. But really it comes down to a "just do it" approach which just seems disheartening. It may be true--that you cannot really learn to pray-pray from following someone's advice and guidelines--but I am glad I read it.

Quotes:

The most important thing in my life has to be my prayer life; therefore, I will surrender everything in my life to let the dynamics of prayer drive me forward and upward into God's presence.

Our prayer has to be based upon our faith in God, and that faith is based upon our confidence in Him and who He says He is.

[Mark Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A. W. Tozer was deeply concerned that the Church in general and Christians in particular allowed far too many things to take the place of prayer. He was bothered by the reliance on money, programs, activities, human reason, and other items to create a self-reliance on human efforts rather than a dependence on God.

Tozer viewed Jacob’s vision of a ladder stretching into heaven and angels ascending and descending the ladder as a fitting metaphor for prayer. He believed that prayer allows the believer to enter into the throne room of heaven. Prayer also allows God to come down into our lives.

As with his previous books, pastor and author James L. Snyder has taken a number of Tozer’s sermons on prayer and compiled and edited them into a series on messages on the topic of prayer. Tozer challenges believers to break free of the psychology of non-expectation and chronic defeatism to trust God for great things. He reminds his readers that prayer rests on the promises and power and God.

Like many of Tozer’s other books, this one is biblical but not Bible teaching. Tozer uses one or a few verses as a launching point to stress what is on his heart. The last chapter of the book gives a glimpse into Tozer’s habits of prayer.

I was both encouraged and challenged by the book. Prayer is something I never feel I do enough of. Reading about Tozer’s habits and convictions certainly reinforced that sense of having a long way to go.

Disclosure: I received this book free from Bethany House through the Bethany House Blogger Review Program. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.

[Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tozer’s Going Higher in Prayer is a clarion call to elevate our prayer lives, not just for personal petitions, but for an intimate, deep relationship with God. Tozer’s writing on prayer is both convicting and enlightening, reminding us that prayer is not an activity to check off a list but the heartbeat of a life wholly surrendered to God. Tozer teaches that true prayer is about connecting with God in a way that shapes us, transforming us into the likeness of Christ.

This book is an essential read for anyone desiring to grow in spiritual depth and closeness with the Father. Tozer speaks directly to the Church and to leaders, urging them to move beyond the surface of routine prayers and into a place where prayer becomes the very essence of our existence. He calls us to live in such constant communion with God that we are ever-listening, ever-responding, and ever-changing.

For disciples, leaders, and anyone longing for more than a transactional relationship with God, Going Higher in Prayer challenges you to press deeper into the mystery and majesty of God’s presence, partaking in His holiness. Tozer’s words are not just for moments of crisis but for a lifestyle that continually seeks the face of God, desiring His will above all else. If you are willing to humble yourself and embrace this higher calling in prayer, your life and ministry will never be the same.

Note: every Believer has a ministry given to us in Matthew 28:16-20. According to our gifts, character, God’s grace and intention for our individual lives, this does not look the same for every Brother and Sister in Jesus.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book on the motives and reasons to make prayer your foundation for life. Prayer is a way to practice or enjoy God's presence. It prepares our hearts daily for life and battles.

Tozer cites three barriers to prayer:
1. self-sufficiency, or thinking we can do it without God, 2. failure to know or discern right from wrong, and 3. believing we are good by nature rather than bad. (pgs 21&23). Our lives are fueled by prayer. Prayer gives us confidence in God and His abilities (chapter 5). It also allows us to seek God and victory before an event. If the disciples had stayed awake and prayed before the trial and cross happened, how might events have been different or temptations overcome (PG 57)? Many biblical battles were won because someone prayed before it happened.

Prayer allows us to overcome temptations if we pray against the attack of the devil before it happens (PG 64). Without prayer, you can't win (PG 67).

The motives behind our prayers matter. Prayer isn't for selfish desires. It's to connect with God and accomplish His will (PG 71). It's a way to know God and know what glorifies Him (PG 73).

These 21 chapters give many thoughts on prayer, why do it and why prayers aren't answered. It's a good devotional read before starting your day.

He The amount of time we pray

[Sue Forry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going higher with God in Prayer by A.W. Tozer, compiled and edited by James L Snyder, is an excellent book on prayer and its challenges in the Christian life. James L Snyder, was given the rights from the A.W. Tozer estate to produce new books derived from over 400 never before published audio tapes. James Snyder is an expert, and authority on the life of A.W. Tozer.

This book is filled with excellent and challenging insight on prayer. I’m assuming the original works of A.W. Tozer, have been updated for modern day culture, however the message has not been compromised from what I can understand. Tozer explores many different facets of prayer and challenges you to think in this book. Some highlights include, pondering on the verse in Ephesians that states, in everything by prayer. I also appreciated Tozer sharing that "prayer is the greatest privilege ever granted to men". Tozer writes, "our prayer is a channel through which God accomplishes His work His way."

I was given a free copy from publisher for my honest review which I was happy to do. I was challenged and encouraged by the book, Going Higher with God in Prayer by A.W. Tozer.

[Matthew Lloyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have become a bit of a Tozer head over the past few years. I'm not sure if that is the appropriate name for my condition but I am sure you understand me. I have come to admire the work of Tozer and his astounding way of being both concise and convicting in his works. This book is no different.

At first I was intrigued by the concept of "going higher" but after reading it I understand the idea that Tozer was conveying. It's the notion that we must approach God in prayer and in essence, elevate ourselves to sit at his feet. We do not elevate ourselves to his position but find ourselves drawing closer to him through prayer.

This is a great book to add to any collection, especially those that are fans of Tozer. I do admit this book was not one that I marked up every page. It will likely not be in the same category as "The Pursuit of God" or other works of his but it is valuable nonetheless.

If you ever doubted Tozer had wit, I loved this quote "I believe there are just about as many rituals in the average Protestant church as there are in the Catholic or the Lutheran or other 'high' churches. They print prayers and repeat them, and we remember ours and repeat them. There isn't much difference."

Overall, I greatly enjoyed this book and I think you will too but I completely understand that there are other Tozer books that should as required reading before moving to this one. This was gifted to me so that I could provide a fair and honest review, which is what I have done.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unlike "The Knowledge of the Holy" and "The Pursuit of God," this volume is a collection of excerpts from Tozer's sermons, notes, etc. They are arranged by topic (chapter), and sometimes his statements conflict with themselves. Read with attention and discernment, and take to heart what agrees with Scripture.

Most passages I found beneficial, even profound. But I don't agree with statements like "Don't bother God about things you can do yourself." That opens a door to the type of self-sufficiency Tozer decries a few chapters later. Considering these are excerpts, there's likely context missing that should have been left in.

Support your local library!

[Justin Ruszkiewicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Snyder does outstanding work putting together books based off audiotapes of Tozer’s sermons. This one may be one of the best works of Tozer I’ve ever read! Each chapter offered a lot about prayer and the work of prayer in the ministry of men. I highly recommend it to those who are doing God’s work whether in a ministry setting or a secular setting. It’s super good!

Rating: 9/10

[Barb Piacentino · Rating 5 out of 5]

God has had me in a journey over the last few years to deepen my prayer life. If you’re wanting to do the same then this is a book for you. This book is filled with Biblical principles and the deep wisdom of Tozer that will propel your prayer life forward, deepen your relationship with Christ and get prayer results.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Christian should read this book. I’ve determined that it does me no good to believe something I think is true if it is not actually the truth. This book deals with the truth about prayer. It’s one to read again and again.

[Mary Caroline Giles · Rating 5 out of 5]

“As a man prays, so he is.”

Tozer is always such a solid read! So many wonderful gems learned from this book, it definitely has changed the way I view and will approach my time in prayer. It truly is a transcendent, sacred practice that is a gift from God to His children.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tozer At His Best

This was a truly amazing book on prayer.

My favorite Tozer book so far.

Really wonderful read.

Thoroughly enjoyed this one!

4.8/5

[Adam MacDaniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply convicting and insightful.

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

If your prayer life needs life this is the book to read. Some amazing insights and a more than a few I never thought about it that ways.

[CEG1333 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helped me in my prayer life.

[Tom Swank · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read

Full of wisdom and insight on prayer, worship and our relationship with God! Tozer was a man of God and a man of prayer.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars, but the last half star is probably on me bc I listened to the audiobook rather than reading it. It was still well formatted for audiobook.

[Eilidh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super book! Great encouragement but also convicting for where my prayer life doesn't match up to what I believe!

[Esther Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read.

[Adam Bixby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love.

[Michael Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book about prayer. You'll be encouraged and challenged as you read this book.

[Ellekay · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Marin Piqoni · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent book