What do you think?
Rate this book
Wrestling Prayer: A Passionate Communion with God
Eric and Leslie Ludy have a strong platform among 20-to-40-year-olds—because their lives show that "Christian ideals," when practically lived out, become realities that make the lives of Christians the most satisfying and challenging on earth. In Wrestling Prayer , readers who hunger for this pattern of living will see that a great prayer life is more than a nice-sounding concept—it's down-to-earth and attainable. Eric and Leslie urge transformation— Readers whose concept of prayer has fallen into disrepair will newly desire to pray and bring God's purposes to bear on earth. Wrestling Prayer will light a soul-fire that can burn bright and hot for years to come.
240 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2009
50 people are currently reading
576 people want to read
About the author
Eric Ludy
30 books234 followersEric is a bestselling author, internationally-recognized speaker and president of Ellerslie Mission Society. He is also the senior pastor at the Church at Ellerslie and the lead instructor at Ellerslie Leadership Training in Windsor, Colorado. Ludy is the author of more than a dozen books, many of which were co-authored by his wife, Leslie Ludy. The Ludy's books have sold well over a million copies in the United States and have been translated into over a dozen different languages and circulated widely throughout the world.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 22, 2011
The layout of this book is like this: Eric writes the main portion of the book… He begins talking about the two mightiest generations in history, David’s and Jesus’. He uses this setup to show how David’s life & story is a type (a representation) of Jesus. Eric describes many parallels between the two that I have never seen before! Leslie writes “A Moment for Prayer” at the end of each chapter with a couple of pages about how to apply the principles Eric just discussed. (Applied knowledge is wisdom.)
I never expected this book to change my prayer life. However, in one of the beginning “Moments for Prayer” sections, Leslie challenges the readers to keep a journal of God’s faithfulness. Record prayers AND the answers/blessings that come from those. In the 2 weeks I have been doing this, I have already experienced 5 answers to prayer! A main point they make is this: Specific praying is the key to building faith. As with many Christians, I have a tendency to pray general prayers. I don’t want to box God in to my desires. Eric & Leslie explain that the key in being able to pray specific and to see such prayers answered is to pray God’s heart. Pray for things that God would desire (the key to knowing these things is to read His Word. He spells them out clearly there.); don’t waste prayers on selfish desires.
I cannot recommend this book enough. If your heart is open to what they have to say, God can use this book to radically change what prayer looks like to you. It can become so much more real.
I never expected this book to change my prayer life. However, in one of the beginning “Moments for Prayer” sections, Leslie challenges the readers to keep a journal of God’s faithfulness. Record prayers AND the answers/blessings that come from those. In the 2 weeks I have been doing this, I have already experienced 5 answers to prayer! A main point they make is this: Specific praying is the key to building faith. As with many Christians, I have a tendency to pray general prayers. I don’t want to box God in to my desires. Eric & Leslie explain that the key in being able to pray specific and to see such prayers answered is to pray God’s heart. Pray for things that God would desire (the key to knowing these things is to read His Word. He spells them out clearly there.); don’t waste prayers on selfish desires.
I cannot recommend this book enough. If your heart is open to what they have to say, God can use this book to radically change what prayer looks like to you. It can become so much more real.
September 10, 2010
This was not an easy book to read, for it showed me clearly how much I have fallen short of the mighty Warrior that God has called me to be. It showed me how selfish and foolish I often am, in choosing so many things above prayer and precious communion with God. Even as yet I have not fully begun to change my ways. I am aware that there are many things that will have to change, many priorities that will have to be rearranged in my life in order to truly give God my all and experience His mighty power in my frail existence. Am I ready to make such drastic changes? The price is high, am I willing to pay it? Of these questions, the most important stand out to me like a lone citadel on a barren seashore- Will I follow Christ completely or not?
This book was so convicting that I could only read it in small portions- it took a lot of digesting. It is an amazing idea: that when we give more of our time to God in prayer, he actually "multiplies" our time so that we are more effective for Him in our daily lives. I hope someday to be the kind of person that spends hours in joyous communion with my heavenly Abba, and the kind of person that can stay up all night wrestling in prayer, but I confess I am far from that point right now. Oh for more discipline, more of His Spirit, and yet so often I find myself not putting in the time commitment. How foolish of me to ignore the sweetest opportunity ever, the opportunity to pray. God has really worked in my heart through this book, and I have grown in my enjoyment and commitment to prayer...but I have far to go.
So, I’m tired of wallowing in the mud of indecision and complacency. I have made my decision. I will follow Christ completely, no matter what it takes. God, give me the grace to worship You in Sprit and in truth and to get back up when I fall. LORD, trample down all the enemies of darkness trying to keep me back from prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen!!!
This book was so convicting that I could only read it in small portions- it took a lot of digesting. It is an amazing idea: that when we give more of our time to God in prayer, he actually "multiplies" our time so that we are more effective for Him in our daily lives. I hope someday to be the kind of person that spends hours in joyous communion with my heavenly Abba, and the kind of person that can stay up all night wrestling in prayer, but I confess I am far from that point right now. Oh for more discipline, more of His Spirit, and yet so often I find myself not putting in the time commitment. How foolish of me to ignore the sweetest opportunity ever, the opportunity to pray. God has really worked in my heart through this book, and I have grown in my enjoyment and commitment to prayer...but I have far to go.
So, I’m tired of wallowing in the mud of indecision and complacency. I have made my decision. I will follow Christ completely, no matter what it takes. God, give me the grace to worship You in Sprit and in truth and to get back up when I fall. LORD, trample down all the enemies of darkness trying to keep me back from prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen!!!
January 13, 2018
4.5/5
I don't think this is a book you can read and feel neutral about. It's tough sledding, as the Ludys aren't afraid to to really dig down and make you examine your commitment to Christ. This book is about way more than prayer - it's about getting serious about following Jesus, about recognizing what that really means, and living a life that reflects it. This book is about confronting the fleshly weaknesses in your life and ousting them. It's about claiming the promises of God for yourself in the way that they were meant to be claimed.
Honestly, it's an uncomfortable book. It's not one that's going to make you feel good about yourself and your life. But in this case, that's not a bad thing. And the Ludys never come through as holier-than-thou or hypocritical. They are more like a couple of older siblings who are trying to share some life lessons with you - ones they are still learning themselves.
I really liked how accessible this book was. It's not written in a dry, academic kind of way. Instead, it's completely full of practical, useful information - which can make it all the more difficult to swallow!
I don't know if I'm ready to sign onto the Ludys' version of Christianity, but I think that they are on the right track - it's those ol' fleshly weaknesses that are holding me back. But this is the kind of book that sticks with you and opens the door for the Spirit to really start working on you, so approach with caution.
Honestly, a half star off because of Ludy's incredible over-usage of the phrase "boyish (or girlish) faith." He said that so many times, and it was driving me crazy. Just say "childlike" already! Argh.
This is definitely a book worth reading, but not unless you're genuinely ready for the challenge it will bring. This is a dangerous kind of book.
I don't think this is a book you can read and feel neutral about. It's tough sledding, as the Ludys aren't afraid to to really dig down and make you examine your commitment to Christ. This book is about way more than prayer - it's about getting serious about following Jesus, about recognizing what that really means, and living a life that reflects it. This book is about confronting the fleshly weaknesses in your life and ousting them. It's about claiming the promises of God for yourself in the way that they were meant to be claimed.
Honestly, it's an uncomfortable book. It's not one that's going to make you feel good about yourself and your life. But in this case, that's not a bad thing. And the Ludys never come through as holier-than-thou or hypocritical. They are more like a couple of older siblings who are trying to share some life lessons with you - ones they are still learning themselves.
I really liked how accessible this book was. It's not written in a dry, academic kind of way. Instead, it's completely full of practical, useful information - which can make it all the more difficult to swallow!
I don't know if I'm ready to sign onto the Ludys' version of Christianity, but I think that they are on the right track - it's those ol' fleshly weaknesses that are holding me back. But this is the kind of book that sticks with you and opens the door for the Spirit to really start working on you, so approach with caution.
Honestly, a half star off because of Ludy's incredible over-usage of the phrase "boyish (or girlish) faith." He said that so many times, and it was driving me crazy. Just say "childlike" already! Argh.
This is definitely a book worth reading, but not unless you're genuinely ready for the challenge it will bring. This is a dangerous kind of book.
January 19, 2022
The author’s dramatically descriptive voice took some getting used to and I much preferred Leslie’s parts to some of Eric’s (I have come to hate the word “swagger”), but this book had a lot of good things to say.
Here’s just one that I highlighted: “If there was ever a time to rise up and join our King, it’s not when He has entered into the fullness of His glory and all knees are bowed unto His person. Rather, it’s now, in the season of persecution. This is when the true motives of the King’s followers are proven. This is the season of loyalty and love. It’s now—in the hardest, most pressing time.”
And this book has given me solid ways to work on my prayer life. Thank you!
Here’s just one that I highlighted: “If there was ever a time to rise up and join our King, it’s not when He has entered into the fullness of His glory and all knees are bowed unto His person. Rather, it’s now, in the season of persecution. This is when the true motives of the King’s followers are proven. This is the season of loyalty and love. It’s now—in the hardest, most pressing time.”
And this book has given me solid ways to work on my prayer life. Thank you!
February 9, 2011
I am always striving to have a more intimate relationship with God. I was drawn to the title of this book; "Wrestling Prayer: A Passionate Communion with God". The word "wrestle" means "to contend, as in a struggle for mastery; grapple, struggle". I was eager to learn how wrestling prayer worked.
This book was written by Eric and Leslie Ludy, a husband-wife team who have been in the Christian ministry for many years and have written 18 Christian books. I like the way that Eric wrote one chapter and then Leslie wrote the next. The material is covered from both the male and female point-of-view. The authors tell about a turning point in their lives when Leslie was pregnant but lost the baby. They felt that God wanted them to put on the full armor of God...to seal up every breach that would allow the enemy to gain access into their lives. He wanted them to call upon His name and allow Him to come to their rescue in time of need. After much prayer and Bible study, the Ludys learned that when the enemy attacked, God didn't want them to accept it. God wanted them to stand up and fight against the enemy's intentions for their lives. This was the beginning of their quest to become skilled wrestling prayer warriors.
This book tells about many wrestling prayer warriors in the Bible and through-out history. The Ludys explain how they have made many changes in their lifestyle to allow more time for meditation and prayer. The couple learned that serious prayer and communication with God would take much more time than they had previously allowed. They also learned that the rewards that come from "wrestling prayer" are greater than they could have ever imagined.
If you are serious about drawing closer to God, this book will really open your eyes to many new possibilities.
I read this book in digital format on my Kindle.
This book was written by Eric and Leslie Ludy, a husband-wife team who have been in the Christian ministry for many years and have written 18 Christian books. I like the way that Eric wrote one chapter and then Leslie wrote the next. The material is covered from both the male and female point-of-view. The authors tell about a turning point in their lives when Leslie was pregnant but lost the baby. They felt that God wanted them to put on the full armor of God...to seal up every breach that would allow the enemy to gain access into their lives. He wanted them to call upon His name and allow Him to come to their rescue in time of need. After much prayer and Bible study, the Ludys learned that when the enemy attacked, God didn't want them to accept it. God wanted them to stand up and fight against the enemy's intentions for their lives. This was the beginning of their quest to become skilled wrestling prayer warriors.
This book tells about many wrestling prayer warriors in the Bible and through-out history. The Ludys explain how they have made many changes in their lifestyle to allow more time for meditation and prayer. The couple learned that serious prayer and communication with God would take much more time than they had previously allowed. They also learned that the rewards that come from "wrestling prayer" are greater than they could have ever imagined.
If you are serious about drawing closer to God, this book will really open your eyes to many new possibilities.
I read this book in digital format on my Kindle.
January 24, 2011
For anyone of you reading my recent Facebook post, this is the book that made me ask the question, "When do you stop reading a book you can't stand that you know you SHOULD read?" Our women's ministry leader at church has gone on and on about how life changing this book is for about a year now. Late last fall, we had a series on becoming a praying church. So I picked up this book. I read and I read and I just don't see it changing my life. I can't finish it. Maybe it says something about where I am spiritually (probably) but I always have a hard time connecting with those "perfect" Christian couples who never do anything wrong and homeschool their kids. This book is written by one of those couples. He writes the biblical half of the chapter and she writes the personal application part of the chapter. He focuses on warriors in the Bible and prayer warriors. The lives of some of the men (and they are all men) and their prayer lives are amazing.
But I'm not where I can spend hours, weeks or months in prayer. Nor are most of us. We should all strive to lead a life of continuous prayer. My minister spoke about asking God to allow our eyes to see those things around us for which we should be in constant prayer. I fervently believe that prayer can change your life and I'm glad this book changed someone's life.
But I'm not where I can spend hours, weeks or months in prayer. Nor are most of us. We should all strive to lead a life of continuous prayer. My minister spoke about asking God to allow our eyes to see those things around us for which we should be in constant prayer. I fervently believe that prayer can change your life and I'm glad this book changed someone's life.
August 4, 2013
Very good, very challenging book! Did it completely transform me? Not quite yet. Did it transform my thought process about prayer? Oh yeah. I read this during a very difficult season of my life, and there were some days (*cough* weeks... months...) where I actually couldn't read it. I couldn't make myself pick up the book. And then there were other days where I picked it up, and I read just the words I needed too. Am I a powerful warrior for my God? No, not yet. But I now understand what power is, and am slowly taking it on.
The book has 2 sections that alternate. Eric's section is about what God's power and the people of God's power are like in the Bible, and what they do differently. Leslie's section is more practical - how to apply what Eric wrote in real life. I liked this, because it kept me reading chapter after chapter, learning and applying, rather than get stuck learning before applying at the end.
However, I felt like the book was missing the ending, if that makes sense. At the end of it, I still didn't know HOW to change. I knew I wanted to, but I never really felt like I knew how.
The book has 2 sections that alternate. Eric's section is about what God's power and the people of God's power are like in the Bible, and what they do differently. Leslie's section is more practical - how to apply what Eric wrote in real life. I liked this, because it kept me reading chapter after chapter, learning and applying, rather than get stuck learning before applying at the end.
However, I felt like the book was missing the ending, if that makes sense. At the end of it, I still didn't know HOW to change. I knew I wanted to, but I never really felt like I knew how.
June 27, 2016
I found these authors to be incredibly phony. They completely ignored real life to tell me how great they were and how perfect they were. I felt a ton of this was works based (dangerous for any Christian), and the metaphors relating the present spiritual-battles to fighting Philistines, lions, and bears quickly fell apart and didn't make any sense. They also spent the first 25% of the book trying to convince me to read the book.
I'm not entirely sure what their ultimate thesis was, and I felt like reading this was a waste of time. Was looking for a little guidance in seeking the Lord and knowing His will for my life. Instead I got a crash course on how perfect the Ludy household is.
My wife loved this book, so I'm sure there is something in there for somebody, but it wasn't me.
I'm not entirely sure what their ultimate thesis was, and I felt like reading this was a waste of time. Was looking for a little guidance in seeking the Lord and knowing His will for my life. Instead I got a crash course on how perfect the Ludy household is.
My wife loved this book, so I'm sure there is something in there for somebody, but it wasn't me.
April 10, 2013
This was a good one. I love all of Eric and Leslie's books - they're always deep and changing in some way.
Wrestling Prayer shows prayer as it really is - a soldier's battle field with Jesus as Commander. Eric leads with stories of David and his right-hand men and grips you with the call to pray, challenging the "Dear Heavenly Father thank you for this day, please help us to be good and please bless us..." prayers of America. Leslie wraps up every chapter with a simple message that you can use to apply today. :) I love them.
A great read on prayer for everyone. I recommend their other books too. :D
Wrestling Prayer shows prayer as it really is - a soldier's battle field with Jesus as Commander. Eric leads with stories of David and his right-hand men and grips you with the call to pray, challenging the "Dear Heavenly Father thank you for this day, please help us to be good and please bless us..." prayers of America. Leslie wraps up every chapter with a simple message that you can use to apply today. :) I love them.
A great read on prayer for everyone. I recommend their other books too. :D
December 21, 2017
I think the book could have been more compelling had there been more examples of the kind of situations when they have had to wrestle in prayer, showcasing the enormity of what is at stake had they not been able to convince God to move His hands.
On the positive side, this husband and wife team up again came up with a book rich in Bible truths and basic Christian fundamentals that Christians need to be reminded of; packaged in a prose that is neither overwhelming nor outlandish but rather easy and very apt for our times.
On the positive side, this husband and wife team up again came up with a book rich in Bible truths and basic Christian fundamentals that Christians need to be reminded of; packaged in a prose that is neither overwhelming nor outlandish but rather easy and very apt for our times.
March 25, 2011
This book didn't focus on tools for prayer too much. It was mainly a list of several bible characters (not that that's a problem) but the majority of those characters' stories had nothing to do with prayer.
The last two chapters were the ones from which I benefitted. It was definitely a disappointing read through most of the book.
The Ludys threw in some of their own stories and opinions.
*Read this with Amber
The last two chapters were the ones from which I benefitted. It was definitely a disappointing read through most of the book.
The Ludys threw in some of their own stories and opinions.
*Read this with Amber
May 1, 2013
Very informative information contained in this book about prayer. Discusses how modern day Christians are "soft" compared to Christians were in days of old. This is a book I will need to re-read to absorb and remember in more detail. Thankful to have a friend who is also reading and discussing the contents of the book with me.
August 29, 2013
The most drawn out books I've ever read. One word stretched to a paragraph, a paragraph turned into a reiteration of itself throughout the entire book. I can appreciate a simular themes, the book is called wrestling prayer after all, but I just felt like I was reading the same chapter over and over. I am sad to say that I would not recommend this book to anyone.
June 7, 2015
Another great Ludy book! Practical and inspirational! This book has got me into the prayer closet and onto my knees and would advice anyone wanting a more vibrant prayer life to give it a read! There are points that are very convicting and make it uncomfortable to read, but if you are willing to surrender all for the glory of God then this is expected! Great read, highly recommended!
January 16, 2013
I loved the challenge of this book by the Ludy's - "changing the world through prayer". Nor is an ordinary book on prayer, but an active and exciting one which takes you to some of the highest places.
May 8, 2015
powerful
This book will challenge you did dig even deeper into an intimate relationship with our King. This book is a call to action!! Do not read unless you are willing to put into action the things you learn from this book!!
This book will challenge you did dig even deeper into an intimate relationship with our King. This book is a call to action!! Do not read unless you are willing to put into action the things you learn from this book!!
August 24, 2018
A little flowery wording for me but the concepts are powerful and really open the understanding of how to pray powerfully.
There are some key tools in unlocking prayer and one of them involves denying our flesh in more than one way.
There are some key tools in unlocking prayer and one of them involves denying our flesh in more than one way.
July 31, 2011
Really, really good stuff. But this seems to be less on prayer and more on a victorious Christian life.
This is efinitely a book I'll be re-reading.
This is efinitely a book I'll be re-reading.
March 4, 2011
Lots of good material here. It wasn't as practical as I would have liked, but it's a good challenge to walk more closely with God.
Read
March 31, 2012Wow...This book has changed my life!
Read
December 13, 2012wonderful book...It has helped me improve my prayer life ...
December 31, 2012
There are parts of this book worth re-reading that are outstanding and make it worth reading but I found that it took a lot of words to get to the main point, and sometimes seemed overly dramatic
July 13, 2013
REALLY LIKED!!!
August 21, 2014
This is a must read for every Christian so get it and read it!!!!!!;)
February 12, 2014
This book is putting a new fire in me. Not the best written book, and I don't even agree with a couple of points he made. But this is a book that has marked my life, hence the 5 stars.
January 4, 2016
Awesome book!
Read
December 4, 2017Pray the kind of prayers Jesus would Pray
July 9, 2025
This book was not quite what I expected. But to be fair, that's par for the course with anything Ellerslie/Ludy-related.
If you're looking for a book that teaches you how/what to pray, you'll get that...kinda. But not in the manner you're probably looking for.
While prayer is the overall focus, the majority of the book is meant to shape you into a person who is all the more intimate with King Jesus, so your response/expression will be radically different when you do pray. Probably not the angle most folks consider when picking a book on prayer, but it provides a unique and powerful backdrop as it presents its concepts.
Each chapter is in two parts: Eric writes the first half, lifting epic themes, examples and principles from Biblical narrative, crafting an epic vision meant to move you; while Leslie ends each chapter giving more practical hands-on ways to cultivate your prayer life. Even if you're not necessarily wanting a book on prayer specifically, this is a good read for any Christ follower regardless.
It's not my absolute most favorite book on prayer of all time (that would be E.M. Bounds' "Power Through Prayer") - but it is still a great read, chocked full of Biblical examples & narrative, practical principles, and you're sure to be stirred, convicted and encouraged.
If you're looking for a book that teaches you how/what to pray, you'll get that...kinda. But not in the manner you're probably looking for.
While prayer is the overall focus, the majority of the book is meant to shape you into a person who is all the more intimate with King Jesus, so your response/expression will be radically different when you do pray. Probably not the angle most folks consider when picking a book on prayer, but it provides a unique and powerful backdrop as it presents its concepts.
Each chapter is in two parts: Eric writes the first half, lifting epic themes, examples and principles from Biblical narrative, crafting an epic vision meant to move you; while Leslie ends each chapter giving more practical hands-on ways to cultivate your prayer life. Even if you're not necessarily wanting a book on prayer specifically, this is a good read for any Christ follower regardless.
It's not my absolute most favorite book on prayer of all time (that would be E.M. Bounds' "Power Through Prayer") - but it is still a great read, chocked full of Biblical examples & narrative, practical principles, and you're sure to be stirred, convicted and encouraged.
August 24, 2021
I come back to this quote on self-pity over and over and over again:
“Self-pity has destroyed more men and women then maybe any other vice. Self-pity appears smallish, weak, and almost cute. It appears to be some harmless luxury of the human soul in hard times - but for all its seeming neutrality, self-pity has proven the conqueror of kings, princes, prophets, and mighty men throughout the ages. Self-pity is no small force. In fact [Christians] have long chronicled the vice of self-pity as more dangerous than the powers of lust to allure and of greed to pollute - for self-pity is the little varmint that prepares the way for the other chief rebels of the soul. Self-pity sounds so benign, and that’s why [Christians] call it precisely what it is - self-worship and self-preoccupation…It’s the doorway into the dungeon of Lucifer - it’s the undercover spy of the evil regime sent to turn the soul of man from God-worship to man-worship. Self-pity is not a thing to trifle with. To be hospitable to its charms is like experimenting with poison drops in your tea.”
“Self-pity has destroyed more men and women then maybe any other vice. Self-pity appears smallish, weak, and almost cute. It appears to be some harmless luxury of the human soul in hard times - but for all its seeming neutrality, self-pity has proven the conqueror of kings, princes, prophets, and mighty men throughout the ages. Self-pity is no small force. In fact [Christians] have long chronicled the vice of self-pity as more dangerous than the powers of lust to allure and of greed to pollute - for self-pity is the little varmint that prepares the way for the other chief rebels of the soul. Self-pity sounds so benign, and that’s why [Christians] call it precisely what it is - self-worship and self-preoccupation…It’s the doorway into the dungeon of Lucifer - it’s the undercover spy of the evil regime sent to turn the soul of man from God-worship to man-worship. Self-pity is not a thing to trifle with. To be hospitable to its charms is like experimenting with poison drops in your tea.”
February 7, 2021
A friend recommended I read this book but after a few chapters, I gave up reading Eric's chapters and just read Leslie's. I thought her chapters had great applications and were well written; whereas, his chapters sounded far to charismatic. The style he wrote and words he used were far to happy-go-lucky for the type of book. Here is one of the paragraphs that turned me off.
"There is nothing quite like the swagger of the freshly annointed. It's divine adrenaline pumping through the soul. It's pure and unwavering confidence that smirks at all opposition and whispers under the breath, 'Nothing can intimidate me!' This swagger makes a man or woman unstoppable, unquenchable and impervious to fear."
I mean a "Godly swagger"? Come on.
Overall, there were some really good applications and if you are able to get past his chapters, I would recommend giving it a read as it will challenge your prayer life.
"There is nothing quite like the swagger of the freshly annointed. It's divine adrenaline pumping through the soul. It's pure and unwavering confidence that smirks at all opposition and whispers under the breath, 'Nothing can intimidate me!' This swagger makes a man or woman unstoppable, unquenchable and impervious to fear."
I mean a "Godly swagger"? Come on.
Overall, there were some really good applications and if you are able to get past his chapters, I would recommend giving it a read as it will challenge your prayer life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews