Prayer That Works

by Jill Briscoe

Through studying the lives of Elijah and Elisha (1 Kings 17-19 and parts of 2 Kings), readers will be challenged to pray bold prayers rather than settle for meek prayers not offered in deep faith. Readers will learn to cultivate their prayer lives, surrender to God's timing, and plan and persist when prayers seem to go unanswered.

Genres: Christian, Prayer, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Christianity, Faith

208 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2000

About the author

Jill Briscoe has an active speaking and writing ministry that has taken her to many countries. She has written more than 40 books, including study guides, devotional material, poetry, and children's books.

Jill is executive editor of Just Between Us , a magazine of encouragement for ministry wives and women in leadership. She serves on the board of World Relief and Christianity Today, Inc.

A native of Liverpool, England, Jill launched into youth evangelism after becoming a Christian at age 18. She married her husband, Stuart, in 1958, and since then they have ministered together through Telling the Truth media ministries at conferences and mission organizations around the world. They reside in suburban Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Stuart completed 30 years of ministry as senior pastor of Elmbrook Church. Both Stuart and Jill now serve Elmbrook as ministers-at-large. They have 3 children, David, Judy, and Peter, and enjoy the blessing of 13 grandchildren.

Jill and Stuart call suburban Milwaukee, Wisconsin their home. When they are not traveling, they spend time with their three children, David, Judy and Peter, and thirteen grandchildren.

Reviews

[Holly Good · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I would certainly recommend this book, with solid steps for prayer and some good theology and scriptural connections and deep thinking, I’d caution to recommend it to a new believer. Jill occasionally writes in a way that promotes the idea that “if you do this thing, then God will do that thing.” Which isn’t true, and I’d be concerned that a newer believer would believe this. God does what it in God’s plan, even if you do x thing!

[Jem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prayer for most people seems undoubtedly simple and to some ineffective. However Jill Briscoe encourages us to believe that this is further from the truth! She encourages and implores us to charge on, in faith through prayer. Going through the history of Elijah & Elisha in 1 Kings. Jill leads us to practical & spiritual insights that allow us to use our GIFT of prayer in building up our life of faith in Jesus!

'Prayer is the place you go to fix your gaze. Then, having seen the face of God, do not grow weary and lose heart." -Jill Briscoe, pg. 192, Prayer the Works.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first heard Jill Briscoe on IF:Gathering livestream a couple of years ago. I was inspired by her honest and practical approach to scripture. As a result, I purchased this book on prayer. To me, this is one of the best books on prayer I have ever read. So rich in wisdom and practical! It is evident that she spends time with the Lord and His Word.

[Kathryn McClatchy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always learn from Jill Brisco, and this book was the insight and encouragement I needed in this season of my life.

If you are wondering if prayer works, or how it works, this is a brilliant resource. Studying the lives of Elijah and Elisha provide the basis and example for how we are to live lives of faithful prayer.

I am sure I will be re-reading it again.

[JennanneJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Early on, I almost gave up on this book, finding it overly simplistic and rather useless after reading many classics on prayer. I'm glad I stuck with it, because there was some real meat in the middle. Unfortunately, by the end, it got a bit cheesy again. But still worth reading.

[Petra Fordham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met Jill Briscoe at a conference and really enjoyed her talk, so I knew her books would be good as well . Written honestly and down to earth makes this book easy to understand. Her poetry throughout the book is an added bonus. This is a book that should be re-read. Thank you.

[Eleanor Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really helpful and well written book that helped me grow in both head and heart understanding. The prophet Elijah became real to me as we travelled through his life journey. I highly recommend this faith building book.

[Nicole Burch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome book! As you read it feels as if Jill is talking to you. She shares from the Bible as well as life experience about your ministry and prayer life!

[Clara Roberts · Rating 2 out of 5]

This well written book would be great for new believers but lacked meat for those who have been a Christ follower for any time.

[Manatee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book motivates me to pray with fervency and regularity because of the picture of God she portrays in the book.

[Cathy Endebrock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jill engages women easily. She pulls excellent proof texts straight from God's Word. PTW is encouraging and well-worth the time.

[Darla Ebert · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author has a unique arrangement that is not to my taste exactly. Her questions at the end of the chapters too broad and too personal though I appreciate the heart behind them.

[Danielle Maccabee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of hearing Mrs Briscoe speak in March. She was so inspiring that I was excited to buy one of her books. The longer I love the more I am convinced that prayer is the answer. This is a practical book filled with Jill's experiences as well as Biblical examples of prayer. It also includes poetry at the end of each chapter.

[Nick Kretschmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good. It read quickly. It didn't change my life, but that's a tough expectation.