City on Our Knees

by TobyMac

Bestselling recording artist TobyMac has a passion for inspiring believers to step out and take action for their faith. Through compelling stories and Scripture, City on Our Knees will illustrate how Christians past and present have set aside differences, come together in unity, and stepped forward in action and prayer. Readers will be encouraged and inspired to do the same, summoning the commitment, courage, and devotion to bring a city to its knees.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Religion, Spirituality, Prayer, Christianity

223 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2010

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the style of Jesus Freaks, Christian singer TobyMac tells stories of people who made big differences in the world around them...and then challenges us to do the same. A must read for everyone who considers Jesus their Savior.

(Just be warned: There are some adult themes in this book!)

[E.G. Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not life-changing, but definitely worth the read!
My only qualms with this book were the slightly odd formatting (not a problem, just a difference in preferences) and slight repetitiveness in some of the stories. Other than that, I really enjoyed this book! The stories of Christians stepping up and doing their part to spread God's love, no matter how difficult their circumstances, were very inspiring. As someone who enjoys reading about others' journeys, it was a quick read and I finished it feeling motivated.

[Rampion · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 - 2.75

I really wanted to like this book, considering I listen to TobyMac almost daily. But there was one thing I didn't like (well, I guess it's technically two things, but they go hand in hand), the stories got kind of repetitive and boring. I still liked it, but not enough to change the stars on this. I truly wish I liked it better, but I didn't. I liked it better towards the end, but the middle was the worst for being repetitive and boring. It could've been a lot better if the repetitive stories (except for one) were replaced with completely different stories. If he had done that, this would most likely be rated at 4 stars right now. If got to be so boring that I had to read it at snail pace, or I would stop paying attention. My eyes would've just been moving across the page while I would just be off in my thoughts. It ended up taking me from about May 15th to July 10th to read it. That's almost two months, which is more than I usually spend on a book. I did really like some parts though, so it's a shame the rest of the book ruined the rating for me.

[Jacquline · Rating 3 out of 5]

To start off, I really did enjoy this book, but I had my issues with it. Let’s work with the positive first. Mac used a lot of great inspirational stories about Christianity, showing that we all have our share of difficulties, some more than others, but God uses our weaknesses as a way to show His strength. The stories were beautiful, and some of them brought tears to my eyes, especially the one with the little girl and her lemonade stand. That touched my heart in many ways, and I’m sad to say that I never heard of it until now. It will make me think twice about not stopping at a lemonade stand. It’s so sweet and precious. Mac not only uses modern day stories, he also uses stories that helped the spread of Christianity. These preachers did not have the technology or the advancements that we have today to spread the Word. Instead, they walked or traveled by horseback to make sure that the Word of God was known in every town. They devoted their whole lives to doing this, and it’s something so admirable, never giving up, even when times were tough. I also liked Mac’s writing as well. The lyrics to his song are beautiful, but so are his messages in his blog that he inserted in the book. Also, the wonderful quotes that he included in each section are much appreciated. The one thing that I did not like about the book was how nothing was in order. The book was not broken up in anything specific. They were just separate parts, so in this case, it would have been much easier if the stories were in chronological order because he refers back to many of the older ones of who knew who. It was really difficult to keep track of it all. Also, I wish there were more modern stories. I felt like two-thirds of the stories took place hundreds of years ago, and I’m not opposed to those being the book; I just feel that there are many modern day stories that help everyone relate to them easier than the fathers who spread the word. The modern day stories would be more inspirational to the readers today. Mac did a great job though in inspiring readers to do something and bring about positive change, despite how difficult it may be.

[Sela · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I received this book, City On Our Knees, for review, honestly I was skeptical. Mostly because I generally don't like "this type of book". I thought it was going to be disjointed and not applicable to my life. All of these things were proven wrong and I'm very glad I read this book!
I have enjoyed TobyMac's music since the days of DC Talk. This book gave me an insight into why he writes music and a glimpse into who he is. Besides just the introduction, there is a page written by him at the beginning of every section.
The book is a collection of stories, both contemporary and historical, that illustrate what people can do when they follow God's prompting. The stories were short, 1-3 pages, which helped with reading them whenever I could. The sections in the book are based on lines from the song of the same name, City on Our Knees, which was released last year.
After reading this book, I felt like I needed to get out there and DO something! So, this Thanksgiving, instead of eating a huge feast, my family and I will be serving at a soup kitchen. (We'll still do the feast, just a different day.)
I give this book five stars. Excellent read, to the point, engaging, and thought-provoking.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishing as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect when this book first arrived for me to review. I had never heard of TobyMac before, I think he is popular among the younger audience, but I soon realized that each section in this book is named after a song that he released sometime earlier this year.



Each section consists of short stories, of how God has used people to change the world, some of the stories I had heard before and some were new to me. You will also find prayers and scriptures peppered through out this book that will further inspire and uplift you. Each section ends with a one minute remix and also a call to action prayer.



This books resounding message is "If we gotta start sometime, why not start now."If only we are willing to step out of our comfort zone and unite that we can make a difference and change the world.



In the right hands this book could be life changing, I think it would be great especially for youth pastors, I think it would be useful in reaching the younger audience, with its hip look and the fact that TobyMac is someone that teens listen to. Overall I think anyone would enjoy reading these inspirational stories!

Even though I was provided a copy of this book for review by Bethany House it in no way alters my opinion of this book.

[Cameron]

"City On Our Knees" is a devotional book. The book has examples of evangelism and just great acts of kindness. Their are many stories that the reader might be able to relate to or draw ideas from to use themselves. The book challenges the reader to take action for God.

The book was great it I felt that it challenged me spiritually to be more active. My parents try to have me read a lot of devotional books but I have only liked 2 and "City On Our Knees" is one of them. The book encourages the reader to make a difference in the world. The book asks that we treat everyone the same no matter who they are and be a good Samaritan.

I highly recommend "City On Our Knees". The book is well written and understandable. It is the kind of devotional book that encourages you to look at yourself and make a change for the better, unlike other devotions that seem to preach to you what they think you should do. I believe that most people who read the devotion will change in all aspects of life and love the change they have experienced.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like another blogger said, this book makes me feel that God is talking to me... and I had better start listening. This is the third book in recent months that has touched my heart. This book is an incredibly powerful, thought-provoking, motivating read. TobyMac shares so many incredible stories about ordinary people doing extraordinary things and shares scripture relating to each different story. The underlying theme of the book is about UNITY. When people work together in service to God and others, great and astounding things can happen, as is evidenced in this book and the many stories shared. This book has already pushed me to action as I've been inspired to do my part to change the world, one person at a time. I highly recommend this book. 5 stars!!

[Davian Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

When i first got this book i thought that it was going to be one of those average Christian books which looked interesting but turned out to be somewhat boring. But that was not the case with this book. I picked it up and the stories in there were just so compelling and heart felt that i simply couldnt just put it down and forget about it. I read this book every night until i finished it and i could sense a change in myself. I would definitely recommend this book to all of my friends and to my friends friends. It is a perfect book for the new believer and for the one who is still trying to find their way.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of inspiring stories, City On Our Knees is a book that makes you want to make an impact on this world (or at least that's how I felt). These stories prove that it's not impossible to make a positive impact, and you don't have to have any money to make these changes. You just have to be willing to start somewhere (not to borrow lines from the song), and see it through even when the odds are stacked against you. I have to admit that many of the stories actually moved me to tears, and all of them have left me thinking about how I can make a difference in this world.

[Lindsay Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of stories of people standing in the gap for others offering prayer and changing communities, towns, cities, states, and even in some cases, whole countries for Christ. These stories offer encouragement and a call to action for all believers. Not only does this book motivate me to find ways to better serve my community for Christ, but it also calls me to be more faithful in my prayer life. To be willing to stand in the gap for others by lifting them up in prayer. Mighty things can happen when we fall on our knees in prayer to a Mighty God.

[Sanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

City On Our Knees compiles stories of God's work in and through believers' lives, with a thoughtful encouragement around each section. The stories of people who prayed faithfully and saw God's miraculous work in churches, towns, and a dangerous prison deeply impacted me and reminded me of what God wants to do with people who will listen and cooperate.

[Hilarry · Rating 4 out of 5]

May we strive to be that City on Our Knees

Another great book by Tobymac. He weaves history and religion in one. A great book to help remind us how God unites us and he is working through people and using their stories. Love the history involved in the stories that one does not hear often. God uses people and moves mountains.

[Mikayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't actually finish this book, not because it was bad, but because it just wasn't my style. It's made up of two-three page story's of peoples lives, and I hate changing tracks that much. It was well written, but not my cup of tea.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provides brief synopses of people who stepped out of their comfort zones to be used by God to share the love of Christ with hurting people. I had heard about some of these people; others were new to me. I enjoyed the stories, but they left me wanting to know more.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was all over the place, retelling many short stories of faith,prayer,love, hope which thematically fit the song the book is based around, but made it hard to keep focused on what the actual topic was.

[Tawnya Kowitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouraging Stories of Hope

There are very sad stories. However, they become encouraging stories of hope. I certainly recommend this book! I wanted to read the whole book in one sitting.

[Bill Mcgrath · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love TobyMac. Nice encouraging read. Just like his music and concerts more.

[Natasha Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was not what I was expecting going into it but it was really good

[DianaJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's OK. Wouldn't run right out and buy it.

[Ceste Stanly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspiring. Loved the mix of modern & older stories. Loved esp the stories about the power of prayer

[Chris Stavana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book by tobymac on christians making a difference in our world. Very old book though

[Dorothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspiring! A great reminder to never stop praying!

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been a TobyMac fan ever since the DC Talk days. I enjoy his music and admire him as a person also. So, I was glad to review his new book, City on Our Knees.

The book is named after his recent hit single, City On Our Knees. The city, of course, represents Augustine's "City of God", which he wrote about in his famous work by the same name. In response to the criticism that Christianity had been the cause of Rome's collapse, Augustine argued that immorality and corruption led to Rome's demise. He explained this using two metaphorical cities, the city of man and the city of God. All the world is defined, in essence, by the laws and culture of these two cities. He wrote, "These two cities were made by two loves: the earthly city by the love of self unto the contempt of God, and the heavenly city by the love of God unto the contempt of self." Both the City on Our Knees book and song are based on Augustine's metaphor.

The book is divided into four sections, each corresponding to a lyric from the song. Each one opens with a two-page spread of inspiring quotes and another with TobyMac's introduction and thoughts. Within each section are inspiring stories of people coming together, crossing all lines and boundaries, for the united purpose of establishing God's goodness on the earth for all humanity. These stories span history from ancient times to current, covering a wide range of well known historical figures and ordinary, everyday people. From a little girl and her lemonade stand to St. Patrick, John Wesley, and Charles Spurgeon; from the Church Under the Bridge in Waco and relief workers in Haiti to William Wilberforce, the stories TobyMac has picked encourage and inspire. His heart and passion really come through as he tells each one. At the end of each section is the "One-Minute Remix", which is basically a summary of that section, followed by a prayer.

The flashy colors and catchy layout will especially appeal to teens and young adults, but this is great reading material for all. If you read and enjoyed Jesus Freaks by DC Talk you'll enjoy this one also. Reading aloud through these stories and discussing them would be a great idea for youth leaders or parents. I plan to read through the book with my kids in the near future. My one minor complaint is that the slick, shiny dust-jacket, although really cool looking, was super annoying. I took it off and haven't put it back on.

All in all, this was a quick, inspiring read that I'd recommend to anyone, though I think it will be particularly useful and motivating with high school and college age young adults.

Thanks so much to Bethany House for sending me a review copy!

Read more: http://homewithpurpose.blogspot.com/#...
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution

[Haileywachter · Rating 5 out of 5]

TobyMac is a Christian artist who is constantly challenging people to step across the line causing barriers in the process of change. He writes in this book about how many people have stepped across their line and made a huge difference not only their own lives, but that of those around them. One of these individuals is Alexandra Scott. Before she turned one, Alex was diagnosed with a cancer known as neuroblastoma and left paralyzed from the surgeries that came along with it. Even with all of her barriers, at the age of six, Alex came up with the idea of setting up lemonade stands to raise money for childhood cancer. That idea has raised over 1.4 million dollars now. Other people like Jeannine Brabon stepped across the line of fear. Jeannine, was asked to speak at the incredibly dangerous Bellavista prison, aka “the jaws of hell.” She noticed a change in the people she spoke to and eventually a chain reaction occured. Soon, many convicts were getting baptized and the jail violence dramatically decreased.

Anyone who wants to make a difference in their community should definitely read this book. People who have made some of the biggest changes we know of had so many barriers to break through in order to be where they are. Many of us see something in the way change and then assume that it is now impossible. If a six year old can raise 1.4 million dollars, nothing is impossible. This book proves that there is no excuse to not putting an idea to work. After reading it, the reader feels motivated to go out and do something about the bad in this world and feel invincible while doing it

Over the summer I am going on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic to build a church and Christian school as well as to help with community restoration; this book helped me feel even more confident about what I am doing. I loved the way the book was comprised of shorter stories so that way I didn’t get bored as I usually do when I am reading. By reading this book, I feel like I can tackle any challenge because so many people have done that for extremely rough tasks. I get frustrated when my phone stops working for a second, meanwhile someone out there is using their time to improve the life of those around them, thinking about themselves after everyone else.

[Trinity Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of stories, prayers, profiles and insights serves as a call to action for God’s people to become active citizens making a difference in their communities and their world. Inspired by the song by Toby Mac “City On Our Knees.”
This book helps motivate people to act. Each part in this book is named after a line from TobyMac’s song CITY ON OUR KNEES. It has a assortment of stories about well known people in the church such as St. Patrick, Charles Spurgeon; also a story of a terminally ill 4-year-old girl who starts a lemonade stand to fight cancer, a 12-year-old boy that turns loose change into weapons against modern-day slavery. Many stories that tell how those that really make a difference in life really pray and care. You can’t sit back and do nothing.
City On Our Knees also has Bible verses and quotes from people to reflect as well as a Blog by TobyMac. The chapter ends with a one-minute remix and a prayer, very inspiring.
There are four different chapters in this book which contain stories that fit the following titles:

1. Step across the line
2. Out of the comfort zone... and into the light
3. We are family
4. Hope is just a prayer away

I recommend this book very much. It is full of stories that are true and tells us that if you keep going and pray and stay close to the Lord, great things will happen.

Thank you to Bethany House for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a collection of stories. But not just any stories, and not just feel-good stories. These stories are examples of what happens when people (1) step across the line separating themselves from others (2) get out of their comfort zones (3) embrace those across from them as family, and (4) allow hope from God to rise up through them.

These are concepts that make up the TobyMac song "City on Our Knees", and that's what makes up the goal of this book. It's not just a book to read and think, "Wow, those people really did some special." It's not just inspiration; it's motivation. How can we read these stories, this book about stepping out of the life we've been accustomed to and embracing a life of caring about those who seem to be outside our own little world without wanting to be part of that? But the great thing about it is that we can indeed be part of that, and in fact we are called to be part of that. Each section includes a prayer for readers to start praying and believing to take their first steps outside our own little worlds.

I like that this book is full of people from all different walks of life reaching out to those beyond them, to show that it's not just one type of people who have the ability to reach out. The book as a whole is also a great reminder when you're trying to step beyond your comfort zone -- this is what it's all about, and you're not alone in your efforts to expand the family of God.
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I received this book free from Bethany House Book Reviewers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Amber French · Rating 5 out of 5]

“All the beautiful sentiments in the world weigh less than a single lovely action.” – James Russell Lowell

Throughout “City on Our Knees” are quotes and this one I believe sums up the point Toby is trying to make. He talks about his desire to see all of us truly come together and be united. He talks about how anyone, no matter age or color, can make a difference. He makes this point over and over by sharing story after story of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. The first story is of a little girl named Alex who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma before she was a year old. When she was four she had the idea to have a lemonade stand with the profits going to find a cure for her cancer as well as others. She passed away in 2004 but not before seeing Alex’s Lemonade Stands (the organization started by her parents) raise over $1.4 million. Stories like this both break your heart but also show that we are all capable of making a difference.

I really enjoyed this book. It encouraged my faith while giving me that push to do more for God. To reach out to those who are hurting and not do enough to merely “get by.” One line from the book stood out to me: “Faith is at its best when it’s on the move, leading people to places they never thought they’d go, and changing lives for the better. The next time you’re given a chance to follow your faith, wherever it may take you, will you choose to move?”

[Christy Trever · Rating 4 out of 5]

City on Our Knees by TobyMac is a inspiring read for anyone wondering how they can make a difference in the world. TobyMac is well known within the Christian community for his years in the back dc Talk and more recently his time as a solo performer. His recent CD and song, with the same name as the book, inspired him to put together this book filled with anecdotes and quotes about stepping up and making your life matter. The stories range from centuries old tales of revival and the power of prayer to recent stories of children starting charities or miracle rescues. The chapters are titled by lines from the song with stories relating to that theme in each. TobyMac also heads each chapter with a "blog" giving the reader an taste of the ideas within. I loved the many quotes from Scripture and famous theologians that give depth to the chapters and spent much of my time reading with my journal nearby so I could jot many of them down. The book is truly inspiring and gave me an answer to a question I had asked the Lord. Who knows how it will touch you?

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspired by TobyMac’s hit song by the same name, this is a quick, easy read. But it’s inspiring. Reading these stories of how God helped people come together to help others is just amazing. It’s a reminder of just how awesome God is. Stories come from as recently as the earthquake in Haiti earlier this year to as long ago as the days of the Roman Empire. While some include people I had heard of, many had not. One of my favorite stories is the one about the man who became known as St. Patrick.

Interspersed throughout the book are various quotes. From Bible passages (in varying versions: NLT, KLV, NIV, etc.) and quotes from various people of notes to lyrics from the song by the same name, there is a plethora of quotes. Very good quotes, I must add.