Prison to Praise

by Merlin R. Carothers

Merlin R. Carothers is well-known throughout the Christian community. His books have sold over 19 million copies. His unique concept of “praise in all things” brings results that can only be termed miraculous.

Merlin may be the only author to have served as a combat paratrooper in World War II, as a guard of General Dwight D. Eisenhower, and later as a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army Chaplaincy in Korea, the Dominican Republic conflict, and in Vietnam.

During these conflicts Merlin Carothers leaned amazing things that changed his life. Many people who have read this book have come to enjoy a happiness they never expected to experience. Christians have been overwhelmed to learn that they can live in peace as they discover the secrets of a life of praise.

Genres: Christian, Biography, Nonfiction, Religion, Christian Living, Faith, Christianity

106 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1970

About the author

Merlin Carothers is an author of several bestsellers on the subject of praising God. His books are translated into 53 languages, and there have been over 17 million copies printed. During World War II, he served as a parachutist, pilot, demolition expert, lieutenant colonel, and a personal guard of Eisenhower. Later he returned to the army as a chaplain. Since then he has become an evangelist and preacher, and shares eveyrthing that he has learned with millions in the US and around the world through Foundation of Praise, his ministry.

A primary goal of the Foundation of Praise has been to keep operating costs to an absolute minimum. While many organizations pay thousands of dollars to their presidents, this is not so with the Foundation of Praise. Merlin and his wife, Mary, receive no salary at all. They have resisted all tendencies to become a “large organization” with many employees and magnificent buildings. Since 17 million of Merlin’s books have been distributed, they could have grown in size rather than in ministry, but they have chosen to reach needy people to tell them about our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

The work of the Foundation was conducted in the garage of Merlin and Mary’s home in Escondido, California until a new church was completed in 1972. In 1976, another church was established in Escondido, and again the Foundation of Praise worked within the church. By 1980, requests for free books for prisoners, military personnel and patients had skyrocketed. Letters asking for spiritual help and prayer flooded the mail room. The Foundation moved to larger offices and attempted to keep up with the increasing number of letters and requests.

Books were stored in warehouses scattered throughout Escondido. This proved to be a disastrous temporary solution. Not only was it difficult to keep an accurate inventory, but the facilities baked in the heat and leaked water when it rained! Some books were ruined. Then in 1984, a marvelous thing happened. The Foundation was able to build a new building! It was designed so that all the work would be accomplished as quickly and economically as possible. Daily, vehicles back up to their warehouse and load books going to all parts of the United States, and throughout the world.

Reviews

[Robin Hatcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

God used this book to help bring me to faith. It will always hold a special place in my heart because of that.

[Guna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a life-changing book for me. It is small, but with a powerful message. Carothers believes that we petition God too much, and what we need to do is praise Him for everything that comes our way, seemingly bad or not. Even the 'bad' stuff can teach us important things about ourselves and how we need to relate to God.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really taught me to give thanks for all things not just the good things.

[Kylin Swearingen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book inspired me to praise God in every circumstance. The story kept me interested throughout. It gave me hope. I definitely recommend for new and old Christians alike.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very encouraging book and helped me to look at life’s trials from a new point of view.

[Chris Waterford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short book with a powerful message that changed my life when I first read it 40 years ago and still has an impact now. One of those rare books that once you read it, has the ability to immediately change the way you see things so powerfully that it sticks with you for the rest of your life. Amazing.
10/10

[Michael Joseph · Rating 1 out of 5]

Heavy charismatic and pentacostal elements, with a prosperity gospel smell to the whole thing.

I don't recommend this book to anyone. I will be throwing my copy in the trash.

[Patrick Trammell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book. Quick and easy to read and written with raw conviction. Filled with gripping testimony of the work of the Lord in the lives of many through Merlin’s ministry. A great reminder of the power of the Lord and the freedom that comes through praising Him through our circumstances.

[Gerri Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever had the dream/nightmare that you signed up for a class you didn't know about, never studied for, and maybe don't even know where the classroon is but you have to take the test? We make our plans, but other things happen--Marriages and businesses fail, childen die, hopes are dashed. We don't know what to do when we fail.

This is the first book in a series by this author, who went from being an inmate in a military prison to becoming a military chaplain.

The author learned by experience how helpful it is to thank God even when things go wrong. There are psychological reasons why it works--which you can read about other places, but the author just addresses the fact that it does work and shows how to do it.

[Alex Haugen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spiritual Renaissance

This book is and should be a pillar of every believers walk. When you choose praise over your circumstances doors to the eternal open like never before.

[Felicity Waterford · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very simple book with a very simple message yet it took me til I got almost to the end to understand it. To be thankful for everything. To live in continual joy and praise. Great advice for how we can live. 7/10

[Regina Rasmussen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Was very inspired after reading it

[Joanne Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing message that this book imparts… A short powerful true account of the authors journey to find and spread the power of praising the Lord for everything ( good and not so good) in your life. The message is simple… putting into practice a challenge I would like to take on!

[Lou Florio · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was given to me, and I promised to read it. Unfortunately, it reads like an evangelical tract - geared for brevity with quick, anonymous stories of prayer and miraculous healing as allegedly encountered by the author. There are few details behind any story in the book. The author's intention is to convince if not convert the reader, yet the approach is very simplistic and repetitive. Norman Vincent Peal is alleged to have said, "This is a most inspired account of the grace of God working in a human life." Indeed, this man's life seems to have changed for the better, and he exemplifies Peal's "power of positive thinking." Yet, I don't think his perspective reflects how God most often works in the lives of people. His approach to the Spirit's work seems problematic to me. The author said he began as a Methodist, but to be clear, his seminary and early work was already within the Wesleyan Holiness movement. Traditionally, they lean evangelical. According to one site, they "believe those who receive new life in Christ are called to be holy in character and conduct, and can only live this way by being filled with the Lord's Spirit." He flirts with other methods to encounter the Spirit more deeply including the teachings of someone suspected of being a spiritualist fraud. Although not originally of the tradition, he finally is exposed to a more charismatic form of the holiness movement and experiences what he perceives as an ever deepening conversion. Yet in his account, I never sense he's saying any more than this from p. 76, "Miracles, power and victory will all be part of what God does in your life when we learn to rejoice in all things." He strictly believes God controls all things. If he has a headache, God gave it to him for his benefit, so he should rejoice and give thanks. If he has the sniffles and prays to be cured, he is cured even if he still exhibits symptoms. If he deems something as a satanic challenge to his faith, he argues rejoice and give thanks. There is indeed something to say for "an attitude of gratitude" (as in 12 step programs) or even as Paul proclaims that we should rejoice at all times (Phil. 4:6). There's holy power at work when we rejoice and are thankful. I believe miracles do happen - even if they are ordinary things seen in an extraordinary way. Yet his approach often appears to be willful, almost magical thinking. He seems to force God into the his own strictly defined theological box. He never does much more than list a problem he or others had, they pray about it, and he reports all is immediately well. There isn't much thoughtful or deep theology here. Nor is there much inciteful scriptural application. Indeed, some of his scriptural quotes seem interpreted from the original Greek to best fit his approach to faith, not a plainer meaning. He calls for people to be happy, dancing and laughing with joy, yet he seems to forget that even Jesus wept. Grief is a God-given emotion and can be part - even a healthy part - of human experience, as long as we don't get stuck in it. People sometimes will need to watch and wait expectantly for answers and are no less blessed than those who don't. People can suffer and yet be loved by God. Based on what little is revealed in the book, it appears he leaves little room for a healthy process of grief or other emotions. I fear his view could potentially do some people emotional, mental, if not physical harm. In fact, he reports one young girl consumed a harmful chemical, but "in faith" her father slows down on his way to the hospital. She is said to recover, but it smacks to me of tempting God not cooperating with God's grace using the gifts and abilities one has. I came to think of the snake handlers in West Virginia. In God's mercy, God may have blessed that girl, the author and others, but I don't believe it was due to the magic formula he seems to present. Yes, trust God in all things. Rejoice at all times. Pray without ceasing. Look forward to a future full of hope, BUT one should expect to carry a cross as well. My advice is through it all, whatever happens, be authentic with God. Approach God humbly as you are sharing your fears, other emotions, or even lack of belief. Discern things in a healthy community of faith, and do your best. God will move you forward even if it means through death. As Jesus says, our God "causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." Times might prove hard, but Jesus will walk with you. God is always good.

[Ari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully simple and straightforward-- blessed & taught me more than any other christian book I've read in recent memory! Worthwhile for a believer at any stage in their walk <3

[Wendell D'Costa · Rating 3 out of 5]

'In everything by prayer and supplication by thanksgiving let your prayers be known to God. And the peace of God, which passes through all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ.

Prison to praise, has been described as a startling revelation of thanking God "in all things" regardless of circumstances.
This book is an account on the life and experiences of Chaplain Merlin Carothers. Carother's, who was used to living a reckless life in the army, has a life changing experience when he accompanies his grandparent's to Church. From there, his life takes a drastic turn, and he is reborn with reinvigorated faith in God.

I am very much thankful to have read this book during a very crucial time in my life. During these times of uncertainty, fear and distress, this book filled me with peace, courage and faith. My main takeaway from this book would Carother's simple message of giving thanks to God, no matter how depressing and doleful your predicament may be, there is always a way through faith in God.
This helped me appreciate all the good things in life, that I had taken for granted. Now, I am ever grateful for everything that I recieve, regardless of it's nature.
Highly recommend this book for it's message.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Many people list this as the most unusual book they have ever read. Millions say it changed their lives and introduced them to the solution to their problems. This is not a book about a prison with bars, but about a prison of circumstances-and how to be set free!

This was recommended by a friend who was convinced that it had changed her life. Well I'm afraid it didn't do the same for me! It raised more questions than it answered. I really don't understand why soldiers would ask God for trivial things and not for Him to end the war they're fighting in... I also don't really understand why we would praise God for sending us pain. I can understand praising God for giving us the strength to deal with the pain but not for the pain itself. It seemed very simplistic.

[Tri✿ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly I didn't want to read it at first, but eventually I decided to give it a try and the amazing thing was once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. It is as if this book were written to specifically encourage and guide me, personally. This book has changed my way of thinking in regards to tough times and towards difficult situations. I learned to praise God for the good, the bad and the ugly!!! Amazing book!!

[Stacy · Rating 1 out of 5]

As a Christian this book is not what I thought it would be. It's about a man who becomes a Methodist Pastor but is secretly teaching Pentacostal beliefs. The author comes off very self centered and narcissistic. It's scary some of the things he claims to tell people. Such as he doesnt care if someone leaves their husband. That another wife shouldnt care their husband cheated on them and fathered a child with their mistress. It was a cringy read but a fast read.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carothers is honest, humble and so filled with love for the Lord.

What a wonderful book to read, learn from and be encouraged by.

I was especially touched by the idea of :
1) Not needing to become a copy of God, but allowing Christ to work in and through you
2) The life-changing principle of applying Romans 8:28 to everything you do

Carothers life journey is one of the most simple yet profound testimonies I have read in this year.

[Catherine Cavanagh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book I read for the first time in the early 1980s at my paternal grandmother's house. It was good then, and it was still good when I re-read it a few months ago. Frequently we forget to thank God for the things in our lives that seem good to us and especially we forget to be thankful for times of difficulty. This book is a great reminder (and encouragement) to do both.

[Pattie Gowing · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book on the bookshelf of a vacation home we rented in Sunriver Oregon. The title intrigued me, so I started reading. I finished it in 2 days and LOVED It! It’s amazing to see how God uses Christians to bless others and advance the kingdom when we listen and obey. This book is a quick, easy read. I’ll definitely read it again.

[Amaka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has transformed my life. It provided a way of living that has unlocked unspeakable joy in my heart and life. I recommend this book to any Believer or someone who does not yet follow Jesus but wants to understand the beautiful and joy-filled life available to those who profess Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Enjoy and please let me know if you end up reading it. I am invested in you!

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing is short, direct, and straight-to-the-point. The stories about his experiences kind of drag on at times, but most are enlightening to his story of growth in faith. But the last two chapters more than make up for any deficiencies!

[Rhemaboy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book NEEDS to be in every believers library

This books will bless and challenge you, however I promise that if you do read it to the end, you will see a GOD way of living beyond issues, even deep seated ones. Your life will change.

[Christine Ottaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rather dated book now in that Merlin Carothers' testimony was from a little while ago but the truths of praising God in all circumstances is timeless.
It is a very encouraging book and one that is worth reading especially if you are struggling with life's trials and difficulties.

[Irene Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This easy read changed the dynamic of my relationship with God. Of course this is also includes my praying and the totality of how I live my life before the Creator of the Universe.

[Mark Swiderski · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very strong and powerful message

Give Praise in All circumstances, Good and Bad, what a Great message this book has! It is presented brilliantly! Thank you,Merlin

[Cyril Danthi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't even knew that I had this book in the library until an friend requested the book. That request generated interest to read this beautiful, well written book on Gods love and healing power. This book is just 150 pages but many a times it really throw surprises on the Gods power to heal the broken hearted.

The book i believe is a story of Merlin, who dreamed about being rich and using any medium and enjoy the life turning to be a chapline and helping people. As a kid, I had listened to few stories, however I never knew that these were the real stories from this book.

Some of the astonishing stories, i found really inspiring were
1. Correction in Vision after the damaged right eye
2. Saving of the army general, who had lost his legs in the fight
3. Experiencing the joy of holy spirit
4. His experience in Vietnam.

I wonder how God can help ! But i also believe that its the trust and belief that makes God help the helpless.

Recommend this book as a beautiful book where you Enjoy reading !!

[Rayann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The edition I read included both "From Prison to Praise" and "The Power in Praise."
The premise of the books is built on 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18, "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." Carothers challenges believers to praise God for EVERYTHING that comes into their lives--not only what they perceive as good but also what they perceive as evil. Carothers believes that when Christians praise God--not just in spite of the problems, but FOR the problems--that this releases the power of God to use the problem to bring good from it. He then cites numerous examples in his book to back up his conviction. Moreover, when one is praising the Lord in a bad situation, one is placing complete trust in God. One can also lean on Romans 8: 28, "God will make all things work together for the good of those who are trusting Him." Reading this book is encouraging, uplifting, and a real faith builder.