Straight Answers to 21 honest questions about prayer book review (Bethany House)

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I read Straight Answers to 21 Honest Questions about Prayer by Charles Simpson, in exchange for honest review from Bethany House. I received a paperback version of the book.

I wanted to review the book because I struggle with my prayer life. I want to pray for the right things, using the right words, at the right time, without being redundant. and never ask me to pray out loud.

The book starting out asking What is prayer? The author talked about how his parents were Faith Missionaries, which meant they had no "visible means of support". The first passage, I highlighted discussed The Rewarder on Page 17.  "Hebrews 11:6 tells us that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. There are three important words in that phrase: seek, diligently, and reward." Next, the chapter talks about people, who think they have a perfect comprehension of prayer. Prayer requires humility versus self-exaltation.

In the next chapter, the author talks about maturity and prayer. Simpson said how kids may pray for things desired, while adults need to reflect on "who he (God) is and what (God) wants." Simpson also says we need to acknowledge God and his presence.

Simpson provided a story about someone, who came to a prayer session unexpectedly. The stranger started praying as if he was "preaching to Jesus". The prayer was lengthy; and he "seemed to be informing God...of his religious knowledge". God was not in the prayer.

I am one of those folks, who get bored during lengthier prayer. My mind starts to wonder. I used to go to a baptist church in Atlanta. The deacons would pray each Sunday, each taking turns. Some deacons had short prayer and some had longer prayer. Who are they praying for and to? Are they praying to God? Are they praying to be heard? Are they praying for attention? Some was even redundant.

Other things I liked in the book:

• Pray about everything. It helps you develop a relationship with God. 
• The power of forgiveness
• Page 60: How does God want me to pray? (Gratitude, Praise, Worship)
• Hearing God when you pray. 

I loved the book. Each chapter also ends in discussion questions for thought and reflection. The book is available in paperback and kindle form. The book is also prime-eligible.

Powerful prayers of gratitude

I read powerful prayers of gratitude, in exchange for an honest review. The book was written by Glenn Langohr and published by Sanctified Publishing. The book was gifted to me by the author. I responded to a BookBlogs post, with the author looking for reviews. 

The book starts out well: in prayer. What better way than to start out a prayer book with prayer?

The power of prayer changes things dramatically. We need prayer. We need to be humble in prayer. We need a submissive attitude, instead of an attitude of superiority. Glenn also discussed how we always do not know what to pray for. Yesterday in Church, the pastor said to pray, but I was not sure what to pray for specifically. I know what I need and want, but I want to make sure I am praying for the right things with the right words. I definitely don't want to use the wrong words and get the wrong thing.The Holy Spirit prays for us when we don't know the words to use. We also can seek the bible for understanding. All we have to do is try and the Lord will do the rest---was a great statement in the book. We need to put forth the effort and allow God to be God. God understands our thoughts. He knows what we are going through. Our prayers may not always be perfect, but God can guide us in the right direction. 

The book is a good read. It is easy to read. The material is presented with short, easy to read passages, versus long, lengthy passages. Glenn teaches us about the power of prayer. Prayer can heal. Prayer can strengthen our relationship with God. Prayer can be anytime, anywhere, any position (on your knees, prayer closet, driving in your car, standing up, etc etc etc). Developing a stronger prayer life helps us develop a stronger relationship with the Father. 

The book also presents prayers for certain topics like Forgiveness, Grace, Strength, Patience, Protection, and Hope. The topics also have biblical verses for reference.