Prayer

Prayer is an important part of the Christian faith. I offered a challenge at the beginning of the year to make 2012 a 'Year of Prayer' where we deepen our prayer life and experiment with new ways of praying. After my sermon on 5th February about prayer some people have asked about books on prayer. Below are a few recommendations from the hundreds of books available.

Books on Prayer

'How to Pray: A practical handbook' by John Pritchard (SPCK)
For those starting out in prayer and those who want to deepen or refresh their prayer life. An excellent book with lots of practical suggestions for different styles and traditions of prayer.

'Too Busy Not to Pray: Slowing down to be with God' by Bill Hybels (IVP)
For those who know more about prayer than they have time to put into practise. Recognising the importance of prayer and making time for it.

'Prayer: Does it make any Difference?' by Philip Yancey (Hodder)
Not afraid to ask the big questions and share from his own experience Yancy writes honestly and thinks deeply.

'God on Mute: Engaging the Silence of Unanswered Prayer' by Pete Greig (Survivor)
The fonder of the 24/7 prayer movement writes honestly about unanswered prayer with reference to his wife's suffering.

'Personality & Prayer: finding the prayer style that suits you' by Ruth Fowke (CWR)
Linked to the Myers-Briggs personality types a great resource for exploring prayer in a way that suits you, recognising that one size does not fit all.

Bible Study Guides on Prayer

'The Lord's Prayer' by Douglas Connelly. Lifebuilder Bible Study (Scripture Union)
8 sessions working through the Lord's prayer in stages and using other passages of scripture to help you go deeper into Jesus' teaching.

'Great Prayers of the Bible: Applying then to our lives today' by Jennifer Oldroyd. Cover to Cover Bible Study (CWR)
7 sessions looking at the prayers of different characters in the Bible.