I looooove prayer…. and I love to read… one of these days I’m going to write some posts about some of the amazing things I’ve experienced as a result of prayer. For now, I want to share some books that I have both enjoyed and found helpful in learning more and practicing prayer.
I am a voracious reader and normally I’ll consume a book a week… a combination of audible/libby and actual reading. Sometimes I read fiction in all forms to free my mind from all of the constant planning, problem-solving, and task-oriented strains… Well-written fiction is like candy for me. However, I have noticed that I am more affected by the tone and content of the books than I thought. I realized that when I am in the middle of a book with an angry narrator or violent topic I internalize it and exude tension, anger, and a shorter fuse. When I read something happy I feel more relaxed and happy… the things we take in, affect us. Music, reading, friendships…
I also read a variety of non-fiction books, typically related to leadership, history, Christian topics, and even some self-help (though those arent my favorite).
After realizing that I was immersing my mind in books that weren’t serving me well in this season of life, I decided to spend 30 days reading only positive, healthy, Christian-focused books. I want to focus my mind and heart on godly topics that will help refresh my spiritual perspective, and recalibrate my internal compass towards things that are good, right, and holy (Phil 4) rather than escaping and hiding in meaningless stories.
It’s been almost 2 weeks and I have already experienced the spiritual battle between my fleshly desire to escape and the spiritual draw towards something fresh and hopeful. I have also experienced a sort of cleansing of my mental and spiritual palate which has allowed a some refreshing of my Spirit.
In this process, I have been compiling some of my favorite books topically. Here are some of my favorite books on Prayer:
How to Pray, a simple guide for normal people – Pete Greig –
one of the best all-around books on prayer – a very good overall perspective using the P.R.A.Y. model: Pausing to be still, Rejoicing in God’s presence, Asking what we need, and Yielding/saying Yes to how he moves…. if you need a book to start with – start here.
i also LOVE the Lectio 365 app started by Pete Greig and the 24-7 prayer movement. The people reading on the app help set up a reflective time. Their evening prayer has helped me many a sleepless night to relax and restore my heart and mind.
Speaking of Apps – two apps I love:
YouVersion bible app – Although I always prefer my paper bible to my phone (less temptation for distraction) this is my Bible on the go- it has all the translations available so you can switch between and compare. It has reading plans, verse of the day and lots of additional helps. it even has an audible version – however, if you are going to listen to the Bible, like I do, in the car sometimes, one of my favorite apps is the Public Reading of Scripture (PRSI). 
it has background sound effects and different voices and is really well done – it is dramatized which can help bring some of the harder Old Testament segments to life. Which leads me to the next book recommendation – praying scripture.
Praying the Bible – Donald Whitney
This is a great book introducing how to pray through the Bible as you read, praying Gods words back to him. It was a really helpful demonstration. This is an awesome technique when you cant find the words or don’t know what to say, just read a psalm and pray those words into your circumstance.
The Circle Maker – by Mark Batterson
I love this book. It inspires me to pray both big and small prayers – its full of stories of how God moved. It is about being bold in prayer and standing firm in faith for God to answer.
Silence and Solitude – Ruth Haley Barton
This book really talks about getting to a place of peace and reflection – It reminds me that prayer is about sitting in God’s presence and letting him speak. instead of flooding the time with words.
A praying life – Paul E. Miller
This is a very practical everyday perspective on praying through daily life and challenges.
I would love more recommendations! What Books on Prayer have you read and would recommend?
