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Praying with Paul: A Call to Spiritual Reformation
God doesn't demand hectic church programs and frenetic schedules; he only wants his people to know him more intimately, says top-selling author D. A. Carson. The apostle Paul found that spiritual closeness in his own fellowship with the Father. By following Paul's example, we can do the same. This book calls believers to reject superficiality and revolutionize their lives by embracing a God-guided approach to prayer.
Previously published as A Call to Spiritual Reformation, this book has now been updated to connect more effectively with contemporary readers. A study guide, DVD, and leader's kit for the book are available through Lifeway and The Gospel Coalition.
232 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1992
610 people are currently reading
3,489 people want to read
About the author
D.A. Carson
335books717followersDonald A. Carson is research professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. He has been at Trinity since 1978. Carson came to Trinity from the faculty of Northwest Baptist Theological Seminary in Vancouver, British Columbia, where he also served for two years as academic dean. He has served as assistant pastor and pastor and has done itinerant ministry in Canada and the United Kingdom. Carson received the Bachelor of Science in chemistry from McGill University, the Master of Divinity from Central Baptist Seminary in Toronto, and the Doctor of Philosophy in New Testament from the University of Cambridge. Carson is an active guest lecturer in academic and church settings around the world. He has written or edited about sixty books. He is a founding member and currently president of The Gospel Coalition. Carson and his wife, Joy, reside in Libertyville, Illinois. They have two adult children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 316 reviews
June 13, 2018
2018: I had forgotten how much this book influenced my prayer life 3 years ago when I first read it.
2015: Great book on prayer.
A few of the many wonderful quotes that will always challenge me:
"We do not drift into spiritual life; we do not drift into disciplined prayer. We will not grow in prayer unless we plan to pray." (p.1)
"Our generation certainly needs to learn something more about persistence in prayer..." (p.18)
"If you are serious about reforming your prayer life, you must begin with your heart. Unconfessed sin, nurtured sin, will always be a barrier between God and those he has made in his image." (p.57)
"If you are too busy to pray, you are too busy. Cut something out." (p.94)
"Wherever we stand in the spectrum of Christian maturation, we could do better than we do, and many of us could do much better. One of the most important steps we can take is to recognize where we are." (p.104)
"[Christianity] invokes mystery now and then; it does not invoke nonsense." (p.135)
2015: Great book on prayer.
A few of the many wonderful quotes that will always challenge me:
"We do not drift into spiritual life; we do not drift into disciplined prayer. We will not grow in prayer unless we plan to pray." (p.1)
"Our generation certainly needs to learn something more about persistence in prayer..." (p.18)
"If you are serious about reforming your prayer life, you must begin with your heart. Unconfessed sin, nurtured sin, will always be a barrier between God and those he has made in his image." (p.57)
"If you are too busy to pray, you are too busy. Cut something out." (p.94)
"Wherever we stand in the spectrum of Christian maturation, we could do better than we do, and many of us could do much better. One of the most important steps we can take is to recognize where we are." (p.104)
"[Christianity] invokes mystery now and then; it does not invoke nonsense." (p.135)
April 22, 2017
When you read the title of this book, you may ask yourself, “Is this just another book on prayer?... And this one limited to the prayers of the Apostle Paul. Why should I take the time to read this book?�
Just another book on prayer? No� and yes.
First of all, it is not just another book on prayer. The author confesses on “how little� biblical material on prayer� this short book covers. As the book title reveals, the prayers of Paul are the focus, leaving out the majority of prayers preserved in God’s Word, such as those in the Psalms, those of our Lord Jesus and many others.
This is not a “how to� manual on prayer. “Prayer is not like a good recipe,� states Dr. Carson, “simply follow a set of mechanical directions and everything turns out right in the end.�
Yet, this is a book on prayer� a wonderful and insightful book on prayer.
The author opens with a very thought-provoking question: What is the most urgent need of the church today?
After looking at the various probabilities, he comes to the conclusion that the greatest need for churches today is “a deeper knowledge of God� [and] one of the fundamental steps in knowing God� is prayer.� Throughout the book the author stresses our relationship with God and that we nurture that relationship “as we pray.�
An overview of the book is presented in the opening pages:
This book is not a comprehensive theology of prayer� Here the aim is far simpler: to work through several of Paul’s prayers in such a way that we hear God speak to us today, and to find strength and direction to improve our praying, both for God’s glory and for our good.
The author gives sound and heart-searching commentary on the prayers of the Apostle Paul and encourages us to compare the topics and themes of our prayers to his.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it (as I have with many of Dr. Carson’s books) and look forward to sharing many of the author’s thoughts and insights with my congregation during the coming years.
Just another book on prayer? No� and yes.
First of all, it is not just another book on prayer. The author confesses on “how little� biblical material on prayer� this short book covers. As the book title reveals, the prayers of Paul are the focus, leaving out the majority of prayers preserved in God’s Word, such as those in the Psalms, those of our Lord Jesus and many others.
This is not a “how to� manual on prayer. “Prayer is not like a good recipe,� states Dr. Carson, “simply follow a set of mechanical directions and everything turns out right in the end.�
Yet, this is a book on prayer� a wonderful and insightful book on prayer.
The author opens with a very thought-provoking question: What is the most urgent need of the church today?
After looking at the various probabilities, he comes to the conclusion that the greatest need for churches today is “a deeper knowledge of God� [and] one of the fundamental steps in knowing God� is prayer.� Throughout the book the author stresses our relationship with God and that we nurture that relationship “as we pray.�
An overview of the book is presented in the opening pages:
This book is not a comprehensive theology of prayer� Here the aim is far simpler: to work through several of Paul’s prayers in such a way that we hear God speak to us today, and to find strength and direction to improve our praying, both for God’s glory and for our good.
The author gives sound and heart-searching commentary on the prayers of the Apostle Paul and encourages us to compare the topics and themes of our prayers to his.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it (as I have with many of Dr. Carson’s books) and look forward to sharing many of the author’s thoughts and insights with my congregation during the coming years.
January 13, 2023
Read with my nonfiction book club. Lots within these pages to discuss. One group member said it well-- while very convicting, the tone of the book encouraged you to grow in your prayer life; not discourage you with defeat. �
Definitely one to come back to in the future. I'm hoping our small group will read together or use the study guide and video lessons.
Definitely one to come back to in the future. I'm hoping our small group will read together or use the study guide and video lessons.
December 24, 2015
I have a lot of respect for D. A. Carson. He is a solid New Testament scholar who teaches at Trinity Evangelical, but he writes with a pastoral heart. It is a rare combination, believe me. His works in NT Greek, including and are excellent. His pastoral writing, including is also really good.
In Praying with Paul, Carson has written another good book. He analyzes several of the prayers of Paul and draws some nice lessons on prayer for believers today. As with most books based on a sermon series, this one is not as cohesive as it could have been. The quality does tail off a bit in the final chapters. But it is a good book, well worth reading. It is at its best where Carson is directly exegeting the Scripture. He does a great job explaining Paul's framework for prayer which is concerned with the present but keeps eternity in view. Paul consistently thanks God for things which He has done and then asks Him to do more of the same. Paul prays for people, even people he hasn't met. Paul prays regularly. These points and more are brought up in this excellent little book.
I would be remiss if I didn't say that the chapters on the sovereignty of God are long-winded and deviate from Carson's normal style. Divine sovereignty may be something of a hobby-horse that Dr. Carson likes to ride, and who cares if this is a book on prayer?
Anyway, lots to learn here. One of the best pieces of advice was to read all the prayers of Paul every day for a month! I'm 7 days in and loving it!
Here are some of my favorite quotes:
Even though he was praying in line with God’s promises, Elijah prayed for rain seven times before the first cloud appeared in the heavens. The Lord Jesus could tell parables urging persistence in prayer (Luke 11:5�13). If some generations need to learn that God is not particularly impressed by long-winded prayers, and is not more disposed to help us just because we are garrulous, our generation needs to learn that God is not impressed by the kind of brevity that is nothing other than culpable negligence. (p.33)
If we follow Paul’s example, then, we will never overlook the monumental importance of praying for others. Prayer will never descend to the level where it is nothing more than a retreat house in which we find strength for ourselves, whether through the celebration of praise or through a mystic communion with God or through the relief of casting our cares upon the Almighty. Prayer may embrace all of these elements, and more; but if we learn to pray with Paul, we will learn to pray for others. (p. 75)
He encourages Christians by thanking God for his grace in their lives. More precisely, he encourages Christians by telling them that he thanks God for his grace in their lives. Thus he has simultaneously drawn attention to the Thessalonians� spiritual growth, thereby encouraging them, and insisted that God is the one to be thanked for it, thereby humbling them (p. 87)
Doubtless Paul intercedes when there are barriers to be hurdled; the point here is that he also intercedes when there are signs of life and power and grace, for his concern is that such signs should be protected and increased. (p. 102)
The psalmist does not here encourage us to find God’s will, for he assumes it is already known. Rather, he is concerned with performance of that will. When he says “Teach me,� he does not say, “Teach me your will,� but “Teach me to do your will.� (p. 103)
Christians grow in the knowledge of God. Paul is never satisfied with the mere status quo: Christians are organisms that grow, not machines that simply perform a designated function for which they were designed (p. 109)
It matters little whether you are the mother of active children who drain away your energy, an important executive in a major multinational corporation, a graduate student cramming for impending comprehensives, a plumber working overtime to put your children through college, or a pastor of a large church putting in ninety-hour weeks: at the end of the day, if you are too busy to pray, you are too busy. Cut something out. (p. 116)
It is painfully easy for us to come to all kinds of critical points in ministry, service, family development, changes in vocation, and, precisely because we have enjoyed spiritual victories in the past, approach these matters with sophisticated criteria but without prayer. We love our independence. As a result we may repeatedly stumble and fall, because although we have exercised all our intellectual ingenuity we have not sought God’s face, we have not begged him for his wisdom (p. 121)
In Praying with Paul, Carson has written another good book. He analyzes several of the prayers of Paul and draws some nice lessons on prayer for believers today. As with most books based on a sermon series, this one is not as cohesive as it could have been. The quality does tail off a bit in the final chapters. But it is a good book, well worth reading. It is at its best where Carson is directly exegeting the Scripture. He does a great job explaining Paul's framework for prayer which is concerned with the present but keeps eternity in view. Paul consistently thanks God for things which He has done and then asks Him to do more of the same. Paul prays for people, even people he hasn't met. Paul prays regularly. These points and more are brought up in this excellent little book.
I would be remiss if I didn't say that the chapters on the sovereignty of God are long-winded and deviate from Carson's normal style. Divine sovereignty may be something of a hobby-horse that Dr. Carson likes to ride, and who cares if this is a book on prayer?
Anyway, lots to learn here. One of the best pieces of advice was to read all the prayers of Paul every day for a month! I'm 7 days in and loving it!
Here are some of my favorite quotes:
Even though he was praying in line with God’s promises, Elijah prayed for rain seven times before the first cloud appeared in the heavens. The Lord Jesus could tell parables urging persistence in prayer (Luke 11:5�13). If some generations need to learn that God is not particularly impressed by long-winded prayers, and is not more disposed to help us just because we are garrulous, our generation needs to learn that God is not impressed by the kind of brevity that is nothing other than culpable negligence. (p.33)
If we follow Paul’s example, then, we will never overlook the monumental importance of praying for others. Prayer will never descend to the level where it is nothing more than a retreat house in which we find strength for ourselves, whether through the celebration of praise or through a mystic communion with God or through the relief of casting our cares upon the Almighty. Prayer may embrace all of these elements, and more; but if we learn to pray with Paul, we will learn to pray for others. (p. 75)
He encourages Christians by thanking God for his grace in their lives. More precisely, he encourages Christians by telling them that he thanks God for his grace in their lives. Thus he has simultaneously drawn attention to the Thessalonians� spiritual growth, thereby encouraging them, and insisted that God is the one to be thanked for it, thereby humbling them (p. 87)
Doubtless Paul intercedes when there are barriers to be hurdled; the point here is that he also intercedes when there are signs of life and power and grace, for his concern is that such signs should be protected and increased. (p. 102)
The psalmist does not here encourage us to find God’s will, for he assumes it is already known. Rather, he is concerned with performance of that will. When he says “Teach me,� he does not say, “Teach me your will,� but “Teach me to do your will.� (p. 103)
Christians grow in the knowledge of God. Paul is never satisfied with the mere status quo: Christians are organisms that grow, not machines that simply perform a designated function for which they were designed (p. 109)
It matters little whether you are the mother of active children who drain away your energy, an important executive in a major multinational corporation, a graduate student cramming for impending comprehensives, a plumber working overtime to put your children through college, or a pastor of a large church putting in ninety-hour weeks: at the end of the day, if you are too busy to pray, you are too busy. Cut something out. (p. 116)
It is painfully easy for us to come to all kinds of critical points in ministry, service, family development, changes in vocation, and, precisely because we have enjoyed spiritual victories in the past, approach these matters with sophisticated criteria but without prayer. We love our independence. As a result we may repeatedly stumble and fall, because although we have exercised all our intellectual ingenuity we have not sought God’s face, we have not begged him for his wisdom (p. 121)
May 4, 2018
I first read this book in 2010 and just reread it. I am so thankful I did. As Carson observes and exegetes some of Paul’s prayers, it both encourages us to pray biblically, while warning us of habits of empty prayers. My time of prayer was richly benefited because of this book and I will highly recommend it to others.
July 25, 2024
This was a very good book that my pastor recommended during a study on 1 and 2 Kings.
Overall, I loved the book. I'm giving one star off for one chapter where the author seemed to be sidetracked defending a Calvinistic interpretation of some verses instead of sticking to the topic of prayer and the fact the narrator obviously had no idea how to pronounce some words.
I will probably reread this in paperback form sometime.
Overall, I loved the book. I'm giving one star off for one chapter where the author seemed to be sidetracked defending a Calvinistic interpretation of some verses instead of sticking to the topic of prayer and the fact the narrator obviously had no idea how to pronounce some words.
I will probably reread this in paperback form sometime.
February 4, 2025
4.6 Stars
D.A. Carson is one of those writers that whatever book you pick up by him on whatever topic you will be Biblically informed and spiritually challenged. "Praying with Paul" is an incredible book on prayer. Carson approaches the topic of prayer not by offering a "how-to-do" manual on prayer but a call to reform our prayer habits according to the Scriptures. Carson looks to the prayers of Paul throughout his epistles drawing implications from each. The implications and exhortations that Carson draws from each of Paul's prayers are both insightful and convicting. Using the powerful double-edged power of the Word of God Carson cuts through our hypocrisy, vanity, and sloth in prayer. But he proposes that true flourishing in our prayer lives occurs whenever we are rightly desiring to love God and love others.
This is a great book that was a kick in the gut for me. It was a reminder that the spiritual disciplines are not passionless practices that must be performed to earn God's favor. But the spiritual disciplines, particularly prayer, are centered around knowing the love of God, loving Him in return, and pouring out that love to others. Apart from a passion and sincere devotion to God, all the practices and habits of prayer are meaningless. And as well, apart from love for God, our habits in prayer tend to get distorted by our fleshly desires. And so, I think this is a great book to read for every Christian. You may not get an exact "how-to-do" manual for prayer, but you will gain a greater vision for prayer through gaining a greater vision of God.
D.A. Carson is one of those writers that whatever book you pick up by him on whatever topic you will be Biblically informed and spiritually challenged. "Praying with Paul" is an incredible book on prayer. Carson approaches the topic of prayer not by offering a "how-to-do" manual on prayer but a call to reform our prayer habits according to the Scriptures. Carson looks to the prayers of Paul throughout his epistles drawing implications from each. The implications and exhortations that Carson draws from each of Paul's prayers are both insightful and convicting. Using the powerful double-edged power of the Word of God Carson cuts through our hypocrisy, vanity, and sloth in prayer. But he proposes that true flourishing in our prayer lives occurs whenever we are rightly desiring to love God and love others.
This is a great book that was a kick in the gut for me. It was a reminder that the spiritual disciplines are not passionless practices that must be performed to earn God's favor. But the spiritual disciplines, particularly prayer, are centered around knowing the love of God, loving Him in return, and pouring out that love to others. Apart from a passion and sincere devotion to God, all the practices and habits of prayer are meaningless. And as well, apart from love for God, our habits in prayer tend to get distorted by our fleshly desires. And so, I think this is a great book to read for every Christian. You may not get an exact "how-to-do" manual for prayer, but you will gain a greater vision for prayer through gaining a greater vision of God.
April 20, 2018
One of the best books on prayer that I’ve read. Made me think just how many of my prayers are just ‘Christianised paganism�, really. Like, asking God for stuff I want and saying ‘In Jesus� Name� like it’s abracadabra.
Paul’s Holy Spirit inspired prayers are straight from the heart of God, so when the apostle prays, he’s reflecting God’s thoughts back to him, and so answers and blessings are certain. I’m dwelling more and more on the prayers of Ephesians that ask God to open our eyes as saints evermore to the inheritance that awaits us and the incomparably great power that’s at work in us - the same power that raised Christ from the dead! And also just how much we should be praying for one another that we might grasp how deep, high, wide and long is the love of Christ for each of us. Even if we would fathom 1% of this, how different the words of our lips and the deeds of our lives would be...
Paul’s Holy Spirit inspired prayers are straight from the heart of God, so when the apostle prays, he’s reflecting God’s thoughts back to him, and so answers and blessings are certain. I’m dwelling more and more on the prayers of Ephesians that ask God to open our eyes as saints evermore to the inheritance that awaits us and the incomparably great power that’s at work in us - the same power that raised Christ from the dead! And also just how much we should be praying for one another that we might grasp how deep, high, wide and long is the love of Christ for each of us. Even if we would fathom 1% of this, how different the words of our lips and the deeds of our lives would be...
June 4, 2024
This practical exposition through Paul’s prayers is a really good introduction to praying in accordance with Scripture. The accompanying questions make this a good resource to go through with another, and illustrate how it could be effectively used in a small group.
September 5, 2016
A Call to Spiritual Reformation -- now titled Praying with Paul -- is not a book that you read and put on the shelf, but a book to which you continuously return. Author DA Carson takes several prayers of Paul from Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians, and Romans into a greater examination that isn't limited to theological nuances but expands the conversation into practical application. Although Carson is one of the foremost New Testament scholars today, this book doesn't read like it. In fact, at points Carson is amazingly transparent about his own prayer life which engenders a great deal of credibility with his readers. Peppered between chapters on the biblical prayers themselves are chapters on praying to a sovereign God, the nature of prayer, praying for others, and excuses for not praying. This book is challenging in the best ways and will contribute significantly to one's understanding and application of prayer while still managing to avoid rote, programmed, or systemic praying. I've not given it 5 stars because a reader is going to be best served coming into this with at least a passing familiarity with the Bible.
September 1, 2021
Update: read this a second time around. Refreshing and revitalizing! DA Carson brings new perspective on how to pray like Paul. There is so much substance and power in his prayers- this book helps break down Paul's prayers so that we understand not only his heart, but his intentions, fervor, and foundation of his prayers.
this book changed my world view on prayer. DA Carson so clearly explains not only practical steps to help pray, why we should pray, but how prayer affects our relationship with God. he has numerous scripture verses from Paul's letters to show us patterns of prayer that we can imitate from Paul. I rarely read books twice, but I will definitely read this book often as its depth of explaining prayer is intricate but compelling!
this book changed my world view on prayer. DA Carson so clearly explains not only practical steps to help pray, why we should pray, but how prayer affects our relationship with God. he has numerous scripture verses from Paul's letters to show us patterns of prayer that we can imitate from Paul. I rarely read books twice, but I will definitely read this book often as its depth of explaining prayer is intricate but compelling!
December 14, 2020
Wonderfully good. Careful and thoughtful exposition of several of Paul's recorded prayers in his epistles combined with pastoral consideration. Provoked me to pray while and after reading it.
Has some chapters that are especially useful in considering the way God's sovereignty and human responsibility relate to the task to prayer, and how God's sovereignty ought to provoke us to pray with more boldness. Highly recommend.
Has some chapters that are especially useful in considering the way God's sovereignty and human responsibility relate to the task to prayer, and how God's sovereignty ought to provoke us to pray with more boldness. Highly recommend.
April 22, 2024
I read this for the first time over 20 years ago, and in many ways it was the first serious theological work I'd ever consumed. I remember having my mind blown then, and have both thought fondly of the book and been recommending it ever since.
A couple of decades later, I was overdue for a revisit. It's just as good as I remembered. Better, even. Can't recommend this book enough.
A couple of decades later, I was overdue for a revisit. It's just as good as I remembered. Better, even. Can't recommend this book enough.
February 20, 2024
a pastor's rec that (Lord-willing!!) will be so transformative in the way I think about prayer - not just as a spiritual discipline but as a posture of our relating to the sovereign, merciful, glorious God. indeed, because He has inclined His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live (psalm 116:2).
a central question from the author that is so convicting:
"Has God become so central to all our thoughts and pursuits, and thus to our praying, that we cannot easily imagine asking for anything without consciously longing that the answer brings glory to God?"
two main takeaways for me:
1) prayer in light of eternity
- the prospect of Jesus’s glorious return should not merely be a doctrine but rather a reality that freshly and continually stirs up urgency, anticipation, endurance to persevere... and JOY! oh what joy.
- how should the certainty of Jesus’s return shape the content, desperation, and expansiveness of our prayers? this is a call for missional, kingdom-minded, Great Commission prayers.
2) prayer as worship
- what we pray about and how we pray reveal who we understand God to be
- brief but helpful treatment here of the “friendship� b/w the sovereignty of God and man’s responsibility
a central question from the author that is so convicting:
"Has God become so central to all our thoughts and pursuits, and thus to our praying, that we cannot easily imagine asking for anything without consciously longing that the answer brings glory to God?"
two main takeaways for me:
1) prayer in light of eternity
- the prospect of Jesus’s glorious return should not merely be a doctrine but rather a reality that freshly and continually stirs up urgency, anticipation, endurance to persevere... and JOY! oh what joy.
- how should the certainty of Jesus’s return shape the content, desperation, and expansiveness of our prayers? this is a call for missional, kingdom-minded, Great Commission prayers.
2) prayer as worship
- what we pray about and how we pray reveal who we understand God to be
- brief but helpful treatment here of the “friendship� b/w the sovereignty of God and man’s responsibility
November 23, 2020
A very edifying and refreshing read. The rich prayers of Paul's epistles have for too long been neglected or dismissed for being too 'dense' or 'theological' to practically inform our prayer lives. Nevertheless, they are exactly what we need today to shape our prayers! This is the central argument of this book. Carson shows us how Paul's prayers can help us to pray. Carson couples his clear exegesis of scripture with very practical and down-to-earth application. Some parts of the book also go beyond Paul's prayers - the chapter which deals with prayer in the context of God's sovereignty and human responsibility was particular illuminating for me. After finishing this book, I felt convinced - indeed, convicted - that the most pressing need in my life right now is to pray more (and to pray more like scripture teaches me to pray!). Carson's book, however, never leaves you in guilt since he always points your attention to the One to whom we pray - our Heavenly Father who loved us so much as to send his Son to die for our sins. This is one of Carson's classics and I would recommend every Christian to read this book.
May 21, 2024
First, let me say that I should have slowed down and truly thought through and considered fully the arguments from this book. Alas, I was on a time crunch because I stole this book from my mom and her small group so I needed to read it quickly. I haven’t read much of Carson’s work, but I was excited to have an opportunity to while at home.
This book is no light read in my opinion. In a few chapters you will have to wade through the deep waters of theological contemplation on the mysteries of God, but fear not, these are few and far between (though it is arguably good for the soul to do a little theological workout once in a while). Dr. Carson walks through many different prayers of Paul from throughout the corpus of his work. He intersperses a few anecdotes to add some spice to the chapters. Each chapter he works to expose a different characteristic that is evident in the whole body of Paul’s prayers. Dr. Carson works to show us what disciplined, God-centered, faithful, passionate prayer looks like. I do recommend this book, but I would encourage you to take your time reading it.
This book is no light read in my opinion. In a few chapters you will have to wade through the deep waters of theological contemplation on the mysteries of God, but fear not, these are few and far between (though it is arguably good for the soul to do a little theological workout once in a while). Dr. Carson walks through many different prayers of Paul from throughout the corpus of his work. He intersperses a few anecdotes to add some spice to the chapters. Each chapter he works to expose a different characteristic that is evident in the whole body of Paul’s prayers. Dr. Carson works to show us what disciplined, God-centered, faithful, passionate prayer looks like. I do recommend this book, but I would encourage you to take your time reading it.
December 6, 2022
I found myself pausing to pray while reading this book. That’s how much Carson’s exposition on Paul’s letters impacted me as it challenged not just the content of my prayer, but also the source that drives my prayer
There’s a particular section that speaks on contending in prayer that fueled my prayer in a different way
My prayer life has changed and it’s because of the challenges Carson presents in this book
NOTE: There are reflection questions at the end of each chapter to help the reader meditate more on each section. It’s a great book to read as a group
There’s a particular section that speaks on contending in prayer that fueled my prayer in a different way
My prayer life has changed and it’s because of the challenges Carson presents in this book
NOTE: There are reflection questions at the end of each chapter to help the reader meditate more on each section. It’s a great book to read as a group
June 26, 2024
I was once corrected by an elder when I asked how I could be praying for him specifically as an elder in the church. “That’s a dumb question,� he said, “Scripture tells you exactly what I need prayer for.� He didn’t mean that asking for prayer requests is wrong, just that oftentimes the things believers need prayer for most are already in Scripture. This book uses Paul’s prayers to help us pray for others and ourselves. Very convicting, and incredibly helpful.
February 7, 2025
Read this over a decade ago as a college student and really liked it. Just finished re-reading it with a member from my church and the book continues to stand the test of time, despite some outdated anecdotes (granted, we read the 1992 version since that was the version sitting in my church's dusty library). Carson pairs clear and careful exegesis with keen practical insights. My only small complaint is that the chapters can feel at times disjointed from one another.
April 1, 2021
A good blend of pastoral and theological insights into the prayers of Paul. Carson works through some of the prayers of Paul and helps the reader to see how they should Shape our prayers. I found this book one of the most helpful I’ve read on prayer. I would highly recommend
June 11, 2024
Es uno de los mejores libros de oración que he leído, ya que aparte de una base teológica muy fuerte, es practico y nos invita a la acción. Ahora a aplicarme en ello.
January 10, 2019
This is an excellent book if you are interested in understanding how to pray. Carson uses Paul’s prayers in the New Testament as a guide to show what we as believers should be praying for. This book is classic Carson, so if you are not up for deep thinking I would give it a pass. I recommend it to more mature readers who enjoy Carson’s style.
June 25, 2017
This book is life-changing, and that's not exaggeration. If truly applied, this study through Paul's prayers wouldn't just change your own prayer life, but I truly believe Christians would change the world by the power of the Spirit of God at work in them. D.A. Carson has written one of the finest books on prayer and I probably just need to start reading it again to be reminded of how much of my prayer life is being affected by the wrong things and not the Word of God. This book deserves more than 5 stars.
October 10, 2019
Simply one of the best books on prayer. The paradigm shift of looking to prayers in the New Testament for guidance on how to pray is startling (but one would think an obvious thing we shouldn’t have missed).
March 19, 2020
One of the best Christian books I have EVER read. Not just another book on prayer. This book will transform your prayer life! Highly recommend to anyone!!!!
September 10, 2017
Excellent.
January 15, 2020
Very good and worthy of multiple readings. The group discussion questions at the end of each chapter were apt as well.
July 16, 2023
“What a man is on his knees before God, that he is, and nothing more�- McCheyne
“The Bible simultaneously pictures God as utterly sovereign and as a prayer hearing and prayer answering God. Unless we perceive this and learn how to act on the simultaneous truths, not only will our views of God be distorted, but our praying is likely to wobble back-and-forth between a resigned fatalism that asks for nothing, and a badgering desperation that exhibits little real trust.�
“The heart of all of our prayers must be a biblical vision. That vision embraces who God is, what he has done, who we are, where we are going, what we must value and cherish. That vision drives us toward increasing conformity with Jesus, toward lives lived in light of eternity, toward hearty echoing of the church is ongoing cry even so, come, Lord Jesus. The things that most concern us in prayer are those that concern the heart of God. Then we will persevere in our praying, until we reach the goal God himself has set for us.�
“Hidden behind this excuse or two presuppositions that are really quite monstrous. The first is that the acceptability of my approach to God in prayer ought to be tied to how I feel. But is God especially impressed with us when we feel joyful or carefree or well rested or pious? Is not the basis of any Christians approach to the heavenly father the sufficiency of Christ mediating work on our behalf? Is not this apart of what we mean when we pray in Jesus‘s name? Are we not casting a terrible slur on the cross when we act as if the usefulness or acceptability of our prayers turns on whether we feel full or dry?�
Absolutely an excellent read! D.A. Carson offers such methodical observations of Paul’s prayers, encouragement to weary Christians, clear conviction with the Word, and practical suggestions to grow in prayer! Definitely a must read!
“The Bible simultaneously pictures God as utterly sovereign and as a prayer hearing and prayer answering God. Unless we perceive this and learn how to act on the simultaneous truths, not only will our views of God be distorted, but our praying is likely to wobble back-and-forth between a resigned fatalism that asks for nothing, and a badgering desperation that exhibits little real trust.�
“The heart of all of our prayers must be a biblical vision. That vision embraces who God is, what he has done, who we are, where we are going, what we must value and cherish. That vision drives us toward increasing conformity with Jesus, toward lives lived in light of eternity, toward hearty echoing of the church is ongoing cry even so, come, Lord Jesus. The things that most concern us in prayer are those that concern the heart of God. Then we will persevere in our praying, until we reach the goal God himself has set for us.�
“Hidden behind this excuse or two presuppositions that are really quite monstrous. The first is that the acceptability of my approach to God in prayer ought to be tied to how I feel. But is God especially impressed with us when we feel joyful or carefree or well rested or pious? Is not the basis of any Christians approach to the heavenly father the sufficiency of Christ mediating work on our behalf? Is not this apart of what we mean when we pray in Jesus‘s name? Are we not casting a terrible slur on the cross when we act as if the usefulness or acceptability of our prayers turns on whether we feel full or dry?�
Absolutely an excellent read! D.A. Carson offers such methodical observations of Paul’s prayers, encouragement to weary Christians, clear conviction with the Word, and practical suggestions to grow in prayer! Definitely a must read!
June 1, 2019
I suspect this book really deserves four stars from me, but I don't think I read it under ideal conditions. I started reading this with someone else, but our meetings were so spaced out that I never really could 'get into' it. Mr. Carson has quite a bit to say on just a few verses; many of the chapters are two or three times as long as I expected them to be considering the material. That isn't a bad thing; in fact, it is probably to his great credit. I'm thankful for a godly man willing to slow down and truly meditate on the richness of truth contained in just a few words of Scripture. But because I was only touching on this book once every two or three weeks, only to come to a chapter that took ~20 pages to make one or two points, I was seriously struggling to keep focused and hold the thread of argument.
Nevertheless, at the end I really started to benefit from it (most likely because because I decided to not wait on my friend and just finish reading it in one go!). The truths here are so good for the soul and the habit of prayer. I hope to read it again sometime and perhaps update my rating.
Nevertheless, at the end I really started to benefit from it (most likely because because I decided to not wait on my friend and just finish reading it in one go!). The truths here are so good for the soul and the habit of prayer. I hope to read it again sometime and perhaps update my rating.
April 30, 2020
This book is a timely charge to Christians, and particularly pastors, to pray more often and more biblically. There were a few noteworthy illustrations and tips of advice on praying, as well as Carson's classic exposition of Paul's prayers. I benefitted from his chapter on wrestling with the mystery of God's nature as both completely sovereign and entirely personal. This book was not a page-turner for me, and I was not a huge fan of Carson's tone at certain points. I'm sure this was not his intent, but at parts of this book he comes across as harsh and demanding. Carson says himself, "genuine godliness is so easily aped, its place usurped by its barren cousin, formal religion"(2). I'm afraid at times he dips into the latter. So I would only recommend this book to someone is already steeped in the grace of Christ towards those who don't pray nearly as much as they should. That being said, this book encouraged me to pray, especially to pray the Pauline epistles.
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