If God Already Knows Why Pray? [Paperback]

Douglas Kelly (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1995

Knowing who God is - his character, his plans and why he wants us to pray - are essentials in building our understanding of prayer. Douglas Kelly is a distinguished theologian - he is well qualified to guide us both as a teacher and a fellow traveller, sharing his own setbacks and blessings. One of the biggest questions about prayer is not 'How do you do it?' but rather 'Do we know who we are speaking to?'

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Douglas F. Kelly is the Richard Jordan Professor of Theology at the Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte, North Carolina. He is a well-known author and has had his books translated into other languages.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Christian Focus; Reprint edition (June 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1857921461
• ISBN-13: 978-1857921465
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #173,006 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A statement of the obvious, April 13, 2000

By 

Robert W. Brown (Roseville, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: If God Already Knows Why Pray? (Paperback)

The question posed by Douglas F. Kelly in "If God already knows, Why Pray?" is answered, in its most basic form, as that of what religious leaders have instructed for millenia and is nothing new or plot revealing - prayer is commanded of us by God and it changes us. For most people that hold any religious beliefs, this is probably fundamental. However, Kelly's attempt to support his thesis from a purely Biblical standpoint is fragmented as he frequently defends his arguments by subjective experiences and pointless allegory. Kelly's writing is superfluous at times and adds little to the real content of his strongest arguments which are found in quotes from theological stalwarts including John Calvin, A.W. Pink, and Charles Spurgeon. Indeed, for an author who attempts to support his arguments with Biblical proofs, Kelly's scriptural references are sparse and debatable.

Kelly writes from a Protestant viewpoint, albeit from a more moderate position than conservative as he asserts that a Christian's prayer can bind Satan and have power over demons, and he refers to an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in a Christian's life.

The work is by no means an exhaustive theology of prayer (nor does the author intend for it to be), but it does provide the basics for prayer in the life of a Christian and attempts to tackle some of the more puzzling questions Christians have including: How should we pray?, What/who should we pray for?, When should fasting be enjoined with prayer?, and What if God answers "No"?

Personally, I anticipated much more from a book with such a formidible title. Though its simplicity in reading is seasoned with practical advice, I found it lacking in depth and in the argumentative support that I supposed would be found in such an endeavor as this. A good book, but not great.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Encouraging us to pray and showing us how, September 10, 2007

By 

Eugenia S. Walsh (Columbia, SC) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: If God Already Knows Why Pray? (Paperback)

This book is the most encouraging book on prayer I have read in years. It is very readable with short chapters, answers the tough questions well and makes you want to put it down and start praying right away! Great for the theologian as well as for the layman.

5.0 out of 5 stars Convicting and Enlightening, June 21, 2010

By 

Charlie Stevens "CS" (Tx) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: If God Already Knows Why Pray? (Paperback)

This really helped me to realize we should pray because Jesus prays. I also realized I need to be persistent in prayer.