Customer Reviews

If God Already Knows Why Pray?

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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.

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.

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

This book written by Douglas F. Kelly will give you the confidence to go to our God and know without a shadow of a doubt that he listens to our prayers. It will teach you how Jesus taught us in the scriptures to pray and Douglas goes into a deeper break down of the Lord's Prayer that encourages us to know that God listens. I would recommend this book to everyone who desires to understand why God wants us to pray.