Make Me Like Jesus: The Courage to Pray Dangerously [Hardcover]

Michael Phillips (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 21, 2003

Most of us want to know God more intimately. But are we willing to boldly face the challenge of what that means? Are we truly willing to pray a prayer that may be dangerous in ways we cannot anticipate? Are we willing to ask God to make us like Jesus?

Author Michael Phillips shares from his own life how he has learned to take up that challenge. Then he examines key decisions in the life of Jesus Christ that illuminate what it means for each one of us to be conformed to the image of his son–to love like Jesus, think like him, pray like him, and trust the Father like him.

If status-quo spirituality is for you, do not read this book. It is a dangerous book–dangerous to the flesh–for the journey toward Christlikeness may be painful and costly. Yet that journey leads to the ultimate purpose God intends for all his children: conformity to the image of his son.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

It's rare for an author to present reasons why readers shouldn't read his book. Yet Phillips (God, A Good Father; Jesus, An Obedient Son; The Eleventh Hour) does just that: he gently yet honestly forewarns interested Christians that they must be ready to enter the battle of their lives: the war against the self. He therefore implores potential readers to wait to read this until God calls them to this stage of spiritual development. "This is not a book for everyone," he explains early on. In other words, mature Christians only need apply-but they will be richly rewarded by the profound simplicity of this book. For over 35 years, Phillips has prayed to become like Christ, and he shares his insights in poignant chapters. He opens by describing the importance of praying with a childlike heart, then explains that Christians must relinquish their own desires so the God can be magnified through them, a necessary step in becoming like Jesus, if Christlikeness is to thrive. Sweetening the bitter road with promises of joy beyond fickle emotions, Phillips describes a God who eagerly awaits the call of his children. Phillips's penultimate chapter on the abiding life is particularly appealing, as he shares his personal affinity for John 15 where Christ is depicted as the vine, God the vinedresser and all believers the branches. This brief book is a marvelous, full-bodied repast for those Christians who seek God's presence rather than any blessings he might bestow.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Inside Flap

Most of us want to know God more intimately. But are we willing to boldly face the challenge of what that means? Are we truly willing to pray a prayer that may be dangerous in ways we cannot anticipate? Are we willing to ask God to make us like Jesus?

Author Michael Phillips shares from his own life how he has learned to take up that challenge. Then he examines key decisions in the life of Jesus Christ that illuminate what it means for each one of us to be conformed to the image of his son?to love like Jesus, think like him, pray like him, and trust the Father like him.

If status-quo spirituality is for you, do not read this book. It is a dangerous book?dangerous to the flesh?for the journey toward Christlikeness may be painful and costly. Yet that journey leads to the ultimate purpose God intends for all his children: conformity to the image of his son.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press; 1 edition (January 21, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1578566746
• ISBN-13: 978-1578566747
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #778,641 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

In 1970, while students at Humboldt State University, Mike and Judy Phillips began what would become the One Way BookShop as a small, informal source of Christian books and materials for their fellow students. Over the next two decades God prospered those small beginnings, and now the bookstore is a thriving part of the Humboldt County Christian community.

Mike's first published book was about his wife's pregnancy and the birth of their twin sons. After several more nonfiction titles, Mike undertook a lifelong dream to renew the popularity of Scottish writer George MacDonald, whose teachings had been central to Mike and Judy's spiritual growth. Mike began editing some of MacDonald's lengthy novels, heavy with Scottish brogue, into shorter and more readable editions, with some of the work being done right at the bookstore counter between customers.

Through the years, God has continued to guide Mike in the production of books emphasizing strong spiritual values and unforgettable characters. In addition to being best sellers in Christian bookstores all across the country, Mike's books have been offered through several book clubs, have been translated into a number of foreign languages, and have been published in over 120 editions in all, with sales of over 3 million. Mike is today recognized as one of the Christian bookselling industry's most prolific and versatile authors.

Family is very important to Mike. He and his wife, Judy, have taught their three sons, Patrick, Robin, and Gregory, at home throughout their education. Home schooling enables the family to frequently accompany Mike in his work-related travels.

It has always been Mike's desire in his writing that all who read his books will find a closer and more real walk with God through the characters and stories. Both he and Judy enjoy responses from readers and find great encouragement from the letters they receive.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Make Me Like Jesus, January 19, 2005

By 

T. J. Salyer - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Make Me Like Jesus: The Courage to Pray Dangerously (Hardcover)

This book has touched on many of the things that has been in my heart for a long time. There was some things that made me think and taught me. I do highly recommend this book to those that are not faint of heart. The book is in depth and does challenge ones walk with Jesus and how each of us prays unto God the Father. One must be in the right frame of mind as it weight of the subject and the teachings with in its pages.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Caught me at the right time., August 12, 2009

By 

Matthew Foutch - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Make Me Like Jesus: The Courage to Pray Dangerously (Hardcover)

This book caught me at just the right time in my life. One of the speakers at the July 2009 St Louis Men At the Cross convention mentioned that he had read this book and that it helped to inspire his message for that day. Essentially, his message was that the modern church can get caught up in the superficial. That the modern church tends to promote and expect earthly reward in exchange for prayer. I am grateful to have found this book. It is a gem that has helped me to gain new understanding and courage in my life. I pray that many others will read, understand and live in the message of this book. For me, this book has been a supplement to the Bible itself. As I said earlier, it caught me at just the right time. I hope that you will enjoy it too.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Learning to Pray and Live Like Christ, January 5, 2011

By 

Janet Reeves - See all my reviews

This review is from: Make Me Like Jesus: The Courage to Pray Dangerously (Hardcover)

Michael Phillips is without a doubt one of my favorite authors of all time. Influenced by George MacDonald and C.S. Lewis, his books, both fiction and non-fiction, teach deep truths about the Fatherhood of God, discovering Truth, and learning to live like Christ. "Make Me Like Jesus" falls into the non-fiction category. It's short, but packed with insight, a book to savor slowly. Phillips opens with a warning to potential readers that asking God to make one like Jesus is a dangerous prayer-- that if they aren't truly ready to pray it, they should wait to read the book.

Each chapter after that explores one of the prayers of Jesus, its impact on His earthly life, and what it means to those who follow in His footsteps, choosing to pray and act likewise. Phillips also includes his personal testimonies about experiences surrounding the use of these prayers. These help to make his points, further helping to bring God's Truth to light.

I first read the book in 2005 and recently read it again. Both times I found it to be challenging and meaningful. I know I will read it yet again. If you're seeking what really matters in life and aren't afraid to pray dangerous prayers, knowing God's answers will ultimately make you more like Christ, I recommend this book to you. It's worth your time.