Customer Reviews

The Power of Simple Prayer: How to Talk with God about Everything

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Joyce Meyer combines Bible teaching with practical experience to show how the principles she teaches have worked. She discloses the errors she has made previously and how she has grown spiritually mature as a result. It is such a blessing to read books from authors who have prayed for their readers (which she mentions a couple of times in this book--as I'm doing for the readers of this review I might add). God answered her prayers as the teaching added significantly to my understanding.

In the beginning she begins with the book's theme, i.e., that prayer is simple. From this opening she adds to the discussion by teaching about various kinds of prayers and uses illustrations from the Bible to make his case. Prayer is coupled with other principles in God's Word such as thankfulness. She writes, "Thankfulness opens the door for God to bless us, and complaining opens the door for the devil to curse us."

Other writers on prayer such as Watchman Nee, E. M. Bounds, and Andrew Murray are cited throughout the book. On intercession, she links the experience with the priestly role Jesus performs on our behalf in heaven, telling readers, "I encourage you to draw nearer to God by joining Jesus in His ministry of intercession." Husband Dave is used to illustrate the different prayer assignments God gives. Dave prays passionately for the United States. She points out that it is a God-given passion and God assigns different concerns to us individually.

On loving one's enemies, she tells us that something powerful happens in the spiritual realm when we do this. She correctly notes that "you don't do it because you feel like it--you do it as unto the Lord. Choosing to pray and bless instead of curse..." She adds that consequently, "God will do great things in your life as a result of it."

Chapter eleven on walking in love and blessing people consistently is powerful reading. She gives creative ways to bless people in practical ways. In chapter 13 when she gives an example of a one word prayer that got dramatic results, it reminded me of something I read from Oral Roberts that talked about how a simple one word prayer is extremely effective. The word--"Jesus"--read that section of the book. What happened was a literal miracle. You can't get much more simple than one word. Read this book! Prayer is exciting and easy.

For the longest time, I've struggled with prayer.
Then I got hold of this book

I thought I had to assume the position (on my knees, eyes closed)
I found standing at the bus stop, leaning over the copier or my child's bathtime works fine

I thought I needed eloquent, prayer-worthy verses to be heard
I found my everyday words get the message across to my Father

I thought I needed to finetune my pitch before knocking on the Boss's door
I found Someone who listens to everything I say- what I whine about, sob over- without judgement

I thought that I needed to schedule a set block of time
I found 5 second prayers work but I still to schedule a prayer date with my Friend- that works

I thought I repeat my personal requests over and over in case the first never made it passed my ceiling
I found I'm heard the first time and now I can spend the extra time praying for others who need it more than I

I'm only a few chapters into the book
... excited about what else I'll learn about my Friend

Where some authors fail to fully explain prayer or manifestation, Joyce Meyer does a great job of explaining the biblical processes of accepting or living by the law of attraction and how our lives are affected by the praying we do or don't do for that matter. She takes something complex and breaks it down to understandable units. You'll find no short comings here. With explannations and examples this book left me feeling extremely fulfilled.

I would also recommend the Divine Matrix by Gregg Braden.
The Divine Matrix: Bridging Time, Space, Miracles, and Belief

How often do you talk to God? What do you say? What do you leave unsaid? New York Times bestselling author and Bible teacher Joyce Meyer explores what it really means to talk to God in her latest book, THE POWER OF SIMPLE PRAYER.

If asked for one observation on prayer, Meyer says she would emphasize the simplicity of it. Though much has been written, discussed and debated relating to the topic of prayer, Meyer says that what surprised her most is that God has not made prayer complicated but rather incredibly simple. Sometimes we're tempted to create systems and postures to make prayer much more difficult than it really needs to be. In fact, God designed prayer to be one of the easiest things we do each day!

In 14 easy-to-read chapters, Meyer explores various aspects of prayer beginning with the simple privilege we all have in being able to talk to God. Prayer opens the door for God to work. But don't be mistaken: Once that door opens, prayer packs a power punch! When people pray, all kinds of things happen. They are healed, protected, strengthened and blessed. Through prayer lives are changed forever.

Prayer is not optional; it's part of an obedient lifestyle. That's why Meyer encourages each person to find out how to uniquely pray to God with the freedom to express yourself to Him in ways that are natural and not forced. In fact, prayer can be as easy as breathing. Meyer provides practical ways to become a living prayer --- praying everywhere you go in all circumstances and situations.

Meyer says that one of the most powerful prayers we will ever pray is for our enemies. Those who are mighty in prayer are those who pray for their enemies like Job. Jesus made this clear in Matthew 5 when he instructed us to pray for those who use and persecute you. But one of the unique prayers that Meyer highlights is the prayer of agreement. She argues that unity is a powerful and dynamic element to prayer. According to Psalm 133, it is good and even garners God's blessing. When two or more gather in Jesus's name, God promises to be with them, and the scripture tells us that if one can make 1,000 run away, then two can run off 10,000. Such unity doesn't come just when we pray together, but when we live in agreement with each other avoiding the pitfalls of gossip and slander that can tear people apart.

In addition, Meyer highlights 14 hindrances to answered prayer, including prayerlessness, sin, wrong motives, doubt, worry and unforgiveness.

Overall, this book speaks to the heart of the matter concerning prayer. It's clearly written and accessible. Both new and veteran believers will benefit from the truths and insights provided here.

--- Reviewed by Margaret Oines

I've been on a quest to spend more time in fellowship with God throughout the day, and have my prayers be more meaningful and less child-like (i.e. "Why God???" or "Gimmie, gimmie please!!"). This book has pointed me in the right direction. Joyce talks about how prayer is not only when you're down on your knees, crying out to God; but it's also simple, heartfelt, one-on-one CONVERSATION with God. And prayer doesn't have to be just one set time each day, but God wants us to talk to Him throughout our day. Joyce also explains how each individual is to be led by the Holy Spirit about whom and what to pray for, and we don't have to feel condemned or guilt if we don't pray about everything under the sun. The Holy Spirit will also lead us in how to pray for ourselves, so that we are not focusing mostly on things; but rather, our prayers will primarily focus on praising and worshiping God for who He is and what He's done for us, and on our becoming more like Him and living according to His will for our lives. I think it's a great book for all Christians, regardless of where you are in your walk with the Lord.

This is the best book on prayer I have read in a while. Joyce does not present herself as a prosperity teacher in this book. On page 14 Joyce says,

"As you grow in your friendship with God, never forget that your relationship is based on who He is and no on what He can do for you. Keep seeking His presence, not His presents; keep seeking His face, not only His hand."

She even quotes the prince of preachers, Charles Spurgeon, throughout her book.

Impressive!

Joyce Meyers is wonderful. I pray for her to keep these wonderful books coming. I just knew in my heart that there was an easier way to communicate with God. She has opened a whole new world for me that has been there all along, I was just making it difficult. Joyce will always be a mentor to me....

This book is great! It really helps you see yourself and God during your prayer time instead of just a general way to pray. It's not just a formula, it's discovering how YOU should pray.

This book is truly helping me in my prayer life. Often times when I pray I feel a sense of emptiness, like my prayers are not heard or I didn't do it right. I can't concentrate or I easily get distracted and most of the time my prayers are mere recital of prayers that I have memorized in Sunday school when I was young. I am in a quest to seek God's kingdom and his righteousness and this book is helping me a lot to communicate better with God, learning how to listen with my heart and find guidance as to what His purpose is for me in this life.

If you are a dormant Christian as I am and are looking to ignite your spiritual life, this is a great book to start with. I accidentally ran in to this book when I needed it most. I could say, I had hit rock bottom, and this book gave me a lift. I am now in a mission of reading all of Joyce Myers books and finding the purpose of my life.

Thank you Joyce!