Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference? [Paperback]

Philip Yancey (Author)

Book Description

Release date: April 27, 2010

In his most powerful book since What's So Amazing About Grace? and The Jesus I Never Knew, Philip Yancey explores the intimate place where God and humans meet in Prayer. Polls reveal that 90 percent of people pray. Yet prayer, which should be the most nourishing and uplifting time of the believer's day, can also be frustrating, confusing, and fraught with mystery. Writing as a fellow pilgrim, Yancey probes such questions as: *Is God listening? *Why should God care about me? *If God knows everything, what's the point of prayer? *Why do answers to prayer seem so inconsistent? *Why does God sometimes seem close and sometimes seem far away? *How can I make prayer more satisfying? Yancey tackles the tough questions and in the process comes up with a fresh new approach to this timeless topic. 'I have learned to pray as a privilege, not a duty,' he says, and he invites you to join him on this all-important journey.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. Yancey strikes a moving chord with this book that is more full of yearning and wonder than it is of easy answers. Prayer, he writes, is our partnership with God, our chance to join forces with God's power to confront suffering and evil head-on. Yancey is candid about his nagging sense of failure in prayer, but the book is suffused with a cautious hope; he writes of his growing confidence and joy as his prayer life has deepened from a spiritualized to-do list to a conversational communion with God. The key, Yancey writes, is that prayer is a window into knowing the mind of God, whose kingdom is entrusted to all of us frail, selfish people on earth. As with his other books, Yancey draws upon his international travels to bring a fresh perspective to the topic, detailing, in nations such as Romania and South Africa, how he believes prayer has transformed hearts and permitted bloodless change. The book's strength lies in its balance, with Yancey holding equally important ideals in a beautiful tension: action and meditation, doubt and certainty, and the unchanging God with the God who appears so moved by people's petitions in the Bible that he changes his mind. Yancey also offers some startling and insightful observations about Jesus' own prayer life. (Oct.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

'...a reader-friendly book...subtle, elusive, and evanescent, inviting readers to discern their own meaning....'Prayer' can help reinvigorate a prayer life. It invites us to believe that God is listening. -- The Cleveland Plain Dealer <br><br> (The Cleveland Plain Dealer )

'...Yancey writes...as a journalist, with a sharp eye for detail and an investigative unwillingness to force conclusions. Chapters are short, but brimming with juice. Stories abound. Part of the time, Yancey just wonders about prayer. And Yancey...is a mighty fine wonderer.... -- Christianity Today <br><br> (Christianity Today )

'Philip Yancey has done it again: taken a much-written-about topic and infused it with freshness and deeply mined relevancy....This is a valuable read for anyone: youth worker, pastor, parent, mature teen -- anyone.' -- YouthWorker Journal <br><br> (YouthWorker Journal )

'..a new and powerful effort....Philip Yancey asks the tough questions about prayer that many are afraid to ask....Yancey writes as a friend and fellow-struggler, giving voice to the questions we may ponder but never bring up....This questioning process...inspires us to pursue prayer more earnestly....[This book] will encourage you as you meet with God daily and bring the details of your life before Him. You'll develop a stronger prayer vocabulary and a richer sense of the mystery and joy of prayer.... -- Presidential Prayer Team <br><br> (Presidential Prayer Team )

'...theological substance, quality of biblical reflection, and readability...make it accessible even to those coming to faith, Bible reading, or prayer for the first time....Yancey writes more as a journalist, with a sharp eye for detail and an investigative unwillingness to force conclusions....One of the chief benefits of Philip Yancey's work is that he'll go where the evidence leads....' -- Christianity Today <br><br> (Christianity Today )

'...one of the many small evidences of this book's forcefulness is the number of times I did put it down -- the number of times I interrupted my reading because I was inspired to pray....[This] is the rare book about prayer that, rather than inadvertently distracting me from the pursuit of a praying life, actually prompts me to pray....' -- Books and Culture <br><br> (Books and Culture )

'Philip Yancey is that rare example of a self-proclaimed recovering fundamentalists who is actually a spiritually healthy human being.' -- Birmingham News <br><br> (Birmingham News )

'...the experience of reading 'Prayer' is similar to the experience of prayer itself: a meandering journey with streaks of brillance, communion, illumination, and satisfaction....'Prayer' is a reader-friendly book, peppered with vignettes and sidebars from people attesting to the power of prayer....[It] is subtle, elusive, and evanescent, inviting readers to discern their own meaning....'Prayer' can help reinvigorate a prayer life. It invites us to believe that God is listening.' -- The Plain Dealer <br><br> (The Plain Dealer )

'[Prayer] is well researched, captivating, and meets the reader right where he/she is at in the moment....If you are like me and have difficulties in praying then this book is a must for you.' -- 1340MAG.com <br><br> (1340MAG.com )

'He knows that the main purpose of prayer is not to make life easier, but to know God.' -- Christian Science Sentinal <br><br> (Christian Science Sentinal )

'Yancey strikes a moving chord with this book that is more full of yearning and wonder than it is of easy answers....[It's] suffused with a cautious hope....The book's strength lies in its balance, with Yancey holding equally important ideals in a beautiful tension...' -- Publishers Weekly <br><br> (Publishers Weekly )

'Gently and with intelligence and compassion, Yancey works toward a vision of prayer as a kind of 'awkward rehersal' and, ultimately, toward the kind of conversation humankind had with God at the beginning of creation.' -- Library Journal <br><br> (Library Journal )

'...the author's exploration of the topic includes a candid assessment of his own sense of failure, along with his growing sense of wonder at the possibliities of conversation with God....' -- Today's Christian Woman <br><br> (Today's Christian Woman )

'Yancey's combination of talent, research, and openness about his own struggles make 'Prayer' worth looking into if you...have ever felt frustrated with your prayer life.' -- Relevant Magazine <br><br> (Relevant Magazine )

'...offers readers' compelling insights about the topic of prayer, exploring the mysterious intersection where God and humans meet and relate....' -- Homecoming (Bill and Gloria Gaither) <br><br> (Homecoming (Bill and Gloria Gaither) )

'Philip Yancey approaches the mysteries of communicating with God in this thoroughly researched yet highly accessible book....[He] skillfully interweaves Scripture with insights from Christian thinkers of many traditions, cultures, and eras....Fresh anecdotes and relevant testimonies of ordinary people give the book a compelling quality.' -- The Banner <br><br> (The Banner ) --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (April 27, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310328888
• ISBN-13: 978-0310328889
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 6.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (139 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #41,105 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I worked for 10 years as an Editor and then Publisher for Campus Life magazine. There I learned journalistic skills (there's no tougher audience than teenagers), but every year it seemed I wrote fewer and fewer words. In 1980 my wife Janet and I moved to downtown Chicago where I began a career as a freelance writer. (She has worked as a social worker and hospice chaplain--which gives me plenty of material to write about!) We lived there until 1992, when we moved to the foothills of Colorado. I've written around 20 books, most of them still in print, thankfully. Three of them I coauthored with Dr. Paul Brand, who influenced me more than any single person. My own favorites are "Soul Survivor" and "Reaching for the Invisible God" because both of them forced me to dig deep and get personal. I'm a pilgrim, still "in recovery" from a bad church upbringing, searching for a faith that makes its followers larger and not smaller. I feel overwhelming gratitude that I can make a living writing about the questions that interest me.

Please visit my website at www.philipyancey.com for more information, essays, events, travel notes, and a blog.

There is also an official Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/PhilipYancey?v=wall

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

276 of 282 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Yancey on Prayer September 9, 2006

By Alex Tang

Format:Hardcover

Yancey, Philip. 2006. Prayer: Does it make any Difference? London: Hodder and Stoughton. This review is based on the British edition which was released earlier.

Philip Yancey, author of best selling Disappointment with God and Soul Survivor, is a popular author because he puts in words, what many Christians are feeling but are afraid to articulate. He deals with controversial topics of living a Christian life with brutal honesty. Hence a book on prayer is most welcome. Prayer is the most talked about subject in Christian life yet least practiced. Yancey stated that to him, prayer is the area where two themes of struggle in Christian life meet: "Why God doesn't act the way we want God to and why I don't act the way God wants me to."

In Part 1, Yancey developed the theme of who God is and who we are in relationship to Him. He also highlighted the fact that God wants to keep company with us. It is in this context that, Yancey developed his argument why we should pray. To him, prayer is a partnership with God which he developed in Part 2. God wants to partner with his creatures in His great redemption plan of the present fallen creation. Prayer then is a form of negotiation. Skillfully skirting the theological issue of whether an unchanging God can change His mind, Yancey explored the numerous passages in the Bible that God did changed His mind. He concluded that the underlying reason that God does change His mind is because of love. "For God so loved the world..."

In Part 3, Yancey explored the `language of prayer.' Basically, this section is a `how to pray' section. However I am glad he explored the silence of God in his chapter `the sound of silence'.... For some reasons, most churches do not teach the fact that in a life of prayer, there are times when God does not seem to be present. Spiritual writer like John of the Cross talked about a dark night of the soul- an experience where God seems to be absent. One reason why this is not commonly taught may be that many Christians may not be able to accept the fact that God will voluntarily withdraw the awareness of His presence from us. However as many spiritual writers have attested, these dark nights are necessary for our spiritual growth. Another reason may be that almost all Christians are struggling with prayer (or time to pray). A God who seems absent may not fit into their theological framework.

Part 4 is the climax of the whole book. I was looking forward to discover what Yancey would say about two important issues for us who are struggling with prayers- unanswered prayers and prayers and physical healing.

Regarding unanswered prayer, Yancey wrote, "Some, but not all, unanswered prayers trace back to a fault in the one who prayers...to God's mystifying respect for human freedom and refusal to coerce...to dark powers contending against God's rule...to a planet marred with disease, violence and the potential for tragic accident." What about the unanswered prayers not due to these causes mentioned? After 15 pages, Yancey concludes, "In the end, unanswered prayer brings me face to face with the mystery that silenced Paul: the profound difference between my perspective and God's". It is a mystery but it does not help those of us who are struggling with unanswered prayers.

Yancey seems to have struggled much as he wrote about prayer and physical healing. Earlier in the book he has noted the tremendous growth of the church in Nepal. "The first Nepalese became a Christian in 1950. Now the Church numbers more than half a million, and Nepalese church leaders estimate that 80 per cent of converts have resulted from physical healings...European and American doctors who work there as missionaries, and they admit they have no scientific explanation...David Aikman's book Jesus in Beijing reports a similar pattern of apparent miracles in China." Yet, in his chapter on prayer and physical healing, he wrote, "Nevertheless, I do believe that what many people think of when you say the word `divine healing'-supernatural interventions in the law of nature governing our bodies-are extremely rare. They are miracles, not ordinaries."

This is a brave and honest statement especially in the face of certain groups of Christians who claims that God performs healing on demand (just remind Him of His promises, that's all). Earlier in the chapter, Yancey extracted an article which he co-authored with Dr. Paul Brand for Christianity Today. Dr. Paul Brand is well recognized as an authority on orthopedic surgery for leprosy patients and a well respected Christian. In the article, Dr Brand remarked, "From my own experience as a physician I must truthfully admit that, among the thousands of patients I have treated, I have never observed an unequivocal instance of intervention in the physical realm. Many were prayed for, many found healing, but not in ways that counteracted the laws governing anatomy. No case have I treated personally would meet the rigorous criteria for a supernatural miracle." This is an amazing statement from a Christian who has treated thousands of leprosy patients. I am sure he prayed for them. Not a single one got healed miraculously! They were all healed by conventional medicine. And this is in India, an underdeveloped country if anyone is to argue that miraculous healing occurs in only underdeveloped countries.

I believe Yancey wrote this because he has seen the "great damage that result when we presume upon God (for healing)". Yancey's approach is to review our prayers with a checklist before praying.

* Am I expecting a miracle as an entitlement?

* Am I using the benefits of God's `common grace'-the healing built into our bodies and the medical knowledge we have gained?

* Do I wrongly blame God for causing suffering?

* Am I prepared for the possibility that physical healing may not take place?

I find this checklist fascinating and useful to check our inner attitude and our relationship with God before praying for healing. Yes, we are still called to pray for healing.

In any Christian bookstores, the shelves are full of books about prayers. This indicates that though prayers and praying is a common spiritual discipline, many of us have problems with it. I have enjoyed Philip Yancey's book for three reasons. Firstly, he is an excellent wordsmith and it was enjoyable to read his writing. Secondly, this book is full of interesting anecdotes and reports about the Christianity in different parts of the world because he has a journalist's instinct for seeing the big picture. Finally, he is honest about his struggle with praying and how much time he spent on it. Read more ›

105 of 108 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Making a Difference September 25, 2006

By Eric Wilson TOP 500 REVIEWER

Format:Hardcover

Imagine sitting with David, before he became king of Israel, and hearing his laments and frustrations with God which eventually circled back to an attitude of praise. You might hear some of the same questions and observations in this book. I've always admired Yancey's willingness to wrestle with the tough issues, to share from his own weaknesses, and to engage his brain while also relying on faith. His latest book embraces these same qualities, presenting a theological yet practical look at prayer's place in the lives of Christians.

So, does prayer make a difference? That's the central question of the book, and it points poignantly at a relationship with the living God. It does not, however, sugarcoat the harsh realities: those who die despite numerous prayers of faith; those who prosper while living sinful lives; the seeming distance of God when we yearn for his nearness.

Throughout the book, sidebars give insight into the joys and turmoils of believers from around the world. These add a nice touch of humanity to the narrative, a reminder that the issue of prayer is not merely an ethereal one, but one that affects each of us to our core. Some never receive the easy answers they hope for, while others rarely pray and find wide paths of apparent blessing. Yancey deals with questions of sickness, prosperity, spiritual destitution, sin, and the ultimate desire to know God and to be known. One particular thought hit home: Why is that God doesn't do the things we want him to, and why is that we don't do the things he wants us to?

If you're looking for an easy, 1-2-3 step book on abundant living through prayer, look elsewhere. If you want everything to fit into a nice, tidy box, this isn't the book for you.... If, however, you are earnest in your desire to bring your honest fears and doubts before the Lord, to think through the answers of Scripture, to know that you are not alone, than Phillip Yancey's latest book is sure to be a breath of fresh air. This is a book rich in ideas and biblical truth, yet accessible to the average reader. Indeed, it can--and probably will--make a difference in many lives. Read more ›

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Tough topic September 25, 2006

By ff

Format:Hardcover

Mr. Yancey tackles one of the more difficult aspects of Christianity and deals with many of most common questions and concerns about prayer. He assures us, several times, that we simply don't have all the answers, but he bases his beliefs on what Christ did and said. All his discussions are supported by Biblical texts. The material is challenging, however, he breaks it up with stories and quotes from many people working through the same enormous issues: why was that prayer answered, and that one not? for example. The book is also organized and chapters titled such that you can reread sections as life situations warrant. In the end, it is simply encouraging. There's no formula, no perfect prayer, no checklist. At a recent talk, Mr. Yancey was asked how we know if we're doing it right. His answer will stick with me: if you're praying, you're doing it right. Combined with his encouragement to keep on keeping on, this book on prayer should be inspiring to all.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars "The Practice of Prayer" October 19, 2006

By Avril Sol VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

This book is one of, if not the, best contemporary books on prayer, well suited to the ordinary Christian like me. While most other great books on prayer teach you the kinds, disciple and practice of prayer, "Prayer" by Philip Yancey talks about what prayer IS. As part one of the book states, prayer is essentially "keeping company with God".

Yancey describes the flow of the book as a journey of discovery about and towards prayer in part one. He then writes about why we should pray (should we pray at all? is there a need for prayer?), whether or not prayer makes a difference to us or to God, whether or not prayer changes the circumstances we are praying for, and whether prayer changes God's decisions about those circumstances.

In part 3 he talks about the obstacles to prayer such as not knowing what to pray, what to say when praying, whether or not there is an appropriate "language of prayer", and what do we do if we can't get any words out to pray "properly".

After we finally get to the point where the reader is finally encouraged to start praying, Yancey then deals with the greatest obstacle to people who pray: unanswered prayer. He ends the book with "the practice of prayer" which, I think, is a better term for the spiritual discipline of prayer. He also lists resources to help the reader in his practice of prayer.

All in all, Mr.... Yancey has just written a book that chronicles the average Christian's prayer life: the false starts, the actual journey (and practice) of prayer, the dry spells, the emotionality, the refusal to accept God's answers (or lack thereof) to prayers, the realization that prayer is the only way he can reach (talk) to God and, finally, the acceptance of the reality that he can't profess to have any kind of relationship with God if he doesn't pray. Read more ›