Although many people would admit that there is value in prayer, few would say that prayer is the driving force in their lives. "The Prayer Driven Life" examines some essential questions about prayer. What is prayer? Why should we pray? What difference does prayer make in my life? The author uses the prayers of the apostle Paul as a backdrop. Although prayer is a common topic within the Christian market, focus on Paul's prayers is unique. She brings his prayers into the 21st century with an easy reading style that leads the reader into personal examination of his/her own prayer life. Love is the force behind Paul's prayer driven life. Paul's love for others was born out of receiving God's love in his own life. Paul's example encourages the reader to care enough about others to become involved and informed so that he/she can pray intelligently. Just as Paul made a difference in the world because his life was driven by prayer, so can you. Beginning with a look at the who, what, why and how of prayer, the reader then examines the transforming power of prayer in Paul's life. The prayers themselves are viewed in two different ways. Some general categories in Paul's prayers lead to some exciting truths about how to have a closer relationship with God. Further, observing Paul's prayers in the context of his personal letters is like reading and rereading a letter from a cherished friend. Although written for personal application, "The Prayer Driven Life" is easily adaptable for group study. The milestone markers in the first half of the book and questions for reflection in the second half would work very well for a study group. Anyone who wants to grow in his/her prayer life would benefit from reading "The Prayer Driven Life."

 

This book is a thorough expositional study of the numerous prayers of the Apostle Paul recorded in the New Testament. The author shows how these prayers can serve as models for today's Christians to use. She challenges the reader to give prayer a higher priority in one's daily routine in order to experience more of God's presence and blessings in one's life. I especially appreciated the many wonderful quotes regarding prayer sprinkled liberally throughout the book. This book is for anyone who desires to learn how to pray more effectively. It would serve as a great study for either an individual or for a small group. - Paula Combs, Texas