1. How to Pray – Listening Prayer
a. The Papa Prayer, the Prayer You’ve Never Prayed, Larry Crabb. Something new and exciting happened when Dr. Larry Crabb began practicing the four steps of what the calls the PAPA prayer–a revolutionary conversational approach to talking with and enjoying God. In this book, Crabb shares his experience and encourages readers to be drawn into their own journey of prayer.
b. Can You Hear Me, Tuning in to the God Who Speaks, Brad Jersak. This book is a compelling combination of biblical and historical research, real life experiences, and inspiring exercises on listening prayer. God desires to transform your prayer times into intimate conversations, real meetings with a living friend. Through this book, you will become aware that encountering God is simpler and more interactive than you ever dreamed.
c. Too Busy Not to Pray: Slowing Down to Be With God, Bill Hybels. Practical help to develop a rich and regular prayer life in the midst of life’s busyness.
d. Intercessory Prayer: How God Can Use Your Prayers to Move Heaven and Earth, Dutch Sheets. Pastor and teacher Dutch Sheets explains the nuts and bolts of prayer, with wisdom, gentleness and humor. This book will inspire readers, give them the courage to pray for the impossible and help them find the persistence to see their prayers to completion.
e. Lord, Teach me to Pray in 28 Days, Kay Arthur. A practical, step-by-step guide to learning the basics of prayer. Great when used as a study personally or as a group. It will help the beginner out of the starting blocks and into the race.
2. Family Prayer Books
a. Children, Can You Hear Me? How to Hear and See God, Brad Jersak. This book is about hearing and seeing God. It encourages children (and adults) to listen for and talk to God; as well as, enjoy a loving relationship with Him.
b. The Praying Family: Creative Ways to Pray Together, Kim Butts. A practical, step-by-step approach to making family prayer time the most exciting activity a family engages in. Broken into several steps, each ‘journey’ will further enhance this essential aspect of your family life.
c. The Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian. In 30 easy “to“ read chapters, Omartian shares from personal experience as to how parents can pray for their children’s safety, character development, school experiences, marriage, and so much more.
d. What Happens When Women Pray, Evelyn Christenson. A wonderful book for men or women who want to get started on applying the truths of prayer found in scripture to your daily lives and those around you. It is simple, practical and a great starting place for many to begin applying these truths and seeing hope arise in those around you.
e. Prayer on Fire, Fred Hartley. Want to experience prayer that is not routine or boring? Invite the Holy Spirit’s presence to come transform your daily prayer life as well as those you pray for. This is a book that will lead you into bringing heaven to earth and igniting your prayers through a powerful presence of the Holy Spirit.
3. Spiritual growth – Pursuing God
a. The God Chasers, Tommy Tenney. Want to truly hunger for God? Follow the paths and examples of many Biblical and historical figures that have “chased” God in pursuit of His heart and character to be formed in them. Very few things will propel you into prayer like knowing the heart and presence of God.
b. The Pursuit of God, A.W. Tozer This book traces a path of thirst for divine satisfaction. It is a book that outlines the realities of who God is and who we are in relation to him. It’s deep and precious truths caused me to press into God that much more.
c. After God’s Own Heart, Mike Bickl. One of the greatest examples in Scripture of one seeking God’s heart is the life of David. His wholehearted pursuit and hunger for God, gave rise to a man called “a man after God’s own heart.” Follow the path he took and see your heart turned inside out for more of God. This is a tremendous launching pad for powerful prayer.
4. Spiritual Warfare Books
a. The Believer’s Guide to Spiritual Warfare: Wising Up to Satan’s Influence in Your World, Thomas B. White. Complete with many real-life illustrations, sample prayers, helpful techniques and answers to the most commonly asked questions about warfare, this book will help you fulfill a central call of the Gospel-to resist evil through the power and authority of the Cross.
b. Every Place Your Foot Shall Tread, Mark Geppert This is a one-of-a-kind book that will equip you with bold strategies needed to combat the forces of evil in this world. Taking the principles and practices presented within to your streets and prayer-walking through your neighborhoods, schools, cities and nations with the authority given to us, you can change your world by becoming a part of the army of God.
c. Churches That Pray, Peter Wagner. Want to pray with power? This author is well respected and renowned for his authority and knowledge in applying “action prayer” through the church. This book gives practical steps to take to break down walls between the church and our communities
5. Other Recommended Books
a. Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Jim Cymbala. Jim Cymbala became the pastor of a dilapidated church in Brooklyn, New York. When all was hopeless for those he ministered too, Jim and his congregation have found power and joy in seeing the Spirit move and transform lives through continued and persistent prayer.
b. Red Moon Rising, Pete Greig & Dave Roberts. Even with the world getting darker, a new generation is learning to pray and obey like never before. Story of a prayer movement that started in 1999 and has exploded to more than 50 countries.
