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Prayer is a large and essential part of religion, and any relationship with God. Praying can happen in church and in the home. It can happen at school, or in a coffee shop. It can occur in the morning, during the night, or at night. There are no limits on prayer. Some love to pray, while others don’t. But what is the purpose of prayer if those thoughts aren’t being heard. God can hear all prayers, but how are they meant to stand out among the millions of others? For one, they need passion. If the person speaking the prayer doesn’t believe the words, why should God? Another thing prayer needs is the right words.
What are the Best Books on Prayer to read?
The books listed below will help all kinds of people pray, and do it the right way. The books offer tips for praying, scriptures, prayers of their own, and rituals that will help get readers in the habit, and the mood, to pray.
Best Books on Prayer: Our Top 20 Picks
Here are some of the best books on prayer that you can consider to expand your knowledge on the subject:
1. Prayer Journal for Women: 52 Week Scripture, Devotional & Guided Prayer Journal
Journaling is a great way of finding oneself, as well as prayer. So why not combine the two? Prayer Journal for Women: 52 Week Scripture, Devotional & Guided Prayer Journal by Shannon Roberts and Paige Tate & Co is a great journal for documenting prayer. Over 52 weeks, those with this journal can write out their thoughts, scriptures, and prayers. By recording their thoughts, they can strengthen their faith and relationship with God. Tracking prayers is great for understanding what progress is being made in one’s life. Over the course of the year, readers will be able to easily identify how God has answered their prayers. There is lots of space to write in this journal, and prompts to go off of. This is a great journal for those who are new to the faith.
- Authors: Shannon Roberts (Author), Paige Tate & Co (Author)
- Publisher: Paige Tate & Co.; 1st Edition (March 14, 2019)
- Pages: 231 pages
2. Draw the Circle Prayer Challenge: The 40 Day Prayer Challenge
Prayer is a great way to practice religion and connect to God, but in order to do that, one must make time for it. Draw The Circle Prayer Challenge: The 40 Day Prayer Challenge by Mark Patterson is a compilation of great stories from those who have done the 40 day prayer challenge, and achieved their desired results. By telling the stories of others who have benefited from the 40 day challenge, Patterson encourages readers to partake in the challenge, as well. In addition to telling the stories of others who have done this challenge, Patterson shares scriptures and prompts for prayers that will help others do the same. Partaking in the 40 day prayer challenge, and reading this book, is great for those who want to take their faith to the next level.
- Authors: Mark Batterson (Author)
- Publisher: Zondervan; 11.9.2012 Edition (December 9, 2012)
- Pages: 240 pages
3. The Battle Plan for Prayer: From Basic Training to Targeted Strategies
The Battle Plan for Prayer: From Basic Training to Targeted Strategies by Stephen and Alex Kendrick is a book that combines the history of prayer and the impact of it to inspire others to make the most of their own prayers. This book views praying as a battle plan. Readers have to make a play of attack for prayer. By using effective prayer strategies, readers will make the most of their prayers, and take their relationship with God to the next level. Not only do the Kendricks teach readers how to pray, they teach them how to do it properly. This book is great for all Christians, but it’s particularly good for those who are losing faith, or who are skeptical. Questions about religion and prayers are explored in this book, and many “hows” and “whys” are explained. This is a wonderful book for understanding all elements of prayer, and why it’s important.
- Authors: Stephen Kendrick (Author), Alex Kendrick (Author)
- Publisher: B&H Books (August 1, 2015)
- Pages: 208 pages
4. Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God
Prayer is one of the most important aspects of religion. There is no wrong or right way to pray. However, there are effective tools that will help everyone get the most out of their prayers. Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God by Timothy Keller is a book that guides readers through prayer. Keller is a priest, so he speaks from experience. There is advice in this book for all kinds of prayers: prayers about grief, love, loss, and forgiveness. The prayers in this book are personal and powerful. Readers will truly feel a connection with God when reading this book, and praying. While this book does teach prayer, it is targeted at Christians. They are the ones most likely to benefit from this book, and the prayers in it.
- Authors: Timothy Keller (Author)
- Publisher: Penguin Books (January 26, 2016)
- Pages: 336 pages
5. Prayers That Avail Much
There are many great books on prayer that can help the most skeptical Christians redefine their faith. Prayers That Avail Much by Germaine Copeland is one of the best books to consult because it’s actually three books in one. The book is celebrating its 25th anniversary, so the contents of this book has been commended far and wide for a long time. There are many, many scriptures in this book that will teach readers how to prayer, without coming up with their own prayers. When they are ready, they can base their own prayers off of the scriptures in this text. These scriptures come from the heart. They get deep, personal, and help anyone and everyone reconnect with their faith, or make their faith stronger. This book is perfect for all Christians, but it’s best for those who need some guidance when praying.
- Authors: Germaine Copeland (Author)
- Publisher: Harrison House; 25 Anvth Edition (July 1, 2005)
- Pages: 768 pages
6. Deliverance Prayers: For Use by the Laity
Deliverance Prayers: For Use by the Laity by Chad A. Ripperrger is exactly what it says it is. This book is full of prayers specifically designed for the laity, members who are not part of the clergy. The prayers are intense, interesting, and full of passion. The book covers a number of topics: generation curse stoppage, perimeters, traditions, and more. Laymen will definitely benefit from the contents of this book. It is designed to help them, and make prayer much easier. Those who want to cleanse themselves of evil, and negativity, should consult this book. These prayers are powerful, and great for a specific set of people who crave the results they could get from these prayers. There are a wide-range of prayers for every issue, or need. This book is great for many faiths, but it is best for Catholics.
- Authors: Fr. Chad A Ripperger PhD (Author)
- Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1st Edition (December 10, 2016)
- Pages: 135 pages
7. 31 Prayers For My Future Husband: Preparing My Heart for Marriage by Praying for Him
People pray for many things. They pray for wealth, health, happiness, strength, and sometimes, they pray for love. 31 Prayers for My Future Husband: Preparing My Heart for Marriage by Praying for Him by Jennifer and Aaron Smith is a book that teaches women to pray for their future spouse. Whether the woman is single, in a committed relationship, or engaged, it doesn’t matter. These prayers are meant to help her make the most of her future marriage, and pray for both her heart and her spouse-to-be’s heart. This book helps women pray for their “to-be,” but also re-analyze their own lives and discover what needs to change in it to be ready for marriage. For women seeking marriage a deep successful marriage soon, this is a great book that will help them incorporate their thoughts into religion.
- Authors: Jennifer Smith (Author), Aaron Smith (Author)
- Publisher: Unveiled Wife; 1st Edition (November 20, 2016)
- Pages: 176 pages
8. Intercessory Prayer: How God Can Use Your Prayers to Move Heaven and Earth
Prayers are important to those who say them, yes, but they are also important to God. They let them know that people trust him, believe in him, and need him. Intercessory Prayer: How God Can Use Your Prayers to Move Heaven and Earth by Dutch Sheets explains and discusses how God works to help and achieve the prayers that are made to him. The prayers God hears are vital to him. They are an essential part of who he is, and what he has done. Sheets explains just why that is, and the nitty gritty behind the importance of prayer. This is a great book for teaching people about prayer and God because it has a workbook, as well as an accompanying eight session dvd.
- Authors: Dutch Sheets (Author)
- Publisher: Bethany House Publishers; Reprint Edition (July 19, 2016)
- Pages: 320 pages
9. Power Prayers: Warfare that Works
Some prayers are more powerful than others. That, in some part, has to do with passion. It also has to do with the words that are being said, and if the person speaking them actually means what they are saying. Power Prayers: Warfare that Works by Sheila M. Zilinsky and Carla Butaud helps readers achieve a stronger, more powerful, prayer life. Zilinksy and Butaud use a blueprint to engage readers, and lay out their prayers for them. There is no extra research or reading required. Readers can take the prayers from this book and use them as their own. These prayers can achieve real results. This book is great for those who are enduring stressful or worrying times. There is a direct outline included in this book for speaking with God, and finally getting an answer.
- Authors: Sheila M Zilinsky (Author)
- Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (February 18, 2017)
- Pages: 129 pages
10. Prayer: The Ultimate Conversation
Praying is one of the greatest parts of religion. It’s a way of talking to God. People seek prayer in times of sickness, love, or for everyday life. Prayer: The Ultimate Conversation by Charles F. Stanley teaches readers how to have intimate conversations with God. Stanley teaches readers to: recognize God’s voice and respond to it, win battles through prayer, find peace and inner joy with the lord, and more. Common questions Christians ask about prayer are addressed in this book. The tips in this book are easy to follow and instill in life. This book sees prayer as a conversation. Although readers won’t get a straight-forward answer from God, they are able to easily identify how he communicates. This is a great first guide for understanding prayer. It will help beginners, as well as those well-versed in prayer.
- Authors: Charles F. Stanley (Author)
- Publisher: Howard Books; Reprint Edition (May 7, 2013)
- Pages: 304 pages
11. Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home
Every prayer– no matter how large or small the request is–should come from the heart. Whether people are thanking God, or asking for a favor, they should do so with kindness and love. Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home by Richard J. Foster answers many questions about the meaning of prayer. In this book, Fosters discusses many topics: the prayer process, common misconceptions about prayers, the ways of contemplation, blessing, forgiveness, rest, healing, grief, and more. He wants readers to understand and believe that “coming to prayer is like coming home.” Readers will grasp a finer understanding of prayer and what it means, with the help of this book. They’ll learn that prayer can lead to personal transformation, increase intimacy with God, and improve other relationships in life. This is a great book on prayer, and it comes from the heart.
- Authors: Richard J. Foster (Author)
- Publisher: HarperOne; 10th Anniversary ed. Edition (August 20, 2002)
- Pages: 288 pages
12. Pussy Prayers: Sacred and Sensual Rituals for Wild Women of Color
When one hears the word prayers, the first person or idea they think of is God. But what if praying didn’t have to be associated with religion? Pussy Prayers: Sacred and Sensual Rituals for Wild Women of Color by Black Girl Bliss is a fun, interesting, sex ed book that teaches women to cherish and praise their bodies. Black Girl Bliss teaches women to enjoy their bodies, and reignite their pleasure spark. This book is full of various sexual experiences of black women and femmes. The experiences in this book are good, bad, and emotional. Women of color will love all the elements of this book. There are stories, girl-talk, rituals, and so much more packed into this text. The information and stories teach women to reclaim their sexual shame, and instead embrace it and all of its glory. The book is positive, creative, and a whole lot of fun.
- Authors: Black Girl Bliss (Author)
- Publisher: Independently published (October 24, 2018)
- Pages: 242 pages
13. A Diary of Private Prayer
There are prayers for all kinds of situations, experiences, and times of day. A Diary of Private Prayer by John Baillie will take readers on their own personal journey with prayer. Baillie teaches them to pray with modern and accessible language. The prayers in this book are heart-warming and inspiring. They are both eloquent and direct. Those who are skeptical about God should definitely read this book, and consult these prayers. The prayers are personal, and will help readers understand God better. They will also help readers reach inside themselves and find what they truly want to pray about, and the passion to go with that prayer.
- Authors: John Baillie (Author), Susanna Wright (Translator, Introduction)
- Publisher: Scribner; Reissue Edition (October 7, 2014)
- Pages: 144 pages
14. Becoming a Prayer Warrior
Praying, and understanding how to pray are two totally different ideas. Not everyone who prays is a prayer warrior… but they can be. Becoming a Prayer Warrior by Elizabeth Alves guides readers to learn powerful prayers, and recite them powerfully. Alves teaches readers the importance of prayer, what it can do, and the great benefits that come with it. This is incredible guidance in this book for praying powerfully and passionately. Passion cannot be taught, but it can be learned from within. This book offers lots of encouragement, advice, and thoughtful words for making prayer a ritual instead of a chore. Anyone can become a prayer warrior with a little practice, passion, and help from this book.
- Authors: Elizabeth Alves (Author), C. Wagner (Foreword)
- Publisher: Chosen Books; Illustrated Edition (March 29, 2016)
- Pages: 256 pages
15. Gangster Prayer: Relentlessly Pursuing God with Passion and Great Expectation
Gangster Prayer: Relentlessly Pursuing God with Passion and Great Expectation by Autumn Miles teaches readers that an enormous part of prayer is the passion that comes with it. Prayer should not be an off-hand thought. Those who pray should take it seriously, and make the most of it. With the help of this book, they can learn how. Miles teaches readers how to build a fervent, expectant, emotional, and most importantly, intentional prayer life. The book doesn’t uncover the best prayers to say; it teaches those praying to do so with heart and belief. Everyone should be focusing on who they are praying to, instead of what they are praying for. This book is blunt, yet interesting. The author does not tiptoe around prayer problems– he confronts them straight on. He offers an interesting take on prayer that many could benefit from.
- Authors: Autumn Miles (Author)
- Publisher: Worthy Books (July 16, 2019)
- Pages: 224 pages
16. Prayer: 40 Days of Practice
There are many prayers’ challenges that focus on praying everyday for 40 days. This is because the religious observance, lent, is also 40 days. That’s not to say those participating in this challenge have to do it over lent, but it does help. Prayer: 40 Days of Practice by Justin McRoberts and Scott Erickson helps readers pray deeply and more authentically. The authors teach Christians to embrace their faith and this 40 days of prayer, but do it is a way that works. Quality is more important than quantity. One incredible prayer is better than five adequate prayers. The prayers in this book are simplistic, but meaningful. They make the most of prayer time and connections with God. Anyone can practice the prayers in this book. They are easy to follow, interesting, and worth reading. This is a great book for those just joining the prayer game.
- Authors: Justin McRoberts (Author), Scott Erickson (Author)
- Publisher: WaterBrook; Illustrated Edition (February 5, 2019)
- Pages: 128 pages
17. Prayer: Communing with God in Everything–Collected Insights from A.W. Tozer
Despite popular belief, prayer is something that cannot be taught. Priests and faithful people can guide others on how to pray, but they can’t achieve the act itself. It is a learned process that is achieved when the person praying wants it to. Praying: Communing with God in Everything– Collected Insights by A.W. Tozer and W. L. Seaver compiles some of the best ideas and thoughts by Tozer, and puts them in a book. Tozer was an honorable priest, author, magazine editor, and religious mentor. He is still praised today, so Seaver wanted to honor that. In his compilations, Tozer discusses the wonders of God, and how anyone can connect with him through the beauty of prayer. But… he does not think prayer can be taught. Instead of trying to teach readers how to pray, Tozer offers this wisdom, encouragement, and advice for doing it on their own. This book does a great job of combining history with modern-day prayer and religion.
- Authors: A. W. Tozer (Author), W. L. Seaver (Compiler)
- Publisher: Moody Publishers (February 1, 2016)
- Pages: 224 pages
18. Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans
The puritans used to be English protestants from the 16th and 17th century. They wished for more protestant rule, and to make prayer more passionate and engaging. Piecing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans by Robert Elmer identifies some of the practices of the puritans, and how that affected their prayers. Elmer considers the way the puritans prayed as “holy living.” They had rich, deep expressions that spotlighted their worth Christian faith. The prayers in this book mimic the prayers of the puritans. Much of the language had to be adapted to this book, but overall, the message stays the same. This book reminds readers and Christians that prayers, no matter how big or small, should always come from the heart with passion and love.
- Authors: Robert Elmer (Editor)
- Publisher: Lexham Press (December 11, 2019)
- Pages: 240 pages
19. Sacred Space: The Prayer Book 2020
With time, comes change. The world changes, and everyone else must adapt. That’s no different with religion and prayer. Sacred Space: The Prayer Book 2020 by The Irish Jesuits is full of updated prayers that work with modern times. This book has scriptures, prayers, reflections, and so much more. By reading this book and practicing its tips, readers will develop a stronger and closer relationship with God. The concept of this book is simplistic, and easy to follow. The devotionals are plain, but they get the point across. Those who invest in this book won’t have to worry about not knowing what they are praying about. The prayers are easy to understand, and mimic. When one gets to the point that they want to use their own prayers, they can use the outline of the ones listed in this book to do so. This is a perfect beginner prayer book, especially for 2020.
- Authors: The Irish Jesuits (Author)
- Publisher: Loyola Press (September 15, 2019)
- Pages: 408 pages
20. Prayer: How Praying Together Shapes the Church (9Marks: Building Healthy Churches)
Prayer: How Praying Together Shapes the Church (9Marks: Building Healthy Churches) by John Onwuchekchwa is a book that is intent on regulating prayer, and making it an everyday habit. This book explains the history of prayer, how Jesus introduced prayer, and what prayer means today. Prayer should be an essential part of life at home, as well as in the congregation. However, the business of life can get in the way, and it can be hard to prioritize prayer. Onwuchekchwa wants to inspire readers to get excited about prayer, and make it an important part of their lives. It should always be a priority, especially in a congregation. He thinks praying together is an essential part of church services. People should be individuals with God, and they should be a community with God. God wants it all. Those who follow him should strive to give him that.
- Authors: John Onwuchekwa (Author)
- Publisher: Crossway (August 31, 2018)
- Pages: 144 pages
Choosing the Best Books on Prayer
Obviously prayer is pretty important. It’s important to those who are religious, but also to those who aren’t. Skeptics are arguably the people who need prayer the most. Regardless, anyone can benefit from prayer, and the tips in these books. Building a better relationship with God can be done in many ways, but it’s best to start with a passionate, loving prayer.