Our problem, he writes, is that “prayerlessness is spiritual suicide. As John explores the lack of prayer in our churches, he considers a lack of prayer in our own lives. As Christians then, we must begin to foster a culture and habit of prayer. Prayer is essential for the Christian, and as it sustains the individual believer so it sustains the gathered church. So it follows that prayer must be a source of life for any community of Christians” (23). Having used the introduction to identify the problem of prayer in our churches (too little!), the book moves to consider briefly just what prayer is for the Christian, before moving to apply that to the life and activity of the local church. The book largely divides into three parts. It is an honest and simple read where John wrestles with his own sinfulness, helpfully sharing personal challenges and obstacles to his own prayer life. This is not a book penned by a learned scholar in his ivory tower, or even by a prayer warrior down on his knees. John’s concern is that (18) “our prayers in the church too often feel like prayer before a meal: obligatory and respectable, but no one really gets much out of it.” And so in this book, just one in a brilliant series of short books seeking to explore the biblical picture of the local church, John provides an honest and raw account of prayer. We ask humbly for this or that, and the exercise of corporate prayer is over in a minute or two. Rather, as he makes clear in his introduction (15) his “hope is that this book will be a guide and a springboard that helps you enjoy the amazing gift of prayer we have as a church.” In days when our church family may not even be physically meeting, considering the role of prayer in our church life seems a worthwhile exercise.īecause as John astutely identifies (18), in many local churches in both the US and beyond, our problem with prayer is “not a complete lack of prayer, but too little prayer.” Too many churches give only a nod to prayer in their gatherings together.

It’s not even an attempt to define prayer for the struggling Christian. John’s book isn’t an attempt to provide a definitive study on the privilege of prayer. As we worry about the fragility of the world around us, to be challenged about the reality of prayer is a wonderful joy. If you’re looking for a short read on a crucial topic during these strange days, look no further than this free offering.

Prayer john onwuchekwa