Review 2025.02.001
Reviewers Note: It is the beginning of 2025 and one of the skills I desire to grow in is that of writing book reviews (having never done this before). I am doing this so I can better hone my writing (and reading) skills as I seek to think more critically about the books I am reading. I am sharing on Goodreads for my own personal development. I know this will be something I am always growing in so if you actually read these, please be patient with me as I develop this skill. I will also receive constructive criticism if you desire to help me become a better writer (and reader). I plan to use this disclaimer for the entire 2025 year.
A Praying Church by Paul Miller
299 Pages
This was my second time reading through the book. The first time I did a macro-reading and this time I did a micro-reading for the first half of the book. I did read the second half slower but because I had mistakenly decided to micro-read two prayer books I wanted to finish this once. I didn’t have problems micro-reading two books with different topics so that was a learning experience.
The book is great and filled with stories and practical examples of living this out. While “A Praying Church” does include corporate prayer discussions, it is not exclusive to the corporate setting. The church includes all of God’s children (not all image bearers but children) and so when we pray in small groups with brothers and sisters that is also the praying church.
The first time through I felt like I had pulled quite a bit out. I had made changes in my life and in the church I attended. The second time through I had hoped to read it with someone but that fell through. Still I was able to pull more out of the book and I have begun to make changes in my life. I am also thinking about changes to suggest to the church too.
Mr. Miller walks through reasons why we pray together in part 1. Then in part 2, he defines what the church is. Part 3 and 4 are the who (Spirit) and how to pray together. Finally part 5 is specialized praying in community where he talks about overcoming specific problems.
Praying is hard work. Building a praying community is even harder still. Even among those who are considered praying people, getting people to commit to pray together takes a lot of effort. And it takes prayer to not get discouraged at the lack of participation. This book is an encouragement to not give up the fight. Read this book. Then find someone to read it with and pray with them that your church might become a house of prayer. Then pray for a third person and invite them in. Read it again. Never stop praying.
I recommend this book for those in ministry who do not pray as they ought to. I recommend this book to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. I recommend this book to all those who want to see a true revolution and revival in their church and in this country.