Prayer is powerful.

It is our way to communicate directly with God. When you’re first learning how to pray, it can feel quite intimidating. It truly is as simple as speaking to God, but often it feels much more complicated than that. 

Learning to pray confidently is a journey we all must make in order to further our relationship with God. He wants to be close to us, so He gave us the blessing of prayer. 

There are several resources available to help you build a strong foundation for a powerful prayer life. 

The first resource is always your Bible. If you don’t have one yet or need a new one, I highly recommend The ESV Study Bible. 

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9 Scriptures on The Importance of Prayer

• “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
• “This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.” (1 John 5:14-15)
• “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:18)
• “Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises.” (James 5:13)
• “Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.” (Mark 11:24)
• ““But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” (Luke 6:27)
• “But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” (Matthew 6:6-8)
• “The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18)
• “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

The Ultimate List of Books on Prayer 

Many men and women of God have studied prayer and have shared with us the wisdom and knowledge that they have on the topic of prayer. 

Listed below are several books on prayer. It is my hope that this ultimate list of books on prayer will help you cultivate your prayer life. 

Whether your motive is just to draw closer to God, or to receive an answer for a very specific request, may the list below help you grow in faith and effective prayer.

1. Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans 

Piercing Heaven in hardcover may be the most beautiful of prayer books and makes an excellent gift!

This is a collection of prayers from well-known Puritans like Richard Baxter, Thomas Brooks, John Owen, and many more.

From the publisher:

“That prayer is most likely to pierce heaven which first pierces one’s own heart.” For the Puritans, prayer was neither casual nor dull. Their prayers were passionate affairs, from earnestly pleading for mercy to joyful praise. These rich expressions of deep Christian faith are a shining example of holy living.

2. Praying with Paul: A Call to Spiritual Reformation 

In Praying with Paul, D.A Carson follows the example of the Apostle Paul who found deep intimacy with The Lord through prayer. He rejected the superficial in search of genuine fellowship with God through Christ. An excellent read, especially if you want to go deeper in your study.

3. The Power of Praying Series

The Power of Praying Series by Stormie Omartian is a joy to read and helpful in kick-starting your prayer life. If you’re not sure how to start praying, these books will guide you in the right direction. 

Some in the series include:

○ The Power of a Praying Wife 

○ The Power of a Praying Husband

○ The Power of a Praying Parent 

○ The Power of a Praying Grandparent 

4. Lord, Teach Us to Pray by Andrew Murray 

Lord, Teach Us to Pray was published over 100 years ago, this sermon is as powerful today as it was then. Andrew Murray teaches us how to pray using the Lord’s Prayer the same way that Jesus did. Compact and to the point, this book is helpful for anyone wanting a better prayer life. 

5. Fervant By Priscilla Shirer

Fervent: A woman’s battle plan to serious, specific, and strategic, prayer by Priscilla Shirer is a must-read!

From the publisher:

You have an enemy . . . and he’s dead set on destroying all you hold dear and keeping you from experiencing abundant life in Christ. 

This book is your chance to strike back. With prayer. With a weapon that really works. Each chapter will guide you in crafting prayer strategies that hit the enemy where it hurts, letting him know you’re on to him and that you won’t back down. 

6. Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God by Timothy Keller 

Christians are taught in their churches and schools that prayer is the most powerful way to experience God but few receive instruction or guidance in how to make prayer genuinely meaningful. In Prayer, renowned pastor Timothy Keller delves into the many facets of this everyday act. 

7. Powerful Prayers in the War Room: Learning to Pray like a Powerful Prayer Warrior by Daniel Lancaster 

Do you struggle to find the right words to speak in the presence of Almighty God? Praying to God may feel foreign or like a ritual, and adding to that frustration, you worry that God isn’t listening. Even if He hears, will He reply? Powerful Prayers in the War Room will show you God not only listens but also answers. Or maybe you already pray regularly and are looking for a tuneup for your prayer life. This book is for you, too. 

8. A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World by Paul Miller

In A Praying Life, Paul Miller shares his wisdom and encourages readers to become a “factory of prayer”. This book will make you want to pray not just out of necessity but a desire to connect with your creator. 

9. Everyday Prayers: 365 Days to a Gospel Centered Faith by Scotty Smith 

This beautiful book is a collection of 365 scripture centered prayers. With this resource, you don’t have to feel obligated to pray a lengthy or wordy prayer. Maybe you aren’t sure what to pray for, and that’s ok! Start with one of these prayers and let the Holy Spirit lead from there. 

10. A Simple way to Pray by Martin Luther 

A small booklet written by Martin Luther for his friend Peter to teach him how to pray. He reminds us that while praying is important, we should be sure to precede prayer with a heart of worship to our creator. 

11. Confessions of a Prayer Slacker by Diane Moody 

In this book, Diane shares her struggles with being consistent in prayer in a way that is transparent, genuine, and relatable. She shares not only her struggles with prayer, but the things she has found to be effective in cultivating a habit of prayer. 

This is a great resource for young women in the faith.

Conclusion 

Looking to grow your prayer life or learn more about how to pray? This ultimate list of books on prayer is sure to help you as you seek to ignite your prayer life. 

I do want to offer one word of encouragement: don’t worry about how your prayers sound, just pray and be genuine with The Lord. He is not impressed with lofty words or lengthy prayers, but He loves sincerity of heart.

While these books are sure to help you grow in prayer, it’s important that you take what you learn and put it to the test. Talk to Jesus, beloved! He longs to hear from you. 

Got a book on prayer that you love that did not make the list? Be sure to let me know about it in the comments below. I am always looking to grow my prayer resource library.

What Are Your Favorite Books on Prayer?