Prevailing Prayer (Moody Classics) by Dwight L. Moody

Prevailing Prayer (Moody Classics) Reviews

• 
  Becky

  First sentence: THOSE WHO HAVE LEFT the deepest impression on this sin-cursed earth have been men and women of prayer.
  
  I enjoyed reading D.L. Moody's Prevailing Prayer. Prayer is one of those subjects that is always, always relevant for believers. Not all books on prayers are created equal, I've found. Prevailing Prayer is one of the good ones.
  
  What I appreciated most about this one is how practical it is. Moody examined what the Bible had to say about prayer and showed readers how to apply what the Scripture teaches to their own prayers.
  
  How practical is practical? Moody focused on nine elements that are essential to true prayer. These elements are: adoration, confession, restitution, thanksgiving, forgiveness, unity, faith, petition, submission. A few of these terms readers may be familiar with. But I'm guessing a few will be new to you. (I know they were new to me).
• 
  Linda

  I’ve had this book on my TBR list for years, and finally read it. I’ve read three books on prayer this year, all good. This one is special because it was written in the 1800’s by Pastor D.L. Moody. Moody writes of many experiences with prayer, some personal. He gives us nine elements essential to prayer. He also gives us the Scripture that can be applied to our prayers. Although written hundreds of years ago, I it practical, a must read for all believers. I read the book as suggested, five or so pages allowing time to digest and retain it. I will read it again for sure.
• 
  Kristina Wilson

  I enjoyed this book on prayer. However the balance between personal stories and Scripture was off, in favor of the former.
• 
  B.J. Richardson

  This is a classic work on prayer by one of the spiritual giants of the faith. DL Moody was the Billy Graham of... no, switch that. Billy Graham was the DL Moody of my parent's generation. The world is still waiting for the next. Or, as Moody quotes Henry Varley, "[Our generation] has yet to see what GOd will do with a man fully consecrated to him." DL Moody made it his life's goal to be that man for his generation and prayer was a key part of that.
  
  This book might be a bit dated in places, but its core principles are as true for us as they were for their time. In each chapter, Moody looks at a different type of prayer like adoration, confession, thanksgiving, etc. It is pretty fundamental (not fundamentalist), but it is also those fundamentals that we seem to have lost in our own time.
  
  A few nuggets:
  "If our sermons and messages are going to reach the hearts and consciences of the people, we must learn to spend a considerable amount of time in prayer to God, that there might be power with the words we deliver." -p9
  
  "I do not fear pagan lectures half so much as the cold dead formalism in the professing church at the present time. One prayer meeting like the one the disciples had on the day of Pentecost would shake the whole nonbelieving fraternity." - p49
  
  "Many people would be greatly surprised if God did answer their prayers." -p117
  
  "Some people think God does not like to be troubled with our constant coming and asking. The only way to trouble GOd is not to come at all." -p118
  
  
• 
  Warren Benton

  In this book Moody writes of many experiences with prayer. But one theme he talks about throughout if we are not willing to follow God our prayers will most likely never be answered. He says it many way, “We seem to go toward God, but, indeed reflect upon ourselves” , “If we have no desire to do that will, how can we call God “Our Father”.” In another portion he says, “If we should pray for the coming of God’s kingdom while we are rebelling against Him, we are only seeking for our own condemnation.”
  
  
  
  This book is short but chocked full of stories of prayer by common people that were answered.
• 
  Isaiah Harris

  This is not so much an instruction manual on prayer, but more like a record book, showing by several stories and Scriptures that it is powerful. In addition to the common elements of prayer, Moody calls to the reader's attention the importance of restitution, forgiveness, unity, submission, and more. Strongly recommended to anyone who wants to grow in prayer (every believer)!
• 
  Lance Towers

  Reading good books on prayer can assist us in praying. This is one of those books; may its assistance be yours!
• 
  JennanneJ

  Excellent little book on prayer. Offers excellent references to further reading on prayer. Concise points and relevant examples.
• 
  Stephen

  I wanted to really enjoy this book—being labeled a “Christian classic” has that effect. However, I found it a little dry and compared to other books on prayer I have read not as helpful or even more importantly moving one to a desire for prayer. It’s good but not great.
• 
  Jeanie

  Depend upon it, prayer does not mean that I am to bring God down to my thoughts and my purposes, and bend His government according to my foolish, silly, and sometimes sinful notions. Prayer means that I am to be raised up into feeling, into unison and design with Him; that I am to enter into His counsel, and carry out His purpose fully.
  
  Moody Publishing has brought this classic back and it is timely. What does prevailing prayer mean? It is prayer that is urgent and desperate for God. Prayer is not bringing God to submission to our will but our will to be submitted to His good purpose. A great reminder of the purpose of prayer. It is where we leave our burdens and gather strength.
  
  I loved this quote...Prayer is hardly ever mentioned in the Bible alone; it is prayer and earnestness, prayer and watchfulness; prayer and thanksgiving. It is an instructive fact that throughout Scripture prayer is always linked with something else.
  
  I appreciate the God focus of this short book on prayer. It is truly needed for all Christians.
  
  A Special Thank You to Moody Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
  
  
• 
  Donna

  Uplifting and inspiring
  
  I gave this book five stars for a few reasons. First of all, the updating of the language and the readability of the book along with the content make it a real page turner. I bought this book because I felt my prayer-list approach to prayer had grown stagnant. As with any relationship, I didn’t want my communication with the Lord to be anything like that. I longed for fervor to come to God and make my requests known but I didn’t want it to be like I was coming to him with a wish list. I wanted a full prayer life filled with praise, thanks and confession too. I wanted it to be real again and more than a list. (Not that a list isn’t useful).If you want to infuse your prayer life with passion for the things of God, I recommend this book. Moody’s example, his encouragement from Scripture, and stories of answered prayer are both uplifting and inspiring.
• 
  Donna

  I gave this book five stars for a few reasons. First of all, the updating of the language and the readability of the book along with the content make it a real page turner. I bought this book because I felt my prayer-list approach to prayer had grown stagnant. As with any relationship, I didn’t want my communication with the Lord to be anything like that. I longed for fervor to come to God and make my requests known but I didn’t want it to be like I was coming to him with a wish list. I wanted a full prayer life filled with praise, thanks and confession too. I wanted it to be real again and more than a list. (Not that a list isn’t useful).If you want to infuse your prayer life with passion for the things of God, I recommend this book. Moody’s example, his encouragement from Scripture, and stories of answered prayer are both uplifting and inspiring.
• 
  Damon Gray

  Moody's book on Prevailing Prayer reads more like a collection of sermons, written down verbatim as they were delivered. It was a semi-interesting read, and I appreciate the heart of Moody as he pleads (again I can hear the sermon) with the reader/hearer to abandon those things that hinder the prayer life.
  
  Surprisingly there is very little scriptural support offered for the pleadings. Moody just assumes things to be true and states them emphatically. He will cite much anecdotal evidence and will quote or cite the opinions of other well-known preachers and theologians, but not much is pulled from the Bible itself.
  
  I read the book just because it is D.L. Moody, but would I recommend it? Not really.
  
• 
  Cody

  Prevailing Prayer has nuggets of gold strewn throughout. Moody outlines the various elements necessary for a healthy prayer life and clears up a number of misunderstandings about its role in the Christian walk.
  
  One critique is that, while Scripture is cited throughout, he is heavily dependent on anecdotes for demonstrating some of his points. While these stories can be helpful and encouraging, they sometimes distract from the Scriptural element of the book.
  
  I found that the chapter on Submission (the second last chapter in the book) really ties the whole work together. A helpful book on a crucial, but oft misunderstood and sorely neglected, aspect of the Christian life.
• 
  Glen

  A devout look at believing prayer through the ministry of an American titan. This book is a compilation of sermons that covers key aspects of prayer through a biblical lens that is accompanied by several inspiring anecdotes.
  
  The book is very accessible and provocative in the style of Moody's convicting proclamation. It caused me to deepen my dedication to pray more. I recommend this work to those who already believe in the power of prayer but want to be challenged to grow in this most critical area of our spiritual formation.
• 
  Lynne

  My soul needed the convictions that came from this book. Highly recommend.
  "I firmly believe that the Church of God will have to confess her own sins, before there can be any great work of grace. There must be a deeper work among God’s believing people. I sometimes think it is about time to give up preaching to the ungodly, and preach to those who profess to be Christians. If we had a higher standard of life in the Church of God, there would be thousands more flocking into the Kingdom."
• 
  Robin

  An Excellent Study Book
  
  I loved this study concerning prayer. The sections were presented in a logical order. There's a poem before each new chapter and I loved that, too. Trying to find a book of classical Christian poetry is kinda tough these days and that breaks my heart. I'm so glad Moody added them to his book. If you're looking for a thorough study on prayer, this is a great option.
• 
  Pamela James

  Excellent and Convicting
  
  This book is backed by Scripture which is Truth. It will move you to look at prayer deeply and with conviction.
  I recommend this book to all who want a deep abiding prayer life anchored in Christ and God the Father.
• 
  Katherine

  Telling
  
  Its amazing how a book can teach so much of a lesson on how prayer and praying is supposed to work. Great scriptures to help teach an amazing part of being able to pray correctly and properly.
• 
  Michca-Mae

  Lovely read on prayer
  
  I loved the simplicity and relatability of this book and the examples within. You'll definitely enjoy this read. Come with an open heart and mind. Let God speak to your heart as you read.
• 
  Petermathieson

  This was really good. I liked the poetry to start the chapters. I thought the examples/testimonies weren’t overdone but enhanced the teaching as they should. It was easy to read and easily available through Project Gutenberg. Worth your time.
• 
  Ruslan

  An old new prospective of prayer in Christian life... Really useful and interesting!
  "An effective prayer of the righteous man can accomplish (really) MUCH..." James 5:16
• 
  Ray Crow

  God is! Prayer is powerful. With God all things are possible.