Learn that your prayers aren't just bouncing off the ceiling! My review of "The Ultimate Conversation"

about the book...

From New York Times bestselling author Charles Stanley—a practical, inspirational book on prayer emboldens readers to share with God the ultimate conversation of prayer, which releases blessings and provides answers.

The power of faith-filled prayer influences not only the lives of those prayed for, but also the life of the one who prays. But many feel inadequate to pray or don’t know exactly how to go about it. This book speaks both to those who are comfortable with prayer and have been praying for years, as well as to those who are new to the practice. With biblical teaching on the kinds of prayer, the how-to of prayer, and the blessings of prayer, this book offers promises of peace and hope through a closer relationship with God.

When prayer and faith are coupled together, their power is exponentially released. For those who have ever stumbled over what to say while praying, or for those who want their prayers to be more effective, The Ultimate Conversation offers clear guidance. Readers will learn the importance of prayer, the many ways to approach God, the different kinds of prayer, why some prayers are not answered, how to deal with doubt, and more.

Bestselling author Charles Stanley doesn’t induce guilt about not praying; rather, he makes readers want to drop to their knees in anticipation. By following Dr. Stanley’s lead, the prayer life of readers will be changed forever.

my review...

So often our prayers can seem like one-sided conversation, a constant list of demands sent up to heaven with desperate appeal. In his book, The Ultimate Conversation, Dr. Stanley shows us that prayer is so much more, that it is an actual conversation with give and take, with us not only talking to God, but listening to him as well. The book is highly readable, well-laid out, and absolutely packed with truth based on scripture. I appreciated the chapter on "How God Uses Silence", and learning about God's purpose for silence, such as to get our attention, reveal our sin, or train us to hear his voice. I also loved the chapter entitled "Talking to God on Behalf of Others", a truly moving chapter that addresses those things we may spend years praying about, such as for someone's salvation or healing. I truly believe that there is nothing more important we can do then spend time praying on behalf of others, starting with our spouses, our children, those closest to us, and moving on to praying for the lost and the hurting in this world. I love how the author teaches us to pray for others "without getting in the way of what God desires to do in and through them", with a goal of true intimacy with our Creator.

I have learned much from Dr. Stanley's book, and also been challenged in my own prayer walk. I strongly recommend this well-written book about prayer, a book that will leave you craving more time spent on your knees with our amazing God. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher, Howard books, for the purposes of this unbiased review.

about the author....

Dr. Charles F. Stanley is a New York Times bestselling author who has written more than fifty books, with sales of more than 6.5 million copies. He has been senior pastor of the First Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, since 1971, and the church now has more than 15,000 members. Dr. Stanley has served two terms as president of the Southern Baptist Convention (1984-86); and his outreach ministry—In Touch—reaches nearly 1,800 radio and television outlets in more than fifty languages. Dr. Stanley was inducted into the National Religious Broadcaster’s (NRB) Hall of Fame in 1988, and the Religious Heritage of America named him Clergyman of the Year in 1989, an award that recognizes pastors who strive to make Judeo-Christian principles part of America’s daily life.