4 Books Every American Should Read For National Prayer Day

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Jack Kocsis Director of Commerce
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The United States has been recognizing the National Day of Prayer since even before there was a United States. When he was commander of the Continental Army, General George Washington declared a day of “fasting, humiliation and prayer.” Ever since, there has been some prayer day in America. These days, it is observed on the first Thursday of each May.

National Prayer Day is a truly ecumenical service, as Americans from all faiths come together to strengthen their fraternal bonds. But one’s relationship with God and with prayer is always a work in progress, always something that can be reflected upon and improved. Here are four must read books for improving your experiences with prayer both on National Day of Prayer as well as every other day of this thing called life.

“Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy With God”

Pastor and theologian Timothy Keller brings theory and practice together in "Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God" (Photo via Amazon)

Pastor and theologian Timothy Keller brings theory and practice together in “Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God” (Photo via Amazon)

Timothy Keller, a pastor and theologian, has written prolifically the relationship between man and God. While Keller’s other books are loftier and more philosophic in their subject matter, “Prayer” does the yeoman’s work of diving into the history and meaning of prayer, as well as practical steps for daily prayer itself. The point of “Prayer” is to address the trickier-than-they-seem questions of “Why do we pray?” and “How do we pray,” and it provides deep insight into the human soul in the process.

“Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy With God” — $9.99 Paperback/$18.93 Hardcover

“The Battle Plan for Prayer: From Basic Training to Targeted Strategies”

The Kendrick brothers know what they are doing in crafting an action-oriented plan for improving your prayer strategies (Photo via Amazon)

The Kendrick brothers know what they are doing in crafting an action-oriented plan for improving your prayer strategies (Photo via Amazon)

While Keller’s book dedicates time exploring both the “why” and the “how” of prayer, “The Battle Plan for Prayer” is very goal oriented. It starts from the premise that each and every one of us can be praying better, and it subsequently probes into what makes prayer effective to begin with. “The Battle Plan for Prayer” was written by the Kendrick brothers, who also penned the wildly popular “The Love Dare” in 2008. (“The Love Dare” was made into the Kirk Cameron vehicle “Fireproof” a year later). “The Battle Plan for Prayer” is essential for those in need of a step-by-step strategy guide on getting closer to God.

“The Battle Plan for Prayer: From Basic Training to Targeted Strategies” — $9.59 Paperback

“Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home”

Richard Foster's "Prayer" is a timeless classic that every Christian should refer to all throughout life (Photo via Amazon)

Richard Foster’s “Prayer” is a timeless classic that every Christian should refer to all throughout life (Photo via Amazon)

Richard Foster’s book “Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home,” is an older book, but the lessons inside ring just as true as they did in 1992. It is an absolute classic that every Christian should read at some point in his or her life. Foster’s “Prayer” delves into the different types of prayer, as well as why it is so essential to human existence. This is the kind of book that not only brings someone closer to God, but it also helps him better understand himself and enter into deeper communion with his fellow man.

“Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home” — $17.84 Paperback/$20.25 Hardcover

“Prayer: 100 Powerful Prayers to Keep Your Faith in Hard Times”

Ben Lance's "100 Powerful Prayers" is a good book to have around the house for when you need it (Photo via Amazon)

Ben Lance’s “100 Powerful Prayers” is a good book to have around the house for when you need it (Photo via Amazon)

Have you ever found yourself in some unprecedented terrible situation, turned to God, and found yourself completely lost for words? I know I have. “Prayer: 100 Powerful Prayers to Keep Your Faith in Hard Times” helps you through those times, as it guides you through the words to contemplate as you speak with the Lord. Also, the mere existence of these prayers allows you to put into perspective the scale of personal tragedy compared to Christ’s suffering. Everyone goes through hard times, and they often come completely out of the blue. Having this book around provides the perfect reference for whenever those times strike.

 

“Prayer: 100 Powerful Prayers to Keep Your Faith in Hard Times” — $14.48 Paperback

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