Reviewed by: Shelley Sample, Professional Writing student at Taylor University, Upland, IN.

Introduction

Title: The Complete Guide to the Prayers of Jesus; What Jesus Prayed and How It Can Change Your Life

Author: Janet Holm McHenry

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Publication Date: 2018

Format: Print book

Length: 175 pages

OVERVIEW

The Complete Guide to the Prayers of Jesus is an inspiring piece of literature, written with immense passion. Within its pages, Janet McHenry introduces the idea that although prayer was essential to Jesus, many Christians today are not familiar with the richness of His prayer life. Throughout this book, she walks readers through the fourteen recorded prayers that Jesus prayed, as well as His teachings and instructions for healthy prayer habits.

McHenry encourages readers to view Jesus as a personal prayer mentor who has a desire to reproduce His own prayer life in the lives of each of His children. Within her own life, McHenry has allowed the Lord to redefine prayer as a way to be in constant conversation with God, rather than a hyper-religious ritual. She states that she has “replaced the thought of saying prayers—sandwiching words between ‘Dear God’ and ‘Amen’— with the awareness of being in the flow of His power and provision. I expanded my definition of prayer so that it includes the continual integration between the material and the spiritual realm” (11). McHenry wants readers to know of the high importance and power that genuine prayer holds. She stresses the fact that it is meant to be much more than what modern-day religion has made it out to be. Prayer is, and should be, considered the life and breath of God’s people.

This book is the perfect read for someone looking to ignite the passion of their own prayer life. Readers will learn that Jesus prayed in every circumstance. He prayed in the face of temptation, for daily needs, to praise, to give thanks, for Himself, for others, the church, and more. The most important and humbling lesson that readers will take from this book is the simple idea that Jesus listened in prayer, just as we must also do when searching for a richer communion with the Father.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5)

4/5

Suggested Audience

Adults, as well as groups looking to ignite a stronger, more passionate prayer life. Those looking to connect with the presence of God on a deeper level and study, in depth, the profound prayers that Jesus prayed.

 Christian Impact

The Complete Guide to the Prayers of Jesus is an inspiring, faith-based book. I expect that this book will enhance readers’ understanding of the prayers Jesus prayed—not solely because He wanted to, but because He needed to, just as we do. Rich communication between the heart of Jesus and the Father God was not simply a source of encouragement, it was His very way of surviving life in the flesh.

A human’s most natural state of being is within a posture of connection with God. Without prayer, we do not possess the very thing that we need in order to live life the way that we were created to. This book is bound to spark a fiery sense of longing for a meaningful prayer life within believers.

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