Praying is what Christians are supposed to do, but it is hard to know what Christians honestly think or will tell you about their prayer life. It is embarrassing for a Christian to acknowledge doubting his prayers will be answered. We’re supposed to be the faithful. But circumstances often overwhelm us and we wonder if God hears or even cares.

 

A Praying Life
Connecting with God in a Distracting World

by Paul Miller 

     If a counselee doesn’t believe his prayers are answered, let alone heard by God, the result is a cynical person lacking power to change. This is why prayer is so essential for the Biblical counselor and the counselee. Prayer is how we commune with our heavenly Father. We are to come to Him and tell Him of our burdens (Ps 91:15). But if a counselee doubts God’s desire to hear, let alone answer the prayer, the obvious result is confusion, distrusting God, and searching for an idol that gives an illusion of help.

     There are boatloads of books on prayer and praying, including this one, that explain what prayer is, why it is important, the problem with praying, and give suggestions on developing a prayer life that builds hope.  So why recommend this book on prayer?  Paul Miller is not just writing on prayer, he counsels the reader on prayer. This isn’t a Christian counselors manual on how to pray for counselees in a session. Instead it is a comforting guide that brings Christians to confess our dependence on our Father’s wisdom and grace.  It challenges us to maturity in our own prayer life.

     After reading this book you will be able to give your counselees greater insight and attention to the topic of prayer.  Equipping your counselees to pray like little children is truly the first step in their application of the Biblical counsel they receive from you.
                                                        – Reviewed by Jeff Temple