Power Through Prayer

Power Through Prayer 1

Critical Review of

E.M. Bounds Power Through Prayer

By

Justine Bennett

In partial completion of the requirements for

MIN 315: Spiritual Formation

Grand Canyon University

November 20, 2006

APA Style

Power Through Prayer 2

E.M. Bounds wrote a wonderful book devoted to prayer entitled Power Through Prayer. This book encourages the preacher to become a true prayer warrior. E.M. Bounds has written many books on prayer, encouraging Christians to devote their life to prayer. Since the writer is coming from a preacher background himself, one can clearly see the passion he has for prayer in his life. Fellow preachers will hopefully be encouraged by this and want to devote their life to prayer, so that they will better their preaching. Bounds exemplifies through his work that preaching has no power without prayer. He also sets forth the idea that prayer is the life-giving force behind our work for God. In reading this book, it inspires one to pray more and be able to be more effective in their ministry.

In the beginning of the book, Bounds expresses that we depend on God just as much as he depends on us. Our relationship with Christ is simple, but requires a lot of communication. He shows why it is so important to be in communication and prayer with Christ when preparing a sermon. Bounds says that, "Prayer is the mightiest weapon." (p. 46) What he means by this is that prayer gives life and force to all. He goes on to talk about how a true ministry is of God, and how this ministry can be most effective if we are in communication with God.

Repeatedly throughout the book he says, "preaching that kills is prayerless preaching." (p. 30) Preaching gives life; but preaching without prayer, kills. Bounds communicates that prayer is the noblest thing someone can do in their life. The nature and quality of our praying determines the nature and quality of our preaching. One can

Power Through Prayer 3

only spend so much time studying, but only the heart can learn to preach. How does one do that? It is through prayer. In prayer comes a well prepared heart. A prepared heart is much better than a well prepared sermon.

Prayer has so many different benefits, however, a provoking question arises; can too much prayer cause harm? Bounds says that harm is possible. He gives the example of monks. Monks spend most of their life in prayer, and shut themselves out from the world. If they are spending their entire life in prayer, in a closet, then how is it beneficial to others. They will never be able to speak to other people. One of the main purposes of prayer is to prepare the heart. What is the heart preparing for if they never speak to others the words of God? Prayer refreshes the heart, keeps it in line with God, and as a result will have sympathy for others.

One can use prayer for many great things, such as praying for other people. It is a wonderful thing to speak about God to people. Yet it is still greater to talk to God for people. Praying for other people results in many things; such as having sympathy for them. If one is praying for others, then one will better understand what that person is going through. Another important point is that we need to be in prayer for those who do not believe. It is very important for the preacher to be in prayer, for it is necessary to pray that God will move people and change their hearts. He is the only one has power to do this. God needs to move people towards him before the preacher can move the people to God by his words. A ministry of prayer is the only ministry that brings the preacher into sympathy with other people.

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Bounds expresses strongly that one needs to always be in constant prayer with God. Prayer is a very humbling work of Christ. It is important to always be in prayer because it will produce a good leader. It is also very important and a vital part of a

preacher's sermon. Often times preachers will prepare sermons without any prayer. These sermons are solely words. A preacher's sermon should