Prayer: Does it make any difference?

I bought this book at the new hardcover price, assuming it was a new book. Lot's of pencil markings thru the book, obviously used. Which is great, I'm glad someone else had opportunity to be blessed with the words and message as written. Just wish now that I had bought and paid the used book price instead of new. Just hope that Rev Yancy still gets his cut. Oh, and the pencil marks- thoughtfully done, I'd probably be underlining the same portions of verbiage......... someone who thinks like me!!!! Blessed twice!

Philip Yancey researches and writes to answer questions with which he is struggling personally. "Prayer" is no different. He raises all of the traditional arguments against prayer (e.g., if God already knows, why tell him again?), and then uses Scripture and examples to demonstrate why we need to pray anyway.We are discussing this book in a book group Sunday School class, and we are all enjoying it and profiting from both the book and from our colleagues' responses to it.

Philip Yancey provides an honest and inspiring book on prayer that is one of the most helpful on this subject.

We have walked together in our Christian walk for many years. Phillip Yancey’s Prayer- Does it Make any Difference is the most profound book on prayer (and perhaps the Christian life) that we have ever read. There are many indicators of that fact, but perhaps the most salient are the facts that we seldom read more than a handful of pages before we find ourselves pausing for prayer and that we found ourselves rereading many chapters even before we completed the book. It is not a book you read and finish but rather a book that as you read becomes part of your journey. Yancey approaches the topic of prayer, not as an expert, but as a pilgrim who is finding his way. However, he includes the wisdom and testimonies of experts interwoven with the wisdom, stories and testimonies of scores of fellow pilgrims who have corresponded with him over the years.In those stories and testimonies he graphically reminds us of the struggles that occur and the questions that arise as finite men and women seek the presence, counsel and favor of the Author of the Universe. And he never dismisses the reality or the difficulty of those struggles and questions, indeed he claims them as his own. However, as he and the experts to whom he turns wrestle with those hard questions, we begin to see the shape of answers, and when answers are not yet apparent, we see a path around the question into fuller knowledge of and relationship with the One Who Loves Us.Claire and Ed

"Thus God flatly declares that, in addition to our private spiritual state, our social concern, (or lack of it) for the poor, for the orphans and widows- also have a direct being on how our prayers are received. Those who pay exploitative wages, who break marriage vows through adultery and divorce, who treat illegal immigrants badly, who refuse to share food with the hungry or provide shelter to the homeless, risk closing God ears to their prayers. As a twenty-first century American, those warnings cut me to the quick." P.YANCEYI first read Philp Yancey sometime in the beginning of this century in'The Jesus I Never Knew' and also bought one for a Christian friend in my workplace as a gift.I have great respect for Mr.Philp Yancey as a Christian author, who is insightfully wise as well as being very down-to-earth with his readers.He allows us to know about doctors he has interviewed who told him about accounts of healings that were beyond expectation.He does not hide the truth from us readers even when it hurts, and this book has many examples of these truths.This book is written for all Christians, and non Christian alike. For those who pray for healing, financial binds and other challenges for many Christians who pray generally and do not get answers.Where are the answers?Mr Yancey brings us to the answers, You will not get enough of this book.There are answered prayer and unanswered prayer - see what he says about them. I am not putting any spoilers in this review but begging you to get wisdom and understanding from "Prayer ....does it make a difference."Nevertheless the answer is yes.Reviewed by Heather Marshall Negahdar ( Haze 20-03-2011)Nevertheless the answer is yes.Reviewed by Heather Marshall Negahdar ( Haze 20-03-2011)

I bought this book because it was on sale, not because I thought it would have an effect on my prayer life. I was so wrong. Yancey covers the subject of prayer in great detail, but he does it in the most honest, thought provoking way possible, not leaving out the embarrassing questions we are all afraid to ask but confronting head on our frailty as human beings. I was challenged to begin a regular routine of prayer and a continuing conversation with God throughout the day - imperfect though it might be, that practice is now part of my life and I'm grateful. If I could afford it, I would send a copy to every one of my friends. It's that good.

This is a warm and lovely book. Philip Yancey writes in a readable way, and is very realistic about his own struggles with prayer, and yet why prayer is so essential to us all.His thoughts continually echoed my own, but he took me deeper and further.I borrowed the book from the library, then bought my own copy, which I have passed on to my husband., who is now reading itI recommend you buy a copy, read it, and pass it on!

Possibly the best book on prayer I have read. It poses more questions than it answers and therefore made me think.Philip Yancey write in an easy to read style so the book was hard going and off putting.Would recommend this book. a good book to use for a book club group or discussion group.

Very honest and thought provoking book on prayer. Easy to read. I would recommend to anyone who struggles with prayer which includes everyone

Wow! Reading this book has given me such insight into prayer. One to come back to from time to time. Thank God for the wisdom there enclosed.

Easy and quick to the kindle at a reduction of the cost. Love the kindle and all the amazing books you can get on there!