40 Questions About Prayer

by Joseph C. Harrod

Overview

Relevant questions about prayer answered from the whole witness of Scripture

Praying is often the most common yet least understood practice of Christian spirituality. In 40 Questions About Prayer, scholar and teacher Joseph C. Harrod shares biblical insight on the nature and practice of Christian prayer. Harrod's emphasis on searching the Scriptures results in a trustworthy, practical guide to a vital aspect of Christian belief and behavior, equally appropriate for seminary courses, Bible studies, and personal understanding.

The accessible question-and-answer format of 40 Questions About Prayer allows readers to explore the issues they care most about, such as these:

• Does prayer change God’s mind?

• Does God hear the prayers of unbelievers?

• What does it mean to pray in Jesus's name?

• How does prayer affect evangelism, spiritual awakening, and revival?

• What does it mean to pray “without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17)?

• Do physical postures affect prayer?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780825477386
Publisher:	Kregel Publications
Publication date:	08/16/2022
Series:	40 Questions
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Joseph C. Harrod (PhD in Biblical Spirituality, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) currently serves as Assistant Professor of Biblical Spirituality and Associate Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of Theology and Spirituality in the Works of Samuel Davies and numerous journal articles.

Table of Contents

Foreword 9

Introduction 13

Part 1 General Questions About Prayer

1 What Is Prayer? 17

2 What Are Various Types of Prayer? 21

3 Why Must the Bible Inform and Guide Prayer? 31

4 How Does the Gospel Shape Christian Prayer? 37

Part 2 Prayer and Theology

5 To Whom Do Christians Pray? 47

6 Should Christians Pray to the Son and the Holy Spirit? 51

7 How Does Jesus's Intercession Strengthen Our Prayers? 55

8 How Does the Holy Spirit Help Christians Pray? 61

9 What Does It Mean to Pray "in Jesus's Name" and "in the Spirit"? 67

10 Does God Hear the Prayers of Unbelievers? 75

11 If God Is in Control, Why Should We Pray? 79

12 Does Prayer Change Gods Mind? 85

13 How Does Prayer Affect Evangelism, Revival, and Renewal? 91

14 How Does Prayer Address Spiritual Conflict? 97

Part 3 Prayer in Scripture

15 What Can Christians Learn from Narrative Prayers of the Old Testament? 105

16 How Can the Psalms Shape Christian Prayer? 111

17 What Kinds of Prayer Does Jesus Forbid (Matthew 6:5-8)? 119

18 How Might We Pray the Lords Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)? 125

19 Must Christians Forgive Others Before They Can Pray (Matthew 6:14-15)? 137

20 Why Don't We Always Receive What We Request in Prayer (Matthew 7:7-8)? 141

21 How Might Jesus's Experience of Prayer Encourage Us? 149

22 How Did Paul Pray for Early Christian Communities? (Parti) 153

23 How Did Paul Pray for Early Christian Communities? (Part 2) 161

24 What Does It Mean to Pray "Without Ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17)? 169

25 What Is the "Prayer of Faith" (James 5:13-16)? 173

Part 4 Prayer in Practice

26 How Does Prayer Relate to Other Spiritual Disciplines? 181

27 Why Does God Sometimes Seem Absent in Prayer? 189

28 Should We Argue with God in Prayer? 197

29 How Does Prayer Form Character? 201

30 What Should We Ask For in Prayer? 205

31 Should Christians Use Written Prayers? 209

32 How Should Christian Parents Teach Children to Pray? 217

33 Does Our Physical Posture Affect Prayer? 225

34 How Might We Fight Distraction in Prayer? 235

35 How Might Christians Pray Scripture? 239

36 Why Is It Important for Christians to Pray Together? 245

37 How Can I Set Aside a Day for Prayer? 251

Part 5 Prayer in Historical Context

38 What Can the Ancient Church Teach Us About Prayer? 257

39 What Can the Medieval Church Teach Us About Prayer? 265

40 What Can the Puritans Teach Us About Prayer? 271

Epilogue: How Can I Start Praying Today? 279

Select Bibliography 281

Scripture Index 283

Editorial Reviews

What air is to this terrestrial globe, so is prayer to the kingdom of God. It is vital for life in the kingdom, though if the truth be told, far too many of us wrestle with the discipline of prayer. When we should be wrestling in prayer, to use a Pauline image, we are wrestling just to be diligent and disciplined in praying. Joe Harrod’s study of prayer through the medium of 40 questions—surely this must be the first time that prayer has been discussed via such means—is an excellent reminder of prayer's necessity. May close study of it also make us, its readers, men and women who pray—and that with passion and assiduity!

chair and professor of church history, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary - Michael A.G. Haykin

Joe Harrod has written a wonderful guide to improve our communication with God. The 40 questions span the spectrum from biblical and theological issues to historical models and practical guidance for praying. These chapters which are deeply researched and documented are written in a form that would appeal to new believers as well as more experienced Christians looking to refresh their prayer life. Dr. Harrod isn’t afraid to examine some of the thorny questions about prayer, including does God answer the prayers of unbelievers, does prayer change God’s mind, and is it acceptable to argue with God in prayer. This book would be a valuable resource for college courses in Christian spirituality as well as study groups for the local church. I highly recommend it and trust it will be eagerly received by all readers.

associate professor, emeritus of Christian formation and ministry, Wheaton College - Tom Schwanda

Dr. Joe Harrod writes an amazing book on prayer! It is both practical and rich in depth. It answers so many of the questions that we are all asking to understand our call to pray. Dr. Harrod will warm your heart and challenge your mind, leading you to adore the Savior who invites you to call upon his great name!

senior pastor, Highview Baptist Church - Aaron Harvie

Joe Harrod’s 40 Questions About Prayer is faithful to Scripture, clearly written, and extremely helpful for Christians seeking to grow in their understanding and practice of prayer. I think many churches and ministry groups will find this book perfectly formatted for group discussions. Highly recommended!

Collin and Evelyn Aikman Professor of Biblical StudiesThe Southern Baptist Theological Seminary - Robert L. Plummer

Joseph Harrod draws from the riches of Scripture and the Christian tradition to help us to think deeply about prayer. Here is a helpful and stimulating book about prayer that will not only answer many of your questions but also enhance both theological discernment and practical devotion.

president, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary

"In 40 Questions About Prayer, Joe Harrod provides a sound and accessible resource for Christians who have questions about prayer. This fine book is anchored in Scripture and will be proven helpful for any Christian who wants to grow a prayerful life. As a pastor, I am excited about this excellent work and will recommend it for use in our church."

lead pastor of Sojourn Church Midtown, Louisville, KY, president, Harbor Network. - Jamaal Williams

Joseph Harrod draws from the riches of Scripture and the Christian tradition to help us to think deeply about prayer. Here is a helpful and stimulating book about prayer that will not only answer many of your questions but also enhance both theological discernment and practical devotion.

president, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary - Joel R. Beeke