Study Guide

Do you pray? A recent poll asked this question of a broad sampling of Americans. Most (some 78%) answered "yes". These included both those who attend some form of worship service regularly and those who do not.

Are your prayers answered? Again, the poll revealed that most people who pray do find that at least some of their prayers are answered.

When we look at the usual gauges of our culture-TV, movies, newspapers, and magazines-we would hardly expect these findings. The secular influences that surround us seem much more the norm than does the head bowed in prayer. Certainly devotees of practically all major religions are encouraged to pray. But finding that large numbers of people actually do so is both surprising and comforting.

Are you comfortable with the way you pray? The Gallup poll did not address this question. Many people feel inadequate in their efforts to communicate with God. For some, this inadequacy has led them to abandon the practice entirely. Others persist, knowing all the while that their prayer life could be much better. If you are in either of these groups, this book is addressed to you. I certainly do not know all the answers to an effective prayer life, and make no pretense to even be an expert in the field. But I have sought for years to better understand prayer, to raise my prayers above the common, everyday levels. In this book I will share some things I have learned, and perhaps one or two of these will resonate within you and aid you in your search. If so, I will have succeeded.