Transforming Your Church Into a House of Prayer
P. Douglas Small
Pathway Press, 2006
http://www.pathwaybookstore.com/Item/32280/TransformingYourChurchIntoAHouseOfPrayer
I became interested in this book listening to the author share his vision for city-wide prayer initiatives across the country. His passion was contagious as he talked about churches working together to pray for their city.
In his book, Small encourages churches to put prayer at the center of all they do, not just as another ministry among many nor as a peripheral activity. He echoes Jesus’ cry in Mark 11:17, “My house shall be called a house of prayer for the nations.” Noting that a revolution of prayer has gripped places like Uganda, Nigeria, Colombia and Canada, he calls for a reformation in this country of personal Christian disciplines, with prayer at the center, and prayer at the heart of church life.
Small discusses the theology of prayer (intimate communion with God, inviting the kingdom of God into every situation and standing in the gap for others in their need), the philosophy of prayer ministry (going from a church that just prays in crises to a church with a prayer ministry to a praying church), and four dimensions of a praying church (a praying people, a praying church, identified and mobilized intercessors and prayer evangelism). He builds on each idea as precept upon precept (Isaiah 28:10) and includes practical information and suggestions to help the local church put these ideals into practice, truly becoming a “house of prayer for the nations.”
The author’s strength is his passion for prayer. It shows in this book and comes across more vividly in person. His diagrams are not as helpful: sometimes they are clear and simple, other times confusing and convoluted. The text explains better than the diagrams.
This book has challenged me to review and change my own prayer life and my leadership in prayer as a pastor. God has truly touched my heart.
Transforming Your Church Into a House of Prayer is best suited for pastors, prayer leaders or others who can influence the local church. It would also be helpful for church members who are prayer warriors or intecessors.
Other resources from Doug Small at www.projectpray.org or www.alivepublications.org:
The Praying Church Resource Guide (142 page loose-leaf notebook)
Prayer: the Heartbeat of the Church
Do I take delight in just being in God’s presence and listening to Him as much as I do in talking?
Do I pray for Judea, Samaria and the uttermost parts of the earth as much as Jerusalem?
How can I take a leadership role in prayer in my church?
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