Our Eyes Are On You: A Study of Biblical Prayer

umerous books about prayer are published every year. Most of these fall in two categories. Many contain sample suggested prayers for various occasions. Others are devotional studies meant to encourage people to pray. This book also has many prayers listed, but all are from the Scriptures themselves. That is what the book is about: a serious study --scholarly but not technical-- of what the Bible teaches about prayer.The author lists most of the prayers in the Bible, but does not simply make a few expected comments about them. He begins with the context of each prayer so the serious student may discern how to use a similar prayer in accord with Biblical examples. Sometimes what he calls "context" is actually "background" rather than a discussion of the flow of the passage in which it is found; but the comments are always thoughtful.Ward has done the reader a favor greatly to be appreciated in adding to the study of individual prayers three topical appendices. One of these discusses chief passages, which adds significantly to our understanding of the theology of prayer. The other two bravely take on the controversial and widely disputed issues of prayer offered directly to Jesus, and the modern use of the Lord's Prayer by the Church. The conclusions reached are solid and worthy of consideration.Materially, the book is well-constructed and easy to read. One who reads it will appreciate as never before the power and joy --and means-- of communicating with the Almighty.

Wow, I loved this book and learned so much from the study of Bible prayers!One of my chief complaints about "religious" books is that they're often fluffy - they use lots of words to say very little. Thankfully, this book is just the opposite. I had to go slow and take my time because Ward packs so much into each paragraph, just like the Scriptures themselves. It probably helps that Ward is drawing heavily from Scripture as his source material. ;) He sticks close to the text and guides the reader to do the same. And he's honest. Where there are multiple viewpoints, he's happy to give his own take and then cite someone else who can present a solid opposition case. I can respect a writer like that.If you want to get better at prayer by learning from Bible people who prayed, this is the book to get. If you want to dig into the Word and you're not afraid of spending a little time and effort on it, this is still the book to get.

This book was one of my favorites of 2023. Each chapter provides a detailed look at different prayers found in the Bible, complete with contextual guideposts, actionable takeaways, and thematic elements. Tracing themes found in various prayers throughout the Bible has helped refine my understanding of what it means to "pray the promises" and root my heart more fully in seeking to mold my own will into His, rather than bend His will to mine. (the true function/purpose of prayer anyway).Nathan is witty, observant, and an easy read.I adopted this book into a Bible class for our church; it was consistently a hit weekly, due to the structure and content found within this book. Thank you to Nathan for providing a beautiful resource that will extend its impact to countless pray-ers.

Excellent overview of prayer throughout scripture! In this book you get to see both the forest and the trees. The author makes the themes of biblical prayer pop like the colors of fall. But the author also observes the unique qualities of each individual prayer, inviting us to ponder every leaf and learn to rest beneath its shade.

Very easy read! Very well written! This book is for the average christian that is trying to understand prayer and the examples we have in the Bible. He gives good context and explanations all the way through.I really can not recommend this book enough. I am actually buying a second copy now to give to my preacher hoping that we can do a full class over it.

Nathan Ward has done an outstanding job on this study of prayer. I rarely read a chapter without learning at least something new to me. The "Connections" section for each prayer is helpful encouragement to examine my own prayers and see if they line up with the prayers of the saints of old. Thank you for this excellent study!

Please add this to your personal library as soon as you can! Dr. Nathan Ward has done a terrific jobWith this book. What a blessing to go before the God of heaven in prayer!

This is a great book to learn more about different prayers in the Bible. Very applicable to my life.