First of all, I was attracted to
the name of this book—it struck me as a very appropriate book for the busy
times we live in right now. Many of us have trouble making the time to pray,
then a crisis hits and we suddenly find ourselves praying for support! This
book discusses that prayer doesn’t just happen on the run and suggests that we
can all learn to slow down to pray and be with God on a daily basis.
Hybel presents suggestions on
how to build the habit and practice of prayer into our lives. He refers
periodically to passages in the bible that support his advice on how to learn
to prayer regularly and prayerfully. He is realistic in his tone about why
people find it challenging to do this by indicating some of the excuses used
for not praying. This includes, “I have too many responsibilities to
fulfill, so I don’t have time to pray properly” and “We begin to pray,
but we soon find our minds wandering and we realize we’re using empty
phrases.”
The author talks about the
spirit and guidance we receive as a result of daily, regular prayer. For
example, he suggests that by being attuned to the leadings of the Holy Spirit
our life plans will turn out the way that God wants them to. Hybel points out
that God made us, and he knows what will fulfill you. He knows what vocation
is best suited to our talents and abilities. He knows if we should marry or
remain single, and if one does marry, He knows which marriage partner is best
suited to you. He knows what church you can flourish in and He wants to guide
your life. Essentially, quiet your life and listen to God through prayer, is
the theme of this book.
