Book Review of Prayer: The Timeless Secret of High-impact Leader by Dave Earley
The book “Prayer: The Timeless Secret of High Impact Leader” is for the individuals who takes the role of the leader in their lives. This book discusses the power of prayers and delves into the various insights of the prayers that help the leaders to lead.
Summary
The book is introduced by its author with the crux captured in one statement that “prayer influences men by influencing God to influence them”1. The power of prayers is discussed as prayer disciplines of the leaders who have high-impact on people. The book has ten chapters, the first chapter discussing the power and value of the prayer. This chapter weaves around the theme that the spiritual leaders do not pray adequate and puts forth the suggestion that if one prays enough, the ministry could be better. Prayer has several advantages as it saves one’s time and any location in the world becomes accessible to the praying heart. The importance of prayer and its benefits are discussed in this chapter in the form of providing access to the warzones, closed hearts and the countries, being a catalyst to bring the true and everlasting change.
Chapter 2 emphasizes that leader must take time out to pray. The prayer has to become a priority in one’s life and has been illustrated by the example of Jesus Christ. The leader should decide on the prayer time, time period of daily prayer and the fixed place to do prayer. These suggestions are actually intended to make prayer a routine which shall assist the leaders to get into the habit of praying daily and set their daily schedule according to that.
Chapter 3 speaks about the importance of the intercession and expounds that it has the cost attached to it; nonetheless it should be done religiously to bring about the changes the intercessor desires for its followers. By giving the examples of Jesus, Moses and Paul, Earley implies that leaders should pray for their people. The chapter ends with many practical suggestions for the leaders to ensure effective intercession.
Chapter 4 suggests the leaders to identify the prayer partners and also to teach their people to pray for him. This makes the leader identify his requirement for prayer. Prayer partner has an impact on the leader as demonstrated by Earley by stating the example of Moses. More practical suggestions to implement prayer partners in the leader’s ministry are discussed at the end of the chapter.
Chapter 5 speaks about sharing the problems with the God through prayers. Earley suggests that the leader should spread their problem and pressures in front of the Lord as done by Jesus and should make it prayer. This makes all the worries the request, problems become rescues, prayers become provisions, and the indecisions become breakthroughs.
Chapter 6 discusses the tools of the prayers and the most important tool, almost forgotten is fasting. Earley delves the spiritual leaders who prayed and fasted on regular basis throughout the Christian history. Several types of fasting in biblical manner is dissected in this chapter leading to expounding of right manner of fasting for effective prayers.
Chapter 7 encourages having a intrepid faith. The scripture promises in relation to prayer are discussed in detail in the book and the answers as demonstrated for John R. Rice, Nehemiah and Gideon are discussed. Emphatic ideas given by Earley includes pure intentions, writing the prayers and to “ask big” in prayer.
Chapter 8 motivates the readers to apply the basics of prayer they are already aware. A.C.T.S or Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication are discussed in this chapter through biblical and historical illustrations leading to practical suggestion by Earley.
Chapter 9 marks the end of the main theme by giving suggestion to adopt the prevalent best practices like praying without stopping, persevering petitions, prayer retreats, arrow prayers, scripture praying, praying with frank familiarity and walking prayer.
The book ends with the concluding chapter with the name “Putting it All Together” which has the questionnaire for the reader to identify the areas which needs the most work.
Several examples and illustrations as shared by Earley throughout the book are expounding and provide wisdom to the readers. The practical guides and ideas suggested by the author makes the suggestions memorable and easier to adapt in life. The usage of contemporary, historical and biblical examples is the important part of book. The book has been impressive, thought provoking and powerful by the incorporation of various statements like “God can do more in a fraction of seconds than I can accomplish in years”. This statement rings through the ears of the reader several times and instills the belief of God in one’s heart. With this book, the power of God suddenly awakens in one’s mind. Moreover, few good things like praying with good intention and pure heart, praying daily and on regular basis and connecting with God are few things which enlighten and empower the reader.
However there are certain things in the book which ask for further queries. One of the think is in relation to the author’s statement that one should “boldly claim God’s promise”2. The Hebrew also permits for asking God boldly for our requirements (Hebrew 4:16), the other aspect of boldness which is not paid attention to is the humility.
Personal Application
I have found the book of Dave Earley really effective in own life. I have followed the prayer routine suggested by the author and have discovered that just by being determinant to do the prayer daily, I have actually started scheduling my day to have my prayer time.
The part which specifically influenced me was “I doubt that anyone ever comes to the end of life saying, ‘I prayed too much.’ But many come to the end of their lives saying, ‘I prayed too little.’ What would happen if you prayed more than ever before? What could it hurt? Who might it help?3. This in a way changed my whole attitude towards praying with me realizing that any amount of prayer is not enough. Moreover, the prayer done with pure intention is always answered as has been illustrated by the author through historical and biblical examples and I am also trying to clean my heart and ask for something. I always felt that I pray only when I need something from god, however after reading this book I realize that askance from God is not wrong and we should pray daily and request daily from God. The book has illuminated the darkest corners of my heart and the questions which I used to ponder upon have been answered by this book. Though I am still getting into the habit of praying daily, this book is certainly the bible for me to guide me through all my doubts and questions on the prayers.
Works Cited
Earley, Dave. Prayer: The Timeless Secret of High-Impact Leaders. AMG Publishers, 2008.
