Finding a book on prayer begins with a question: what would help you most right now? You may want a practical introduction, deeper biblical study, or encouragement to keep praying. These eleven books offer different approaches; use the descriptions as a starting point for comparing them.
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Before you choose: Read sample pages, check the edition and current availability, and compare the teaching with Scripture. These are reading suggestions, not a claim that every title has been personally read or tested.
Which kind of prayer book do you need?
- A method to try: Praying the Bible.
- Biblical study: Praying with Paul.
- Help with distraction: A Praying Life.
- Written devotional prayers: The Valley of Vision.
- A short classic: A Call to Prayer.
Browse all 11 books
- The Hidden Life of Prayer
- Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God
- Why Revival Tarries
- The Complete Works of E. M. Bounds on Prayer
- A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World
- A Call to Prayer
- Praying with Paul: A Call to Spiritual Reformation
- The Power of Prayer and Fasting
- Praying: Finding Our Way Through Duty to Delight
- Praying the Bible
- The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions
These starting points are editorial suggestions based on the books’ documented formats and subjects. Scripture quotations within the books may use translations other than the KJV.
1. The Hidden Life of Prayer.
David McIntyre
McIntyre makes the case for private prayer, drawing on examples from earlier Christian leaders. The focus is sustained personal devotion rather than a collection of ready-made prayers.
A good fit for: Readers who want a classic treatment of private prayer.
Before choosing: Historical examples can encourage commitment without becoming a required daily timetable for every reader.
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2. Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God.
Timothy Keller
Keller combines theological discussion with practical guidance for prayer, including situations involving forgiveness, love, loss, and grief. The book explores both reverence for God and closeness to Him.
A good fit for: Readers who want to understand prayer as well as practice it.
Before choosing: Choose this for extended reflection; if you want a short method to try immediately, consider Praying the Bible below.
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3. Why Revival Tarries.
Leonard Ravenhill
Ravenhill challenges spiritual complacency and calls the church to prayer and revival. The publisher describes a forceful appeal, and the 2004 edition includes questions for individual or group study.
A good fit for: Church leaders and readers seeking a challenging discussion of revival.
Before choosing: Its confrontational tone may not suit someone seeking gentle encouragement. Read its claims alongside Scripture rather than treating revival as a result any reader can guarantee.
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4. The Complete Works of E. M. Bounds on Prayer.
E. M. Bounds
This collection brings together eight works about prayer. It offers a larger body of teaching to explore over time, rather than simply a book of prayers to recite.
A good fit for: Readers looking for an extended collection for ongoing study.
Before choosing: Check the contents and language of the edition you buy; publishers offer different formats. Start with one work instead of trying to finish the entire collection quickly.
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5. A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World.
Paul E. Miller
Miller addresses prayer amid the distractions of daily life. The expanded edition includes material on lament and practical guidance for using prayer cards.
A good fit for: Readers looking for help bringing everyday concerns into a regular prayer practice.
Before choosing: Check which edition you are purchasing if you want the additional chapters. Prayer cards are an organizational aid, not a formula for controlling outcomes.
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6. A Call to Prayer.
J. C. Ryle
Ryle’s brief work urges readers to take private prayer seriously, discussing its privileges and the dangers of neglecting it. Banner of Truth’s edition is a short booklet.
A good fit for: Readers who want a concise challenge to begin or renew private prayer.
Before choosing: The urgent tone invites self-examination. Do not turn devotional consistency into a claim that we earn God’s grace.
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7. Praying with Paul: A Call to Spiritual Reformation.
D. A. Carson
Carson examines prayer through Paul’s example and calls readers toward a more God-centered prayer life. The work was previously published as A Call to Spiritual Reformation.
A good fit for: Readers who want biblical study to shape what they pray for themselves and others.
Before choosing: Read the biblical passages alongside the discussion. This is a study-oriented choice rather than primarily a collection of short daily prayers.
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8. The Power of Prayer and Fasting.
Ronnie Floyd
Floyd discusses prayer and fasting as practices of humility and seeking God. The revised edition includes accounts from his experience and guidance for readers unfamiliar with fasting. Bill Bright is listed as a contributor in the bibliographic record, rather than the principal author.
A good fit for: Readers specifically studying the relationship between prayer and fasting.
Before choosing: Treat this as a spiritual resource, not personalized medical guidance or a guarantee of a particular breakthrough.
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9. Praying: Finding Our Way Through Duty to Delight.
J. I. Packer and Carolyn Nystrom
Packer and Nystrom explore the difficulties of prayer and encourage readers through a clearer understanding of God’s character. Their approach recognizes the gap between wanting to pray and finding prayer easy.
A good fit for: Readers who want thoughtful encouragement through struggles with prayer.
Before choosing: This is an extended discussion to work through gradually. Leave room to reflect rather than expecting a quick checklist.
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10. Praying the Bible.
Donald S. Whitney
Whitney teaches a practical approach to letting Scripture guide prayer. Chapters address the Psalms and other parts of the Bible, and Crossway provides a leader’s guide.
A good fit for: Readers who feel stuck repeating the same requests and want a specific practice to try.
Before choosing: Let the passage prompt prayer while respecting its meaning in context. You can use your own KJV Bible alongside the book.
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11. The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions.
edited by Arthur Bennett
This is a collection of written prayers and devotions drawn from the Puritan tradition. Bennett is the editor; the book supplies actual prayers for reflection, rather than only advice about composing them.
A good fit for: Readers who want written prayers to read slowly and use as prompts.
Before choosing: Read a sample to see whether its older devotional language and theological approach suit you. Let the prayers help you express your own concerns.
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Choose one book and make room to pray.
For a practical Scripture-led method, consider Praying the Bible. For a study of biblical prayer, look at Praying with Paul. For written devotional prayers, explore The Valley of Vision. These suggestions reflect each book’s format and focus, not a ranking or a claim of personal experience with every title.
Book details were checked against the linked publisher and edition records. Retail prices, stock, and Amazon short-link destinations have not been confirmed. Check the title, author, format, and seller before purchasing.
You can also begin without buying a book: try our free prayer course or printable prayer journal.
About the Author
Ordained Christian Minister Since 1988
Pastor David Small has served in Christian ministry for 38 years, preaching, teaching, and encouraging believers to grow in their relationship with God. His experience includes pastoral leadership, evangelism, biblical teaching, and helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges through faith and prayer.