Kyle Strobel - Where Prayer Becomes Real: How Honesty with God Transforms Your Soul

Where Prayer Becomes Real is not only one of the very best books on prayer I have ever read, but it is one of the most practically transformative books I have ever read, full stop. Because this is more than a book to readthis is a book that you practice, that you live, that you become. If you have ever longed for the practice of your faith to include an authentic, intimate prayer life, or if you have longed for your life to become prayer, I have no higher recommendation than these pages. Not only will I be earnestly recommending this book to anyone who wants to truly learn how to pray, but this is the book on prayer I will personally be returning to again and again, because these pages genuinely turn the soul toward intimate communion with God.

Ann Voskamp , author of the New York Times bestsellers The Broken Way and One Thousand Gifts

As a pastor and teacher of Scripture, I am always looking for resources that can help me and the people I serve practice faith versus merely talking about faith. This is especially true regarding one of the most mysterious practices of faith: prayer. In this wonderful volume, prayer is made less intimidating and mysterious on the one hand and much more compelling and accessible on the other. If you are seeking to grow in the life of prayer or are helping others do the same, Where Prayer Becomes Real is an excellent place to begin.

Scott Sauls , senior pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee, and author of Jesus Outside the Lines and A Gentle Answer

If you ever read a book on prayer, let it be this one! Just the word prayer can evoke guilt and never good enough feelings. But as I read these pages, a mountain of spiritual shame lifted off my shoulders. Real prayer is possible. This book is oxygen for the soul. When it comes to the spiritual life, Coe and Strobel are trusted voices I return to again and again. They teach us that prayer isnt just something we do but is someone we are with (or, better yet, is someone with us). Anyone who desires a meaningful prayer life needs this book.

Anjuli Paschall , author of Stay and founder of The Moms We Love Club

This book gets right at the heart of the churchs weakness in prayerwe dont pray from the heart. In fact, we shut down our hearts, thus killing any desire to have real communication with God. By wrapping prayer in the gospel, Coe and Strobel liberate us for communion with God. The authors drive home this message: Be yourself. Be honest. Be real. Only then will your prayer life come alive. I hope the Lord Jesus uses this book to break through centuries of calcification in prayer. I highly recommend Where Prayer Becomes Real .

Paul E. Miller , author of A Praying Life and J- Curve

Whether youre new to prayer or have been praying for decades, Where Prayer Becomes Real offers something to enrich your friendship with God. Solidly theological, it doesnt settle for sleepy truths about God. This is a book to get you praying when you wake up, when youre angry with your spouse, when you feel disappointed, when praise is hard to come by. Its about prayer as honest, desire-full living before Godprayer that self-examines, self-discloses, and ultimately frees the self from having to be at the center of everything.

Jen Pollock Michel , author of Surprised by Paradox and Teach Us to Want

Many books have been written about the various aspects of prayer, but this one is refreshingly perceptive. My assumptions were challenged and my hope renewed. Strobels and Coes leadership by example gives us a window into how the supernatural Word of God works in our hearts and inspires prayer.

Gloria Furman , author of The Pastors Wife and Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full

God knows everything in our hearts and on our minds, so why would we struggle to talk with God about anything? But we do, and in Where Prayer Becomes Real , Kyle and John serve us as gracious, wise guides to praying more honestly. Youll find help here for deepening your conversational relationship with God. Thank you for writing this important book!

Alan Fadling , president of Unhurried Living and author of The Way of Presence

Prayerconversation with the supreme animating force of space and time. Is there any act more transcendent? Is there any act more mystical and mystifying? In this book, Strobel and Coe share the practitioners approach to demystifying prayer. Whats more, they show the true nature of this foundational spiritual discipline: prayer is a means of attachment to the Divine Love, one that forms and transforms even the most chaotic soul.

Seth Haines , author of The Book of Waking Up