Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Understanding The Purpose And Power Of Prayer

Rate this book
God, God Almighty, God the Creator of man––this same God, in all His power and all His majesty, stops and listens when you pray. All that God is––and all that God has––may be received through prayer. Everything you need to fulfill your purpose on earth is available to you through prayer. The biblically–based, time–tested principles presented by Dr. Myles Munroe will ignite and transform the way you pray. Be prepared to enter into a new dimension of faith, a deeper revelation of God's love, and a renewed understanding that your prayers can truly move the hand of God.

768 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

596 people are currently reading
3898 people want to read

About the author

Myles Munroe

314 books686 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
780 (71%)
4 stars
196 (17%)
3 stars
60 (5%)
2 stars
29 (2%)
1 star
33 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
Profile Image for Miriam Tereck.
11 reviews6 followers
February 24, 2013
l gave this book 5 stars. I have nothing to add or subtract from this powerful book. It has 238 pages and every page blessed me beyond measure. He raised a lot of points that made me THINK and examine my prayer life. The book is in four parts, the first part talks about the purpose and priority of prayer and the reason so many people pray even though they do not understand or realise the power that prayer holds. He states that “Prayer is not just an activity, a ritual, or an obligation . It is communion and communication that touches God’s heart.” He goes into detail about where prayer began and what gives us the right to pray to an Almighty God. At first, l did not understand what He meant when He said, “Prayer is man giving God the legal right and permission to interfere in earth’s affairs.” l wondered why we would have to give God permission to do what He wants in a world that He owns, but as l read further l understood that without prayer God will not move in your life to carry out His will, and without God in your life you will never be truly satisfied and function to your highest ability because God is the source of life and everything that surrounds us. You can read the rest of my review here; http://www.womensetapart.com/book-rev...
Profile Image for Ntombezinhle Nzama.
178 reviews45 followers
July 16, 2018
This book has been such an eye opener. As part of my walk with God I have had a lot of questions about prayer and this book answers all of them. I am so glad I came across this book. It has really changed the way I view prayer
8 reviews
March 9, 2011
"Excellent book. It showed me where I had holes in my prayer life and filled them. This is a must read for a prayer warrior and for those who want to build a relationship with God."
Profile Image for Jean Pierre.
40 reviews2 followers
July 23, 2011
This book is unfortunately a pretty heretical book. This was probably one of the first books I read when I got saved. As I was reading the book, I couldn't help but notice some very eisegetical interpretations to some passages, even as a new believer. One of the most evident and blasphemous interpretations of Scripture comes in page 33 where he takes Psalm 82:6 and somehow interprets it to mean that we are "little gods". The "little gods" doctrine is actually quite prevalent in the Word of Faith camp. It is through that doctrine that they come up with "speak into existence". "If God was able to speak into existence then it stands to reason that we too would be able to speak into existence". It doesn't much reading of the entire context of Psalm 82 to show that God was not proclaiming man to actually be little gods. Rather God was being sarcastic with prideful rulers! The very next verse after Psalm 82:6 states clearly, "Nevertheless you will die like men
And fall like any one of the princes". For someone to take Psalm 82:6 and rip it out of its context to have it mean something completely opposite shows a lack of respect for God's word. At any rate, the very beginning of the book did make some good points on a Christian's obligation to pray but his reasoning for that duty if you continue reading is because God can't act without our prayer. That, of course, goes against God's sovereignty and Omnipotence so it must be rejected. All in all, I do not recommend this book to people to read. There are too many bad teachings in this book for it to benefit a Christian even in the least.
Profile Image for Abi Las.
7 reviews5 followers
February 15, 2022
I have been reading this since Oct 2014, not rushing throught it. Actually studying it in line with the Bible. Finished reading it ages ago and use it as a reference point.
Profile Image for Christopher Lewis Kozoriz.
827 reviews272 followers
May 28, 2015
"Prayer is...the most important activity of humanity" ~ Dr. Myles Munroe, Understanding the Purpose and Power of Prayer, p. 237

This book will help you obtain an deeper understanding of prayer and the purpose of prayer. It opened my eyes to the importance of prayer and how my prayers are influencing the earth. Also, how my lack of prayer is hindering the plans and purposes of God. I found myself praying more and encouraged to pray more.

I think if you are not praying more after reading this book, then you must be dead.
Profile Image for David.
2 reviews12 followers
Read
April 28, 2012
The title says it all. The most comprehensive book on prayer that I have read.
Profile Image for Books & Shelves.
103 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2019
This book has transformed my whole prayer life....simply amazing....this book will never be shelved in my house....
Profile Image for Alexandra.
174 reviews2 followers
April 28, 2025
It was good. Nothing overly exciting.

It has great details on the reverence God deserves in prayer and I really liked the details on why we struggle with prayer and why our prayers aren’t working. It also gives good lighting to fasting, which I still have a delicate relationship with.

However, I do not like that it voiced against praying to the saints, which, as a Catholic, and considering that saints are our models, I completely disagree with. That was also a part where he said God doesn’t like it when we are emotional, and basically stated prayer has to be formal and compared it to setting our case in a courtroom. In some cases that does make sense, especially when using the name of Jesus properly as well as using scripture in prayer. But God does want our emotions-He wants us to be vulnerable and therefore intimate with us. And prayer doesn’t have to be so formal all the time. We can talk to Him simply because we love Him to tell Him about our day, etc.


That’s all. It’s nothing crazy.
Profile Image for Tremayne Moore.
Author 13 books66 followers
December 21, 2017
From start to finish, the late Dr. Myles Munroe walked me through the concept of prayer. Why prayers go unanswered and how to pray to touch the father’s heart as well as exposing the hindrances to Prayer. I was privileged to read this book and actually implement this in real life. As a result, this has change my perspective on Prayer. This was a great read.
Profile Image for K. ♡.
159 reviews17 followers
January 25, 2024
This was such an impactful read! It opened my eyes to see the ways in which I have been limiting myself by not changing my perspective with my prayers. I feel really motivated to make some changes in my life and I'm excited to see all that God has in store for me and my future.
Profile Image for Dave Lake.
45 reviews2 followers
January 3, 2022
Complete junk!! Heresy upon heresy. I really expected better!
1 review
December 31, 2013

The very sub-title of the book is heretical at best, "earthly key to heavenly interference".Please understand that God is the Almighty,sovereign having both dominion and authority over all His creation, that includes physical and spiritual beings (human beings, righteous angles and satan and his demons). In 1chronicles 29:11 we read " yours o Lord is the greatness and the power and the victory and the majesty,for all that is in heaven and earth is thine, thine is the kingdom o Lord and Thou art exalted as head above all".

Further, in psalms 103:19 we hear "The Lord has prepared His throne in the heavens and His kingdom rules over all". So you see, God is the king and rules over everyone. He does not need anyones permission. A pagan king is recorded in Daniel 4:34b-35 saying "For His dominion is an everlasting dominion and His kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, but He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of earth. And no one can ward off His hand or say to Him,'what have you done?'" Seriously, is this book suggesting that Nebucadneezar was wrong to glorify God that way?.

Jesus said all authority in heaven and on earth is given to Him not to us, we are in Jesus Christ but we are not Jesus Christ.The notion of us being gods is laughable, There is and always will be to enternity one God existing in three persons The Father the Son and the Holy Spirit, who is Sovereign over all His creation and for anyone to think that God needs their permission to act on earth is heresy. May be such a one would like to answer this question, 'who gave God permission to send Jesus Christ to save sinners like me and you?'.

But what is prayer? prayer is our commune with God, it is making our requests and supplications (not demands) known to God, how do we do this?, with thanks giving, and what do we get Phili 4:7 "and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and mind through Christ Jesus". Please note that it does not say that God will grant your every request.

THIS BOOK WILL LEAD YOU TO MANY DANGEROUS ERRORS. I pray that God will lead you to good biblically based resources.


Profile Image for erenmeii.
77 reviews
February 25, 2025
Edited review: At first, I do like this book but I learn about new thought (manifestation using Bible), I change my mind. I learn from this book that through words we, as a person can change/create our life like how God create the world through His words, so we can too. I thought it's biblical, it sounds good but I learn now that we are not God, we can't be like God. Satan deceived human by saying "we can be like God" and we're not! Prayers are intercession, we ASK GOD for everything, we don't command God to do what we want. It is GOD'S WILL, not our will be done. Be cautious on this kind of believe that we can manifest good life by prayers and affirmation. We pray God asking guidance and wisdom. God is not a genie that we request all we want in life, thinking our dreams is always good, sometimes it's not. So ask God for everything and don't rely on our own understanding :)
Profile Image for Latoya Kagel.
3 reviews
January 23, 2019
I read this book all the way through once and I go back to it sometimes to be refreshed and encouraged to pray. I gave it a 3 because there are a little too many scriptures taken out of context. It seems as though an opinion is added to interpret some of the scripture and when I research it, I was correct in my assumption. I would recommend reading this book lightly and be prepared to cross reference and do some research.
18 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2008
A very powerful book about prayer that everyone should read.
8 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2010
This book covers principles and authority foundations for believers in Christ. It is not a formula, but the principles help us to check our attitude and approach to God through prayer.
Profile Image for Atiba.
49 reviews
November 6, 2023
This book is powerful. While halfway through the book I decided to put it to the test. In the morning I prayed for rain while cleaning out the bush from the drain near my house so it would wash away all the sludge that build up from my neighbor's sespit. And lo, and behold, plenty plenty rain (1pm-3pm)
Also, today, while leaving home for work, I said a quick prayer in my heart, "Lord, send one of my co-workers to pick me up." After I said that prayer, immediately a car stopped. It was one of my co-workers. (He had a brand new car, so I didn't recognize it). Now that the book is over, I've decided to put the rest of it to good use for the Kingdom.
3 reviews
July 4, 2017
An answered prayer

While seeking God to teach me to pray for many years...even recently hungry for the word and not knowing how to approach my loving and gracious Father...it was imperative that I learn...couldn't think of bringing my carnal prayer to the Holy one...this book is awesome...will study this book until it's engrafted in spirit mind will and emotions to pray for others and myself and most important relationship with my Father...thank you Mr. Monroe...miss you dearly...
44 reviews
June 3, 2024
What can I say about Dr. Munroe!!

This book opened my eyes to just how I can get God's attention and get more involved in my life. Wow!! As I learned, you have to invite God into your life and into your mess for Him to do what needs to be done. With that said, He is not going to continue to allow you to just do what you want and fix it, at some point you have to learn the lesson. Just as I did.

Dr. Munroe provides several techniques on showing how you can invite God in and if you are seeking God and trying to find ways to ask Him to come into your life, read this book!!
3 reviews
June 30, 2024
Life changing

I have never read a more powerful book. The scriptural integrity and clarity make this easy to understand and implement. All Christians should know this information. It will change the way you pray and fast. It will ignite a passion in your spirit, especially if your in a dry place right now.
I couldn't absorb this book fast enough. I will be studying it for some time. Definitely using those study guides that are included.
I've been a Christian for almost 40 years and this blew my mind multiple times. Get it now. You won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Shawn.
227 reviews5 followers
June 10, 2025
This is the second time I’ve read this book. The first time was in 2018. Glad I decided to revisit because I missed so much the first time. I want to develop a strong prayer life and this book is a great guide. It teaches what you need to know about prayer and how to pray. How to enter into God’s presence and how to pray in the name of Jesus the right way. He even has YouTube videos that actually walks you through the book. Everyone should read this book especially if you are struggling with prayer.
Profile Image for Jennifer Thompson-Thalasinos.
341 reviews6 followers
June 9, 2020
I discovered this book on Gianni Jansen’s, wife of baseball player Kenley Jansen, Instagram. Always looking for a good inspirational read I had to check it out. This is a great book on prayer! I was very impressed with the idea of praying using verses from the Bible. This book was very well researched and includes multitudes of Bible verses to back up each point. I definitely recommend this book I’d you are looking to enhance your prayer life.
1 review
October 17, 2022
This book have a Good revelation of prayer and the right principles of prayer I always ask my self how can I gate the right principles of prayer then I gate it know this is powerful material for prayer I used to believe prayer is a religious activity but know I understand it’s not. It’s a Gods kingdom Tools to access Heven to earth and this book’s principles are dose not conflict with bible it’s the same us the Bible teaching abut prayer and it’s always works for me
Thank you Dr myles Munro !
Profile Image for Barb.
142 reviews4 followers
October 20, 2021
Tried to read this book. God did give us dominion. Unfortunately, Adam and Eve abdicated that (by willfull sin) to Satan who took the deed to planet earth until Jesus Himself took it back with His sacrifice on the cross. We are stewards of the earth in partnership with God until Jesus returns. I couldn't finish the book.
Profile Image for Ntombezinhle Nzama.
178 reviews45 followers
July 20, 2022
we have learnt how to pray from observing others, but prayer is never taught. I'm so glad I listened to this audio book just to show me how to pray effective prayers since. implementing what the book says especially about praying God's word, I feel so confident in my prayers and I can see some being answered . this is such an important book fir any Christian growing in their faith
27 reviews
October 26, 2022
Life-Changing

Dr Munroe provides great detail for thorough understanding. I wish I read this book years ago. Prayer is extremely powerful yet we weren’t properly taught about it. He has answered every question I’ve ever had about prayer and he even provides information on fasting. Don’t hesitate, buy it and read it at your own pace.
Profile Image for blackQueen.
11 reviews
April 5, 2025
This book changed how I view prayer and my relationship with God. I used to pray mainly for things I wanted, but it opened my eyes to the fact that God’s love and presence are far greater than anything I could ask for. It helped me shift from seeking blessings to seeking a deeper connection with Him.
3 reviews
November 12, 2016
Awesome, awesome, awesome!!! I have read this book at least 3 times over the past few years. It has truly taught me the depths of tapping into this mighty weapon God has given us to truly exercise our dominion over the earth!!!
Profile Image for Andrew Hojnacki.
16 reviews
January 9, 2020
If you need a GREAT book on the principals of Prayer & the power of them. Look no further than this book. This book has reshaped the way I think about prayer & has effected so much in my prayer life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.