And God Changed His Mind

by Brother Andrew

Can prayer really change God's mind? Although it's difficult to conceive of this possibility, this is the question that Brother Andrew explores in this Biblically grounded, thought-provoking work. A new edition, from the author of God's Smuggler.

Genres: Prayer, Christian, Christian Living

192 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1991

About the author

Andrew van der Bijl (born 11 May 1928 in Sint Pancras, Netherlands), known in English-speaking countries as Brother Andrew, is a Christian missionary famous for his exploits smuggling Bibles to communist countries in the height of the Cold War, a feat that has earned him the nickname "God's smuggler". Brother Andrew studied at the WEC Missionary Training College in Glasgow, Scotland. Brother Andrew was born in Sint Pancras, the Netherlands, and was the fourth of seven children to a poor, near deaf blacksmith.

Reviews

[Grace Suresh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josh and I slowly read through this, taking about a year to complete. In the middle of that timeline I read Brother Andrew’s biography. It was so helpful to have the greater context of his life story and hear about his journey to faith in Jesus.

And God Changed His Mind is a powerful retort to Christian fatalism and it has given me lots to contemplate regarding the way I approach prayer. There were a few things that didn’t resonate for me but overall I think this is a really important read for fellow believers.

[Josh S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few odd patches, but overall a powerful, convicting, and challenging book. The provocative title hits home and has great Biblical warrant: God responds to the prayers of his people. There is no higher calling for any believer than to partner with God and pray.

[Hanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A unique view on prayer life. Sometimes Brother Andrew seemed a bit off his rocker, but I liked one of his quotes in the book that said something to the statement of 'I'd rather be accused of caring too much than too little.' Maybe the book is a bit too 'heretical' for some readers, but knowing a bit about Brother Andrew's life story, he genuinely loved God and wanted to see God's kingdom to be seen on this earth. Overall, a solid read. I didn't agree with everything, but I liked how the book challenged me to see my prayer life in a more radical and thought provoking way.

[Steven van Doorn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm very conflicted about this book. While The charge to be intercessors was timely and convicting, much of his Biblical exposition seemed forced or wrong. Definitely interesting to think about, but not scriptural as I had hoped.

[Dennis Henn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Does prayer change God's mind? Can we, through prayer, change God's mind? Brother Andrew, citing examples like Abraham interceding for Sodom and Moses interceding for Israel, says yes. He believes any attitude short of this belief leads to fatalism and stagnant prayer.
I don't agree with his premise. I think God's will is fixed. I cannot explain why God calls us to prayer and uses our prayers to affect so much (James 5:16). Despite my disagreement with Brother Andrew's premise, his book inspires me to pray. That makes it a worthwhile read.
I especially appreciated the closing chapters on spiritual warfare.

[Sharon Zink · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is also by Brother Andrew. I know there is a Scriptural basis for God changing His mind, but this book didn't convince me. It is, however, a wonderful book on prayer. I wish the chapters were shorter.

[Cory Jew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freaking awesome 10/10

[Niklāvs Zahars · Rating 5 out of 5]

A high recommend for any christian. Made me look differently at some things and the whole book was a big encouragement!

[Laurel W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid advice on prayer. I disagreed with a few points, but agreed, on the whole, that we don’t pray ambitiously enough. If God is our friend, and His will is outlined in Scripture, we should “ask for anything in His name, and it will be given.” The key to answered prayer is to pray unselfishly. We can do that, right?

Far too often I don’t pray big prayers because I’m afraid of getting my hopes dashed. But God is faithful to catch me if they are. If the Church would humble itself and pray, imagine what incredible miracles we’d see in our world.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m conflicted about this book. While I was encouraged in some parts, there were many parts that were just too categorical and unempathetic towards the church and christians. There were also a few statements that I don’t agree with. Since it was uneven, I felt I couldn’t give it more than a 2star rating.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read. Gives you a lot to think about and to do in regards to prayer.

[Seth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot! Lots of good thoughts! I would certainly recommend!

[Sylvain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impossible de demeurer indiférent. Un appel à découvrir une vie de prière intime avec Dieu. Très bon livre. Je le recommande.

[Anete Ābola · Rating 2 out of 5]

Latviski: "Dievs var mainīt Savus nodomus, ja Viņa tauta sāks lūgt"

I highly value all that brother Andrew has done in Open Doors, and I love his little book “The ethics of smuggling”. But I can’t agree with him in this book, although I have grown up in an Arminian environment. It seems that he misunderstands a lot about Calvinism (as I have misunderstood for years, until I started to let the old books explain it to me; and I still have a lot to learn). It seems that brother Andrew believes that trusting in God’s sovereignty is a fatalistic attitude. But devout Calvinists wrestle with God in prayer and are often happier than method-loving, seeker-sensitive arminians, and the fact that they trust God doesn’t diminish but grows their zeal in and for prayer. It seems that the author thinks that if we leave God’s sovereignty alone, people will start working for him. I would say that people work for God when they are saved, and the multitudes of false converts in churches won’t fight in prayer for long without a change of heart/salvation/conversion.

Author says John 14:12 is about works of prayer. I think it rather means preaching the Gospel.

Author says about Corrie ten Boom, that God can’t stand against such a woman. I disagree. He may answer her prayers mightily, but still He is God over everything and He can do what He wants even if a godly person wishes otherwise.

He is against praying “if it is your will” although Jesus gave us an example of praying like that to His and our Father. All his doctrine of prayer seems to be built on Pentecostal “name it and claim it” movement. I did not expect that from this book.

There are good things about this book, too. Author encourages to memorize Scripture, obey the Lord whatever the cost, do something about missions.

// At the same time when I read this book, I was listening to Paul Washer’s amazing book “The gospel call and true conversion”. The theme is not the same, but Washer’s love and reverence for God, his serious attitude towards prayer seemed more true/deeper than this book which encourages to change God’s mind in our own strength…

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps the best book on prayer I've read. Written by Brother Andrew (of Open Doors and author of 'God's Smuggler') with Susan Williams, it speaks forcefully to the power and necessity of prayer in accomplishing God's will and participating in the kingdom of God. Gives solid practical advice, good theology, and inspiring stories from Brother Andrew's work as a missionary behind the Iron Curtain. Convicting and inspiring.

[Светлана · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book on prayer.

[Marja Verschoor-Meijers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this (thought provoking) book. Brother Andrew writes from his own experience!! Wake up call for the church!

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very challenging book on prayer by Brother Andrew, who has lived for God more than most.