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Make Your Voice Heard in Heaven: How to Pray with Power
Based on the keynote message that so moved government leaders at the 2017 National Prayer Breakfast, U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black's Make Your Voice Heard in Heaven shows us how to pray prayers that God will hear.
Now more than ever, we are fighting for our voices to be heard on earth. We march, we tweet, we advocate on behalf of the voiceless, calling those in power to listen and come alongside us.
Sometimes it feels as if we're never going to be heard and nothing will ever change.
Known for his powerful prayers, Chaplain Black challenges us, individually and collectively, to make ourselves heard in a way that really changes things--by calling upon the one who holds ultimate power. Through personal story and practical insight, Make Your Voice Heard in Heaven helps us learn to pray in a way that releases God's power and unleashes His blessing.
Now more than ever, we are fighting for our voices to be heard on earth. We march, we tweet, we advocate on behalf of the voiceless, calling those in power to listen and come alongside us.
Sometimes it feels as if we're never going to be heard and nothing will ever change.
Known for his powerful prayers, Chaplain Black challenges us, individually and collectively, to make ourselves heard in a way that really changes things--by calling upon the one who holds ultimate power. Through personal story and practical insight, Make Your Voice Heard in Heaven helps us learn to pray in a way that releases God's power and unleashes His blessing.
176 pages, Hardcover
Published January 9, 2018
23 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
Barry C. Black
8 books23 followersOn June 27, 2003, Rear Admiral Barry C. Black (Ret.) was elected as the sixty-second chaplain of the US Senate, an office established in 1789. Prior to coming to Capitol Hill, Chaplain Black served in the US Navy for more than twenty-seven years, ending his distinguished career as the chief of navy chaplains.
Commissioned as a US Navy chaplain in 1976, Chaplain Black's first duty station was the Fleet Religious Support Activity in Norfolk, VA. Subsequent assignments included Naval Support Activity, Philadelphia, PA; US Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD; First Marine Aircraft Wing, Okinawa, Japan; Naval Training Center, San Diego, CA; USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3), Long Beach, CA; Naval Chaplains School Advanced Course, Newport, RI; Marine Aircraft Group 31, Beaufort, SC; Assistant Staff Chaplain, Chief of Naval Education and Training, Pensacola, FL; and Fleet Chaplain, US Atlantic Fleet, Norfolk, VA.
As rear admiral, his personal decorations included the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit Medal, two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, two Meritorious Service Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and numerous unit awards, campaign, and service medals.
Chaplain Black is a native of Baltimore, MD, and an alumnus of Oakwood College, Andrews University, North Carolina Central University, Eastern Baptist Seminary, Salve Regina University, and United States International University. In addition to earning master of arts degrees in divinity, counseling, and management, he has received a doctorate degree in ministry and a doctor of philosophy degree in psychology.
Chaplain Black has been recognized for many outstanding achievements. Of particular note, he was chosen from among 127 nominees for the 1995 NAACP Renowned Service Award for his contribution to equal opportunity and civil rights. He also received the 2002 Benjamin Elijah Mays Distinguished Leadership Award from the Morehouse School of Religion. In 2004, the Old Dominion University chapter of the NAACP conferred on him the Image Award, "Reaffirming the Dream—Realizing the Vision," for military excellence.
Chaplain Black is married to the former Brenda Pearsall of St. Petersburg, FL. They have three sons: Barry II, Brendan, and Bradford.
Commissioned as a US Navy chaplain in 1976, Chaplain Black's first duty station was the Fleet Religious Support Activity in Norfolk, VA. Subsequent assignments included Naval Support Activity, Philadelphia, PA; US Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD; First Marine Aircraft Wing, Okinawa, Japan; Naval Training Center, San Diego, CA; USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3), Long Beach, CA; Naval Chaplains School Advanced Course, Newport, RI; Marine Aircraft Group 31, Beaufort, SC; Assistant Staff Chaplain, Chief of Naval Education and Training, Pensacola, FL; and Fleet Chaplain, US Atlantic Fleet, Norfolk, VA.
As rear admiral, his personal decorations included the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit Medal, two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, two Meritorious Service Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and numerous unit awards, campaign, and service medals.
Chaplain Black is a native of Baltimore, MD, and an alumnus of Oakwood College, Andrews University, North Carolina Central University, Eastern Baptist Seminary, Salve Regina University, and United States International University. In addition to earning master of arts degrees in divinity, counseling, and management, he has received a doctorate degree in ministry and a doctor of philosophy degree in psychology.
Chaplain Black has been recognized for many outstanding achievements. Of particular note, he was chosen from among 127 nominees for the 1995 NAACP Renowned Service Award for his contribution to equal opportunity and civil rights. He also received the 2002 Benjamin Elijah Mays Distinguished Leadership Award from the Morehouse School of Religion. In 2004, the Old Dominion University chapter of the NAACP conferred on him the Image Award, "Reaffirming the Dream—Realizing the Vision," for military excellence.
Chaplain Black is married to the former Brenda Pearsall of St. Petersburg, FL. They have three sons: Barry II, Brendan, and Bradford.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 17, 2020
Updated review two years later: Feb 15, 2020
This is a phenomenal prayer book, giving this a solid 4 star rating! Being that this is two years later and I understand more about prayer this isn't as hitting for me, but for others this would be a solid 5! I loved everything that Barry C. Black wrote in this. I loved that this was saturated in scripture from beginning to end. There was no room for doubt as I read because there was always scripture to give me understanding.
He used personal reflections and examples. He dove deep. He stuck to truth. I know in my previous review I said I didn't 100% agree with everything, but after some spiritual maturing, I take that back.
This is an effective book!
Still recommend it!!
-----------------------------------
Original review from Jan 9, 2018
Received an early copy for review from the publisher.
A solid 5 star read! I am a fan of any book pertaining to prayer so this was a must read for me. This book is all about having an "effective" prayer life and really making God the center. It goes through praying with patience and submission. It even dives into the intimacy of prayer and being fearless with your prayer. It gives Biblical truths with scriptural references. Black goes through the Lord's prayer and really relates to our every day life. At the end he then speaks on praying with others. Beautifully written book.
I love that this was not only written by an African American man, but one who is involved in a governmental position. Not many will boldly share their faith and prayer life in governmental positions, but Chaplain Black did. This book is all about building a stronger and more intimate prayer life with God.
Don't get me wrong, I don't agree 100% with this book, but there are definitely some essential things that can be taken from this book for all types people in various stages of their prayer lives. I love the balance of personal references and scriptural references. It gives a good flow to the book while sticking to God's word. I love this and really hope others look into it because it's a powerhouse.
Totally recommend!
This is a phenomenal prayer book, giving this a solid 4 star rating! Being that this is two years later and I understand more about prayer this isn't as hitting for me, but for others this would be a solid 5! I loved everything that Barry C. Black wrote in this. I loved that this was saturated in scripture from beginning to end. There was no room for doubt as I read because there was always scripture to give me understanding.
He used personal reflections and examples. He dove deep. He stuck to truth. I know in my previous review I said I didn't 100% agree with everything, but after some spiritual maturing, I take that back.
This is an effective book!
Still recommend it!!
-----------------------------------
Original review from Jan 9, 2018
Received an early copy for review from the publisher.
A solid 5 star read! I am a fan of any book pertaining to prayer so this was a must read for me. This book is all about having an "effective" prayer life and really making God the center. It goes through praying with patience and submission. It even dives into the intimacy of prayer and being fearless with your prayer. It gives Biblical truths with scriptural references. Black goes through the Lord's prayer and really relates to our every day life. At the end he then speaks on praying with others. Beautifully written book.
I love that this was not only written by an African American man, but one who is involved in a governmental position. Not many will boldly share their faith and prayer life in governmental positions, but Chaplain Black did. This book is all about building a stronger and more intimate prayer life with God.
Don't get me wrong, I don't agree 100% with this book, but there are definitely some essential things that can be taken from this book for all types people in various stages of their prayer lives. I love the balance of personal references and scriptural references. It gives a good flow to the book while sticking to God's word. I love this and really hope others look into it because it's a powerhouse.
Totally recommend!
February 9, 2018
The Reverend Barry C. Black has served as the 62nd Chaplain of the U.S. Senate since 2003. Prior to that, he spent 27 years in the Navy, achieving the rank of Rear Admiral (OF-7). In February 2017, he provided the address for the National Prayer Breakfast, Donald Trump's inaugural prayer breakfast as president. His message was inspiring. Go ahead, google it. It is about 27 minutes long and worth your time. It is an inspiring message, powerfully delivered.
Make Your Voice Heard in Heaven: How to Pray in Power is an expansion of the themes he explored in his 2017 National Prayer Breakfast address. Black commends a lifestyle of prayer—trusting in God and praying through every circumstance. He asserts that prayer changes things and as we pray, 'we make our voice heard in heaven.'
Black opens his book with an appeal to pray with assistance, that is, noting that as we gather to pray, Jesus is in our midst (Matthew 18:18-20) and the Spirit of God intercedes for us (Romans 8:26-27). Next, Black points to the Lord's prayer as our model prayer we should pray. In the remaining chapters of the book, Black exhorts us pray with the right spiritual posture and to pray in every circumstance (e.g. Pray with purity, and fearlessly, pray with effectiveness, pray to escape temptation, pray even when God is silent, when we don't feel like being good, when we need patience, in times of celebration, pray with intimacy, fervency, perseverance, submission, and pray with a partner).
Black occasionally illustrates his chapters with his experiences praying on Capitol Hill, and sometimes from his daily life Occasionally he throws in a pop cultural reference or something from history. However, for the most part, this pretty straight teaching from the Bible. Black has helpful and encouraging words for us as we each seek to develop our own private prayer practice. Despite the self help-y, title ("Make Your Voice Heard!) and the exhortation to pray effectively, and with power, what Black says is solid, God-honoring and down to earth. He is no prosperity preacher but is confident that prayers do have an impact on our life and nation.
Black speaks against the partisan divide in Washington, and he holds regular bipartisan prayer and Bible study meetings with members from both sides of the political aisle. However, his privileged place in the Senate puts limits on the sort of prophetic witness he is allowed to have. Chaplains are the custodians of civil religion and as a career naval officer, Black does not challenge the status quo. So, for example, when he recommends the Lord's Prayer, a prayer Jesus taught his disciples to pray in Galilean hill country—a region full of would-be-revolutionaries—Black depoliticizes the prayer. Praying for God's coming kingdom by necessity challenges the established order. But Black writes:
So while the Kingdom represents God's priorities in the world, for Black, praying this prayer is fundamentally about challenging our own personal behavior and self-centeredness. For the first-century disciple praying this prayer, it meant the emperor was not the true king and that the political order was called into question. But Black is surrounded by powerful men and women. So Jesus' most political prayer becomes primarily a tool for private devotion. Of course, because he exhorts political leaders to pray this prayer in this way, there are political implications. But this offers no systemic challenge.
On that score, this book is similar to a lot of other books on prayer. I am grateful for Black's presence in the Senate, and the way he mediates God's presence to our leaders, but I wish this book was more storied and offered a more prophetic challenge. I give this two stars. ★★
Notice of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review
Make Your Voice Heard in Heaven: How to Pray in Power is an expansion of the themes he explored in his 2017 National Prayer Breakfast address. Black commends a lifestyle of prayer—trusting in God and praying through every circumstance. He asserts that prayer changes things and as we pray, 'we make our voice heard in heaven.'
Black opens his book with an appeal to pray with assistance, that is, noting that as we gather to pray, Jesus is in our midst (Matthew 18:18-20) and the Spirit of God intercedes for us (Romans 8:26-27). Next, Black points to the Lord's prayer as our model prayer we should pray. In the remaining chapters of the book, Black exhorts us pray with the right spiritual posture and to pray in every circumstance (e.g. Pray with purity, and fearlessly, pray with effectiveness, pray to escape temptation, pray even when God is silent, when we don't feel like being good, when we need patience, in times of celebration, pray with intimacy, fervency, perseverance, submission, and pray with a partner).
Black occasionally illustrates his chapters with his experiences praying on Capitol Hill, and sometimes from his daily life Occasionally he throws in a pop cultural reference or something from history. However, for the most part, this pretty straight teaching from the Bible. Black has helpful and encouraging words for us as we each seek to develop our own private prayer practice. Despite the self help-y, title ("Make Your Voice Heard!) and the exhortation to pray effectively, and with power, what Black says is solid, God-honoring and down to earth. He is no prosperity preacher but is confident that prayers do have an impact on our life and nation.
Black speaks against the partisan divide in Washington, and he holds regular bipartisan prayer and Bible study meetings with members from both sides of the political aisle. However, his privileged place in the Senate puts limits on the sort of prophetic witness he is allowed to have. Chaplains are the custodians of civil religion and as a career naval officer, Black does not challenge the status quo. So, for example, when he recommends the Lord's Prayer, a prayer Jesus taught his disciples to pray in Galilean hill country—a region full of would-be-revolutionaries—Black depoliticizes the prayer. Praying for God's coming kingdom by necessity challenges the established order. But Black writes:
Because I'm a member of God's family, his promises become mine. I want my life to advance his Kingdom—not mine—and his Kingdom is not of this world. When my behavior doesn't adequately represent his Kingdom, I should desire to change what I'm doing. I make my decisions based on which choices better advances the priorities of my heavenly Father's Kingdom (22-23, emphasis mine).
So while the Kingdom represents God's priorities in the world, for Black, praying this prayer is fundamentally about challenging our own personal behavior and self-centeredness. For the first-century disciple praying this prayer, it meant the emperor was not the true king and that the political order was called into question. But Black is surrounded by powerful men and women. So Jesus' most political prayer becomes primarily a tool for private devotion. Of course, because he exhorts political leaders to pray this prayer in this way, there are political implications. But this offers no systemic challenge.
On that score, this book is similar to a lot of other books on prayer. I am grateful for Black's presence in the Senate, and the way he mediates God's presence to our leaders, but I wish this book was more storied and offered a more prophetic challenge. I give this two stars. ★★
Notice of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review
January 26, 2018
***The Chaplain of the Senate's powerful book on prayer is a must read!***
Barry C. Black, Chaplain of the United States Senate delivered a powerful message on prayer at the “2017 National Prayer Breakfast that sparked cheers and brought thousands” of government leaders “to their feet.” That keynote address then became the foundation for his new book on prayer scheduled to release January 9, “How to Make Your Voice Heard in Heaven.”
In the book, Chaplain Black uses “scripture, personal stories and practical insights” that show readers how to pray prayers God hears, powerful prayers that “release God’s power and God’s blessings.”
Be sure to read the “introduction,” which is a vital part of the fifteen chapters that make up the book. That’s where Black explores his overall thoughts on prayer, why he believes prayer can and does change things and why he believes prayer is where “humanity cooperates with divinity.” It’s also where he explores what prayer is, why prayer is important and why praying with a sense of need is a vital aspect of prayer.
In the first chapter, “Pray with Assistance,” Black writes about human weaknesses, trust, faith and fresh starts in relation to God’s sovereignty. This chapter is also about excellence and why striving for excellence leads to a “superior path…to God’s wisdom…to His divine assistance.”
Chapter two, “Pray the Model Prayer,” is based on the familiar “Our Father who art in heaven” prayer. I found it to be one of the best chapters in the book. This chapter provides a line-by-line blueprint for the “Our Father” prayer that teaches how to really pray the prayer as opposed to reciting it from memory.
Chapters three through fifteen begin with Scripture, explores that chapter’s theme and ends with “How to Pray…” for the specific topic. For example, chapter four is about “how to pray fearlessly.” The theme is in what way “perfect love casts out fear” from 1 John 4:18. This chapter touches on trust, hope, God’s perfect love and how to make God your ally.
While Chaplain Black travels and works among the elites and the powerbrokers of Washington D.C., his writing is biblically sound and reveals he is a wise and humble man. His sense of humility shines brightly through his scripture choices, the personal stories he uses to illustrate important points and the practical insights he offers to readers. Because, he writes, God’s powerful “…blessings hang on the silken cords of prayer.” Black’s wise counsel teaches readers how to make their voices heard in heaven and I consider it a must read!
“Make Your Voice Heard in Heaven: How to Pray with Power,” by Barry C. Black, Tyndale Momentum, Jan 9, 2018, Hardcover, 176 Pages, 978-1496429490, $14.99
“Gail’s Bookshelf” Midwest Book Reviews: "January 2018"
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FaceBook Reviews: Gail Welborn
Barry C. Black, Chaplain of the United States Senate delivered a powerful message on prayer at the “2017 National Prayer Breakfast that sparked cheers and brought thousands” of government leaders “to their feet.” That keynote address then became the foundation for his new book on prayer scheduled to release January 9, “How to Make Your Voice Heard in Heaven.”
In the book, Chaplain Black uses “scripture, personal stories and practical insights” that show readers how to pray prayers God hears, powerful prayers that “release God’s power and God’s blessings.”
Be sure to read the “introduction,” which is a vital part of the fifteen chapters that make up the book. That’s where Black explores his overall thoughts on prayer, why he believes prayer can and does change things and why he believes prayer is where “humanity cooperates with divinity.” It’s also where he explores what prayer is, why prayer is important and why praying with a sense of need is a vital aspect of prayer.
In the first chapter, “Pray with Assistance,” Black writes about human weaknesses, trust, faith and fresh starts in relation to God’s sovereignty. This chapter is also about excellence and why striving for excellence leads to a “superior path…to God’s wisdom…to His divine assistance.”
Chapter two, “Pray the Model Prayer,” is based on the familiar “Our Father who art in heaven” prayer. I found it to be one of the best chapters in the book. This chapter provides a line-by-line blueprint for the “Our Father” prayer that teaches how to really pray the prayer as opposed to reciting it from memory.
Chapters three through fifteen begin with Scripture, explores that chapter’s theme and ends with “How to Pray…” for the specific topic. For example, chapter four is about “how to pray fearlessly.” The theme is in what way “perfect love casts out fear” from 1 John 4:18. This chapter touches on trust, hope, God’s perfect love and how to make God your ally.
While Chaplain Black travels and works among the elites and the powerbrokers of Washington D.C., his writing is biblically sound and reveals he is a wise and humble man. His sense of humility shines brightly through his scripture choices, the personal stories he uses to illustrate important points and the practical insights he offers to readers. Because, he writes, God’s powerful “…blessings hang on the silken cords of prayer.” Black’s wise counsel teaches readers how to make their voices heard in heaven and I consider it a must read!
“Make Your Voice Heard in Heaven: How to Pray with Power,” by Barry C. Black, Tyndale Momentum, Jan 9, 2018, Hardcover, 176 Pages, 978-1496429490, $14.99
“Gail’s Bookshelf” Midwest Book Reviews: "January 2018"
Google+GailWelborn
Pinterest: GailWelborn
Twitter: @GailWelborn
FaceBook: Gail Welborn
FaceBook Reviews: Gail Welborn
February 17, 2020
Updated review two years later: Feb 15, 2020
This is a phenomenal prayer book, giving this a solid 4 star rating! Being that this is two years later and I understand more about prayer this isn't as hitting for me, but for others this would be a solid 5! I loved everything that Barry C. Black wrote in this. I loved that this was saturated in scripture from beginning to end. There was no room for doubt as I read because there was always scripture to give me understanding.
He used personal reflections and examples. He dove deep. He stuck to truth. I know in my previous review I said I didn't 100% agree with everything, but after some spiritual maturing, I take that back.
This is an effective book!
Still recommend it!!
-----------------------------------
Original review from Jan 9, 2018
Received an early copy for review from the publisher.
A solid 5 star read! I am a fan of any book pertaining to prayer so this was a must read for me. This book is all about having an "effective" prayer life and really making God the center. It goes through praying with patience and submission. It even dives into the intimacy of prayer and being fearless with your prayer. It gives Biblical truths with scriptural references. Black goes through the Lord's prayer and really relates to our every day life. At the end he then speaks on praying with others. Beautifully written book.
I love that this was not only written by an African American man, but one who is involved in a governmental position. Not many will boldly share their faith and prayer life in governmental positions, but Chaplain Black did. This book is all about building a stronger and more intimate prayer life with God.
Don't get me wrong, I don't agree 100% with this book, but there are definitely some essential things that can be taken from this book for all types people in various stages of their prayer lives. I love the balance of personal references and scriptural references. It gives a good flow to the book while sticking to God's word. I love this and really hope others look into it because it's a powerhouse.
Totally recommend!
This is a phenomenal prayer book, giving this a solid 4 star rating! Being that this is two years later and I understand more about prayer this isn't as hitting for me, but for others this would be a solid 5! I loved everything that Barry C. Black wrote in this. I loved that this was saturated in scripture from beginning to end. There was no room for doubt as I read because there was always scripture to give me understanding.
He used personal reflections and examples. He dove deep. He stuck to truth. I know in my previous review I said I didn't 100% agree with everything, but after some spiritual maturing, I take that back.
This is an effective book!
Still recommend it!!
-----------------------------------
Original review from Jan 9, 2018
Received an early copy for review from the publisher.
A solid 5 star read! I am a fan of any book pertaining to prayer so this was a must read for me. This book is all about having an "effective" prayer life and really making God the center. It goes through praying with patience and submission. It even dives into the intimacy of prayer and being fearless with your prayer. It gives Biblical truths with scriptural references. Black goes through the Lord's prayer and really relates to our every day life. At the end he then speaks on praying with others. Beautifully written book.
I love that this was not only written by an African American man, but one who is involved in a governmental position. Not many will boldly share their faith and prayer life in governmental positions, but Chaplain Black did. This book is all about building a stronger and more intimate prayer life with God.
Don't get me wrong, I don't agree 100% with this book, but there are definitely some essential things that can be taken from this book for all types people in various stages of their prayer lives. I love the balance of personal references and scriptural references. It gives a good flow to the book while sticking to God's word. I love this and really hope others look into it because it's a powerhouse.
Totally recommend!
October 14, 2020
Great book on prayer! Focuses on few points. I agree with most. Definitely recommend it.
Written by a person working in White House.
Written by a person working in White House.
December 26, 2017
[Note: This book was provided free of charge by Tyndale House Publishers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]
Given the tendency of many writers to look at prayer as the source of spiritual power on a level akin to magic [1], it would be easy to be concerned about a book with a title like this one. Thankfully, though, the author manages to avoid such pitfalls and has created a book of surprising subtlety about the subject of prayer. Of particular interest to many readers will likely be the author's experience as a young man growing up in a single parent black household and as a husband and father, his service as a Navy chaplain rising to the rank of Rear Admiral, and his service as the chaplain of the U.S. Senate. The author, somewhat slyly, tries to position Congress as a place far more interested in godliness than is commonly understood or believed to be the case by those of us whose views of that august institution range from cynical to outright scornful. Even those who may not agree with the author's sanguine position on the place of godly virtue in our nation's Congress, the author has a great deal to offer concerning his own understanding of the complexity of the subject of prayer.
This short book of about 150 pages or so begins with an introduction and has fifteen short chapters on how people should pray and a bit on what they should pray for. These topics include: praying with assistance, praying the Model prayer (often known as the Lord's Prayer or the Pater Noster), praying with purity, praying fearlessly, praying with effectiveness, praying to escape the squeeze of temptation, praying when God is silent, praying when you don't feel like being good, praying with patience, praying with celebration, praying with intimacy, praying with fervency, praying with perseverance, praying with submission, and praying with a partner. Throughout the book the author shows himself to be aware of his own struggles to pray effectively over the course of his life as well as the greater body of Christian literature about prayer written by others before him, including a great deal of reliance on the biblical record and a fondness for using poetry and even song lyrics to help make his points about prayer and what we should do as well as what we should avoid. The chapters of the book begin with quotations from various writers as diverse as Brother Lawrence and Paulo Coelho and Charles Spurgeon, and end with some advice that summarizes how the reader can apply the lessons of each chapter.
Overall, this book offers the reader at least a few sources of comfort and encouragement when it comes to prayer and our struggle to pray effectively. Most importantly, this book looks at prayer from the complex point of view of the Bible, showing that ultimately prayer is about doing the will of God and not trying to nag or coerce God into enacting our will. To this end the author frequently points out that the life of believers should be blameless and upright according to the biblical standard, lest our own lives and wicked examples hinder the ability of God to work for us and through us. In addition to that, the author points to his own example and his personal struggles given his background and difficulties in life as a way to encourage others tat a great deal of progress is possible with the help of God. Not only this, but the author's references to other writers and thinkers points out that prayer, like so much else, is the subject of great conversations in which this book is a small part, giving the reader the opportunity to think about prayer from the point of view of others who have come before us, an opportunity we should be very willing to avail ourselves of.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
Given the tendency of many writers to look at prayer as the source of spiritual power on a level akin to magic [1], it would be easy to be concerned about a book with a title like this one. Thankfully, though, the author manages to avoid such pitfalls and has created a book of surprising subtlety about the subject of prayer. Of particular interest to many readers will likely be the author's experience as a young man growing up in a single parent black household and as a husband and father, his service as a Navy chaplain rising to the rank of Rear Admiral, and his service as the chaplain of the U.S. Senate. The author, somewhat slyly, tries to position Congress as a place far more interested in godliness than is commonly understood or believed to be the case by those of us whose views of that august institution range from cynical to outright scornful. Even those who may not agree with the author's sanguine position on the place of godly virtue in our nation's Congress, the author has a great deal to offer concerning his own understanding of the complexity of the subject of prayer.
This short book of about 150 pages or so begins with an introduction and has fifteen short chapters on how people should pray and a bit on what they should pray for. These topics include: praying with assistance, praying the Model prayer (often known as the Lord's Prayer or the Pater Noster), praying with purity, praying fearlessly, praying with effectiveness, praying to escape the squeeze of temptation, praying when God is silent, praying when you don't feel like being good, praying with patience, praying with celebration, praying with intimacy, praying with fervency, praying with perseverance, praying with submission, and praying with a partner. Throughout the book the author shows himself to be aware of his own struggles to pray effectively over the course of his life as well as the greater body of Christian literature about prayer written by others before him, including a great deal of reliance on the biblical record and a fondness for using poetry and even song lyrics to help make his points about prayer and what we should do as well as what we should avoid. The chapters of the book begin with quotations from various writers as diverse as Brother Lawrence and Paulo Coelho and Charles Spurgeon, and end with some advice that summarizes how the reader can apply the lessons of each chapter.
Overall, this book offers the reader at least a few sources of comfort and encouragement when it comes to prayer and our struggle to pray effectively. Most importantly, this book looks at prayer from the complex point of view of the Bible, showing that ultimately prayer is about doing the will of God and not trying to nag or coerce God into enacting our will. To this end the author frequently points out that the life of believers should be blameless and upright according to the biblical standard, lest our own lives and wicked examples hinder the ability of God to work for us and through us. In addition to that, the author points to his own example and his personal struggles given his background and difficulties in life as a way to encourage others tat a great deal of progress is possible with the help of God. Not only this, but the author's references to other writers and thinkers points out that prayer, like so much else, is the subject of great conversations in which this book is a small part, giving the reader the opportunity to think about prayer from the point of view of others who have come before us, an opportunity we should be very willing to avail ourselves of.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
February 22, 2018
As a believer I need to improve in the spiritual discipline of prayer. I’ve collected articles and books on the subject in my search for guidance, and yes, I have found useful lessons. Now I happily add Barry C. Black’s book, Make Your Voice Heard in Heaven, to my tool collection. I have personalized my copy with highlighting and notes, and am confident it will be a source of encouragement as I deploy the author’s ideas.
Make Your Voice Heard in Heaven is a practical work written for people whose reading time is limited, and this book packs a wallop. The author has an important message to share and gets to the point without the wordy boiler-plating common to so many inspirational writings. The book is organized into fifteen chapters with a key word in each title to describe how we should pray. A numbered list summary at the end of each chapter gives a reminder of the key points just covered.
Dr. Black includes many personal anecdotes and illustrations, but in my opinion those are secondary to his excellent selections of Scripture. His line-by-line coverage of the Lord’s Prayer touched my heart, and I’ve found myself meditating repeatedly on the amazing truth that I can address God as “Our Father”.
Who would benefit from reading Make Your Voice Heard in Heaven? First on the list would be individual believers who feel their prayer life needs a boost. Second would be group leaders desiring to help others understand the privilege of prayer and grasp the mechanics of how prayer works. Parents, this volume would enable a fruitful journey into the topic of prayer with your teens.
One volume cannot cover the vast practical and theological concerns of prayer, but Make Your Voice Heard in Heaven offers a great place for the investigation to begin.
Note - Tyndale House Publishers provided a complimentary copy of Make Your Voice Heard in Heaven to facilitate my review.
Make Your Voice Heard in Heaven is a practical work written for people whose reading time is limited, and this book packs a wallop. The author has an important message to share and gets to the point without the wordy boiler-plating common to so many inspirational writings. The book is organized into fifteen chapters with a key word in each title to describe how we should pray. A numbered list summary at the end of each chapter gives a reminder of the key points just covered.
Dr. Black includes many personal anecdotes and illustrations, but in my opinion those are secondary to his excellent selections of Scripture. His line-by-line coverage of the Lord’s Prayer touched my heart, and I’ve found myself meditating repeatedly on the amazing truth that I can address God as “Our Father”.
Who would benefit from reading Make Your Voice Heard in Heaven? First on the list would be individual believers who feel their prayer life needs a boost. Second would be group leaders desiring to help others understand the privilege of prayer and grasp the mechanics of how prayer works. Parents, this volume would enable a fruitful journey into the topic of prayer with your teens.
One volume cannot cover the vast practical and theological concerns of prayer, but Make Your Voice Heard in Heaven offers a great place for the investigation to begin.
Note - Tyndale House Publishers provided a complimentary copy of Make Your Voice Heard in Heaven to facilitate my review.
January 17, 2018
Dr. Black always inspires my heart. He has this calm, trusting way about his words that inspire your heart to act on God’s word. He is a man that knows God’s truth is true.
His latest book, inspired by his speech from the National Prayer Breakfast, does not fail. From reminding us that we are a people to be praying for each other to reminding us to be intimate, quiet listeners before the Lord, Dr. Black stirs the coals of faith to flame.
I was challenged countless times to change and reinvigorate how I pray. The section on cultivating reverential awe spoke deeply to me. Help me think more of you, Jesus.
There were many points on types of effective ways to pray. My main takeaways were about personal repentance and how we are meant to be more of an us in prayer. Read all of his books. You won’t be disappointed.
“When I was younger, I heard someone in church remind us that, in reciting the Lord’s Prayer, we never once say I. We never say my. Neither can we pray the Lord’s Prayer without praying for one another. For when we ask for our daily bread, we must include our brothers and sisters. Every petition we make involves other people as well as ourselves. From beginning to end, the Lord’s Prayer guides us to pray with unselfish intimacy.”
His latest book, inspired by his speech from the National Prayer Breakfast, does not fail. From reminding us that we are a people to be praying for each other to reminding us to be intimate, quiet listeners before the Lord, Dr. Black stirs the coals of faith to flame.
I was challenged countless times to change and reinvigorate how I pray. The section on cultivating reverential awe spoke deeply to me. Help me think more of you, Jesus.
There were many points on types of effective ways to pray. My main takeaways were about personal repentance and how we are meant to be more of an us in prayer. Read all of his books. You won’t be disappointed.
“When I was younger, I heard someone in church remind us that, in reciting the Lord’s Prayer, we never once say I. We never say my. Neither can we pray the Lord’s Prayer without praying for one another. For when we ask for our daily bread, we must include our brothers and sisters. Every petition we make involves other people as well as ourselves. From beginning to end, the Lord’s Prayer guides us to pray with unselfish intimacy.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2018
“It’s important to remember that we do not always receive what we ask for when we pray. . .God knows what is best for our lives. Even when he doesn’t grant our requests, he is nonetheless working all things together for good.” -Barry C. Black
Using the Bible as his resource, US Senate chaplain Barry Black takes us on a God-directed pathway to the need and reason for prayer. Reminding us again and again, prayer for Christians is not only good it is essential; not only for the prayer but for the entire Body of Christ.
Not resorting to flowery phrases to captivate and fill with false hope, Black writes to-the-point, using hundreds of Bible verses to verify his thoughts and directions. He wants all believers to understand how important prayer is for our lives and the lives of those whom we are lifting up to God.
If, like me, you have struggled with how to pray and in what manner, this book will bring relief and understanding. God created us and He wants us to talk to him. According to Chaplain Black, prayer is a God-ordained method of talking with God.
Tyndale Publishers gave me a free copy of this book for an unbiased review.
February 3, 2018
I have this book in my hand right now that is so uplifting and so informative. It will keep you reading until the last page. You will want to make sure that you have a pen and piece of paper ready to take notes so you can remember what you read. The author, Barry C. Black, is a chaplain of the U. S. Senate. He is the first African American to be appointed and has been serving since 2003.
You can tell he put a lot of thought and prayer into writing this book. He talks about different accounts he has witnessed first hand in his life and while serving for the U. S. Senate. He even backs up his words with scripture. Also, if you forget to write down what scripture he said in the book, he summarizes it all at the end of the book.
I would recommend this book to everyone. If you talk to God, no matter if you are a new Christian or just need answers about how to pray, this book is for you. I rather enjoyed this book and know that you will too.
Please note I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
You can tell he put a lot of thought and prayer into writing this book. He talks about different accounts he has witnessed first hand in his life and while serving for the U. S. Senate. He even backs up his words with scripture. Also, if you forget to write down what scripture he said in the book, he summarizes it all at the end of the book.
I would recommend this book to everyone. If you talk to God, no matter if you are a new Christian or just need answers about how to pray, this book is for you. I rather enjoyed this book and know that you will too.
Please note I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
January 17, 2018
Wonderful read for those looking for more from their prayer life
I have been a Christian for many years and I enjoy the simple approach that is taken in this book. Each chapter is filled with ample scripture to support the authors views concerning prayer and it's power. I completed the book in a week; reading about a chapter a day or more. I am thinking of reading it again and taking notes to share a study with my church group. Further, the book gives some insight to what it's like being Senate chaplain and how to use your faith productively. Any reader seeking a more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ would benefit in many ways by reading this book.
I have been a Christian for many years and I enjoy the simple approach that is taken in this book. Each chapter is filled with ample scripture to support the authors views concerning prayer and it's power. I completed the book in a week; reading about a chapter a day or more. I am thinking of reading it again and taking notes to share a study with my church group. Further, the book gives some insight to what it's like being Senate chaplain and how to use your faith productively. Any reader seeking a more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ would benefit in many ways by reading this book.
February 1, 2020
When I heard Senate Chaplain, Barry C. Black' s opening prayer at the Impeachment trial hearings, I was so moved that I had to learn more about him. To my delight, I found that he had written several books. This was the first one that I read and after completing it, I know I will be reading every one of his books! If you are looking for guidance on how to connect with God, to have a deeper, more meaningful prayer experience, if your faith needs a boost, this is the book for you! This book is very helpful on a practical level and is very easy to read and understand. You will be inspired and encouraged.
April 6, 2025
Second Go Around I listened to this book 2020 and found it inspiring and VERY EDUCATIONAL. He make poignant points backed up with scripture. I gleaned more from the reading. I’m not sure if it’s because it was the second time I gained the information or reading was a better option. Frequently, I listen to audiobooks when traveling. I bought this audiobook for a trip. I came home and bought the kindle book and didn’t start until last month. I’ll read or listen to the information again in a year. I already put a reminder on my calendar.
January 18, 2018
I believe that every time someone prays, they are heard in heaven, and yet I was curious to see what Barry C. Black could share about prayer. The perspective is the same, which is good, everything is very Bible based. There is truly no need to read this book, it is all in the Bible. There is nothing personal from the author, no stories, it is pure teaching with verses.
February 21, 2019
Practical application
This is a really good book. It provides encouragement and things to think about when praying. I have already learned a quote from the book and shared it with others. ...”we have nothing to fear in the future, lest we forget how God has lead us in the past.” So true!
This is a really good book. It provides encouragement and things to think about when praying. I have already learned a quote from the book and shared it with others. ...”we have nothing to fear in the future, lest we forget how God has lead us in the past.” So true!
February 13, 2018
Wonderful powerful book.
This book is one of the best that I have read in the past year. It certainly has changed the way I have thought about Prayer.I have already made a change in my Prayer life.
This book is one of the best that I have read in the past year. It certainly has changed the way I have thought about Prayer.I have already made a change in my Prayer life.
June 1, 2018
Wonderfully written
This man of God is intimate with His Lord and teaches us how to pray effectively, with God’s honor and glory in mind. Wonderfully written, I highly recommend it.
This man of God is intimate with His Lord and teaches us how to pray effectively, with God’s honor and glory in mind. Wonderfully written, I highly recommend it.
February 22, 2019
I'm usually not a big fan of books on prayer, but this one is definitely an exception! Barry Black is a master of "stringing pearls" (connecting one biblical phrase to another), to the point that it's not so much his view of prayer but the Bible's! Very well done!
March 5, 2021
Awesome Book
This is a very powerful book. Very detailed in direction and content. I could understand why we pray and what we pray for in order for God to understand and help us in our daily walk with him.
This is a very powerful book. Very detailed in direction and content. I could understand why we pray and what we pray for in order for God to understand and help us in our daily walk with him.
December 28, 2017
Inspirational!
March 14, 2019
My favorite chapter is "Pray with submission" because when we pray to God we must be prepared to accept His will as Jesus did in Gethsemane: "Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine." In addition, I love how this chapter tells you the reality about what it takes to follow Christ Jesus:
- "Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Chris Jesus will suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12
and something we can't avoid is:
- "We must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body." 2 Corinthians 5:10
A beautiful verse:
" We don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever." 2 Corinthians 4:18
A beautiful promise:
"I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying."
I sincerely recommend this book to anyone who seeks Christ Jesus truly, because praying is how we maintain a close relationship with him.
- "Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Chris Jesus will suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12
and something we can't avoid is:
- "We must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body." 2 Corinthians 5:10
A beautiful verse:
" We don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever." 2 Corinthians 4:18
A beautiful promise:
"I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying."
I sincerely recommend this book to anyone who seeks Christ Jesus truly, because praying is how we maintain a close relationship with him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2021
U. S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black challenges us--individually and collectively--to call on the One who has the ultimate power, the ruler of all creation.
May 14, 2023
Does man need to be taught how to pray?
This book has lots of biblical witnesses of how to pray with power starting with our Lord's prayer to the prayer of Jabez.
Loved it
This book has lots of biblical witnesses of how to pray with power starting with our Lord's prayer to the prayer of Jabez.
Loved it
January 15, 2018
What feels like a lifetime ago, Joel and I had the pleasure of meeting Barry C. Black at a conference in Montreat. If you're a part of a small congregation in the PC(USA) I would highly recommend checking out Wee Kirk (http://www.montreat.org/wee-kirk/), it was a huge blessing to our family during our time in small church ministry. Anyway, back to Barry C. Black, he's the Chaplain of the United States Senate. This little jewel of a book on prayer was born out of his recent speech for the 2017 National Prayer Breakfast.
Make Your Voice Heard is a practical application of Biblical truth. Each chapter is grounded in scripture and the easy application of those verses. The book starts with a new look at the Lord's Prayer/Our Father. Black does an excellent job of marrying the traditional prayer with the ACTS prayer. He explains easy ways to take this prayer that most of us know and how to expand it to create a genuine and intense time of prayer with God.
The rest of the book goes through several different areas of prayer including how to pray when God is silent, times of temptation, and celebration. Each section is short enough to be read in one sitting and has a point by point recap at the end of the chapter. It would be an excellent book to guide your personal prayer times as well as to be read with a group.
It's quite astonishing to think about how much Black was able to squeeze into 145 pages. I look forward to re-reading this guide on prayer and putting them into practice this year.
A copy of this book was given to me by Tyndale Publishing house for the purpose of review. I'm never required to give a positive review but I'm always thankful when I can.
Make Your Voice Heard is a practical application of Biblical truth. Each chapter is grounded in scripture and the easy application of those verses. The book starts with a new look at the Lord's Prayer/Our Father. Black does an excellent job of marrying the traditional prayer with the ACTS prayer. He explains easy ways to take this prayer that most of us know and how to expand it to create a genuine and intense time of prayer with God.
The rest of the book goes through several different areas of prayer including how to pray when God is silent, times of temptation, and celebration. Each section is short enough to be read in one sitting and has a point by point recap at the end of the chapter. It would be an excellent book to guide your personal prayer times as well as to be read with a group.
It's quite astonishing to think about how much Black was able to squeeze into 145 pages. I look forward to re-reading this guide on prayer and putting them into practice this year.
A copy of this book was given to me by Tyndale Publishing house for the purpose of review. I'm never required to give a positive review but I'm always thankful when I can.
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