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Church Questions
What If I Don't Desire to Pray?
“I eagerly commend this series.”
― R. Albert Mohler Jr. , President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Discover the basics of why, what, and how to pray. If you are a Christian, then you know that prayer is important. Like eating your vegetables, you know it’s good to do―but what about times when you simply don’t want to pray? John Onwuchekwa encourages Christians to talk with their heavenly Father even when it’s hard. This short treatment on prayer will help you understand the basics of why, what, and how to pray as you worship and serve in the local church body.
― R. Albert Mohler Jr. , President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Discover the basics of why, what, and how to pray. If you are a Christian, then you know that prayer is important. Like eating your vegetables, you know it’s good to do―but what about times when you simply don’t want to pray? John Onwuchekwa encourages Christians to talk with their heavenly Father even when it’s hard. This short treatment on prayer will help you understand the basics of why, what, and how to pray as you worship and serve in the local church body.
64 pages, Paperback
Published March 10, 2020
10 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
John Onwuchekwa
8 books32 followersJohn Onwuchekwa (MA, Dallas Theological Seminary) serves as pastor of Cornerstone Church in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 16, 2023
Great encouragement on prayer. This booklet does not condemn you. But walks along side you in your struggle. Easy to read but very helpful.
January 4, 2023
The argument of this book is that when we struggle to pray we don’t need a new regime or strategy in prayer. We rather should focus on our relationship with God and the beauty of the Gospel which then should inspire us to pray.
May 17, 2020
John Onwuchekwa’s book of What If I Don’t Desire to Pray? is part of a “Church Questions” series of quick-reads published by 9 Marks and Crossway. Barely 60 pages, this mini-book can easily be finished in one or two sittings.
I’m often convicted that my prayer life is not as strong as it could be. This appears to be a challenge among other Christians who, like me, were strong skeptics before coming to faith in Christ and who are interested in apologetics and logic-based reasons for following Christ. Unlike others, being motivated to read and study the Bible has never been a challenge for me. I’m wired up to be a reader and my natural tendency to ask questions and seek answers is one of the reasons I was a skeptic to begin with. Yet, as I’ve heard even well-known Christian apologists like Greg Koukl and J. Warner Wallace (both former skeptics) admit, prayer doesn’t always come easily for those wired up like me.
Short books like this can be either so brief they’re little help or their briefness cuts through a lot of unneeded wordiness and gets right to the heart of the issue. Let’s be upfront; a short book like this can’t do the important subject of prayer justice. A book like Tim Keller’s Prayer is much more adequate if you want to tackle the subject more thoroughly. No, Onwuchekwa’s mini-book can’t possibly go into the theology behind prayer or how to make sense of prayer to a God who knows all your thoughts and needs before you say them, but he does tackle (though briefly) exactly what the title of the book tells you is the focus of the book.
What it comes down to for Onwuchekwa is that it’s not about changing your regimen or instilling more discipline. He doesn’t focus on giving tips for prayer strategies or on finding more quality time to pray or on creating a better pray routine (though he does recommend keeping a pray journal of sorts). Instead, he encourages us to focus on the person and work of Christ, which will lead to a deeper desire to grow closer to Christ, and, thus, give us more desire to pray.
Another helpful idea Onwuchekwa focuses on is the importance of corporate prayer and how praying with others can not only teach us how to pray, but grow our desire to pray. This was an important point to add to the conversation. Often books on prayer only focus on individual prayer, but as followers of Christ, we’re part of a body of believers. Your faith is never just about you and Jesus, so it’s a good bit of advice to not neglect praying with your brothers and sisters in Christ.
Onwuchekwa writes, “Passion for prayer is often more caught than taught. In my own experience, I’ve found that nothing increases my desire for prayer more than seeing and being around people who pray… Praying together isn’t cheating; it’s not a loophole. Solo prayers aren’t worth more than corporate ones. Far from being a loophole, corporate prayer is the very tool God gives us to help us get to know him better.”
*Crossway provided a free copy of this book for review.
I’m often convicted that my prayer life is not as strong as it could be. This appears to be a challenge among other Christians who, like me, were strong skeptics before coming to faith in Christ and who are interested in apologetics and logic-based reasons for following Christ. Unlike others, being motivated to read and study the Bible has never been a challenge for me. I’m wired up to be a reader and my natural tendency to ask questions and seek answers is one of the reasons I was a skeptic to begin with. Yet, as I’ve heard even well-known Christian apologists like Greg Koukl and J. Warner Wallace (both former skeptics) admit, prayer doesn’t always come easily for those wired up like me.
Short books like this can be either so brief they’re little help or their briefness cuts through a lot of unneeded wordiness and gets right to the heart of the issue. Let’s be upfront; a short book like this can’t do the important subject of prayer justice. A book like Tim Keller’s Prayer is much more adequate if you want to tackle the subject more thoroughly. No, Onwuchekwa’s mini-book can’t possibly go into the theology behind prayer or how to make sense of prayer to a God who knows all your thoughts and needs before you say them, but he does tackle (though briefly) exactly what the title of the book tells you is the focus of the book.
What it comes down to for Onwuchekwa is that it’s not about changing your regimen or instilling more discipline. He doesn’t focus on giving tips for prayer strategies or on finding more quality time to pray or on creating a better pray routine (though he does recommend keeping a pray journal of sorts). Instead, he encourages us to focus on the person and work of Christ, which will lead to a deeper desire to grow closer to Christ, and, thus, give us more desire to pray.
Another helpful idea Onwuchekwa focuses on is the importance of corporate prayer and how praying with others can not only teach us how to pray, but grow our desire to pray. This was an important point to add to the conversation. Often books on prayer only focus on individual prayer, but as followers of Christ, we’re part of a body of believers. Your faith is never just about you and Jesus, so it’s a good bit of advice to not neglect praying with your brothers and sisters in Christ.
Onwuchekwa writes, “Passion for prayer is often more caught than taught. In my own experience, I’ve found that nothing increases my desire for prayer more than seeing and being around people who pray… Praying together isn’t cheating; it’s not a loophole. Solo prayers aren’t worth more than corporate ones. Far from being a loophole, corporate prayer is the very tool God gives us to help us get to know him better.”
*Crossway provided a free copy of this book for review.
May 11, 2023
Ok yes I’m counting this even though it’s practically a brochure-length “book.” I claimed this from my church’s book giveaway on Sunday night, and I found it encouraging, without laying new expectations or pressure on me. It gave me good things to think about, and the brevity worked in its favor. It didn’t over-spiritualize or pontificate for pages and pages. It stated simple truths and got to the heart of the matter.
June 4, 2024
3.5 but rounded up to 4. This is a small booklet we are reading for a book club at church. This has some solid wisdom in here and written in a gentle pastoral tone. Love how it emphasizes the importance of praying with the church.
This is a great book to have a conversation with other Christian’s. Due to brevity, it lacks some content (I wish it talked more about praying the Bible or more about habits). But for a small book club, it’s good.
This is a great book to have a conversation with other Christian’s. Due to brevity, it lacks some content (I wish it talked more about praying the Bible or more about habits). But for a small book club, it’s good.
August 25, 2021
John O continues to provide helpful aid for a life of prayer. This is seen particular in this book as it pertains to living a life that is in constant pursuit of the Lord in prayer. Here, he provides an easy guide for cultivating a deep prayer life that enjoys time with the Lord.
May 16, 2020
Very helpful and encouraging to those who struggle with prayer or want to grow in their love and appreciation for communing with God. Casting our cares on a God who is always working on our behalf is often times the solution to our restlessness.
June 26, 2021
A great little book that will encourage you in your prayer life. I plan to read this again this year.
November 30, 2022
Clear layout of what is needed when one does not want to pray. His answer is to see the resurrection rightly and let that affect your life deeply, then prayer will happen. Good stuff
October 13, 2023
“if Jesus can transform hearts of stone to hearts of flesh, He can certainly reshape our affections and give us the desire to pray.”
June 24, 2024
Easy read. If you are struggling to pray, consider the person and work of Christ. Helpful list of psalms which speak to various needs.
February 16, 2024
A book that points the reader to focus on the biblical reasons for prayer which were familiar to me but I never thought of them like this.
May 25, 2020
This is not Onucheckwa’s first book on prayer. However, this booklet deals with a relevant and recurring question among Christians.
This little book, which may be read in less than a day, goes deep into our hearts to answer the question: Why is it that there is no desire for praying?
But the answer goes far beyond expected. It not only provides entirely philosophical reasoning but one very practical as well. An exciting thesis is presented: To ponder the reality of the resurrection is the key to unlock a prayer life based on a relationship rather than a regime.
With Biblical support as needed, the author goes on to show the significance of both God's Word as God's people for our public and private prayer life.
Now, it's brevity is a two-edged sword. Because of it, some topics might let us wanting more insight or further explanation; other minor comments may seem unclear. However, for the minister, time is not an excuse to avoid reading this title. For the layman, it is written in a concise form, with easy language.
Overall, this is a great starting point for all of us to pursue the sweet practice of prayer.
I want to thank Crossway for providing me with a review copy of this book.
This little book, which may be read in less than a day, goes deep into our hearts to answer the question: Why is it that there is no desire for praying?
But the answer goes far beyond expected. It not only provides entirely philosophical reasoning but one very practical as well. An exciting thesis is presented: To ponder the reality of the resurrection is the key to unlock a prayer life based on a relationship rather than a regime.
With Biblical support as needed, the author goes on to show the significance of both God's Word as God's people for our public and private prayer life.
Now, it's brevity is a two-edged sword. Because of it, some topics might let us wanting more insight or further explanation; other minor comments may seem unclear. However, for the minister, time is not an excuse to avoid reading this title. For the layman, it is written in a concise form, with easy language.
Overall, this is a great starting point for all of us to pursue the sweet practice of prayer.
I want to thank Crossway for providing me with a review copy of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2022
This book doesn’t tell you what to pray or how to pray, but why we pray, namely that God is still here and able to answer prayer. Why would we ever want to try and live without him? Great discussion on God’s word, Christ’s work, and the church as the reason, motivation, and model for prayer.
Some quotes:
“If you’re lacking desire to pray, consider how you can meditate on the person of Christ and what he achieved through his cross and resurrection.”
“Before man’s relationship with God was threatened by sin, it was threatened by isolation. We’re not meant to commune with our creator alone.” (Gen 2)
“We can be persistent and patient in prayer as we focus on the resurrection of Christ, the character of God, the relationship we have with God through the promises of the gospel, and our discipleship in the local church.”
Some quotes:
“If you’re lacking desire to pray, consider how you can meditate on the person of Christ and what he achieved through his cross and resurrection.”
“Before man’s relationship with God was threatened by sin, it was threatened by isolation. We’re not meant to commune with our creator alone.” (Gen 2)
“We can be persistent and patient in prayer as we focus on the resurrection of Christ, the character of God, the relationship we have with God through the promises of the gospel, and our discipleship in the local church.”
April 8, 2020
It is not uncommon to hear about Christians who struggled with prayer. John Onwuchewa addresses this theme in his excellent book, What if I Don’t Desire to Pray? The author’s work is a part of the Crossway series, Church Questions.
Onwuchewa’s book brings much-needed perspective to the subject of prayer. It is not a book that surveys the philosophy of prayer. Rather, it contains several gems that will motivate readers to analyze their reluctance to pray and get them moving in the right direction.
There is no hint of legalism here. The author refuses to use guilt tactics to push his readers in a prayerful direction. Rather, the book is motivated by grace.
Recommended for both new and seasoned Christ-followers.
Onwuchewa’s book brings much-needed perspective to the subject of prayer. It is not a book that surveys the philosophy of prayer. Rather, it contains several gems that will motivate readers to analyze their reluctance to pray and get them moving in the right direction.
There is no hint of legalism here. The author refuses to use guilt tactics to push his readers in a prayerful direction. Rather, the book is motivated by grace.
Recommended for both new and seasoned Christ-followers.
January 22, 2025
Short and helpful. Highlights include: when we pray in communion with others, it gives words to feelings that we don't know how to articulate to God and then helps us come to Him more confident later; God will show us how to pursue Him in prayer when we read His word. The Bible teaches us how to pray when we don't think we know how. It's so important to keep track of how God answers prayers to help us know that He is faithful. "Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."
Philipians 4:6
Philipians 4:6
January 19, 2022
This little book (pamphlet) packs a punch. It’s rare to find any nuance to a book on such a commonplace topic. Loved Onwuchekwa’s approach which was something like: stop making empty resolutions to pray more, throw yourself fully into your local church body and get to know Jesus deeply and truly for yourself. I definitely see myself reading this over and over again throughout the years and coming back to it when I need encouragement.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2024
This booklet displays the struggle to pray in a way that is very relatable and helpful. The answer lies in meditating upon the person and work of Christ, for He is the basis of our faith and why we can even pray. There are a lot of helpful suggestions and reminders about how corporate prayer is beneficial.
April 4, 2020
This a practical booklet on prayer. John O doesn’t try to give a theology of prayer but a helpful encouragement to pray, both individually and corporately. He gets to the actual problem—we know how to pray but don’t really want to pray.
May 13, 2020
What a wonderful short book. This resource is helpful, not in the how to pray, but in the why. Amazing what a wonderful gift our Father has given to us. It is amazing how God cares for us and allows us to petition Him, and cast our burdens on Him.
July 15, 2020
Loved this short booklet on prayer! This is not a "how to" manual on prayer. Rather, it is an encouragement to pray based on Biblical reasons. It encouraged my heart in this matter of prayer!
April 29, 2022
Short, honest and very helpful.
June 22, 2022
The true problem in our not desiring to pray is our heart -- our pride.
August 4, 2023
As all booklets in this 9marks series on church questions - insightful and encouraging.
January 26, 2024
Short and sweet, packed full of scripture that encourages a life full of prayer.
May 21, 2024
Love this series, great resources for discipleship - I want them all!
January 12, 2025
Wonderful and helpful. A great reminder for those struggling to pray.
January 17, 2025
This booklet provided helpful answers to a question that has been on my heart lately!
March 15, 2025
Short and gospel centered. Little practical advice. Mostly encouragement for anyone struggling with prayer to do “heart work” before prayer work … Know God, remember the gospel, go to church.
July 16, 2021
Wonderful advice encouraging a Christian toward prayer. Good exhortation, that exhorts without beating down.
Recommend to any Christian, especially one struggling with the question of the title.
Recommend to any Christian, especially one struggling with the question of the title.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews