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Talking with God: A Practical Plan for Personal Prayer
Never underestimate the power of prayer. Prayer connects us to God and his heart for our needs and the needs of others nearby and around the world.
This full-color, giftable, and highly practical book will help individuals, families, and groups use the prayer plan from the bestselling The Hour That Changes the World , which has benefited more than 2 million Christians globally.
Using proven instruction on prayer, related Scripture, prayer prompts, and recommendations to put your faith into action, Talking with God invites you to saturate your family, neighborhood, and nation with nonstop, focused intercession. Empower and transform your prayer life as you recognize God's nature, wait in silent surrender, develop alertness, confess sin, pray Scripture, worship in song, ponder spiritual themes, share personal needs, receive spiritual guidance, and give thanks. You can change your world through prayer.
This is an abridged gift edition of the classic book The Hour That
Changes the World .
This full-color, giftable, and highly practical book will help individuals, families, and groups use the prayer plan from the bestselling The Hour That Changes the World , which has benefited more than 2 million Christians globally.
Using proven instruction on prayer, related Scripture, prayer prompts, and recommendations to put your faith into action, Talking with God invites you to saturate your family, neighborhood, and nation with nonstop, focused intercession. Empower and transform your prayer life as you recognize God's nature, wait in silent surrender, develop alertness, confess sin, pray Scripture, worship in song, ponder spiritual themes, share personal needs, receive spiritual guidance, and give thanks. You can change your world through prayer.
This is an abridged gift edition of the classic book The Hour That
Changes the World .
160 pages, Hardcover
Published February 2, 2021
17 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 13, 2021
A helpful, short read on the importance of prayer. I really appreciated how the author backed up every point with scripture. The summaries at the end of each chapter are definitely helpful to anyone looking to implement their own one-hour prayer schedule.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a better understanding of the different types of prayer displayed in scripture, and how to implement it in their own lives.
*Disclaimer: I received a free ARC copy from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.*
Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a better understanding of the different types of prayer displayed in scripture, and how to implement it in their own lives.
*Disclaimer: I received a free ARC copy from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.*
March 6, 2021
Why I Choose this Book
I love praying, but I also know that I have a narrow mindset when it comes to prayer, and I want to learn and grow. The things I pray about are often close to me, rather than praying in a way that could change the world. It's so easy for me to see the difference prayer makes when I'm praying for something specific and see it come about, but I want to learn to pray more for things that I might not see answers to during my lifetime.
What I Thought about the Book
The book is small - just about six and a half inches tall and 160 pages. It's also beautiful and embossed and shimmery - the kind of book you can leave out on your coffee table and other people happening by will pick it up and read a few pages. It also has a bookmark attached, which is nice and convenient. The book reminded me of a devotional, but it wasn't one and I appreciated that.
The author says that there are twelve different parts to prayer: Praise, Waiting, Confession, Scripture Praying, Watching, Intercession, Petition, Thanksgiving, Singing, Meditation, Listening, and once again, Praise. Each part has a chapter devoted to it, where the author explains why it's important, biblical examples of when/how it was done, and a few easy ways to put that part of prayer into practice.
Often times my praying looks more like a conversation with a close Friend, which is good. But I also need to balance the fact that my Friend is also the Creator of the universe, and therefore deserving of great respect and honor from me. I appreciated how he pointed that out in the book.
The book was easy to read, encouraging, and a good reminder that I need to look beyond what I can see and hear, and ask God to help me know what to pray for.
Conclusion
I'm very thankful God allows us to talk to Him, and I want to continue to learn and grow with how I talk to Him. This book was a good resource and I am thankful to have read it.
Rating
I’m giving Talking with God 4 out of 5 stars. Thank you to Chosen Books for sending me a copy of the book so I could post this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love praying, but I also know that I have a narrow mindset when it comes to prayer, and I want to learn and grow. The things I pray about are often close to me, rather than praying in a way that could change the world. It's so easy for me to see the difference prayer makes when I'm praying for something specific and see it come about, but I want to learn to pray more for things that I might not see answers to during my lifetime.
What I Thought about the Book
The book is small - just about six and a half inches tall and 160 pages. It's also beautiful and embossed and shimmery - the kind of book you can leave out on your coffee table and other people happening by will pick it up and read a few pages. It also has a bookmark attached, which is nice and convenient. The book reminded me of a devotional, but it wasn't one and I appreciated that.
The author says that there are twelve different parts to prayer: Praise, Waiting, Confession, Scripture Praying, Watching, Intercession, Petition, Thanksgiving, Singing, Meditation, Listening, and once again, Praise. Each part has a chapter devoted to it, where the author explains why it's important, biblical examples of when/how it was done, and a few easy ways to put that part of prayer into practice.
Often times my praying looks more like a conversation with a close Friend, which is good. But I also need to balance the fact that my Friend is also the Creator of the universe, and therefore deserving of great respect and honor from me. I appreciated how he pointed that out in the book.
The book was easy to read, encouraging, and a good reminder that I need to look beyond what I can see and hear, and ask God to help me know what to pray for.
Conclusion
I'm very thankful God allows us to talk to Him, and I want to continue to learn and grow with how I talk to Him. This book was a good resource and I am thankful to have read it.
Rating
I’m giving Talking with God 4 out of 5 stars. Thank you to Chosen Books for sending me a copy of the book so I could post this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 20, 2021
When reading Jesus' appeal to Peter in Matt. 26:40, Eastman was challenged to set aside an hour each day to be with the Lord, in His Word and in prayer. He wrote The Hour That Changes the World in 1978 and this book is an adaptation and abridged version of that one.
The purpose of this book is to give a plan for prayer. Eastman explains twelve elements of prayer, their biblical focus, and how to incorporate them into daily prayer.
An insight about prayer I really appreciate is seeking Him in silence. In the waiting, we surrender our soul. This is not listening as that comes later. The essential nature of this aspect of prayer is developing the relationship with God. I so often jump into talking to God I forget to lay a good foundation for that communication. This step helps me do that.
A surprise for me was the singing element. It is based on the Psalms and 2 Chronicles 20. Singing may seem awkward. It was for me. Eastman suggests asking the Holy Spirit to make new melodies in our hearts. He gives other practical ideas for singing too.
I really appreciate this book and it is one I will keep by me for my morning devotion time. I like the illustrated wheel as that is a quick reminder of the elements of prayer. Eastman has done a great job of explaining the aspects of prayer and giving practical suggestions for each one. This is especially a great book for Christians who have not read Eastman's original book on prayer or have let the ideas contained in it fall by the wayside.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
The purpose of this book is to give a plan for prayer. Eastman explains twelve elements of prayer, their biblical focus, and how to incorporate them into daily prayer.
An insight about prayer I really appreciate is seeking Him in silence. In the waiting, we surrender our soul. This is not listening as that comes later. The essential nature of this aspect of prayer is developing the relationship with God. I so often jump into talking to God I forget to lay a good foundation for that communication. This step helps me do that.
A surprise for me was the singing element. It is based on the Psalms and 2 Chronicles 20. Singing may seem awkward. It was for me. Eastman suggests asking the Holy Spirit to make new melodies in our hearts. He gives other practical ideas for singing too.
I really appreciate this book and it is one I will keep by me for my morning devotion time. I like the illustrated wheel as that is a quick reminder of the elements of prayer. Eastman has done a great job of explaining the aspects of prayer and giving practical suggestions for each one. This is especially a great book for Christians who have not read Eastman's original book on prayer or have let the ideas contained in it fall by the wayside.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
January 31, 2022
Great little book on prayer! Really liked it! If I had it in hard copy instead of ebook, I would have loved it more! That didn’t affect my star rating though. 🙂 It was an ARC from Net Galley and I’m thankful for the read, but it would have just been better for me, if it were a copy I had in my hand. But anyway tremendous little book! So much to help anyone, especially someone just starting on their journey in Christianity. Giving prayer instructions Eastman also gives you related scripture, prayer prompts, and suggestions to put your prayers into action. Very helpful for anyone, especially anyone wanting to spend more time in prayer and having it be more effective and beneficial to your life, other’s lives and the church. We have many people and situations to pray for and this little dynamite book can help us pray more effectively. Thank you to #NetGalley and the publishers, Chosen, for giving me the opportunity to read and review #TalkingWithGod with my honest thoughts and opinions.
May 30, 2022
#Talking With God #NetGalley
This book is full of devotionals, about how you can change, what, how, and when you pray. I love the insights the author shares on meditation, Thanksgiving, singing, etc. I love the suggestion, to really stop and listen for answers, prayer is a conversation, so it involves listening to hear.
This book is full of devotionals, about how you can change, what, how, and when you pray. I love the insights the author shares on meditation, Thanksgiving, singing, etc. I love the suggestion, to really stop and listen for answers, prayer is a conversation, so it involves listening to hear.
April 10, 2021
This is a small, yet powerful book that guides you through 12 key areas of prayer. The chapters are short, practical and thought-provoking. You could use it as a 12-day personal study, or focus on one chapter per Sabbath. It will inspire fresh meaning in your prayer life.
I received a preview copy of Talking with God from the publisher.
I received a preview copy of Talking with God from the publisher.
March 6, 2021
[Note: This book was provided by Chosen Books in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]
Prayer is definitely an important subject, and for that reason it attracts a lot of attention from writers who wish to comment upon the matter in the guise of providing guidance to readers. In general, I found this an enjoyable book to read, for even if it is far from essential in that it openly cribs from other books on the subject, it certainly does provide a basic view of the many aspects of prayer. That is not to say that everything in here should be blindly endorsed, but again, there is much here to appreciate and that makes it a worthwhile read even if I think it should be read somewhat critically. Given that this book is short and accessible, it is easy to recommend as providing a way that prayer is thought of somewhat programmatically by certain groups of believers. And there are at least a few areas where this book does provide useful insight and that makes it worth someone's time, so long as one approaches the task of reading this book with the right attitude and perspective.
This book is a short one at about 150 pages in length. The author begins with an introduction that talks about the power of prayer. This is followed by twelve chapters that discuss five-minute segments of an hour long daily prayer regimen that the author recommends. This begins with a discussion of praise as the act of divine adoration (1). After that comes a discussion of waiting as an act of soul surrender (2). This is followed by confession as an act of declared admission (3) of some sort of sin or fault. After that comes scripture praying (4), the popular act of naming and claiming biblical promises for oneself. After this comes watching (5), the act of mental awareness. This is followed by intercession (6), the act of earnest appeal for those under divine judgment. Following this comes petition (7), seeking personal supplication. This is then followed by thanksgiving (8), showing appreciation for the blessings that God has provided, as well as singing (9), the act of melodic worship. The author continues with meditation (10), the act of spiritual evaluation, as well as listening (11), the act of mental absorption of what God is communicating. Finally, the book ends with a second chapter on praise (12) as an act of divine magnification as well as a call to the reader to be a watchman warrior interceding for present societies, as well as notes.
Among the more notable parts of this book is the fact that it is organized in a twelve part fashion. This structure does not seem biblical but is certainly something one sees often in contemporary writings with their desire to systematize the Bible and turn it into a more rigid sort of pattern of practice, in this case involving an hour of prayer daily that begins and ends with the same practice. On the positive side, this focus does mean that the author explores aspects of prayer that may not be as immediately obvious to the reader, such as prayer through song as was the case in the Psalms. On the more negative side, though, the author appears to be a bit too interested in the supposed view of prayer for its power to change the world and to grant the reader some sort of spiritual power. One of the more fascinating elements of charismatic culture, and one that finds its way into many books, is the deep and abiding interest in the Holy Spirit for the power that it brings to believers. The lure of power is a sometimes dangerous one, and if this book manages to avoid most of the pitfalls of that interest, it is by no means immune.
Prayer is definitely an important subject, and for that reason it attracts a lot of attention from writers who wish to comment upon the matter in the guise of providing guidance to readers. In general, I found this an enjoyable book to read, for even if it is far from essential in that it openly cribs from other books on the subject, it certainly does provide a basic view of the many aspects of prayer. That is not to say that everything in here should be blindly endorsed, but again, there is much here to appreciate and that makes it a worthwhile read even if I think it should be read somewhat critically. Given that this book is short and accessible, it is easy to recommend as providing a way that prayer is thought of somewhat programmatically by certain groups of believers. And there are at least a few areas where this book does provide useful insight and that makes it worth someone's time, so long as one approaches the task of reading this book with the right attitude and perspective.
This book is a short one at about 150 pages in length. The author begins with an introduction that talks about the power of prayer. This is followed by twelve chapters that discuss five-minute segments of an hour long daily prayer regimen that the author recommends. This begins with a discussion of praise as the act of divine adoration (1). After that comes a discussion of waiting as an act of soul surrender (2). This is followed by confession as an act of declared admission (3) of some sort of sin or fault. After that comes scripture praying (4), the popular act of naming and claiming biblical promises for oneself. After this comes watching (5), the act of mental awareness. This is followed by intercession (6), the act of earnest appeal for those under divine judgment. Following this comes petition (7), seeking personal supplication. This is then followed by thanksgiving (8), showing appreciation for the blessings that God has provided, as well as singing (9), the act of melodic worship. The author continues with meditation (10), the act of spiritual evaluation, as well as listening (11), the act of mental absorption of what God is communicating. Finally, the book ends with a second chapter on praise (12) as an act of divine magnification as well as a call to the reader to be a watchman warrior interceding for present societies, as well as notes.
Among the more notable parts of this book is the fact that it is organized in a twelve part fashion. This structure does not seem biblical but is certainly something one sees often in contemporary writings with their desire to systematize the Bible and turn it into a more rigid sort of pattern of practice, in this case involving an hour of prayer daily that begins and ends with the same practice. On the positive side, this focus does mean that the author explores aspects of prayer that may not be as immediately obvious to the reader, such as prayer through song as was the case in the Psalms. On the more negative side, though, the author appears to be a bit too interested in the supposed view of prayer for its power to change the world and to grant the reader some sort of spiritual power. One of the more fascinating elements of charismatic culture, and one that finds its way into many books, is the deep and abiding interest in the Holy Spirit for the power that it brings to believers. The lure of power is a sometimes dangerous one, and if this book manages to avoid most of the pitfalls of that interest, it is by no means immune.
October 17, 2021
How important is it to talk with God? This short practical plan for personal prayer is a great book in understanding the importance of prayer.
If you have ever wondered if you are doing it right, Talking with God by Dick Eastman explains the twelve elements of prayer. Praise, Waiting, Confession, Scripture Praying, Watching, Intercession, Petition, Thanksgiving, Singing, Mediation, Listening, and Praise again. The author explains why it is important, and gives biblical examples of how it is done. Thought provoking and inspiring. East to read. He includes prayers at the end of each chapter with scripture verses to help you along. Taking focus off of ourselves, and directing them towards God. For years I have used ACTS as a prompt for prayer, but this book gives a more in-depth an insightful look.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher via Net Galley. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
If you have ever wondered if you are doing it right, Talking with God by Dick Eastman explains the twelve elements of prayer. Praise, Waiting, Confession, Scripture Praying, Watching, Intercession, Petition, Thanksgiving, Singing, Mediation, Listening, and Praise again. The author explains why it is important, and gives biblical examples of how it is done. Thought provoking and inspiring. East to read. He includes prayers at the end of each chapter with scripture verses to help you along. Taking focus off of ourselves, and directing them towards God. For years I have used ACTS as a prompt for prayer, but this book gives a more in-depth an insightful look.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher via Net Galley. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
February 26, 2021
During this 12 month stretch of “Safer at Home” and social distancing, I have developed new routines. Once a week, I bake sourdough bread and typically bag up homemade granola just as frequently. With the granola, I’ve had a lot of fun trying new ingredients like coconut oil, pumpkin seeds, and switching between maple syrup or honey for the sweetener. One thing that hasn’t changed is starting my day with a time of morning devotions and Bible reading. Throughout the year, I have enjoyed the book New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional by Paul David Tripp. I’m nearly through the year. So it was good timing when I received Dick Eastman’s Talking with God to read and review. In the last few months during this unprecedented time, I have also been working on my prayer life. I was concerned that I was spending only short periods of time sending up self-centered laundry lists of prayer requests to our Lord. The book Talking with God will equip you with strategies for avoiding these pitfalls and improve your prayer life. The quote on page 9 is what first captured my attention. Eastman writes, “Where there is an absence of prayer, there will be an absence of power. Where there is frequency of prayer, there will be a continuing display of God’s power.”
It’s a lovely book all around. Small in dimensions, so it’s easy to hold. The attractive page layout and the sweet ribbon bookmark boost the positive reading experience. At just 155 pages, it’s reader friendly. I have offered to share it with my church family, but in truth I’m having a hard time removing it from my personal library. The chapters on listening, waiting, and intercessory prayer are moving. I’m so glad I had the chance to review this book. I received an advanced reader’s copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
It’s a lovely book all around. Small in dimensions, so it’s easy to hold. The attractive page layout and the sweet ribbon bookmark boost the positive reading experience. At just 155 pages, it’s reader friendly. I have offered to share it with my church family, but in truth I’m having a hard time removing it from my personal library. The chapters on listening, waiting, and intercessory prayer are moving. I’m so glad I had the chance to review this book. I received an advanced reader’s copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
March 12, 2021
This book was very inspiring writing and compelling to read with that also had great and helpful tool and best guidelines for prayers to stay faithful when we start to begin to pray and continue to focus that will be a powerful frequency of prayer to reaching out of God. This book will be giving prayer the best plan and ideas step by step in your daily for all prayer. I highly recommend to everyone must to read this book. “ I received complimentary a copy of this book from Chosen for this review”.
June 5, 2022
Dick Eastman gives a very clear steer on what is required to talk to God through prayer in a very accessible way.
He helpfully breaks down prayer into components so that it need not be overwhelming but instead more manageable to converse with God.
I found this much more helpful than other books I have read on prayer as it gave examples of each component as well as an explanation of it.
Well-written and a book that can be turned to time and time again.
He helpfully breaks down prayer into components so that it need not be overwhelming but instead more manageable to converse with God.
I found this much more helpful than other books I have read on prayer as it gave examples of each component as well as an explanation of it.
Well-written and a book that can be turned to time and time again.
April 25, 2021
My thoughts on this book it will make a great gift for anyone who struggles with prayer. One thing I hear a lot is how people have the desire to pray but don't know how. This book can serve as a guide so you can stay focused on the prayer at hand.
I received this book from Chosen all opinions are my own.
I received this book from Chosen all opinions are my own.
September 13, 2021
This is a helpful and informative book on the importance of prayer. Honestly, when it comes to prayer for whatever reason, I often feel like I'm not doing it quite right. This insightful book helps you bu offering a practical plan for meaningful personal prayer. I took many notes and highlighted so much useful information to help me with my prayer journey.
March 13, 2021
Liked: The actually steps you can take. The Bible verses for examples. He used a prayer as an example. Loved the tips.
May 1, 2022
I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. I loved this book! Highly recommend for all Christian's out there.
March 3, 2023
This is a beautiful, powerful, and helpful guide to prayer! It is clear, concise, and easy to follow. I would highly recommend reading this if you want to learn more about prayer!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews