On Earth as It Is in Heaven: How the Lord's Prayer Teaches Us to Pray More Effectively

by Warren W. Wiersbe

Just as babies slowly learn to communicate in more and more complex ways, so the new believer should move from simply crying out to God to a developed prayer life. The basic elements of prayer found in the Lord's Prayer are a helpful guide to Christians hoping to enrich their prayers. In On Earth as It Is in Heaven , beloved teacher and writer Warren W. Wiersbe explains and applies the elements of the Lord's Prayer to everyday prayer so readers get excited about maturing in their personal prayer ministries. Any reader wanting to experience a more satisfying and effective prayer life will cherish this thoughtful book.

Genres: Christian, Prayer, Religion, Nonfiction, Theology, Christianity, Spirituality

154 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Warren W. Wiersbe, former pastor of the Moody Church and general director of Back to the Bible, has traveled widely as a Bible teacher and conference speaker. Because of his encouragement to those in ministry, Dr. Wiersbe is often referred to as 'the pastor's pastor.' He has ministered in churches and conferences throughout the United States as well as in Canada, Central and South America, and Europe. Dr. Wiersbe has written over 150 books, including the popular BE series of commentaries on every book of the Bible, which has sold more than four million copies. At the 2002 Christian Booksellers Convention, he was awarded the Gold Medallion Lifetime Achievement Award by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Dr. Wiersbe and his wife, Betty, live in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Reviews

[Amanda Tero · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is more than just a book on prayer. It covers the worship of God, the life of the believer, examples to follow (or avoid), and more.

I found fascinating how he used historical examples of how principles from the model prayer were applied or violated in Israel’s history. In a way, the model prayer can be seen throughout the Bible. I never realized that before.

It deals with our genuine relationship as God’s children, of course, but then a whole section looking into “our Father” focuses on our relationships here on earth and the very serious importance of mending those so we can have a better relationship with God.

So much of this book is just spot on for today! Wiersbe has a very serious mindset and in some ways, I’m tempted to think, “Oh, he’s a little too rigid there,” but then... he does bring some points that we as modern Christian do need to consider. In ways we have dumbed down the importance of worship. This book made me reconsider my thought process in several areas, which then affects how I do view prayer.

[Lillie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems obvious after reading this book, but after saying the Lord's Prayer daily (usually more than once a day) for most of my life, I had never realized that three of the requests in the prayer focus on God and three focus on the needs of the person saying the prayer. The prayer begins with hallowing God's name--focusing on the glory of His name--and continues with the request for the coming of His Kingdom and the accomplishing of His will on earth. Then it moves into requests for the pray-er: physical needs (daily bread), forgiveness of sin, and victory over trial and temptation. This book made me realize that I often fail to give God glory in prayer and jump right into my own needs. The Lord's Prayer provides a wonderful pattern for all our prayers.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't give this book five stars because it didn't finish off being what it started out to be. When I first started the book I was under the impression that it was about prayer, more specifically how to pray using the Lord's Prayer as the supreme example of what effective prayer should be.

However, not too far into the book it became apparent that this was not what the book was going to be about. Wiersbe does use the Lord's Prayer throughout the entire book breaking it down one stanza at a time. Overall, the book is more about relationships, our relationship with God and His with us and our relationship with each other.

There is quite a bit of scripture and theology in this book, but it is very readable for the layman. This is not a book directed at the highly educated theologian. Even though there are 196 pages in the book it is a relatively short read taking me only a few days to finish it. I could have finished it quicker but I took a few days off to read other things and do other things.

It wasn't what I expected but it was a very good book. I can recommend it for people interested in the topic of prayer.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was reciting the Lord’s Prayer in school daily beginning at six years old until I graduated at seventeen. Sadly the majority of schools no longer allow this. I wonder how many children actually know the Lord’s Prayer. Through the years what started as a recitation became an actual prayer that came from my heart. I pray it daily, sometimes more than once. I don’t recall reading a book on it before. Warren Wiersbe is a favorite author, I love his BE SERIES Commentaries on the books of the Bible. He breaks the prayer down sentence by sentence explaining it, and the reason we pray it. There are several scriptures accompanying each dissection. The Lord’s Prayer is God’s prayer for us to use as a model. I enjoyed this study and highly recommend the book. I will look at the Lord’s Prayer, and my prayer life in general in a different light. This one will be read again!

[Rebecca Parks]

(I don’t give ⭐️ ratings to spiritual books. Too subjective.)

This book came to me right when I needed it! I’ve always struggled with what the appropriate purpose and heart stance behind my prayers should be, and this book truly changed (or, rather, fixed) and solidified my mindset. It is wholly Gospel-centered, making it clear that the purpose of prayer is to continually return to the will and glory of God, not our own desires. I needed this short, simple return to that basic truth.

This isn’t an in-depth, textual or theological study, but I highlighted many rich sentences that will stay with me for a long time as I continue to seek God in prayer.

[Clara Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those who have spent a lifetime in church have heard many sermon on the Lord's prayer. This book was one in which the reader is called on to do reflective thinking. Key thoughts were "Prayer is a miracle and the sooner you realize this fact, the sooner prayer ceases to be a dull routine or a religious burden." "To neglect prayer is to cheapen everything Jesus accomplished for us at Calvary and is doing for us now in glory." "To the maturing children of God, prayer is a moment-by-moment adventure into the will of God, and blessing of God." "Israel is identified with earth, but the church is identified with heaven."

[Adam Shields · Rating 2 out of 5]

Full review at http://bookwi.se/on-earth-as-it-is-in...

Short review: This is an ok, but traditional book on the Lord's Prayer. There is not much here that has not already been written. If you are looking for a good Lord's Prayer book then I would recommend Living Prayer by Dennis Fuqua (http://livingprayer.net). It is a much better book. I pick this up when it was free on kindle.

[Angelo Terminel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's amazing how the "Lord's Prayer" can be dissected sentence by sentence to give such insightful examples of how we should pray. When the disciples asked Jesus "Lord, teach us to pray", His response seemed very unprepared and not thought out. He simply said, "Pray like this..." My oh my, how this book shows the wisdom and power of Jesus!

Any bible student will be well pleased with Warren Wiersbe's frequent use of scripture to back up his thoughts.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Subjectively, I was disappointed overall with this book. Being that it is authored by Wiersbe, I guess I expected better. I felt like even though it was good content and very thorough with Scripture references, it seemed to be a lot of extra stuff. I expected a more succinct version than what is written. It was difficult to trudge through at times, but I'm still glad I read it for what I did learn from it.

[Tim Chavel · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual Warren Wiersbe has written an excellent book. Many great insghts on the lord's Prayer! Check out this quote, "When God is not permitted to rule, He often over-rules and is able to bring blessing out of disobedience and disappointment." If you are interested in learning more about "The Lord's Prayer" then this is the book for you!

[David Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theological and practical

Imminently practical look at the Lord's Prayer without skimping on theology. WW's approach makes it easy to memorize the key ideas undergirding the prayer. Heartily recommend.

[Eddie Snipes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book! I recommend this to any Christian who wants to be encouraged in the area of prayer.

[Lisa Vira · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the study of the Lords Prayer. Deepened my appreciation of this prayer which is the perfect model of prayer. Would be interested in reading more by this author.

[Lucienne Ouellette · Rating 5 out of 5]

On earth as it is in heaven

This book has given me a total new outlook on the Lord's Prayer. Very uplifting and I realized I am not alone in some of my struggles. Thank you.

[Drew Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. Wiersbe doesn't pull any punches, but he presents the truth of Scripture with a pastoral heart, yearning to help the reader follow Jesus deeper.

[Webster A Chilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good guidance of the lords.prayer.

Liked the multiple bible references, giving credence to the passage in discussion. Enjoyed quotes from current and past Christian authors.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much great food for thought in this book. I kept my highlighter in my hand. Wiersbe breaks down the Lord's Prayer and shows how important it is to a Christian's prayer life.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence: We should always begin with the basics, the fundamentals.

This is both a book about a specific prayer--The Lord's Prayer--and prayer in general. Wiersbe seeks to encourage believers to actually pray and pray effectively. The Lord's Prayer is his teaching tool. He breaks the Lord's Prayer down phrase by phrase. As he's teaching believers, he's challenging them to think, to reflect, to meditate. He asks some tough questions that are worth our time to try to answer.

I would definitely recommend this one. I enjoyed his narrative style. He knows how to tell a good story, yet he never strays far from Scripture. (There was one sentence that had me scratching my head and questioning his theology--but only one. That's not bad. Here is that sentence: "In short, all of us as God's children need to allow the Holy Spirit to use this prayer in our lives so that we might please the Father, become more like the Son, and be used of the Holy Spirit to make a difference in this world.")

[Zacarias Rivera, Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Warren Wiersbe clearly interprets what is commonly known as the Lord's prayer. He focuses on each section of the prayer by looking at what the whole Bible says in relation to it.

I love how the book is saturated with scripture references to support his exegesis.

If you are looking for a book that unpacks what Jesus's model of prayer means then read this one. I highly recommend it.

[Lolo · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice group study

The way this book is written provides for a perfect group study. You can read sections aloud and discussions ensues. It provides plenty of biblical references to make it a strong reference to the Lords Prayer. We will never say it again without a deeper understanding of how to pray to God.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring book on Prayer

We can never pray enough! This book has been helpful for me to examine my prayer life! There’s examples of prayer and helpful information for focusing on our Father in heaven!

[Jason Frasca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, refreshing read bringing readers back to the basics of prayer, the intent, what the Bible says and how God asks and demonstrates prayer for us. I highly recommend to those who are interested in refocusing on Christ and our communication with God.

[Chandra Wheeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book to help understand the Lords Prayer and how it was meant to be prayed. For a beginner who is trying to learn how to pray and how to understand prayer I thought this was a great introduction to praying.

[Jennifer Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good section by section breakdown

...Of the Lord’s Prayer. A bit of the author’s personal opinions sprinkled within. But lots of good, solid Scripture also woven through it.

[Daniel Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book of the Model Prayer from Matthew 6.

[Sherman Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provided important truths that provoked really insightful thoughts in me. I loved how the writer provided verses and scripture in almost every point that he was providing!