At the Throne of Grace: A Book of Prayers

by John F. MacArthur Jr.

Now available in paperback--a best-selling collection of powerful Scripture readings and prayers from Bible teacher John MacArthur. For more than 40 years, John has steadfastly committed himself to the careful and faithful teaching of God's Word at Grace Community Church in Southern California. A special outgrowth of this ministry--one that has particularly blessed the congregation at the church--is the heartfelt and God-centered prayers that precede his sermons. In this book, prayers and Scripture readings from across John's years of teaching have been brought together to stir Christians toward more edifying communion with God. This book will guide readers, in the most intimate way possible, before God's throne of grace...so that they expand the horizons of their prayers as they pour out their praises, confessions, and thanksgiving to the Lord. These prayers are highly personal and filled with content that will encourage believers toward a richer and more meaningful prayer life.

Genres: Prayer, Christian, Devotional, Christianity, Christian Living, Theology, Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2014

About the author

John F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.

Reviews

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so inadequate in my prayers yet I know that every word I speak to my Heavenly Father is received with great joy. MacArthur’s pastoral prayers are wonderful to read and lift my spirit towards a deeper affection for the Lord. This book would be great to use for spurring our mind to a more focused prayer language or for new believers struggling with how to pray.

[Lone · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great devotional and glorious prayers from John MacArthur. But I side with Charles Spurgeon saying that other peoples prayers are just theirs. We must all have our own prayers that develops in time and sanctification. Maybe this book would be a great starting point for a new Christian? MacArthurs prayers are glorifying God and not self. And he is not giving God a grocery list of his own desires. I think that is the best I’m taking with me from the book. Everything is about God, serving Him and glorify Him.

[Sandrine Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really great book to use as a morning devotional. What stuck out to me the most while reading this was how Gospel-focused all of MacArthur's prayers were. Every prayer would wind up reflecting and thanking God for Jesus' sacrifice for us on Calvary, which was both convicting and inspiring.

[Neil Kruger · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of biblically saturated and doctrinally rich prayers.

[Travis Breedveld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helping me to grow in the way I pray

[Evan Staffieri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book of prayers. These prayers use a lot of scripture and it blessed me while I read it each day through prayer. The gospel is always most important and you read a passage of scripture before you pray to focus that prayer to that specific passage in the Bible. This book is great for any Christian, and every Christian who wants to improve their prayers.

[Mandy J. Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY REVIEW:

Maybe it's due to my conservative roots or maybe it's just my personal preferences - I am really not sure - but books full of prayers to pray have always given me an uncomfortable feeling. Like I am plagiarizing on holy ground...or something. However, I highly respect John MacArthur and so when I saw His new release - At the Throne of Grace - I jumped at the opportunity to at least see what it was and maybe just maybe dip my toes into the pool of prayer books.

The first thing that I appreciated about this book was the introduction written by his children who share that they were the ones that begged him to have some of his prayers published into book format. This letter reassured me of MacArthur's humility in this arena and also made me a feel a little more at ease with reading someone else's prayers.

This book is divided into five topical sections with a brief appendix. Each prayer begins with an introductory passage of Scripture written out for you to read before the actual prayer. And I must add here that to my utter surprise I quickly found myself enjoying this book and all these prayers from another person. As I read I began to say the words myself and my heart was drawn into worship of our Almighty God.

So why would I recommend this book? Not because I think you should pray the exact same prayers of others per-say, but because I think as you read John's prayers they help refocus you to worship God more in prayer than just coming with your grocery list of needs for a quick session of begging. You most likely won't read this book in one sitting or straight through, but rather set it on the coffee table and pick it up every now and then and let yourself slip into moments of worship and adoration of the Creator of all.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Bible teacher MacArthur has a passion for honoring God, obeying his Word, and proclaiming Christ as Lord---and he invites you to join him! Bringing together select readings from over 40 years of his ministry, this collection of prayers and Scripture will stir your heart to pursue a deeper, more meaningful communion with God. 208 pages, hardcover from Harvest.

[Sunflower · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had mixed feelings reading,"At the Throne of Grace: A Book of Prayers" by John MacArthur; On one hand, the prayers that was shared, went very well with the accompanying scripture, but on the other had, it felt uncomfortable reading, essentially someone's else prayers, while half expecting, maybe some background for the prayers and even encouragement for the reader, on how to develop a framework, for a prayer life around the verses, themselves.

Feeling more like a "gift book" than really an encouragement for prayer, reading,the prayers, although title for the "times" the prayer was directed at, still made "At the Throne of Grace: A Book of Prayers", difficult to read.

This was disappointing, because John MacArthur is a very encouraging and inspiring individuals, and having read his many other books, this particular one felt more of a let down of what was usually expected.

I feel this would be a good book, for those who enjoy reading prayer books that are specifically prayers that are shared by others and with the holidays coming up, those who are admirers of John MacArthur would appreciate receiving this as a gift.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

At the Throne of Grace is a collection of pastoral prayers spoken by and at the church of John MacArthur, popular preacher and author. It appears to have been inspired by the prayers from the Puritan prayer book called The Valley of Vision. While I did enjoy and was occasionally inspired by MacArthur's prayers, I respectfully say that they were nowhere near as inspirational as their Puritan counterparts.

Nevertheless, I did enjoy the book, and found it to be a worthy devotional tool. The prayers are broken up by topics, but I just went through in order from start to finish. Oddly enough, as stated by the foreword, MacArthur initially resisted having these prayers published. I have to admire and respect that.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Prayers based on Scripture. Heart-searching. Praising. Will use this regularly in my quiet time.

[Jeff Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will confess: I have not finished reading John MacArthur's "A Year of Prayer: Approaching God With an Open Heart Week After Week" yet. In fact, I'm not even a sixth of the way through it (I'm at week 8 of 52 at the time of writing). But this is a kind of book that you can make a fair assumption what the book is like early on and whether it's one to recommend or not.

I highly recommend this book. My wife and I are going through a section a week. It consists of a passage of Scripture (not just a verse as many devotionals do) followed by a Biblically based prayer for you to pray.

There are books designed for a whole year that I treat as if it is for a period of days. This one can fall into that category, and finish it in 52 days, because the sections are short. But my wife and I don't want to rush through this volume and give it time to make an impact.

[Rachel Burton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not as encouraging as I was expecting. There are some lovely prayers, but the entire book was thick with the theme of self-loathing and obsession with our own sinfulness. Of course in prayer we want to recognize that and take the opportunity to humble ourselves, but even after penning thanks to God for paying our penalty, I still found myself feeling full of shame after nearly every prayer. I would have liked, at least for many of the prayers, for some focus to be purely on praise and joy! Also the language was very "churchy." Lots of Scripture references, which is great, but the "voice" sounded so formal and seminary-like that I couldn't find myself praying along with it. It seemed too flowery to be really relatable for me.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good devotional that I have used the past two months. I am surprised because I don't usually enjoy devotionals because I find them shallow. This book had a portion of Scripture to read with a pastoral prayer that John MacArthur prayed in his own ministry. I found the each portion deep and encouraging.

[Jorge Murcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book transformed how I prayed. You read a dedicated passage of scripture and then you can read along with the prayer that follows immediately after which is written by the author. I appreciate that there are notations for where the phrases/thoughts are being inspired from in scripture so you can use this book as a tool not only to enhance your prayer life, but your daily scripture reading. I read one a day but of course, you can approach at your own pace. Jumpstart your prayer time and don't look back.

[Adriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

We did this as a family every week. While the idea is to guide prayers through the week and avoid being rote, the style of the book didn't necessarily encourage that. Nonetheless, appreciated the book a lot!

[Julian Zarta · Rating 5 out of 5]

it's good and very powerful, thought-provoking and contains truths of scripture But I give it 9 stars because MacArthur is a dispensationalist and I believe that biblically that is an erroneous doctrine.

[Dave Jephcott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book of prayers I've ever read. Will re-read over and over again!

[Bindu Kunuku · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an amazing tool to help guide your prayers as they based on specific bible passages!

[Manny Cabarnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing books about our almighty Father

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Various Bible readings paired with formal prayers. Nothing extraordinary and not very personal. Would not recommend and kudos to Mac Arthur for not really wanting to publish.

[Betty Stahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

USE IT DAILY, GO THROUGH IT OVER AND OVER AGAIN

Every word is based in scripture; I’m praying the scriptures which are renewing my mind. Nothing more life changing, powerful!

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Examples of prayer for many accassions. It could be also examples how could we pray after meditate on scriptures.

[Jan Norton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is beautifully written. The prayers are heartfelt. I have read this book twice now and both times have been touched and brought into the presence of the holy God.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a great privilege in being able to review this awesome book! John MacArthur has been an important part of my spiritual life for many years.
This is the Publisher's Description and it says it all: Announcing a special new release from Bible teacher John MacArthur…a select collection of powerful Scripture readings and prayers that inspire heartfelt communion with God and gratitude for all that He is and has done for us.

For more than 40 years, John MacArthur has steadfastly committed himself to the careful and faithful teaching of God’s Word. A key outgrowth of his study of Scripture is the profoundly God-centered prayers that precede his sermons.

John’s prayers are the offerings of a heart that is fully committed to honoring God, proclaiming and obeying His Word, and calling others to do the same. In this book, prayers and Scripture readings from across his years of ministry have been brought together to stir Christians toward more meaningful and edifying communion with God.

This book will guide readers, in the most intimate way possible, before God’s throne of grace…giving them a renewed passion and appreciation for their Lord.
A can't begin to tell you how much I "Love" this book.

Before we begin digesting these wonderful chapter, John begins with Prayers on Worship and the Attributes of God....Ahh! We then head into Prays on Joy and Longing and Prayers on the Cross and the Gospel! Something we all need...Prayers on Personal Holiness and where a lot of us lack...Prayers on Useful Service.

I highly recommend this book, if I could give it 10 starts or more ...I would!!!

I received this book from the Publisher Harvest House, and was not required to give a positive review!

[Chickadee · Rating 5 out of 5]

John MacArthur may be best known for his roles as pastor, teacher and bible scholar but the foreword of his new book gives readers special insight to his role as a father. I was moved to tears when I read what his children humbly wrote about him:



“Our theology was shaped by the words our dad prayed…”



“By God’s grace our dad has been what he preaches…”




The MacArthur childrens’ love for their father is tangible through the words they write on the pages preceding the intimate collection of their father's prayers that they urged him to share with others. It was because of their admiration and respect for their father, that they encouraged him to share what they had been immersed in growing up. Their testimony is a powerful legacy to the man that so many respect and look up to.



This collection of John MacArthur’s prayers is majestic, inspiring and calming. A sense of peace and serenity comes over the reader as they contemplate the powerful prayers of a man who has walked many years with God. These prayers are elegant and stately but at the same time profoundly simple. This book is a must have for those wanting to add a prayer book to their library.


The book is divided into 6 main sections and the last section has two prayers, one for Christmas and one for Easter. I highly recommend this book for yourself or as a gift.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm no expert on written prayers. Those that I've scribbled down seem to be laced with the same raw desperation (which probably means the threat of hitting rock-bottom is a strong motivator).

It must take a deeper maturity to be able to pray about a wide range of things without defaulting to what is easy: requesting something or, as in my case, wailing about something.

It must take a different perspective to put to paper God-conversations that can be said in the secret of our hearts and in the presence of a congregation. And where do you start, whose words do you choose? There must be enough of you in those words to make the prayer worth anything, but still something else that echoes with others.

My supreme example is the Psalmist. What beautiful prayers! I've prayed some of those words at times and found that they helped me express something I wouldn't have been able to on my own.

So I'm glad John MacArthur also wrote a book of prayers. Some of them resonate with me, some don't (at least for where I'm at right now). But like greeting cards or quotable quotes, this book can help me find the words to say when I'm speechless (and before God, I often am).

[Gail Welborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the Throne of Grace, written and read by John MacArthur, Harvest House Audio Book, 2011, 240 Minutes, 4 CD’s, Unabridged, Scripture narrated by Jim Tuck, ISBN-978: 0736948814, $24.99

“I fear his prayers more than I do the armies of my enemies,” said Queen Mary in the 1500’s organizer of Scotland’s Presbyterian Church, John Knox.

John MacArthur, pastor-teacher at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, CA is also known for fearful, God-centered, God-honoring prayers of thanksgiving and gratitude before Sunday worship services.

In John MacArthur’s audio book, with Scripture readings by vocal artist Jim Tuck, listeners hear for the first time outside the church, 54 featured prayers from MacArthur’s forty year ministry. Prayers delivered in MacArthur’s voice and published at his children’s insistence, because, “Our theology was shaped by the words our dad prayed…”
Full Review: http://tinyurl.com/8xncvyn

[Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the Throne of Grace was a gift to me from Grace To You, John MacArthur's radio ministry. I was uncertain how to use it, as it was completely different from most every John MacArthur book I had (and I have a lot of them!). So, I decided to use it as a sort of daily devotonal, although I didn't read it every day and some days I read more than one prayer. It worked for me, this way!

The prayers, which were spoken or, if you prefer, prayed, as part of the worship service in Grace Community Church, are a kaleidoscope of theology, both formal and practical, and heartfelt petition to God, and warrant special and further study.

I would recommend this book as a devotional, and also as a suitable gift to give to others!

[Tim Chaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Anthony Vance · Rating 3 out of 5]

a blessing. I enjoy reading after him and this book, being more personal, caused me to love and respect him even more. I am so thankful for his faithful ministry!!