Spreading Joy

Making a Difference One Person At a Time One Day At a Time

by

Before Amen by Max Lucado

Before Amen by Max Lucado

God keeps his promises

Before Amen by Author Max Lucado is a wonderful reminder of the power of a simple prayer.

Many people feel that their prayer life isn’t what it needs to be or they let guilt of not praying on their knees for hours at a time steal their joy of the power of prayer.  Lucado reminds us that “Prayer is a conversation with God while driving to work or awaiting an appointment or before interacting with a client.” 

 

Should we have times where we are alone with God and focused on our conversation with Him? Yes.  But don’t negate the power of your prayers that you pray while driving 40 minutes to work.  Don’t feel like your prayer isn’t as powerful just because you lifted them up while doing the dishes and it wasn’t filled with eloquent words.

 

I’ve said it for years and I’ll keep saying it.  “I don’t have to be anyone special to be special in God’s eyes” and that is the same with our prayers.  Any prayer we utter to God is special to Him! We are HIS Children, and He delights in our delight!  He loves when we come to Him for any reason!

before amen

 

I’ll list some of my favorite quotes at the end but one of my top ones is:

“Prayer is not a privilege for the pious, not the art of a chose few.  Prayer is simply a heartfelt conversation between God and His child.”

 

I love that Max Lucado is using his voice (which has an amazing reach) to remind everyone that will hear it that prayer works and can be as simple as “help Lord.”

 

As you read through each chapter you will no doubt start thinking about prayer in a different manner.  You’ll realize the power through even the simplest of prayer and hopefully you’ll start on a journey of having lots of “little conversations” with God throughout your day.

 

This book is so easy to read! It is set up in 9 encouraging sections followed by a study guide that is perfect for small groups or various class studies.  The Study Guide is followed by “Prayer Strengths” which are “postures in prayer that we instinctively gravitate toward.” This will help you to USE your strengths as a launching pad for more rewarding conversations with God. There is even an assessment tool at beforeamen.com

 

If you’d like to go ahead and purchase this book, please visit here

 

I typically give away copies of books that I receive to review, but this is one that I’m keeping.  It’s encouraging, empowering and so very easy to read.  I know that I will be turning to it time and time again!

I will be giving away 2 copies of this book.  All you need to do to be entered to win is to share a thought or idea about prayer! I love Spreading Joy to you guys! *Giveaway ends 1/24/2015*

 

Thank you to Family Christian Stores for gifting me a copy of this book to read and review. I’m not required to give a positive review but as you can see, I highly recommend this book.  I also recommend it for gift giving. 

This is also Family Christian’s book of the year!

 

nothing pleases Jesus-before amen-JPG-18

 

Please visit his website at MaxLucado.com

You can also follow him on Twitter at: twitter.com/maxlucado and like his Facebook page at facebook.com/maxlucado

 

I also recommend you follow Family Christian at twitter.com/familychristian and like their facebook page at facebook.com/familychristian and of course some great shopping can be done at www.familychristian.com  

 

Some of my Favorite Quotes:

  • Jesus gave stunning prayer promises (see John 15:7)
  • Prayer depends on the One who hears the prayer
  • In our desire to understand Him, we have sought to contain Him. The God of the Bible cannot be contained
  • Don’t underestimate the power of this moment. You just opened the door to God and welcomed truth to enter your heart. Faith sneaked in while despair was dozing.
  • God keeps His word. We just need to ask
  • Guilt alerts us to the discrepancies between what we are and what God desires. It stirs repentance and renewal.  In appropriate doses guilt is a blessing.  In unmonitored dosages, however, guilt is an unbearable burden.  We cannot carry it.  But God can
  • Jesus never refused an intercessory request. Ever!
  • Nothing pleases Jesus as much as being audaciously trusted
  • Gratitude is a dialysis of sorts. It flushes the self-pity out of our systems
  • When we pray in the name of Jesus, we come to God on the basis of Jesus’ accomplishment
  • The phrase “In Jesus’ name” is not an empty motto or talisman. It is a declaration of truth

 

Get the book, gift the book. You’ll be glad you did!

My personal tips on prayer:

  • If someone pops into your mind, take a moment to pray for them. Things like that are not random. God is giving you an opportunity to make a difference in their world. Later, when you can let them know you prayed for them
  • Start your day with prayer. YES, you DO have time. While you are in the shower, while you are getting ready, while you are preparing breakfast. While you are driving. Before running down your “to do” list, run to God!
  • Be honest with the Lord. He knows when you are whiny, when you’ve “had it” and when your heart is shattered into a bazillion pieces and your sobs of “help Lord” is all you can muster. He KNOWS.
  • Be specific. You want your child to choose things of God, ask. You want wisdom for the next steps…ask. The worst God can do is say “no”, just like you tell your children.
  • If God says “no” TRUST Him. Just like with our own children….we know what’s best for them even if they don’t understand it right now.
  • Take time to just praise the Lord. Don’t ask for anything, just praise Him.

I’m no Max Lucado, but I hope you’ll find these tips practical and helpful

What are your prayer tips? Do you have a specific prayer time?  Have you read this book?

Talk to me, I’d love to hear what you have to say in the comments below

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Comments

  4. 6

    Our church is actually having a two week period of corporate prayer and fasting at our church right now. Powerful!

    Reply
  5. 8

    Marie, I love your personal tips for prayer. I usually pray as I’m driving to work each morning, and sometimes I just sing along to the contemporary Christian music on the radio as a way to praise Him. This week I started walking during my lunch break each day (inside our warehouse since it’s way too cold outside) and I am also using this opportunity to silently pray while I walk. I also love Gina’s comment that if we are not praying God’s will, he will change our heart to accept what does happen – how true it is!! Thank you.
    Barbara Ann Gareis recently posted..Gift of Joy (Gift 3 of 3)

    Reply
    • 9

      Thanks Barbara!

      I have had a 45 minute drive to work for the past 15 years and use to feel as though those prayers weren’t good enough. About a year into it, during some personal devotions, I realized that anytime spent with the Lord is treasured. 🙂 thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  6. 10

    I have heard a lot of good feedback on this book & would love to win a copy. A lesson that I have had to learn (more than once), is to go to God in prayer immediately about anything and everything be it petition and/or praise. Love Max Lucado’s writing!

    Reply
  7. 12

    My favorite invitation verse for prayer is…”knowing we have a high priest who is touched by our infirmities let us come boldly to the throne of God in time of need.”..

    Reply
  8. 14

    Prayer is communicating with the Lord. I totally agree that we must set aside quiet time alone with Him, but a few sentences during a busy day is still prayer. There is power in prayer, no matter the number of words used to do it. Thank you for your post and I am grateful for the production of this book.

    Reply
  9. 16

    Hey Marie,

    Thanks for this review. I love Max Lucado! Simple prayer is hardly ever talked about… lots of people believe that prayer is all about saying the right words and etc but prayer is simply talking to God from the heart just as you would your earthly mother or father. I really loved this quote: “Prayer is not a privilege for the pious, not the art of a chose few. Prayer is simply a heartfelt conversation between God and His child.” Perfectly said! This book will be a blessing to many! I need to get a copy for myself because it seems like a must read 🙂

    Reply
  10. 18

    Marie-

    Thank you for this beautiful post! Prayer life is something I always struggle with. My favorite quote:
    “Prayer is not a privilege for the pious, not the art of a chose few. Prayer is simply a heartfelt conversation between God and His child.”

    What an awesome reminder to just be real and open with God. I love Max Lucado. What a gem. His book on Grace is one of my favorites!

    I will definitely be adding this to my reading list!
    -Sam
    Sam Eaton recently posted..It’s Only a Mountain, Tell it to Move.

    Reply
    • 19

      Thanks Sam! Being real is important because when we can come to God with our broken hurts and be open, God can do more with our hurts than with anything fake and made up.

      Reply
  11. 20

    I hear so many people say they are afraid to pray out loud or that they don’t know how. Just remember, prayer is a conversation with a friend. We may not see Him but He is listening, and He does answer. So, talk like you would to a friend. Share your day, your good reports, your sadness, He wants all of you!
    Heart of a Philanthropist Blogger Kim recently posted..Look What We Found: Free Games for Kids from National Geographic

    Reply
  12. 22

    I’ve been wanting to read this book. I’m working on series about Prayer for Lent and have been digging into all kinds of different ways to pray. It’s been a really fun and faith-building research project to study and practice these different ways – from praying at stop lights to praying scriptures to praying through doodling to more reflective and meditative methods. So many ways to connect and have conversation with God!
    Kathryn Shirey recently posted..Be Still and Know That I Am God

    Reply
  13. 24

    I can hardly wait to read this book! I used to really struggle with some of those issues about praying. I love the part where he says prayer isn’t for just a pious few- but a heartfelt conversation between Father and child. Thanks so much for the review Marie! hugs and blessings
    Cindy Barclay recently posted..A Penny in the Hand of God

    Reply
    • 25

      Cindy, it is super awesome! I’ve always believed in the power of simple prayer and now someone with a voice has gone and made it KNOWN! thanks for your heart for the Lord and others!

      Reply
    • 26

      isn’t it crazy how we struggle with prayer – but our very own children never mind running to us for their needs…we just have to get into the habit of thinking like they do! true child like faith!

      Reply

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