The way you think of prayer will influence the way you approach praying. If perceived as mere duty and obligation, there will be no relational joy experienced. However, if prayer is participation in a vital connection, an essential lifeline, between your soul and your God through Jesus Christ, prayer moves into a different light, a new perspective, a living relationship. Prayer presents itself as God’s gift and the only avenue to enjoy communion with the Godhead: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Think of it: actual connection and companionship between you and the Almighty! Understanding this relationship, purchased by Christ, is the purpose of the book you hold in your hands. The Lord Jesus found great delight in the presence of his Father. The bond of eternal love, satisfaction, and enriching fulfillment clearly displayed itself in the atmosphere of his prayers. If you heard him, you would want him to teach you to pray. God the Father knew this about you. The disciples witnessed Christ praying, and it compelled them to ask, “Lord, teach us to pray.” This little volume expounds his answer. The nurturing influence of Christ through the indwelling Holy Spirit gives life to genuine prayer in the child of God. Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance to bless us. Rather, it is laying hold of his great willingness to do so. Come and enter the heavenly atmosphere of this reality. Developing an effectual prayer life is a process of growth in the believer’s relationship with God. It is an invitation to be a colaborer with God in Christian maturity. It is a lifelong pursuit. This book expounds on some of the essential ways Christ nourishes the soul in effectual prayer.

In The Necessity of Prayer, Edward Bounds, a 20th century pastor and lawyer, suggests that prayer is an essential part of the Christian believer's life. He writes, "the Christian soldier, if he fight to win, must pray much." Bounds' book, however, is not simply a list of prayers for one to work through, but also a discourse on the very nature of prayer. He connects the nature of prayer to other features of the Christian life, such as faith, reverence, patience, hope, character, conduct, and faithfulness. Bounds' passion for prayer--which compelled him to write nine books on the topic--shines through in this work, and cannot but help motivate those who read it to also see the necessity of prayer. Perfect for individual study, Bounds' book is sure to change the way one prays. -Tim Perrine, CCEL Staff Writer

In this message, the author draws on his life-long ministerial experience to convey the realities of where we are on our journey through this life to where it is we are going. The book reflects the treasure of shared knowledge and reveals what the author terms the unconscious unreality, which draws people away from the conscious realities that would otherwise enrich their lives. It is directed to all Gods people, both Christians and non-Christians. These spiritual messages come at a time when the world is set on a course that is causing much consternation and answers many perplexing problems facing individuals. The author takes church leaders to task for allowing much of what is changing the face of a civil society. This book is not for idle curiosity. Each chapter is at times sad, at times joyful, and at times soul-searching. There is strong emphasis on the lure of easy borrowing and sensationalism, one of the plagues of modern times that mask the face of lasting values, diminishing the hunger for the spiritual life, and depleting the soul of contentment. This book offers a clear and unshakeable understanding of the truth of God and clarifies scriptural text about the end timesit speaks about you.

The perfect gift! A specially priced, beautifully designed hardcover edition of The Joy of the Gospel with a foreword by Robert Barron and an afterword by James Martin, SJ. “The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus… In this Exhortation I wish to encourage the Christian faithful to embark upon a new chapter of evangelization marked by this joy, while pointing out new paths for the Church’s journey in years to come.” – Pope Francis This special edition of Pope Francis's popular message of hope explores themes that are important for believers in the 21st century. Examining the many obstacles to faith and what can be done to overcome those hurdles, he emphasizes the importance of service to God and all his creation. Advocating for “the homeless, the addicted, refugees, indigenous peoples, the elderly who are increasingly isolated and abandoned,” the Holy Father shows us how to respond to poverty and current economic challenges that affect us locally and globally. Ultimately, Pope Francis demonstrates how to develop a more personal relationship with Jesus Christ, “to recognize the traces of God’s Spirit in events great and small.” Profound in its insight, yet warm and accessible in its tone, The Joy of the Gospel is a call to action to live a life motivated by divine love and, in turn, to experience heaven on earth. Includes a foreword by Robert Barron, author of Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith and James Martin, SJ, author of Jesus: A Pilgrimage