Works by Edward M. Bounds |
Description: Edward Bounds, an American lawyer and
pastor, wrote nine books in his lifetime, seven of which
were about prayer. Known as a veritable powerhouse of
spiritual maturity, Bounds has affected the prayer lives
of thousands of people. This volume, Essentials of
Prayer, focuses on the proper mindset believers must
attain in order to have the best prayer life. He reminds
readers that one must have a humble heart and undivided
allegiance to God in order to pray effectively. He also
believes strongly that prayer is available to all people
-- even those who only come in times of trouble. His
advice is intended for both personal and corporate prayer, and is a
great help for serious meditation.
Abby Zwart
CCEL Staff
Writer
Description:
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
Description:
The caricature of lawyers as money grubbing, selfish narcissists is often derided in popular culture. But Jesus did not come for the righteous, but for the sinner. He has used men trained in the law, such as Calvin and Luther, throughout the history of his church to edify the people of God. Edward M. Bounds is one of these men. Trained as a lawyer, but called to ministry, Bounds served as an Army chaplain during the Civil War. As far as prayer is concerned, Bounds practiced what he preached. His personal prayer regimen called him to prayer for three hours every morning. Bounds did not consider his time in prayer as idle time, but a time that was effective in changing the world through the power and grace of God. Read Bounds' Power Through Prayer to enrich your understanding of God's work in the world.
Andrew Hanson
CCEL Intern
Prayer and Praying Men -- from www.WordSearchBible.com
Description:
Prayer and Praying Men has a unique approach as a book on prayer. Many books on
prayer focus mostly on simply features of prayer. Edward Bounds takes a
different approach in Prayer and Praying Men by focusing on persons of prayer.
Bounds examines the lives of nine different biblical figures: Abraham, Moses,
Elijah, Hezekiah, Ezra, Nehemiah, Samuel, Daniel, and Paul. In his examination,
Bounds explores how important prayer was to the spiritual lives of these men.
He provides concrete examples of the importance and nature of prayer, grounded
in biblical narratives. Prayer and Praying Men is thus recommended for those
who crave a book on prayer which is not abstract or airy, but direct and
concrete.
Tim Perrine
CCEL Staff Writer
Description: Purpose in Prayer is another
treasure
from
Edward Bounds on prayer. Bounds, an admired spiritual guide, describes
the purpose behind prayer and not simply the purpose of
prayer.
He
focuses on an individual's purpose in prayer; for one can understand the
purpose of prayer, but not see the purpose in one's own prayers.
Thus,
Bounds attempts to encourage believers to not simply see the purpose of
prayer, but to see that purpose in their own personal, private prayers.
Throughout, Bounds frequently quotes other Christian thinkers, adding
support and insight into his points about prayer. Composed of twelve
short chapters, Purpose in Prayer is a rewarding book on prayer.
Tim
Perrine
CCEL Staff Writer
Description:
Some people believe that prayer is simply a human
invention, with no true substance. Not so, argues Edward Bounds in his
powerful book The Reality of Prayer. There is a spiritual
reality to prayer, he urges. Prayer brings us closer to God--both through God's
answering of our prayers, and through our own character being changed by
prayer. Bounds reinforces these points in the second half of his book,
where he discusses Christ as both a teacher of prayer and as an example
of prayer. Finally, Bounds ends his encouraging and enlightening
discussion by explaining the role of the Holy Spirit in prayer. This
interesting treatise attests to the true reality and power of
prayer--another classic from Edward Bounds.
Tim Perrine
CCEL Staff Writer
Description: Why Pray? In his book, The Weapon of
Prayer, Edward Bounds states: "The life of the individual
believer, his personal salvation, and personal Christian
graces have their being, bloom, and fruitage in prayer."
As a chaplain in the Confederate States Army during the
Civil War, Bounds initiated weekly prayer sessions to
strengthen the spiritual state of his local area. His
wisdom has impacted Christ-seekers for decades, and his
words are as powerful now as they were in the 1800's.
Bounds reminds us that throughout Biblical history, many
of God's greatest movements were incited by the prayers of God's people.
According to Bounds, prayer must be a priority. Other Christian duties,
such as sacred works, communion, and church activities, cannot and
should not take the place of prayer. To eliminate prayer from our daily
lives is to abandon communication with God. It is through prayer that we
have the opportunity to share our deepest sorrows, joys, and desires
with the only one who can truly comfort us. To remind readers that God's
presence steadfastly endures, Bounds concludes his piece by providing
modern examples of the power of prayer.
Emmalon Davis
CCEL
Staff
Writer
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