Max Lucado has done it again. He had me within the first few sentences…. “I doze off when I pray. My thoughts zig, then zag, then zig again.” Yep, that’s me- guilty!
And again, nail on the head, “It’s not that we don’t pray. We all pray some”.
Max Lucado is known for his simple, yet profound and challenging books. He newest, “Before Amen” certainly fits this mold. The chapters in this book are not overwhelming- the pages contain truth most believers already know. But he has such a straightforward, simple way of convicting (and encouraging) us all. No the material is not highly academic (thankfully, in my opinion), but it is accessible and life changing.
If you, like Max and I, are a “recovering prayer wimp”- this book is for you. Before Amen uses a simple “pocket prayer” to get you back on track in your communication with God. The prayer goes like this…
Father,
You are Good.
I need help.
They need help.
Thank You.
In Jesus’’ name, Amen!
Like I said nothing earth shattering- but that’s what makes it so helpful! The power in this little prayer is how it takes away the mystery in reaching out to God. It focuses your thoughts and requests. And most important, it can help get you back in the habit of speaking to your Heavenly Father on a daily basis.
The book also includes a study guide. This is perfect for taking each chapter- each piece of the pocket prayer- and going deeper. It would also be great for a small group bible study or Sunday School class to use to spur on discussion. One suggestion from the Chapter 3 guide was to set a midday timer “to remind yourself to take your eyes off the world for a moment and thank God that he is in control.” What a great idea! I’m so doing this one! And I have created little Pocket Prayer printable reminder cards to help too. When the alarm rings. I will pull out my Pocket Prayer and talk to my Abba!
I highly recommend checking out Max Lucado’s latest book, “Before Amen”. And I’m not the only one. In fact, it has been named the 2015 Family Christian Stores Book of the Year! You can find the book “Before Amen”, accompanying books and other Max Lucado titles here or at your local Family Christian store.
Have you read “Before Amen” yet? Leave your thoughts in a reply below!
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I love this book for the simple fact that it goes along with what I’ve always taught my children…. a simple conversation with God is all you need. No $5 words that only a few scholars understand… just talking with your Heavenly Father!
love the printable you did!
@spreadingJOY
Marie
I absolutely love those first few lines also! Thank you for sharing Thank you for the printable and will be using this soon! Visiting from #FCBlogger
I think Lucado really know how to speak to the heart of everyone! Thanks for stopping by.
I loved Before Amen…definitely a must read! And I love that you created the printable. Absolutely perfect…an ideal ‘pocket prayer’!
I know, such a great book and practical ways to apply it.
Thanks for the wonderful review. It sounds like a book I really need right now. I feel like my prayer life has been suffering lately…and that is an area that really needs to be strong!
You are def not alone. As he states- “we all pray some”. Definitely an area the majority of us could use some work!
I love ax Lucado! He has a way of getting his point across in a relateable way. I had to smile at the very first part of your post. I often find my mind wandering while I;m praying and then I feel guilty for getting off track. Glad I;m not alone in that struggle! Love his short pocket prayer. Sometimes less is more 🙂
Yes relatable! That’s what I love about his style.
I love the idea of the pocket prayers. I am really looking forward to this book!
I’m looking forward to reading this book. I’ve read excerpts and it sound excellent. Your review makes me even more excited! Thanks and blessings!
Thanks for reading it Deb!
I loved this book! I can definitely see why Family Christian has it as the book of the year! I can’t wait to read his next one! 🙂
He certainly is a gifted writer.
Thank you for such a great post! We love this!
Wow, thanks so much for stopping by to read my post. I truly appreciate it!
I love the printable! We’re having a Valentine’s banquet for the single ladies at our church, and I’m going to print these to include with their goody bags. Thanks so much!
What a wonderful use for the cards! Thanks for sharing that idea Sarah. I hope you have a blessed evening!
I love the way the simple prayer starts out praising God, not just asking for help right away.
Amen! 🙂
We have always been fans of Max Lucado. Thanks for sharing this book!
My pleasure, it really is another winner from him.
I love Max Lucado! I like that Before Amen comes with a study guide. This would be great for a Bible study group!
I love the idea of the pocket prayers, especially to print and distribute to my bible study!
Yes, Ann-Marie. I have have bible study members print off tems that relate to the study and they are really helpful (not to mention sweet).
Thanks Mary – I do enjoy Max Lucado – down to earth yet powerful thoughts! I will be getting this one!
“down to earth yet powerful” perfect way to describe him Ellen