Showing results by author "E. M. Bounds" in All Categories

Edward McKendree Bounds (1835-1913) was an author, attorney, and Methodist pastor. In The Weapon of Prayer, Bounds explains the necessity and the realities of prayer. In Power Through Prayer Bounds stresses the imperative of vital prayer in the life of a pastor. The Essentials of Prayer is a classic on prayer written for the layman in which Bounds discusses the parts of prayer. 

E.M. Bounds was truly a man of prayer. His wisdom on prayer was not just academic, but a life spent full of prayer. His daily 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. devotional life was well-known and strengthened his relationship with God. His writings have influenced generations, and few have written as powerful and Bible-centered books on prayer. E.M. Bounds is the author of many books on prayer including Prayer and Praying Men, The Necessity of Prayer, and The Purpose of Prayer.

Talking to God is essential to Christianity and to having a relationship with our Father. E. M. Bounds speaks to this crucial aspect of faith and discusses its relation to our entire being. As God requires complete surrender to Him, our communication with Him must reflect that as well. Bounds elaborates that holiness is wholeness, and prayer speaks to the condition of the mind, body, and soul of each person. Every time we pray, it is an opportunity to know God in a deeper and more complete way. 

E. M. Bounds examines the importance of prayer in a Christian's life with this seminal book that is still studied widely today. Bounds, a former Army chaplain, directed his text at church leaders, but his musings can be useful for all Christians looking to revitalize their prayer life. He firmly believed that devoted prayer was at the root of a successful church ministry; he himself set aside three hours for prayer every morning. "The Church is looking for better methods; God is looking for better men."

Great men of God in Scripture are the focus as E.M. Bounds demonstrates powerful lessons on the need for and art of effective prayer. Paul, Ezra, Moses and Daniel are only a few of the men he gives examples of. God's desire is for men to be on their knees in full subjection to Him. His life was devoted to praying 3 hours a day beginning at 4 a.m. in the morning. E.M. Bounds himself is a wonderful example of the power of a praying man.

Many followers of Christ find it discouraging trying to maintain an active prayer life and end up letting that discipline fall to the side. E.M. Bounds, a dedicated prayer warrior himself, shows how much God does listen to prayer and how greatly he desires that his children reach out to him.  

In The Weapon of Prayer the author explains the necessity and the depths and realities of prayer. It includes sketches of the prayer lives of dedicated Christians like David Brainerd, George Muller, and Jonathan Edwards. Stating that “the life of the individual believer has its being, bloom, and fruitage in prayer", he reminds us that throughout Biblical history, many of God’s greatest acts were prompted by the prayers of God’s people. Bounds believed that prayer must be a priority, above other Christian duties such as sacred works, communion, and church activities. 

E.M. Bounds (1835-1913) was an American pastor. He authored 11 books, mostly on prayer. The Essentials of Prayer is considered one of his greatest works. 

E. M. Bounds (1835-1913) was a popular and respected Christian author and attorney. He wrote Power Through Prayer as a guide for Christians who wish to improve their lives. The book is practical, teaches the individual to pray fervently and effectively, and is claimed to have an invigorating effect on the soul. 

In The Weapon of Prayer, E.M. Bounds explains why prayer is the most powerful way to connect with God and why it should take priority above all other things in a believer's life. Through prayer we can find strength, comfort, and wisdom from him. Bounds words are still as meaningful today as they were in the 19th and early 20th century, reminding listeners that prayer does make a difference in their relationship with God.

Throughout his ministry, Bounds rose early every morning to pray for three hours. Out of this deep prayer experience, he could say, "Without prayer, the Christian life, robbed of its sweetness and beauty, becomes cold and formal, and dead; but in the secret place where God talks with His own, the Christian life grows into such a testimony of Divine power that all men will feel its influence and be touched by the warmth of its love...That, surely is the purpose of all real prayer and the end of all true service."

In a penetrating and forthright style, Edward M. Bounds offers stimulating advice to Christian servants. "The preaching that kills may have insight and grasp of principles, may be scholarly and critical in taste, may have every minutia of the derivation and grammar of the letter....and yet may be like a frost, a killing frost. Preaching which kills is prayerless preaching. Without prayer, the preacher creates death, and not life.

In any study of the principles, and procedure of prayer, of its activities and enterprises, first place, must, of necessity, be given to faith. It is the initial quality in the heart of any man who essays to talk to the Unseen. He must, out of sheer helplessness, stretch forth hands of faith. He must believe, where he cannot prove. In the ultimate issue, prayer is simply faith, claiming its natural yet marvelous prerogatives - faith taking possession of its illimitable inheritance. True godliness is just as true, steady, and persevering in the realm of faith as it is in the province of prayer. Moreover: when faith ceases to pray, it ceases to live. Faith does the impossible because it brings God to undertake for us, and nothing is impossible with God.

 Power Through Prayer challenges the listener to completely alter their perspective on prayer. Rather than simply crossing off a task on a chore list, taking time to pray is meant to deepen a relationship with God. E. M. Bounds lays out the most effective ways to use prayer in this manner and to unleash God’s power. Bounds describes the transformative nature of prayer in one's personal life, in ministry, and in the world. This manual offers powerful and practical advice on how to improve one’s prayer life and, in turn, their relationship with God. 

E.M. Bounds encourages Christians to pray big and to pray often. Focusing on the unlimited power that comes from prayer, Bounds emphasizes the importance of continuous and sincere prayer and implores Christians to not be afraid to ask God for anything. In The Possibilities of Prayer, he provides guidelines for cultivating a healthy and effective prayer life. Walking through God’s promises, God’s care, and His interest in even the smallest aspects of life, Bounds argues for detailed and specific prayers.

One of Bounds’ last published works, The Weapon of Prayer, emphasizes his belief that seeing God’s power, experiencing His miracles, and participating in His works relies on dedicated prayer. While receiving prayers is important to God, this communication is crucial for His people. Prayer is not only a religious responsibility, but it is also worship, growth, power, and the Christian’s lifeline. Bounds encourages Christians to practice and sharpen this weapon of strength in order to fully appreciate the gifts that can come from God.

In Preacher & Prayer, Bounds explains that prayer is the key to deeper, more impactful sermons as well as a life that is more genuine and modeled after Christ.  Focusing on anything else leads to superficial sermons, tainted intentions, and a weak understanding of God.  E.M. Bounds cites great men of God and their emphasis on consistent and intentional prayer.  A pastor’s prayer life should be always growing—gaining depth and knowledge in time spent with God.