This annotated list is ideal for pastors, but many of the works recommended here are helpful for everyday believers. All links to Amazon are affiliated and add no cost to you, but help cover the costs of the website.
Biblical Exposition
Jerram Barrs, The Heart of Prayer: What Jesus Teaches.
Focused on Jesus’ life and teaching, this book mixes encouragement and instruction. Jesus is the example for us in prayer. Barrs also critiques popular methods at odds with Jesus’ teaching.
Daniel J. Brendsel, Answering Speech: The Life of Prayer as Response to God.
Dense but helpful work that shows how our prayer is a response to God who speaks through his Word; he initiates our fellowship and we respond. Helpful encouragements for the everyday believer flow from this biblical teaching. Also includes some directions for church leaders.
John Calvin, “Prayer” in The Institutes of the Christian Religion.
Calvin writes in the context of the Reformation, speaking against decades (centuries?) of ineffective prayer which was founded on the distant god of bad theology. Seeing prayer as “the chief exercise of faith,” he offers four broad “rules” (better: attitudes of the heart) for prayer that are rooted in the clear gospel of the reformers.
D.A. Carson, Praying with Paul: A Call to Spiritual Reformation (Second Edition).
Dense but helpful look at the prayers in Paul’s letters as Carson draws out themes and principles for our own praying. Interspersed are topical chapters that deal with practical elements of prayer.
D.A. Carson, ed., Teach Us to Pray: Prayer in the Bible and the World.
Collection of essays on various aspects of prayer—biblical, theological, historical, and practical. Several helpful insights in all of the chapters. Perhaps the last section is most unique as various authors look at the culture and practice of prayer in various parts of the world.
Bryan Chapell, Praying Backwards: Transform Your Prayer Life by Beginning in Jesus’ Name.
Addresses the issue of what it means to pray “in Jesus’ name.” Gives helpful instruction on key issues in prayer and emphasizes the need to prioritize biblically important requests.
Tim Chester, The Message of Prayer: Approaching the Throne of Grace.
Exploration of the foundation and practice of prayer through expositions of key passages. In addition to laying out a clear, trinitarian doctrine of prayer, Chester moves deeper into topics or passages that are not often dealt with in other resources. He gets into the difficult corners of our theology, and in doing so, gives deeper, real-world directions beyond many other books.
Don Kistler, ed. Let Us Pray: A Symposium on Prayer by Leading Preachers and Theologians.
Several biblical and theological issues related to prayer addressed by current church leaders. The emphasis is on a general understanding on various aspects of prayer for individuals and gathered believers in prayer.
Wayne A. Mack, Reaching the Ear of God: Praying More and More Like Jesus.
A systematic/biblical exposition of the Lord’s Prayer. Similar to the approach of his pastor, John MacArthur, Mack uses the Matthew 6 passages to draw in several other passages and related teaching. He ends up tracing the prayer’s themes throughout the Bible and gives practical direction for developing a healthy prayer life along the way.
Gary Millar, Calling on the Name of the Lord: A Biblical Theology of Prayer.
Looks the development of God’s people in prayer throughout the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. He draws out several theological ideas that has implications for how we approach God individually and corporately.
Albert Mohler Jr., The Prayer That Turns the World Upside Down.
Beginning with a helpful introduction to prayer itself, Mohler goes on to walk through the Lord’s Prayer. In accessible language, he shows the counter-culture nature of Jesus’ instruction as well its challenge and comfort to believers.
T.M. Moore, God’s Prayer Program: Passionately Using the Psalms in Prayer.
Focusing on the psalms as prayers to God, Moore explains how God has given us prayer language for every emotion in them. This book would go hand-in-hand with his other volume, The Psalms for Praying, where he works through some prayer points from every psalm.
John Smed, Prayer Revolution: Rebuilding Church and City through Prayer.
From the overflow of Smed’s prayer ministry is this study of prayer’s primacy and effectiveness in the Bible. With a focus on the outworking of the kingdom through prayer, he makes application for the spread of the gospel in the church and society.
R.C. Sproul, Does Prayer Change Things?
Very short book that seeks to answer the title question. Using simple language, Sproul tries to show how God uses the means of prayer to act in the world and fulfil his purposes. Advocates prayer as a vital place in the believer’s life.
Mark Vroegop, Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament.
Through biblical exposition, theological reflection, and personal experience, Vroegop explores a much-neglected form of prayer—lament. Invaluable insights for praying through our difficulty or with others in suffering.
Isaac Watts. A Guide to Prayer.
Watts provides brief explanations of the nature of prayer and its various components. He then walks through what it looks like to live a life of prayer and offers practical tips for staying in fellowship with God through prayer.
Practical Explanations
Ajith Fernando, “Praying” in Jesus Driven Ministry.
Looking at prayer in the life of Jesus, Fernando makes application of his example to ministry leaders. As a South Asian believer, he also provides a helpful, unique perspective.
Often considered a classic, Hallesby was Norwegian seminary professor who was imprisoned for resisting Nazi rule during World War 2. He deftly blends spiritual truth and practical methodology, beginning this work with this reality: prayer is for those who are spiritually helpless.
Biblical teaching borne out by real world examples and applied in abundant practical suggestions, this book sits in the broader evangelical world. Lots of wisdom, encouragement, and clarification about the interrelated importance of prayer and Word ministries in the local church.
Geared around the idea that prayer is always an expression of relationship (with God and other believers), Hill advocates for, and gives directions for, praying with others to be regained as a common practice among believers.
Rachel Jones, 5 Things to Prayer series.
Series of short, helpful books that give directions for praying for certain groups or situations (e.g., kids, spouse, world, city, suffering friend, etc.). Each book or chapter applies specific biblical passages to pray. Very helpful as examples in moving from Scripture to prayer or developing a consistent prayer life. Currently at nine volumes.
Timothy Keller, Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God.
Probably the most well-rounded book published on prayer in recent years. Keller presents a theology and practice of prayer that is rooted in the Scriptures and finds residence with the reform tradition, especially the Puritans. He critiques unbiblical practices and gives helpful directions for developing healthy rhythms to our prayer life.
Paul E. Miller, A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World.
One of the most helpful books for stirring up a desire for prayer. Miller leans in on understanding that prayer is talking to our heavenly Father. The tone is very pastoral and includes lots of illustrations from his personal life and the lives of those around him. Theological nuggets and practical tips abound.
__________, A Praying Church: Becoming a People of Hope in a Discouraging World.
Similar to his other book, this focus is on the life of prayer in the church prayer the life of the local church. There is biblical teaching explaining the necessity and power of prayer in the life of the church as well as practical strategies on developing a culture of prayer. Aimed at church members, Miller also includes several practical helps and directions for pastors.
Andrew David Naselli, “12 Reasons You Should Pray Scripture” in Themelios 38.
The best single resource for advocating believers pray through the Bible. He blends theological reflection and practical directions. This article is available for free at the author’s website: andynaselli.com.
Steve Nations, A Call to Extraordinary Prayer.
This small book highlights the importance of prayer in the books of Acts and draws out lessons for the church in every age. Added are several suggestions for making the most of these lessons.
James L. Nicodem, Prayer Coach.
Wealth of practical directions for prayer, rooted in solid theology and illustrated by extensive sports illustrations and experiences. Endorsed by D.A. Carson and Bill McCartney.
John Piper, A Hunger for God: Desiring God through Prayer and Fasting.
The most helpful books on fasting. Other books go off the rails in their theology, but Piper stays grounded in the biblical text. He shows how prayer and fasting belong together and should be a normal practice of Jesus disciples.
Derek Prime, Practical Prayer.
A brief but wide-ranging book on prayer. Prime takes us through the nature of prayer, how it connects to God’s providence, why it’s important, and how to do it. He is as practical as he is biblical. A great book for Christians wanting to go deeper into prayer as well as older saints that need to be refreshed.
Derek Prime and Alistair Begg, “Prayer” in On Being a Pastor.
Prime speaks directly to the pastor. He explains the importance of prayer in the pastor’s life—for personal and ministry needs. He offers several practical suggestions and explains why pastors need the prayers of their congregation.
Pat Quinn, Praying in Public: A Guidebook for Prayer in Corporate Worship.
As the title describes, this book offers practical help for church leaders. It’s grounded in Scripture and informed by the history of the church in the reformed tradition.
Paul Tautges, Teach them to Pray: Cultivating God-Dependency in Your Church.
As the title suggests, this book aims to give pastors helpful directions for leading the church to an increased, Godward culture of prayer. Sample prayer guides, sermon outlines, and more make the book immediately useful.
Donald S. Whitney, Praying the Bible.
Quick read that makes a good case for why praying the Bible is helpful. Whitney goes on to give practical advice for how to do it. This would be a good read before looking at Matthew Henry’s book.
Devotional Encouragement
Jason K. Allen, ed., Spurgeon on the Priority of Prayer.
Selections from eight of Spurgeon’s sermons on prayer. Various angles on prayer are presented with theological depth and pastoral wisdom.
Arthur Bennet, ed., The Valley of Vision.
Collection of edited prayers from puritan and related pastors that reveal hearts for God. These prayers will help take your mind in new directions about how to approach God in prayer. They can be prayed back to God verbatim or, even better, work as a springboard for prayers of your own.
M.J. Hancock, ed., Pathway to Prayer: Encouragements to Pray from Voices of the Past.
Curated collection of hundreds of quotes on the nature, motivation, and practice of prayer from church history. This resource could be used to invigorate an immature prayer life or encourage a mature one. Could be used devotionally or as a resource for teaching or counseling by use of the topical index.
Michael Reeves. Enjoy Your Prayer Life.
This small book packs a big punch as Reeves begins by reminding readers they probably aren’t praying well, but goes on to provide encouragement to enter into fellowship with the triune God through Christ. Excellent for refocusing or reenergizing a flagging prayer life. Given its short length, this is especially helpful as a giveaway to others.
Charles H. Spurgeon, C.H. Spurgeon’s Forgotten Prayer Meeting Addresses.
A sequel to the previous work, Only a Prayer Meeting. Collection of devotional talks delivered to Spurgeon’s congregation before their weekly prayer meeting meant to encourage prayer.
__________, Only a Prayer Meeting: Studies on Prayer Meetings and Prayer Meeting Addresses.
Collection of devotionals Spurgeon gave at the beginning of his church’s prayer meetings. These short talks were designed to stir up the affections of his members that they might pray well together. Also contains a few opening lectures on the nature and running of prayer meetings.
__________, The Pastor in Prayer: A Collection of the Sunday Morning Prayers of Charles Spurgeon.
As the title explains, this is an edited collection of prayers Spurgeon prayed over his congregation on Sunday mornings. Helpful as an example of pastoral intercessory prayer.
__________, Spurgeon’s Prayers.
Another collection of pastoral prayers from Spurgeon. This one includes two lectures that he gave—one on prayer itself and another on the benefit of church prayer meetings.
Historical Examples
Wonderful collection of prayers from church history, labelled according to topic and time period. Helpful as a devotional resource and entry into the lives of believers in previous generations.
Augustine, “Letter 130” (AD 412) in Philip Schaff, ed., Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers. Vol. 1.
Anicia Faltonia Proba (died AD 432) was a Christian Roman noblewoman. This letter is the only work devoted to prayer by Augustine. With pastoral care, he offers several principles for prayer.
Collection of essays summarizing the theology and practices of prominent pastors in church history. Each essay provides a unique emphasis from lives or writings of these pastors.
Jonathan Edwards, Praying Together for True Revival. Edited by T.M. Moore.
After experiencing the realities of God-sent revival, Edwards put forth a plan for believers across the world to be united in praying for more of God’s reviving blessing. Edwards explains the nature of biblical revival. Takeaways also include his theological reflections on united prayer as God’s people.
Robertson gives an update to Matthew Henry’s classic book, showing what it means to pray using the language of the Bible and an extensive outline for prayer. Helpful for building a biblical language of prayer and learning biblical priorities for prayer. Henry’s original work in modern translations can be found free online: http://www.matthewhenry.org.
Martin Luther, A Simple Way to Pray.
A lengthy letter written to his barber, Master Peter Beskendorf, in response to the question of how to pray better. Luther unfolds his four-fold process, showing how the Ten Commandments, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Apostle’s Creed become encouraging, convicting fodder for prayer.
Brian G. Najapfour, Jonathan Edwards: His Doctrine of and Devotion to Prayer.
Brief work that blends the theology and practice of prayer in Edwards’ life and ministry. Summarizing analyses provide succinct takeaways. Includes extended quotes from Edwards.
Samuel Prime. The Power of Prayer: The New York Revival of 1858.
Story of the citywide revival brought about through a handful of businessmen’s commitment to weekly prayer. Martyn Lloyd-Jones’ last request to Banner of Truth for a book reprint.
MAGNIFY CHRIST 