With regard to books, I would say Robert Hall’s (a.k.a. Lance Wubbels’) compilation of Charles Spurgeon’s sermons addressing the importance of prayer (The Power of Prayer in a Believer’s Life) could be categorized as a masterful oldie but goodie. Given that the copyright is 1993, perhaps I should rephrase and state that Hall’s compilation is an “older but gooder” book. 

Frankly, I think when you finish you’ll be thinking it’s beyond good. Certain chapters undoubtedly will resonate with you more than others. But on the whole, the gospel-centeredness of Spurgeon's messages regarding prayer is extremely impactful.

If the name Charles Spurgeon sounds familiar or if it’s the first time you’ve heard the name, you’re in for a major treat. Charles Spurgeon was a 19th Century pastor in London, England. Considered "The Prince of Preachers," Spurgeon preached and pastored to millions during his lifetime. His masterful preaching of the Word of God was matched by his devotion to prayer to the Living Word, Jesus Christ.

In the very first chapter, titled The Throne of Grace, the reader is presented with quintessential Spurgeon, who communicates his deep biblical theology in a manner that addresses the listener’s most earnest needs.

Preaching Hebrews 4:16, Spurgeon instructs his listener that, “True prayer is an approach of the soul by the Spirit of God to the throne of God. It is not the utterance of words, it is not alone the feeling of desires, but it is the advance of the desires to God, the spiritual approach of our nature toward the Lord our God. True prayer is neither a mere mental exercise nor a vocal performance. It is far deeper than that – it is spiritual transaction with the Creator of heaven and earth.”

Are you hooked yet? The quote above is from Spurgeon’s expository preaching on the word “throne” from Hebrews 4:16. And, if you think that is good, wait until he gets to the word “grace.” This is all in the first chapter with 11 more chapters to go!

As noted in the book’s introduction, “Careful editing has helped sharpen the focus of these sermons;” these edits truly do allow the reader to cover a variety of messages on prayer in an extremely helpful manner.