12 Best Prayer Books
The best prayer books, ranked by how many expert sources recommend each one, with notes on who each suits, from beginners to readers seeking deeper study.
Our take
Books on prayer can teach a practice, explore its theological foundations, or supply words when you struggle to find your own. This selection centers on Christian prayer, especially Protestant approaches to Scripture and personal devotion. Some books are designed for daily use; others ask you to work through an argument or return slowly to older devotional teaching.
If you want help establishing a habit, A Praying Life connects prayer with ordinary distractions and relationships. Praying the Bible offers a specific method, while The Valley of Vision and Everyday Prayers provide written prayers to reflect on and use. Timothy Keller’s Prayer gives more space to theology, and Praying with Paul approaches the subject through biblical study. Choose a book that fits both your tradition and the kind of help you need. For a practical beginning, try How to Pray or Praying the Bible and make time to practice as you read.
12 books · 7 sources · Last updated
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How to choose from this list
Skip to the full rankingIf you’re new to Christian prayer: How to Pray → A Praying Life
If your prayers feel repetitive: Praying the Bible → Praying with Paul
If you want written prayers to use: Everyday Prayers → The Valley of Vision
If you prefer a short historical guide: A Simple Way to Pray → The Hidden Life of Prayer
The 12 books, ranked
Ranked by how many expert sources name each book. Ties go to the book more people recommend.
For Christians who want words to pray when their own feel limited. Its theological depth gives a distinctive shape to devotion, though the Puritan language and strong emphasis on repentance may feel unfamiliar.
What it's about
Arthur Bennett gathers and adapts Puritan prayers and devotional writings into a collection for Christian reflection. The entries address worship, repentance, dependence on God, and spiritual growth, expressing theological convictions through the intimate language of prayer.
Also recommended by
1 person
Tim Keller recommended this bookTim Keller
"A good book of Puritan prayers that helps guide one in prayer." - Tim Keller
Tim Keller's recommendation of this book
For Christians whose prayer habits feel crowded out by ordinary life. Its personal examples make a regular practice feel approachable, though readers wanting a systematic theological treatment may prefer Keller’s more structured approach.
What it's about
Paul Miller explores prayer as an ongoing relationship with God amid everyday distractions. Using personal experiences and practical guidance, he discusses childlike faith, lament, persistent prayer, and prayer cards as tools for developing a regular devotional practice.
For Christians who want practical habits supported by theological reflection. It connects the reasons for prayer with ways to practice it, though its sustained argument asks for more concentration than a short introductory guide.
What it's about
Timothy Keller explores prayer as both conversation with God and an encounter with him. Combining biblical and theological reflection with practical suggestions, he discusses learning to pray, developing a daily practice, and praying through grief, forgiveness, and other experiences.
Praying the Bible
For Christians who repeat the same prayers and want a concrete way to begin differently. Its simple method is easy to practice immediately, though it offers less discussion of prayer’s theology than longer books here.
What it's about
Donald S. Whitney offers a practical method for turning Scripture into prayer when familiar routines become repetitive. Using the Psalms and other biblical passages, he shows readers how to pray through what they read.
For readers who want their prayer priorities shaped by close Bible study. Its attention to Paul gives it a sharper focus than general guides, though readers seeking ready-made daily prayers will need another format.
What it's about
D. A. Carson studies Paul's prayers to challenge shallow or inconsistent prayer habits. He explains the apostle's priorities and applies them to Christian life, emphasizing spiritual maturity, love for others, and a perspective shaped by God's purposes.
The Complete Collection of E. M. Bounds on Prayer
For readers who want a substantial collection of traditional Christian teaching on prayer. Its repeated emphasis can support slow devotional reading, though the overlapping themes make it less efficient as a concise practical introduction.
What it's about
This collection brings together eight of E. M. Bounds's works on Christian prayer in modern English. Its entries explore prayer's necessity, purpose, possibilities, and power, connecting devotional practice with faith, discipleship, and the believer's everyday life.
The Hidden Life of Prayer
For readers seeking traditional encouragement to take private prayer seriously. Its sustained attention to inward preparation distinguishes it from quick techniques, though the older devotional style may require slower reading and reflection.
What it's about
David MacIntyre examines the private practice of Christian prayer. He discusses preparation, worship, confession, and requests to God, emphasizing the connection between a believer's hidden devotional life and the wider demands of faith and service.
For Christians who find a dated daily entry easier to sustain than a long study. Its ready-written prayers connect devotion with ordinary concerns, though the fixed yearly format leaves less room for extended explanation.
What it's about
Scotty Smith offers a year's worth of daily prayers rooted in biblical passages. The entries connect Christian faith and the gospel with ordinary experiences, relationships, struggles, and crises, providing material for personal devotion throughout the year.
How to Pray: A Simple Guide for Normal People
For Christians who want an approachable guide without starting with a long theological study. Its practical tone makes trying different kinds of prayer manageable, though readers seeking detailed biblical analysis will want a companion book.
What it's about
Pete Greig uses the Lord’s Prayer as a framework for exploring Christian prayer. Stories and practical guidance address everyday habits, petition, listening, and the difficulties of unanswered prayer, helping readers develop a more regular practice.
Prayer: Finding the Heart's True Home
For Christians who want to explore several forms of prayer rather than follow one technique. Its range invites reflection and experimentation, though readers seeking a brief routine may find the variety more than they need.
What it's about
Richard Foster explores prayer through different forms of relationship with God, including inward reflection, worship, and concern for others. He combines Christian spiritual teaching with practical suggestions for developing prayer in everyday life.
A Simple Way to Pray
For readers who want a brief historical guide with a repeatable practice. Its compact structure makes it a manageable starting point, though its biblical and catechetical framework assumes comfort with Christian teaching.
What it's about
Written for his barber, Peter Beskendorf, Martin Luther's guide explains how to develop a practice of Christian prayer. He uses biblical and catechism passages to move through instruction, thanksgiving, confession, and requests to God.
With Christ in the School of Prayer
For Christians who want to study Jesus’ teaching on prayer through short devotional lessons. Its sustained focus supports gradual reflection, though its traditional theological language feels different from the contemporary practical guides here.
What it's about
Andrew Murray studies Jesus' teaching on prayer as training for Christian life and intercession. His lessons explore faith, fellowship with Christ, and reliance on God's promises, encouraging readers to study and practice prayer as central to their work.
Sources
- 1
100 Best Prayer Books of All Time
shortform.com
- 2
Best Books on Prayer
goodreads.com
- 3
10 Recommended Christian Books on Prayer
kevinhalloran.net
- 4
11 Books on Prayer Every Christian Should Read at Least Once
churchleaders.com
- 5
Prayer Books
wtsreads.com
- 6
Good books about prayer?
reddit.com
- 7
Recommended books on prayer
spiritualhabitsproject.com
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