Praying Backwards: Transform Your Prayer Life by Beginning in Jesus' Name

Like the closing credits of a movie, these familiar words provide a signal that a prayer has come to an end. But what does it mean to offer our prayers in Jesus' name? Though we say the words, do we really mean them? And how would the content and character of our prayers change if we did?

Praying Backwards introduces believers to the transforming process of beginning our prayers in Jesus' name-not by moving a simple phrase, but by understanding and embracing the meaning behind the phrase. To truly pray in Jesus' name is to reorder our priorities in prayer-and in life-away from ourselves and toward Jesus and his kingdom. It is to pray, "Not my will, but your will be done." It is to pray boldly, expectantly, and persistently. If you want to revolutionize your prayer life, begin by Praying Backwards.

"Across the years I have learned so much from Bryan Chapell that I thought the laws of mathematics would keep me from learning much more. But it happened again!"-Calvin Miller, author; professor, Beeson Divinity School

"Finally, here is a book on prayer that puts the person of our Lord before the petitions on our lists."-Scotty Smith, senior pastor, Christ Community Church, Franklin, Tennessee

"With careful exposition of Scripture and helpful applications to daily life, Bryan Chapell encourages all of us to 'pray and not lose heart' (Luke 18:1)."-Jerry Bridges, author and speaker

Christians often say, "In Jesus' name" to close their prayers. But is this truly a desire of the heart or a perfunctory "Yours Truly" to God? Bryan Chapell says we should begin our prayers in Jesus' name-we should be Praying Backwards. In this practical and inspiring book, he shows readers that to truly pray in Jesus' name is to reorder one's priorities in prayer-and in life-away from oneself and towards Jesus and his kingdom. It is to pray believing in the power and the goodness of the One who hears, and thus to pray boldly, expectantly, and persistently.

Readers seeking to transform their prayer lives will find wonderful direction in Praying Backwards.

Publishers Weekly

The words "in Jesus' name, Amen"-traditionally used to close Christian prayer-take on significantly deeper meaning thanks to Chapell's newest book. The former pastor, now president of Covenant Theological Seminary, urges readers to use that routine phrase as the premise and basis for prayer rather than merely tacking it on at the end. Chapell offers a well-written, well-organized discussion of prayer based on Jesus' prayer life and biblical principles. The book is unusually rigorous and insightful. Chapell answers tough questions-Why bother to pray? Why does God want persistent prayer? How can we know God's will?-with sound, biblical answers. His metaphor of praying within the "fence posts" of righteousness and prudence along the road to God's will is especially apt. He also includes a thorough discussion of the role of the Holy Spirit, sometimes overlooked in other books on prayer. Finally, Chapell doesn't hesitate to admit that prayer, patience and understanding God's plan are difficult. He says that believers don't need to stop putting "in Jesus' name" at the end of prayer; they need to start putting God's priorities first. As he explains, "Praying in Jesus' name is not merely the postscript to a good prayer; it is the prelude to God's providing the best of all things for his loved ones." (July) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Bryan Chapell is president of Covenant Theological Seminary and a former pastor. He is the author of numerous books, including the Gold Medallion finalist Holiness by Grace, as well as The Wonder of It All, The Promises of Grace, and Each for the Other. He lives in St. Louis, Missouri.