"Revival Praying" by Leonard Ravenhill

The voice of Leonard Ravenhill is greatly missed in two ways. One, he has gone home to be with the Lord. Two, many Christians and churches have never been exposed to his piercing books and stirring sermons. He is a much-needed teacher for us today. In reading this book (much like "Why Revival Tarries"), every page seemed to be a condemning description of my heart and habits. It is impossible to read Ravenhill and not be convicted. The Holy Spirit used the man so powerfully.

As the title suggests, this book is about prayer. And what pitiful excuses for prayer we are usually engaging in, when we should be laboring constantly and enduringly before the Throne of God. While the book brings much conviction, it is also not without encouragement. True revival-bringing prayer is within the ability of each of us, if only we should be willing to pay the price (and there is a price). The greatest reward will not come from reading this book - but from heeding it. And I believe that reward would be nothing less than revival.

I love the stories that Ravenhill includes concerning men who were mighty prayer warriors. Many of them I did not recognize, but I will be sure to learn more of them. Other names I knew, but my respect for these men only grew by hearing of their dedication to the work of prayer.

If you are like me, praying has been (for most of my life) a necessary thing along the lines of brushing one's teeth every day. It is necessary - but I am not desperate to do it. Prayer needs to be more like breathing: we dare not cease breathing, or else we will die. Can we be any less serious about the business of prayer?

Please read this book. And let the Christians hold each other accountable for our praying.

"Breakthrough Prayer" by Jim Cymbala

I did not find this book to be exactly what I had expected. That is not to say that I didn't enjoy it; I did enjoy it thorougly. The content just did not match my expectations.
I devoured Jim Cymbala's books, "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire", "Fresh Faith", and "Fresh Power". Those books are far superior to this one. This book caused me to trudge through a little bit.
Pastor Cymbala's theology is right on the money, but I felt that some of the points he made were weaker than they could have been. Some points were tremendously strong - even overpowering. That's good; it's the kind of theology we need from books and preaching these days. (Sometimes, it takes a smack upside my head to get the point across to me)
Basically, I felt that it was not a book exclusively on prayer. He had whole chapters devoted to other things, like joy. Had it been more focused, it would have made a greater impact on me.
I will say that the stories of the people Pastor Cymbala has met in his ministry is worth the price of the book. My heart is ALWAYS stirred to hear about God changing someone's life when all things seemed hopeless.
I would still give the book 3 out of 5 stars.