How to Pray Effectively: Unlocking Divine Power with R.A. Torrey’s Timeless Guide
Prayer is one of the most essential practices in the Christian faith, yet many believers struggle to understand how to pray effectively or meaningfully. In “How to Pray: What the Bible Tells Us About Genuine, Effective Prayer”, Reuben A. Torrey offers a timeless guide to understanding and practicing prayer according to biblical principles. Originally published in 1916, this book remains a cornerstone in Christian literature, offering profound insights into the nature, purpose, and practice of prayer. Torrey, an influential Bible teacher and evangelist, distills the teachings of Scripture into a clear, practical, and deeply spiritual framework that continues to resonate with modern readers.
This comprehensive summary and review explores each of the book’s 12 chapters, highlighting key themes, scriptural references, and the overarching message that Torrey seeks to convey: that prayer is not merely a religious ritual, but a vital, dynamic relationship with God that transforms both the prayer and the world.
Chapter 1: The Importance of Prayer
Torrey begins by emphasizing the absolute necessity of prayer in the Christian life. He argues that prayer is not optional but essential for spiritual growth, guidance, and divine empowerment. He highlights the example of Jesus, who frequently withdrew to pray, showing that even the Son of God relied on communion with the Father. Torrey’s message is clear: neglecting prayer is spiritual suicide. He urges believers to make prayer their highest priority.
Chapter 2: The Conditions of Effective Prayer
In this chapter, Torrey delves into the prerequisites for answered prayer. He outlines several biblical conditions, including:
- Faith : Citing Mark 11:24, Torrey stresses that belief is essential. Prayer must be offered in faith, without doubting.
- Obedience : Unconfessed sin hinders prayer (Psalm 66:18). A life of obedience and purity is necessary for effective prayer.
- Right Motives : James 4:3 warns against praying with selfish intentions. Prayer should align with God’s will, not personal desires.
- Forgiveness : Jesus teaches that we must forgive others if we expect God to forgive us (Mark 11:25-26).
Torrey reminds readers that prayer is not magic—it is a spiritual transaction that requires a heart aligned with God’s truth and character.
Chapter 3: The Subjects of Prayer
Torrey explores what we should pray about, emphasizing that nothing is too small or too great to bring before God. He categorizes prayer into several areas:
- Personal Needs : Daily provisions, guidance, and strength.
- Spiritual Growth : Holiness, wisdom, and deeper understanding of Scripture.
- Others : Intercession for family, friends, and the lost.
- The Kingdom of God : Praying for the advancement of God’s purposes and the coming of His kingdom.
Quoting Philippians 4:6, Torrey encourages believers to “be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
Chapter 4: The Manner of Prayer
This chapter addresses the posture, attitude, and approach we should take when praying. Torrey emphasizes humility, reverence, and sincerity. He critiques formal, mechanical prayer and calls for heartfelt, earnest communication with God.
He also discusses the importance of perseverance in prayer, referencing the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8). Torrey argues that persistence is not about convincing a reluctant God, but about deepening our dependence and aligning our hearts with His will.
Additionally, he touches on the value of both private and public prayer, urging believers to cultivate a consistent personal prayer life while also engaging in corporate prayer with fellow believers.
Chapter 5: The Power of Prayer
Torrey explores the supernatural effectiveness of prayer, showing how it moves the hand of God. He cites examples from Scripture, such as Elijah’s prayer that stopped and restarted the rain (James 5:17-18), to illustrate that prayer is not passive but powerful.
He also highlights how prayer is linked to spiritual warfare and divine intervention. Torrey reminds readers that prayer is not about changing God’s mind, but participating in His sovereign plan. Prayer is the means by which God accomplishes His purposes on earth.
This chapter is a strong encouragement for believers to take prayer seriously, recognizing its immense power when aligned with God’s will.
Chapter 6: The Promises of Prayer
Torrey devotes this chapter to unpacking the promises of God regarding prayer. He highlights several key passages, including:
- John 14:13-14 : “Whatever you ask in My name, that I will do…”
- John 15:7 : “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”
- Matthew 7:7-8 : “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”
Torrey explains that these promises are conditional, requiring faith, obedience, and alignment with God’s will. He encourages believers not to doubt these promises but to claim them with humility and trust.
Chapter 7: The Hindrances to Prayer
In this chapter, Torrey identifies obstacles that hinder our prayers from being answered. These include:
- Unconfessed Sin : As mentioned in Psalm 66:18, sin creates a barrier between us and God.
- Unforgiveness : Holding grudges blocks our fellowship with God and others.
- Doubt and Unbelief : Prayer without faith is ineffective (James 1:6-7).
- Wrong Motives : Praying for selfish gain (James 4:3).
- Neglect of God’s Word : Prayer must be rooted in Scripture.
Torrey urges believers to examine their hearts and remove these hindrances to restore effective communication with God.
Chapter 8: The Results of Prayer
Torrey highlights the tangible and spiritual outcomes of consistent, faith-filled prayer. These include:
- Divine Guidance : God leads those who pray.
- Spiritual Strength : Prayer fortifies believers against temptation and trials.
- Deliverance and Healing : Scripture is filled with accounts of answered prayers for physical and spiritual healing.
- Revival : Torrey argues that revival begins with prayer. He cites historical revivals that were preceded by intense intercession.
This chapter serves as a powerful reminder that prayer changes things—both in the spiritual realm and in the physical world.
Chapter 9: The Secret of Prevailing Prayer
Here, Torrey explores what makes prayer prevail—what causes God to answer. He identifies several key elements:
- Faith in God’s Promises
- Alignment with God’s Will
- Perseverance and Persistence
- Intercession for Others
Torrey draws from the example of Abraham interceding for Sodom (Genesis 18) and Daniel’s fervent prayer for Israel’s restoration (Daniel 9). He emphasizes that prevailing prayer is not about manipulation but about partnership with God.
Chapter 10: The Place of Prayer
Torrey discusses the importance of having a dedicated place and time for prayer. He references Jesus’ habit of retreating to solitary places to pray (Luke 5:16) and Daniel’s practice of praying in his upper room (Daniel 6:10).
He encourages believers to establish a “prayer closet”—a physical or spiritual space where they can withdraw for intimate communion with God. This chapter emphasizes the need for consistency, discipline, and intentionality in prayer.
Torrey also addresses the value of praying with others, noting that corporate prayer strengthens the body of Christ and invites God’s presence.
Chapter 11: The Ministry of the Holy Spirit in Prayer
In this chapter, Torrey explores the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering and guiding prayer. He references Romans 8:26-27, where Paul writes that the Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
Torrey explains that the Holy Spirit helps us pray when we don’t know how, giving us wisdom, insight, and power in prayer. He also discusses the importance of being filled with the Spirit to pray effectively.
This chapter deepens the reader’s understanding of prayer as a supernatural act, enabled and sustained by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.
Chapter 12: The Final Word
In the concluding chapter, Torrey summarizes the key lessons from the book and issues a call to action. He encourages believers to make prayer a priority—not as an afterthought, but as a central part of their Christian walk.
He reiterates that prayer is not just about asking for things, but about developing intimacy with God. Prayer is how we align our hearts with His, surrender our wills, and partner in His divine purposes.
Torrey ends with a powerful challenge: to take prayer seriously, to study Scripture, and to cultivate a life of consistent, passionate, and obedient prayer.
Key Themes and Messages Conveyed by the Author
Prayer as a Relationship, Not a Ritual
Torrey consistently emphasizes that prayer is not a mechanical or formulaic act. It is the heartbeat of a living relationship with God. True prayer flows from a heart that seeks God above all else.
The Centrality of Scripture in Prayer
Throughout the book, Torrey grounds every teaching in Scripture. He encourages readers to study the Bible to understand how to pray and what to pray for. Prayer and the Word of God are inseparable.
The Necessity of Faith and Obedience
Torrey makes it clear that prayer without faith is ineffective. But faith must be accompanied by obedience. A life of holiness and submission to God’s will is essential for effective prayer.
The Transformative Power of Prayer
Prayer is not passive. It is a spiritual force that changes lives, circumstances, and nations. Torrey shows that prayer is the means through which God works in the world.
The Call to Consistency and Discipline
Torrey challenges believers to develop a disciplined prayer life. He encourages setting aside specific times and places for prayer, and to persevere even when answers are delayed.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Prayer
Torrey reminds readers that prayer is not something we do in our own strength. The Holy Spirit empowers us, guides us, and intercedes for us according to God’s will.
Why This Book Still Matters Today
In an age of distractions, busyness, and superficial spirituality, “How to Pray” serves as a wake-up call to return to the foundational practice of prayer. Torrey’s teachings are as relevant today as they were over a century ago. His emphasis on biblical truth, personal holiness, and spiritual discipline offers a much-needed antidote to modern trends that minimize the importance of prayer.
This book is not just a manual on how to pray—it’s a call to a deeper walk with God. It challenges believers to examine their prayer lives, remove hindrances, and pursue a more intimate and powerful relationship with the Father.
Conclusion: A Must-Read for Every Believer
“How to Pray: What the Bible Tells Us About Genuine, Effective Prayer” by Reuben A. Torrey is a timeless classic that every Christian should read. Whether you are new to the faith or a seasoned believer, this book will deepen your understanding of prayer and inspire you to take it more seriously.
Through its 12 chapters, Torrey provides a comprehensive, biblically grounded, and spiritually rich exploration of prayer. His insights are practical, his examples are compelling, and his challenge is convicting. This book has the potential to transform not only your prayer life but your entire spiritual journey.
If you’ve ever wondered how to pray effectively, why your prayers seem unanswered, or what the Bible really teaches about prayer—this book will provide clarity, encouragement, and direction.
Final Thoughts
Reuben A. Torrey’s “How to Pray” is more than a book—it’s a spiritual guide, a teacher, and a mentor. It invites readers into a deeper, more meaningful prayer life rooted in Scripture, faith, and obedience. In a world that increasingly values noise over silence, distraction over discipline, and self over God, this book is a much-needed reminder of the power and priority of prayer.
For those seeking to grow in their relationship with God, to see transformation in their own lives and communities, and to partner with the divine in meaningful ways, “How to Pray” is an essential read.
FAQs
- Can I use this book as a prayer guide?
Yes, each chapter provides practical tips and biblical insights you can use in daily prayer.
- Is this book suitable for a group study?
Absolutely. It’s a fantastic resource for Bible study groups or church classes.
- Does the book align with all denominations?
It focuses on biblical truth over doctrine, so it’s broadly accepted across Christian denominations.
- How long does it take to read the book?
You can complete it in 3-5 hours, but you’ll likely revisit chapters often.
- Are there any modern versions or summaries?
Yes, modern editions with updated language are available, and this article serves as a solid summary to begin with.