I just completed Steven Furtick's book "Sun Stand Still," which released last summer. I purchased the Kindle version of the book for a small group study (FTC disclaimer). This book revolves around the concept of "audacious" prayer, which Furtick (pastor of Elevation Church in Charlotte, North Carolina) says is missing among the Christian lifestyle in America today. His primary example is based on the story of the Israelite battle against the Amorites that is recorded in Joshua 10.
During the course of the battle, as the sun was beginning to set, and the enemy was getting away, Joshua prayed to God to hold the sun and moon in their places in the sky. God heard the prayer and did not allow the sun to set until the enemy had been destroyed.
Those types of bold prayers seem to be missing from Christian prayers today. Instead, we ask God for things that don't really tax the abilities of the creator of the universe. Things like generic protection, blessings, and the like.
Furtick does a good job encouraging the reader to be faithful in their prayers, and to pray expecting God to do something. He even addresses those situations when God says "no" to our audacious prayers.
The book has been a good read for the men in my small group, and I think you will enjoy it as well. But, as Furtick notes at the end, don't just read it to soak the information, then do nothing with it. He wants to see the reader change the way they approach God in prayer.
For the most part, I would give this book an above average rating. It cuts to the heart in some areas, and is very challenging. Definately a suggested read.
No comments:
Post a Comment