Synopsis "Why Pray?"
Why Pray? What is it about the nature of reality that makes it necessary to pray? Is the future of the world fixed, or can prayer change the course of history? Are there some things that will not happen because we did not pray? If the will of God is always done, is there any need to pray at all? Joel A'Bell, Lead Pastor at Hillsong Church in Australia, comments: "I have been deeply impacted by Michael's resources - both previous books and his teaching on the atonement. Many people have given voice to the subject of prayer; how, when & what it looks like, but I have not yet heard anyone explain Why Pray - not like this. Michael has a thorough grasp of scripture and the surrounding themes that relate to such a topic as this. I have noticed my own conversations with the Lord changing as a result of this book. I have become more aware of God's presence and His desire to be involved in my daily situations. My prayer is that God will ignite a fire within you to know Him in a greater way so that you will understand Why Pray? " Peter Warren, Southwest USA Director of Youth With A Mission, says: "Prayer changes things." I grew up hearing people say this. And then one day I began to question if prayer could actually change outcomes. Did it have the power to alter the course of history, or are we simply doing it because the Bible tells us to, but ultimately, it has no real impact on the world in which we live? Mike's book addresses this question head on. It is the best exposition I have ever read that answers the question, "Why pray?" Why Pray? will revolutionize your prayer life, and, if you're anything like me, you'll gain a new motivation to partner with God to forge change for the good in this broken and hurting world. Dean Harvey, Pastor, Teacher, and Missionary with Youth With a Mission, observes: "Michael R. Saia's book, Why Pray? is a theological feast. I think the theological aspect of prayer is more important to me as a pastor and teacher. I myself have had a hard time with prayer at times, specifically because of some of the issues Saia raises. I can't think of a single question I have had about the theology of prayer in the last 61 years which Saia did not address. I believe he is one of the best theologians of our time. I heartlily recommend Why Pray? It needs to be read by all serious Christians." Michael R. Saia had a teaching ministry as a missionary for seventeen years. He and his wife traveled extensively, teaching in missionary training schools, churches, and seminars. Mike is a published author with a book on counseling that won the "Book of the Year" award from Cornerstone magazine. Mike also authored Does God Know the Future?, Understanding the Cross, and Why Do the Innocent Suffer? Mike, his wife, Carol, and their son, Michael, live in Washington State.
