Craig Groeschel possesses a unique ability in each of the books he writes: he often
uses scripture to disrupt, challenge and correct the comfortable practices and positions
he observes being adopted in Christian churches. He pushes readers beyond seeing
Christian disciplines as merely sacred rites or requirements and advocates that we view
these things as God originally intended us to. In Dangerous Prayers, he uses this form
of writing to challenge how we go about personal prayer.
Groeschel confronts readers with the fact that most often our prayers can be
extremely self-centered. He delivers personal stories and examples to make us aware of
how our prayers can as much demanding as they are dull. Then, he essentially presents
the reader with three prayers that are more challenging, risky, and “dangerous” to pray:
search me, break me, and send me. While each prayer involves the person praying, as
Craig breaks them down you’ll see that they are anything but self-centered. As a matter
of fact, these are the types of prayers that move a person into the will of God for their
life.
This book can be helpful and encouraging to the prayer life of any person, whether
just encountering God or working daily in ministry. However, I would say that the person
who would be most impacted by it would be the faithful saint who needs a revival of
prayer in their life. Following the direction that Groeschel is offering here can most
simply be described as “learning to pray kingdom-minded prayers.”
Dangerous Prayers features a very readable collection of short chapters, and is sure
to challenge the reader and push them past their comfort zone in prayer. I rate this book 4/5 stars.
