Max Lucado writes in a simple, straight-forward manner that is easy to follow and makes a lot of sense. He doesnt try to impress you with his knowledge but gets his message across in a way that is helpful to the reader. This book on prayer fits that mold. If you struggle with prayer and maybe feel like you just dont get it right, read his book and learn that God doesnt sit up in Heaven waiting for us to utter some high-sounding, lengthy prayer. He just wants us to talk with Him like a child talking to his or her daddy. The simple prayer format offered here is just six simple statements to use as a guide. I recommend this book to help you get started in a meaningful prayer life. The book includes an excellent study guide and other beneficial helps.

This book is exactly what is needed to understand that a simple prayer is as powerful as a " church" prayer.

I enjoyed this book, it was a quick read, and gave me the insight to pray to God naturally and simply.

Max Lucado's newest book, Before Amen, The Power of a Simple Prayer, is a "how to" book about prayer. For anyone who has ever wondered how to approach God in prayer or just simply how to pray, this book is for you.

The book is small consisting of nine simple to read chapters.

1. The Pocket Prayer

2. Father...Daddy

3, You Are Good

4, I Need Help

5. Heal Me

6. Forgive Me

7. They Need Help

8. Thank You

9. In Jesus' Name, Amen

I loved the way Mr. Lucado started chapter one, "Hello my name is Max. I'm a recovering prayer wimp. I doze off when I pray. My thoughts zig, then zag, then zig again." I could have made that same statement entering 'Cindy' for Max. Let's be honest, I'm sure some of you out there start prying at bedtime and the next thing you know you are waking up and never said 'amen'. Or you're in church and the pastor is leading prayer and your mind zig's to what to fix for lunch or where you plan to go after church. I'm sure most of us have been there before. If you find this to be true for yourself, this book is for you.

Mr. Lucado shares about the different types of prayer and how we should pray during the times that are the hardest. In the first chapter, he shares with the reader his "Pocket-size Prayer". This prayer is easy to remember and should help the person who feels they don't know how to pray get started.

So many times I have heard people say, 'I don't know how to pray'. Believe me there are many people in the world that feel that way. Mr. Lucado explains, "God will teach you to pray." He also goes on to tell the reader, "Prayer is simply a heartfelt conversation between God and his child".

I enjoy Max Lucado's writing. It is simple for the reader to understand. In fact, it's like he is sitting across the room talking with you. His explanations are clear and easily understood.

I would highly recommend Before Amen to anyone who wants a clear picture of praying. I truly enjoyed this book.

On a 5-Star scale - *****

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson Publishers for my advanced reader's copy of Before Amen. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Max Lucado in his new book, Before Amen published by Thomas Nelson shows us The Power of a Simple Prayer.

From the back cover: We all pray . . . some.

We pray to stay sober, centered, or solvent. When the lump is deemed malignant. When the money runs out before the month does. When the marriage is falling apart. We pray.

But wouldnt we like to pray more? Better? Stronger? With more fire, faith, and fervency?

Yet we have kids to feed, bills to pay, deadlines to meet. The calendar pounces on our good intentions like a tiger on a rabbit. And what about our checkered history with prayer? Uncertain words. Unmet expectations. Unanswered requests.

We arent the first to struggle with prayer. The first followers of Jesus needed prayer guidance too. In fact, prayer is the only tutorial they ever requested.

And Jesus gave them a prayer. Not a lecture on prayer. Not the doctrine of prayer. He gave them a quotable, repeatable, portable prayer. Couldnt we use the same?

Join Max Lucado on a journey to the very heart of Biblical prayer and the power unleashed with six simple lines:

Father, You are good. I need help. They need help. Thank you. In Jesus name, amen.

In Before Amen best-selling author Max Lucado joins readers on a journey to the very heart of biblical prayer, offering hope for doubts and confidence even for prayer wimps. Distilling prayers in the Bible down to one pocket-sized prayer, Max reminds readers that prayer is not a privilege for the pious nor the art of a chosen few. Prayer is simply a heartfelt conversation between God and his child. Let the conversation begin.

Max Lucado writes the greatest books in the world and this book is his best yet! With Before Amen he is looking at The Lords Prayer in an entirely different light than what we are used to. In nine chapters he breaks down what Jesus said and shows us a new way to approach the Throne of God. I am fascinated at what Pastor Lucado was able to come out with. This is life changing stuff. Simplicity. God wants to hear from us and He really enjoys it when we call Him Father, or Daddy. Once we got that down then the rest of the verses are easy. Before Amen is a book that you might want to read a few times. Once for the primary impact that it will have on your life then again for the truth that you missed the first time. You will want to give this book to family and friends so that they can know how to talk to God as well. They will always remember your gift and thank you for it. I recommend this book highly!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Very easy read with a truly common sense approach. Easy to apply to my life. As I live out the teachings I hope to grow in my prayer life. Max Lucado's books are always great to read and put into action. Before Amen is no exception.