📖 Overview
With Christ in the School of Prayer is a Christian devotional text written by Andrew Murray in 1885. The book contains 31 lessons structured as daily readings about developing a rich prayer life.
Murray draws from Scripture passages and personal insights to explain core principles of prayer. Each lesson includes specific instructions and examples for readers to apply the concepts to their own prayer practice.
The text focuses on Jesus as the model and teacher of prayer, examining His prayer habits and teachings. Murray explores topics like intercession, faith, persistence, and the role of the Holy Spirit in prayer.
The book aims to transform readers' understanding of prayer from a religious duty into a dynamic relationship with God. Its enduring influence stems from Murray's blend of Biblical analysis and practical guidance for spiritual growth.
👀 Reviews
Readers describe this as an intense, challenging book that requires slow reading and reflection. Many report needing to re-read sections multiple times to grasp Murray's deep insights on prayer.
Readers appreciate:
- Clear progression through 31 prayer-focused lessons
- Biblical support for each teaching point
- Practical applications after each chapter
- Focus on Jesus's prayer life as a model
Common criticisms:
- Dense, complex writing style
- Dated language from 1885 original text
- Repetitive points in some chapters
- Can feel overwhelming for new Christians
Online Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.32/5 (2,800+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.7/5 (900+ ratings)
Christianbook.com: 4.8/5 (150+ ratings)
"This book changed my entire approach to prayer" appears frequently in reviews. Several readers note taking 6-12 months to work through it properly. A minority of reviews mention struggling with Murray's formal Victorian writing style and recommend modern translations.
📚 Similar books
The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence
A monk's letters and conversations reveal methods for maintaining constant communion with God through everyday activities.
Power Through Prayer by E.M. Bounds The text emphasizes prayer as the foundation for spiritual power and ministry effectiveness.
The Inner Chamber and the Inner Life by Andrew Murray This companion volume explores the connection between private devotion and spiritual transformation.
Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God by Timothy J. Keller The book combines biblical teaching, historical practices, and practical guidance for developing a prayer life.
The Complete Works of E.M. Bounds on Prayer by E.M. Bounds Eight prayer-focused books compile Bounds' teachings on prayer's role in spiritual warfare, revival, and ministry.
Power Through Prayer by E.M. Bounds The text emphasizes prayer as the foundation for spiritual power and ministry effectiveness.
The Inner Chamber and the Inner Life by Andrew Murray This companion volume explores the connection between private devotion and spiritual transformation.
Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God by Timothy J. Keller The book combines biblical teaching, historical practices, and practical guidance for developing a prayer life.
The Complete Works of E.M. Bounds on Prayer by E.M. Bounds Eight prayer-focused books compile Bounds' teachings on prayer's role in spiritual warfare, revival, and ministry.
🤔 Interesting facts
🙏 Andrew Murray wrote this beloved prayer guide in 1885 while serving as a Dutch Reformed Church minister in South Africa, where he was known for his powerful revival meetings.
✨ The book consists of 31 lessons meant to be read as a daily devotional for one month, each focusing on a different aspect of Jesus's teachings about prayer.
📖 Murray's original inspiration came from Luke 11:1, where the disciples ask Jesus, "Lord, teach us to pray," which he saw as a universal plea from all believers.
🌱 The text has never gone out of print since its first publication and has been translated into more than 40 languages, influencing Christian prayer practices worldwide.
⚡ Murray wrote the entire manuscript while recovering from a serious throat illness that threatened his preaching career—an experience that deepened his personal prayer life and shaped the book's intimate tone.