Thanks NetGalley and Moody Publishers for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

"Prayer Revolution" by John Smed is a powerful commentary on Christians and how often the act of prayer is overlooked in any mission or growth they seek to do. Smed argues that prayer should be the primary focus of the church and then everything else will align with that focus.

This book was full of scripture and history, which I appreciated. I like when an author is able to fully articulate to me why I should change and what results I will see from the change. Smed gives example after example, even in recent history, that helps him build a compelling case.

Overall, this book was an interesting and quick read. I gave it three stars because occasionally I wasn't able to track with Smed on some of his ideas or points, BUT I did feel like I learned a lot from this read.

There are plenty of books on church growth, urban ministry, and revival, and I don't think John Smed would dismiss their usefulness and insights. But in his book Prayer Revolution: Rebuilding Church and City Through Prayer, he calls on Christians and the church at large not to neglect the central role of prayer in their work and outreach. He writes, "Only God's almighty power is sufficient to revive the church and rebuild the city. All our preaching, teaching, programs, and outreaches are half-hearted until ignited by prayer."



Smed, a former pastor who heads Prayer Current, an organization that promotes discipleship and evangelism through prayer, saturates the book with examples from scripture. Prayer was central to every move of God among his people. For example, in the book of Acts, he points out that "every advance began with prayer, bold witness followed, and the fellowship grew in numbers and strength." And looking at prayer in Paul's writings, "we need no further proof that prayer is at the heart of every effective endeavor to expand Christ's church."



If we want to see revival in our homes, churches, communities, nation, it must begin with a revival of prayer in our hearts. Further, our prayers should look outward, beyond our "private and personal concerns" to the safety and protection and spiritual health of our cities. Most of the book is inspiration to embrace Smed's biblical vision for prayer. He saves the more practical "how to" for an appendix, "How to Implement Kingdom Prayer for Church and City." His is a welcome, crucial message for Christians and churches everywhere.





Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!

Prayer Revolution is a passionate, practical call to prayer. As John Smed has been involved with inner city church planting for 30 years, his insights on prayer are focused on how prayer can change our inner cities. His call to prayer and vision for prayer are intertwined with his longing for Christians to bring the kingdom and community of Christ into cities producing redemption and renewal