Does Prayer Change Things?

Does Prayer Change Things? explores the nature, purpose, and practice of prayer within the Christian life. Written by Dr. R.C. Sproul, this book offers a concise and accessible treatment of one of the most fundamental yet commonly misunderstood disciplines of the faith.

Part of the Crucial Questions series published by Ligonier Ministries, this book addresses prayer across six chapters covering its place, purpose, pattern, practice, prohibitions, and power. Sproul examines prayer in light of God’s sovereignty, explaining how prayer functions as a genuine instrument of change within God’s eternal plan rather than as a means of altering His will. The Lord’s Prayer serves as a central framework, presented not as a formula for recitation but as a pattern of priorities for the believer’s prayer life.

Sproul gives attention to the practical elements of prayer—adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication—while also addressing conditions and prohibitions that Scripture attaches to prayer. The book considers the intercessory work of the Holy Spirit, who assists believers in their weakness, and the ongoing priestly intercession of Christ on behalf of His people. Throughout, Sproul grounds his instruction in biblical texts and theological reflection, offering pastoral guidance for Christians seeking to deepen their communion with God.

Key Themes

• The relationship between God’s sovereignty and the efficacy of prayer
• The Lord’s Prayer as a pattern of priorities for the Christian life
• The role of the Holy Spirit in assisting and correcting believers’ prayers
• Adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication as components of faithful prayer

Featured Quotes

“Prayer is the secret of holiness—if holiness, indeed, has anything secretive about it.”

“We pray because God has commanded it and because He is glorified when we pray.”