The book is structured not by chronology, but by biblical order, moving from Genesis to Revelation. This layout serves a distinct purpose: it allows the reader to trace the evolution of prayer alongside the unfolding of revelation.
Lockyer treats each prayer as a distinct spiritual entity. For every entry, he typically provides:
This structure turns the book from a reference tool into a devotional journey. It is one thing to know that David prayed in a cave; it is another to have Lockyer detail the desperation of that prayer, the theology behind it, and the resulting deliverance. All The Prayers Of The Bible Herbert Lockyer Pdf
To review the book fairly, one must acknowledge its limitations. Lockyer writes from a conservative, dispensationalist perspective. Some readers may find his interpretations of certain Old Testament prayers too rigidly Christological, or his views on certain theological points dated. Furthermore, because the book is so thorough, it is not a "page-turner" in the narrative sense; it is a tool to be dipped into, not devoured in one sitting.
However, these "flaws" are also its strengths. His conservative approach treats the text with high reverence, and his thoroughness ensures that no stone is left unturned. The book is structured not by chronology, but
Reading Lockyer’s analysis, several theological threads emerge that challenge modern perceptions of prayer.
Prayer Changes the Pray-er: Lockyer frequently notes that while prayer does not change God (who is immutable), it changes the one who prays. He uses the example of Jabez, a figure who has gained recent fame but was long overlooked. Lockyer analyzes Jabez’s prayer for enlarged borders not as a "prosperity gospel" warrant, but as a plea for God’s presence and blessing in every expansion of life. This structure turns the book from a reference
The Reality of Unanswered Prayer: A particularly courageous aspect of Lockyer's work is his inclusion of prayers that were denied or altered. He discusses Paul’s "thorn in the flesh." Lockyer does not shy away from the tension of Paul praying three times for removal and receiving a "No." He unpacks this as a lesson in the sufficiency of grace, teaching that a refusal can be as merciful as a grant.