Book excerpt: Prayer doesn’t have to be mysterious—and Understanding Prayer will clearly explain the purpose, power, and potential of regular conversation with God. This brand-new compilation from the writings of E. M. Bounds—a noted authority on prayer from the nineteenth-century—will show you the elements of effective, God-pleasing prayer. Whether he’s discussing the proper mindset for prayer, the prayer lives of Bible characters, or the role of the Holy Spirit in our prayers, Bounds makes practical application to every believer today. Text has been lightly updated for ease of reading, and space is provided for readers to record their own thoughts and observations.