Breakthrough Prayer by Jim Cymbala

Reviewed by Jen Nofziger

Turns out, Breakthrough Prayer by Jim Cymbala can be an answer to prayer.  At first, I was uncertain about reading this book.  I haven’t read any of Jim Cymbala’s other books, though I have heard plenty from some of his fans that read his Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire and loved it.

But, this summer I was asked to share the responsibility of leading a small prayer group with two other (much more qualified, if you ask me) ladies.  I didn’t have to think about it for too long though, because basically the requirements were: 1. Show-up, and 2. Pray.  “Well,” I thought to myself, “those are two things I can do.”  But once it got closer to my actually doing it, my thoughts were more along the lines of “Really?  Me?  Lead? Prayer?”

And, soon after this slightly frightening realization, I was asked if I would contribute to WoW Connect by reading and reviewing a book.  What?!  I love to read and what a great excuse to HAVE to read, and maybe stretch myself a little!  Then, when it turned out prayer was the first topic, well, sometimes you just have to laugh, right?

So, off I go to my nearest SGC Resource Center to see what I can find to read, and (bonus) learn about prayer. I pick up Breakthrough Prayer and am on my way.   Sorry to say, my predetermined opinion of Breakthrough Prayer was that it would be a formulaic  "Do A, B, C and you will get X, Y, Z" in the “health and wealth” gospel sort of way.  This was probably in part because of the subtitle: The Secret of Receiving What You Need From God (seems a little presumptuous to me).  Turns out I was wrong (at least pretend to be surprised).   

This book goes to great lengths to remind the reader of God's long-suffering love and how He delights in mercy and that these are traits of His that we have access to through prayer, reading His Word and obedience in faith.  I found this to be helpful given my circumstances.  Probably helpful in any circumstance.

Jim Cymbala wants God’s people to remember that being obedient in prayer can and does result in blessings to individuals, churches and communities; that prayer can be a blessing for those doing the praying as well as those being prayed for;  and that we forfeit blessings “when we fail to take God’s Word seriously to ‘pray for one another’!”  And he does a great job reminding by sharing personal stories and personal insight, but not so much that the book is more about him and his ideas, than about what God's Word says and what God promises. Cymbala uses both examples from his own ministry and from the Bible to show how prayer is effective, and God’s promises are real, from the beginning of time and still today. 

The insight and hope shared in this book could be quite encouraging no matter where one is in seeking God. 

Breakthrough Prayer is available to check out in the SGC Resource Center.  

To purchase, click here.