BEFORE GOD by Mike Sarkissian

Are you looking for a good book about prayer? How about one you can use for a small group study? May I suggest a great book?

Before God: The Biblical Doctrine of Prayer written by Mike Sarkissian is one of the best books about prayer that I have read. I have read works by E.M. Bounds, Arthur Pink, R.A. Torrey, and other great writers and theologians and Before God is definitely one that can stand next to them.


Mike writes in a clear and concise manner that will encourage you to look at your own prayer life and see perhaps why it may not be as effective as you would like to enjoy. 


I have read several works on what is considered the "Lord's prayer;" and Mr. Sarkissian superbly breaks it down and explains why it is the example we should pay heed to when we pray.

In Part One we learn what prayer is by starting with how we should measure truth in regards to prayer and what it is. After looking at feelings, experience, faith, and reason; we go to scripture to find it to be the most accurate measuring tool.


In Part Two we learn the components of prayer including an exegesis of the Lord's Prayer. Which is, by the way, one of the best I have had the privileged of studying. 


Part Three Mike gives us additional thoughts on prayer which he ends with a look at a remarkable man of God and his prayer life, Robert Murray McCheyne.


All in all, I have to say, this is one of the better books about prayer that I have had the privilege to read. It will definitely be one that I will study and read again. It contains so many truths that I would consider it a must read; for the individual and definitely for a small group study. Anyone reading it will find their prayer life greatly enhanced, I know I have.


Mike Sarkissian graciously provided me with a copy of this book for the purpose of review. You can read more about the book on the Facebook page. It can also be found HERE.

A little about Mike Sarkissian: 

He is a pastor at Sovereign Grace Community Church in Perris, California (sovereigngracecc.org). He has several degrees in Theology from Trinity College and Seminary, and Education from Azusa Pacific University. Mike is currently in a Doctoral program at Covenant Theological Seminary. 


This book was published through Xulon Press, a self-publishing house.