“Much time spent with God is the secret of all successful praying.”
Edward McKendree Bounds’ name would become a name very famously associated with the topic of prayer. However, he would never become well-known during his lifetime. He would not find out until heaven just how much his books would influence Christians all around the world.
“E. M.” Bounds, as he was called, was born on August 15, 1835, in Shelby County, Missouri. From a young age he studied the Bible and talked to God in prayer. He went to a public school, and by age 21, he was becoming a respected lawyer. At age 24, he changed professions and became a preacher. He began preaching during the time of the Civil War when many Americans were feeling scared and sad. Bounds served as a chaplain on the front lines of the Confederate Army. In 1861, he was placed in a war prison for a year and a half because he failed to take an oath for the government.
No matter what trials he went through, E.M. Bounds talked to God every day. Every morning, Bounds would get out of bed and pray for three hours before beginning his day. He would talk to God from 4am-7am, and then he would begin writing.
During the last seventeen years of his life, Bounds wrote some of history’s most helpful books on the topic of Christian prayer. His book Power Through Prayer is often called “the greatest book on prayer ever written.” For nearly one century, Bounds’ books have been considered classic works – encouraging Christians everywhere to talk to their heavenly Father. It was said that Bounds prayed as often and as easily as he breathed. Right before he died, he wrote these words: “When He is ready, I am ready; I long to taste the joys of the heavenlies.”
Do you long to fellowship with God in prayer? When was the last time you really talked to Him?
Psalm 55:17 – Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice.