Daring To Draw Near

In this classic book on prayer, John White presents ten prayers from the Bible, prayers that will take you near to the holy one of the universe, the personal God of each person in the world.

Author John White takes us on a journey through ten of the most significant prayers in history, all recorded in the Bible. We listen in as Abraham pleads for Sodom and Gomorrah, as David confesses his sin, as Hannah prays for a child, as Paul intercedes for others, and as Jesus poured his heart out to his heavenly Father. White explores the prayers of Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Job, Daniel, David, Hannah, Paul, and Jesus, giving us a window on prayer and the God to whom we pray—a God who is interested in “two-way” communication.

God uses many words to describe himself, but one is stunningly personal-Father. This is thrilling... and problematic. You don't have another Jesus, or another Holy Spirit, but you do have another father, and your experience with him changes the way you see God. Because of this, unknowingly, you may be "Father deficient" - lacking key resources God is offering, but you are still missing. With keen Biblical insight and inspiring stories Dave Patty shows you how to evaluate four key areas of your heart, and then unpacks the practical steps to deep transformation with Father resources from God. You will be amazed at the breadth of impact as you encounter this member of the Trinity in a new and deeply personal way.

For more than forty years this accessible guide to the basics of Christian living has helped thousands of Christians fight the good fight of faith. Along with stories from his own journey of faith, John White offers refreshing insights into the challenges and joys of freedom in Christ that will benefit both new and experienced Christians.

John White has extensively interviewed many people, including those from John Wimber's Vineyard Christian Fellowship. His years of work as a psychiatrist and as a missionary in the Third World qualify him in a special way to analyze the experiences described in this book. In addition he has thoroughly studied revivals of the past, highlighting the differences and the similarities to what is happening today. As always, John White remains thoroughly biblical as he handles many controversial topics. The result is a book full of pracitcal wisdom and remarkable insight with conclusions that are fresh and surprising.

Something happened to love--eros, physical love--when mankind fell. The beauty was marred. The joy was tinged with sadness. Eros was defiled. Today the results of the Fall are evident in premartial sex, extramartial sex, masturbation, homosexuality, and various forms of twisted sex. John White speaks with understanding and compassion about each of these sexual sins. He concludes with a telling chapter of how local churches can be communities for dealing with sexual sin in a context of love and forgiveness.

As Christian leaders, should we solve our problems using the secular strategies of best-selling management books, or is there another way? John White says that Nehemiah provides the model we need for excellence in leadership. With wisdom and biblical insight, he shows how to be action-oriented and prayer-oriented, a firm leader and a servant, a realist and a visionary.

According to White, the cost of following Jesus is not cheap. The cost is substantial, but the benefits, rewards, and joys that come with a commitment to Him are well worth it.

September 11, 2001, highlighted the urgent need for greater understanding among religious traditions. Specifically, the lack of acceptance and appreciation between Muslims and Christians was suddenly catapulted into headlines around the world. Now, in the aftermath of war in Iraq, the need for understanding and respect among religious traditions and various cultures becomes ever more important. It is my hope that this book might nurture that mutual respect that fosters peace and justice, for they are God's desire for us, and gifts that all races and religions seek.