God on Mute

by: Pete Greig

Published by: Regal Books

Reviewed by Lisa Frisbie

Subtitled: Engaging the Silence of Unanswered Prayer

Pete Grieg, founder of the 24-7 Prayer Ministry, tackles the tough questions we face during times when it seems like God is silent, and our prayers are not being heard--much less answered.

Facing his wife's health problems and a crisis of his own faith, Greig examines Christ's last three days on earth, finding insight in this slice of Christ's life during which even the prayers of Jesus seemed met with Divine silence.

On Maundy Thursday, Jesus asks the Father to spare him from suffering. On Good Friday, Christ cries out "God, why have you forsaken me?" As the events of Holy Week unfold, it is clear that God allows suffering and does not answer the 'why' questions, even when Jesus asks.

Throughout the book, author Greig scatters fifteen possible reasons for unanswered prayer, including having selfish motives, praying against the laws of nature, and the fact that our own fallible free will is often at work. Each chapter of the books ends with an appropriate prayer through which the reader is drawn to seek and understand God's ways more deeply.

Appendices include a list of heroes of the faith, with their own experiences of unanswered prayer, plus a discussion guide for small groups and a personal checklist that the reader can use to evaluate her or his own prayer life.

Avoiding simplistic formulas, this is a much-needed book for those who suffer and seem unable to access God's help. Clearly, the author is a fellow struggler--but one who points the way to grace and maturity.

The Foreword is by Brian McLaren, author of numerous Christian books

Armchair Interviews says: Powerful message at Easter time and all the year through.

Author's Web site: http://www.24-7prayer.com