This is a wonderful book on prayer, and you cannot fault anyone for trying to help other people draw closer to God, since that is what prayer is: speaking with the infinite. Dr. Peale encourages intercessory prayers, that is, sending our prayers in behalf of other people, especially random prayers for people you don't know.

Being a very praxological-heavy book, the theology and orthodoxy comes in only to explain the proper practice. In other words, this book has strong legs and busy hands, and is a real "hand's on" book. It tells you what you need to do to become better. As I said earlier, prayer is a type of mental discipline thane involves control, focus, and a concern for other people and other things beside you. And that is what good religion is all about: love for your neighbor.

The title has become a bit of a byword, but it is nice to see what Dr. Peal is really talking about. It is not a mere chanmge of mind, or mental technique, but he is advocating a fuller life in Christ. This is a very spiritual book, and not some pop-psychological mumbo jumbo.


change your life   June 13, 2000
 40 out of 49 found this review helpful

I use to be a skeptic to the teachings of this book... that is until I read it and took to heart everything contained inside, then my life changed. And this book can and will work for you. All that is required is an open mind, a belief in God, studying this book every single day, and doing exactly what it says. The number of copies of this book are in the millions ! Ordinary folk and world famous celebrities have studied and followed its principles. People have been inspired by it and changed the course of their lives and the lives of the people around them. To give you a sample of its contents, here are just a few chapter titles: Expect the best and Get It, How to break the worry habit, How to have constant energy, How to get people to like you, Many more inspiring chapters are contained in this informative manual. Mr. Peale is an expert in this field and has written several other self help manuals. This book was originally published in 1952, made best seller lists and helped millions of people. If you don't get this book you are really missing out. Whether you're a parent, single parent, teen, 30 something, senior citizen, corporate executive, or janitor, if you are heavy burdened, this book can change your life . This is a book designed to inspire faith in God and destroy anxieties in your life. Don't say you'll order it some other time, procrastination is an ugly word... order this book today.


Not a book for non-Christians   March 19, 2007
 23 out of 28 found this review helpful

The power of positive thinking and strong intentions is well-known and documented, and this short book does indeed offer some strategies for using these techniques. However, the book's primary focus is on establishing a relationship with Jesus Christ, and the author's attitude seems to be that the success of positive thinking hinges on that relationship.

I don't want to sound anti-Christian, but the powers of intention and the law of attraction are enough on their own to give all the results you could ever want or need. A belief in a specific deity or religion are completely unnecessary. Although Peale probably didn't know it at the time of original publication, the law of attraction is a scientific concept, not a religious one. Also, it's rather contradictory to tell someone that they have the power within to accomplish anything, but they need Jesus to do so. Either you have the power or you don't - Jesus has nothing to do with it. (And you DO have the power!)

If you are a Christian, I'm certain that the ideas in this book will resonate. And more power to you! But for those of us who are not, the book comes across as extremely preachy and outdated. There are many better choices on the same topic that don't have some mention of Jesus Christ on 90% of their pages.

(In the interest of full disclosure, I want to add that while I am not a Christian, I DO believe in God. I find it offensive, frankly, that people assume a belief in a deity means one is a Christian, and I want to make it clear that there are more options than just Christianity and atheism!)


Can't think positive unless you read the Bible??   April 17, 2005
 21 out of 31 found this review helpful

This book is definitely only for Christians.

I am a spiritual person and have a lot of appreciation for the teachings in the Bible, but Peale repeatedly insists that self-confidence cannot be acheived without faith in the Bible and practicing Christianity. Peale didn't consider that folks of different faiths might also benefit from his positive thinking techniques.

Too bad, I was looking forward to this one.