Adam Weber, lead pastor of Embrace Church, one of the fastest growing United Methodist Churches in the United States, released his first book, Talking with God. In this blog, Weber shares his thoughts about becoming an author and insights on prayer. His book is available at Cokesbury. Weber will be a featured speaker during the 2017 Annual Conference.

2 months ago, my book called Talking With God released. I wrote a book? It’s crazy! I still can’t believe it. No really, I can’t.

I didn’t want to step out. I didn’t want to write a book.

I’m a person that battles insecurity daily. Who am I? How can God use me? What do I have to offer anyone else? But when we step out, and then take another step, and another step, it’s truly INSANE what can happen. People in Germany, the UK, Afghanistan, Israel, and every state in the country have read my book… What?! Churches all over are going through the book. There are stories coming in of people praying for the first time because of it. People’s parents, friends, and kids praying for the first time. People growing in their prayer life. Because of a book? My only hope and goal going into the process was that the book would encourage one person to talk with God. I’m speechless that it’s reached a few more people than I was hoping for.

What’s the lesson for you and I? Don’t limit yourself. Don’t limit what’s possible. Don’t limit what God can do in and through you! Others are waiting for you to take a step out. Not all of us are called to write a book, but God can use each of us in crazy ways when we’re willing to step out.

So why did I write a book on prayer?

Prayer seems like it should be simple. Yet when it comes to actually praying, it often feels awkward and complicated.

I mean, what should I actually pray about?

What do I say? 

Is there anything I should or shouldn’t say? Do I have to speak out loud? Do I need to schedule a time with God’s assistant before I can talk to him? I don’t even know where to start.

Then comes the craziness that is my life. And probably yours as well.

Between work, changing diapers, walking the dog, texting friends, trying to keep up with the neighbors—and the laundry—who has time to pray?

But the truth is, prayer is simple. 

Kids are great at it. It’s like talking with a good friend. It’s like breathing. And what we may not know about prayer is the best part. Whether we’re in the middle of a storm, living in Crazytown, or stuck in the mud, God can’t wait to talk with me. With you.

It’s a book on prayer for the church outsider. The recognized sinner. The baptized and confirmed Christian. The faithful churchgoer and pastor. The follower of Jesus who feels like she falls short and the Pharisee Christian who thinks he doesn’t.

It’s for those who have a bunch of questions and very few answers when it comes to prayer. It’s for everyone who isn’t looking for a textbook explanation, a theological discussion, or even a definition of prayer. But instead is looking for a conversation about prayer they can understand and relate with. A conversation that meets them right where they are, not where they feel like they should be.

It’s a book is for the person who is curious about prayer. The person who wants to talk with God.

You can purchase a copy of Talking With God on Cokesbury for $11 here.

You can download all graphics, videos, and message outlines to share Talking With God with your church here.

Everyone Else. - Talking With God. from Embrace Church on Vimeo.