21 Ways to Pray

An eCourse experience of the book Beginning Prayer by John Killinger

Do you long for a deeper relationship with God but don't know where to start? Have you ever felt awkward or frustrated when you tried to pray?

You are not alone. Many Christians are insecure about their prayer life.

John Killinger, a former pastor and professor, is well qualified to give step-by-step instructions for how to pray. In this eCourse based on his book, Beginning Prayer, Killinger answers basic questions beginners have about prayer. Our eCourse offers creative means of engaging in these prayer practices for yourself.

The 21 Ways to Pray eCourse will help you learn:

  • The appropriate attitude for prayer.
  • The best time to pray.
  • The best places to pray.
  • Postures for prayer.
  • Twenty-one methods of praying.

The book Beginning Prayer is an Upper Room classic. It is our hope that through this online course you'll discover creative ways to pray that will grow and enhance your prayer life.

Private eCourse classrooms with group rates are available upon request. If you are interested, email us at [email protected].


To purchase a print version of Beginning Prayer, visit The Upper Room online store.

Interested in online learning options based on your favorite Upper Room books? Look for this graphic and click it to learn more as you explore The Upper Room online store.



Your Instructor


John Killinger
John Killinger

John Killinger is a former pastor in Baptist, Presbyterian, and Congregational churches. He taught for fifteen years at Vanderbilt Divinity School and was Distinguished Professor of Religion and Culture at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. Killinger has written over seventy books on subject ranging from prayer and spirituality to theology and modern literature. Our eCourse is based on content from his book, Beginning Prayer.


Course Content


  Welcome!
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  1. The Prayer of Silence
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  2. Listening to God's Questions
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  3. Using a Single Phrase
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  4. The Jesus Prayer
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  5. The Use of Mere Syllables
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  6. Praying with a Mental Image
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  7. Fantasized Images
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  8. Praying Set Prayers
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  9. Praying the Lord's Prayer
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  10. Meditating on the Scriptures
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  11. Fantasizing with the Scriptures
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  12. Meditating on Other Literature
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  13. Giving Thanks for All Things
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  14. Blessing Your Memories
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  15. Praying About Your Work
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  16. Praying About Your Dreams
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  17. Praying for Others
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  18. Fantasized Scenes
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  19. An Imaginary Conversation with Christ
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  20. Subconscious Writing
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  21. Keeping a Prayer Journal
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the eCourse start and finish?
The eCourse starts when you are ready to begin and will remain open indefinitely. It’s self-paced, so you can decide when to start and when to finish.
How long do I have access to the eCourse?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this eCourse for as long as you like—across any and all devices you own. We’ll give you plenty of notice should we need to close the eCourse.
What if I am unhappy with the eCourse?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us within the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.
Who sponsors these eCourses?
This eCourse is brought to you by The Upper Room.

Get started now!