Do Greater Things, by Robby Dawkins

Robby Dawkins, evangelist and pastor, believes that "Jesus expects us to heal the sick, cast out demons and even raise the dead in His name!"  In Do Greater Things: Activating the Kingdom to Heal the Sick and Love the Lost, he tells story after story of people being healed and otherwise miraculously encountering the love of Jesus.  As he previously wrote in Do What Jesus Did, praying expectantly for healing should be a regular part of our interactions with others, whether in church or out in the community.

The way he approaches life is unlike most Christians' experience.  Where many Christians are reluctant even to say the name of Jesus, Dawkins's model is to prayerfully consider and observe people around you.  If you someone who seems to be sick, in pain, or disabled, why not ask them if they would like prayer?  And why not ask God for healing?  He advocates stepping out boldly, not waiting for specific direction from God to pray for someone.  He writes, "Jesus told us to heal the sick.  I don't see anywhere in the Scriptures where He says, 'But don't pray for anyone unless I tell you to.'"  Pray for everyone!

I really enjoyed reading about his experiences.  When possible, he enlists children or unbelievers to pray with him.  He will have the child place his hands on the sick person and have the child repeat his words.  When a person is healed, what a faith builder for both the praying person and the person healed!  Dawkins leads by example, and provides examples and guidelines readers can apply as they hit the streets.

Dawkins calls us away from praying selfishly.  I have never met a Christian who has been reluctant to pray for financial blessing, favor in one's career, or relationship issues.  But Dawkins wants Christians to get past selfish prayers and pray for others.  And the goal of healing?  An invitation to walk with Jesus.

While Dawkins provides scripture to defend and flesh out what he's teaching, the focus is on the testimonies, not only of those who have been healed, but of the many Christians who are boldly walking in faith for healing.  Do Greater Things inspired me on two levels.  First, to deepen my walk with God, getting my prayer life away from my needs to embracing God's power in me to meet the needs of others.  Second, to get out the door and look for someone to pray for.  Seriously, after you read this you'll be looking for a stranger to pray for.  His message inspires and challenges me.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!