Edward McKendree Bounds
Full Name and Common Aliases
Edward McKendree Bounds, often referred to simply as E.M. Bounds, was a prominent American clergyman and author known for his profound writings on prayer and Christian spirituality.
Birth and Death Dates
Edward McKendree Bounds was born on August 15, 1835, and passed away on August 24, 1913.
Nationality and Profession(s)
E.M. Bounds was an American by nationality. He served as a Methodist minister, chaplain, and author. His contributions to Christian literature, particularly on the subject of prayer, have left a lasting impact on religious thought and practice.
Early Life and Background
Edward McKendree Bounds was born in Shelby County, Missouri, into a family with a strong Christian heritage. His early life was marked by a deep commitment to his faith, which was nurtured by his family and community. Bounds pursued a legal career initially, becoming a practicing lawyer by the age of 21. However, his calling to ministry soon overshadowed his legal ambitions. In 1859, he was ordained as a Methodist minister, a decision that would shape the rest of his life and work.
Major Accomplishments
E.M. Bounds is best known for his extensive writings on prayer, which have been influential in Christian circles worldwide. During the American Civil War, he served as a chaplain for the Confederate Army, a role that deepened his understanding of the power and necessity of prayer in times of crisis. After the war, Bounds dedicated himself to full-time ministry and writing, producing a series of books that have become classics in Christian literature.
Notable Works or Actions
Bounds authored several books on prayer, with his most notable works including "Power Through Prayer," "The Necessity of Prayer," and "The Weapon of Prayer." These writings emphasize the importance of prayer in the life of a believer and offer practical guidance on how to cultivate a deeper prayer life. His works are characterized by their passionate and earnest tone, reflecting his own deep commitment to prayer as a vital spiritual discipline.
Impact and Legacy
The legacy of E.M. Bounds is primarily found in his profound influence on Christian thought regarding prayer. His writings have been translated into numerous languages and continue to inspire and challenge believers around the world. Bounds' emphasis on the necessity of prayer and its transformative power has resonated with countless individuals, encouraging them to pursue a more intimate relationship with God. His works are often cited in sermons, devotionals, and theological studies, underscoring their enduring relevance.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
E.M. Bounds is widely quoted and remembered for his deep insights into the nature and power of prayer. His writings are not only theological but also intensely practical, offering believers a roadmap to a more vibrant and effective prayer life. Bounds' ability to articulate the spiritual dynamics of prayer with clarity and conviction has made his works timeless resources for those seeking to deepen their faith. His quotes often capture the essence of his teachings, emphasizing the critical role of prayer in achieving spiritual growth and vitality. As a result, Bounds remains a respected and influential figure in Christian literature, with his words continuing to inspire and guide new generations of believers.
Quotes by Edward McKendree Bounds
Edward McKendree Bounds's insights on:
The Scriptures bear ample and continuous evidence that the faith of the resurrection of the body lies in the faith that Jesus Christ died and rose again.
Prayer is the easiest and hardest of all things; the simplest and the sublimest; the weakest and the most powerful; its results lie outside the range of human possibilities they are limited only by the omnipotence of God.
Heaven is too busy to listen to half hearted prayers or to respond to pop calls.
The houses of Heaven are God-built and are as enduring and incorruptible as their builder. We will have bodies after the resurrection; transfigured they will be after the model of Christ's glorious body.
Bible revelations are not against reason but above reason, for the uses of faith, man's highest faculty.
Preaching is God's great institution for the planting and maturing of spiritual life. When properly executed, its benefits are untold; when wrongly executed, no evil can exceed its damaging results.
Prayer is no fitful, short-lived thing. It is no voice crying unheard and unheeded in the silence. It is a voice which goes into God’s ear, and it lives as long as God’s ear is open to holy pleas, as long as God’s heart is alive to holy things.
Sainthood’s piety is made, refined, perfected, by prayer. The gospel moves with slow and timid pace when the saints are not at their prayers early and late and long.
Prayer breaks all bars, dissolves all chains, opens all prisons, and widens all straits by which God’s saints have been held.