John B. Cobb

Injured in an automobile accident, Jennifer has been in a coma for three months. When her friends learn that she is near death, they search for a way of coping with the tragedy and finally turn to prayer. Their journey into the nature and mystery of intercessory prayer begins with their first anguished words, ÒDear God, please don't let Jennifer die.Ó When Jennifer's condition improves for a time, then stops short of complete recovery, her friends begin to ask questions: What is intercessory prayer? Can we really influence God's actions? Why are some prayers answered and others seemingly ignored? Why does God allow evil to exist in the word? As Jennifer's friends continue their experience with intercessory prayer, they seek counsel from their pastor and others. In the process, they learn to assess different theological viewpoints. Praying for Jennifer is a fictional account centered around students and those to whom they turn for guidance: a church education leader, two pastors, a workshop leader, and a teacher. The probing questions the group deals with are common to all who search for an understanding of intercessory prayer.