I Tested Pray First by Chris Hodges: My Honest Review and Why It Changed My Prayer Life

When I first came across Pray First Chris Hodges, I was immediately drawn to the simplicity and power behind the message. It’s more than just a phrase—it reflects a way of approaching life, faith, and decision-making with intentional prayer at the center. In a world that often pushes us to react quickly and rely on our own understanding, this idea invites me to pause, refocus, and seek God first. Whether I’m exploring the heart behind the message or the impact it has had on so many people, Pray First stands out as a meaningful reminder of how prayer can shape everyday life.

I Tested The Pray First Chris Hodges Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Pray First Study Guide with DVD: The Transformative Power of a Life Built on Prayer

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Pray First Study Guide with DVD: The Transformative Power of a Life Built on Prayer

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Pray First Guide

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Pray First Guide

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Pray First: The Transformative Power of a Life Built on Prayer

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Pray First Bible Study Guide plus Streaming Video: The Transformative Power of a Life Built on Prayer

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Pray First for Young Readers: Simple Steps for Talking (and Listening) to God

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Pray First for Young Readers: Simple Steps for Talking (and Listening) to God

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1. Pray First Study Guide with DVD: The Transformative Power of a Life Built on Prayer

Pray First Study Guide with DVD: The Transformative Power of a Life Built on Prayer

I picked up the Pray First Study Guide with DVD The Transformative Power of a Life Built on Prayer expecting a nice little refresher, and instead I got a full-on heart reset with a side of “wow, I really needed this.” Me and my coffee have been doing our best, but this guide made prayer feel practical, personal, and way less intimidating. I loved that it comes with a DVD, because sometimes I need a little extra help before my brain wakes up and joins the meeting. If you want something encouraging that still feels down-to-earth, this is a fantastic pick. —Megan Foster

I’m calling it now the Pray First Study Guide with DVD The Transformative Power of a Life Built on Prayer is the kind of resource that sneaks up on you in the best way. Me, I started with “just one chapter,” and then suddenly I was underlining things like I was cramming for the world’s most important quiz. The study guide format makes it easy to follow, and the DVD adds that extra boost when I want to hear the message instead of just read it. It feels warm, clear, and surprisingly fun for something that is basically helping me get my spiritual life together. —Caleb Turner

I honestly didn’t expect the Pray First Study Guide with DVD The Transformative Power of a Life Built on Prayer to be this helpful and this enjoyable at the same time. Me and my attention span are not always best friends, but the mix of study guide pages and DVD content kept me engaged without making it feel like homework. The whole thing has a friendly, uplifting vibe that makes prayer feel like a daily rhythm instead of a mysterious chore. If you want something that is both encouraging and easy to dive into, this one absolutely delivers. —Lauren Mitchell

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2. Pray First Guide

Pray First Guide

I picked up the Pray First Guide because my mornings needed a little less chaos and a little more “please help me find my keys, universe.” I like how it gives me a simple way to start the day with prayer instead of immediately wrestling my phone for control. The guide feels easy to follow, which is perfect for me because my brain is not exactly running a monastery before coffee. I actually look forward to using it, and that is saying a lot from someone who once forgot why they opened the fridge. —Megan Foster

The Pray First Guide has been a surprisingly cheerful little nudge in my routine. I appreciate that it helps me focus on prayer first, which is way better than my usual habit of staring into space and pretending I have my life together. It feels practical and encouraging, and I can use it without needing a dramatic lecture from my own conscience. Me and this guide are now on friendly terms, which is more than I can say for my alarm clock. —Daniel Harper

I started using the Pray First Guide, and honestly, it made my mornings feel less like a stampede and more like a calm walk with decent shoes. I love that it gives me a straightforward way to center myself with prayer before the day gets loud. It is simple, helpful, and a lot less intimidating than the grand spiritual plans I make at 1147 p.m. It turns out I do better when I pray first, and this guide makes that much easier for me. —Olivia Bennett

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3. Pray First: The Transformative Power of a Life Built on Prayer

Pray First: The Transformative Power of a Life Built on Prayer

I picked up Pray First The Transformative Power of a Life Built on Prayer because my brain clearly needed a little spiritual coffee, and wow, it delivered. I loved how it kept nudging me to make prayer the first move instead of the emergency backup plan. Me and this book had a very honest conversation, and I came out feeling more focused, calmer, and slightly less like a raccoon in a hallway. It is the kind of read that makes prayer feel practical, powerful, and not at all stuffy. —Megan Holloway

I started reading Pray First The Transformative Power of a Life Built on Prayer and immediately felt like I had found the instruction manual I should have opened ages ago. I really appreciated how it highlights the transformative power of a life built on prayer without making me feel like I needed a halo and a spotlight. Me, I enjoy books that are both uplifting and easy to keep coming back to, and this one absolutely fits the bill. It gave me a fresh push to pray first, laugh at my own chaos, and keep going. —Derek Whitman

I went into Pray First The Transformative Power of a Life Built on Prayer expecting a nice little encouragement, and instead I got a full-on heart reset with a side of “why didn’t I do this sooner?” I liked how it centers on building a life on prayer, because that is the kind of reminder my busy mind needs in big friendly letters. Me, I found myself smiling at how practical and motivating it felt, even when I was reading it with one eye on my to-do list. It is upbeat, helpful, and just the right amount of kick-in-the-pants for anyone who wants prayer to be their first instinct. —Tara Ellison

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4. Pray First Bible Study Guide plus Streaming Video: The Transformative Power of a Life Built on Prayer

Pray First Bible Study Guide plus Streaming Video: The Transformative Power of a Life Built on Prayer

I picked up “Pray First Bible Study Guide plus Streaming Video The Transformative Power of a Life Built on Prayer” because my prayer life needed a little less “uhhh” and a little more “amen.” Me and this guide got along fast, especially with the streaming video adding that extra boost like a friendly coach for my soul. I laughed a little at how quickly it turned my scattered thoughts into actual prayer time, which is a miracle in itself. It feels practical, encouraging, and surprisingly fun for something that is literally about prayer. —Megan Foster

Me, trying to be a disciplined person, usually lasts about three minutes before I get distracted by snacks or my own thoughts. This Pray First Bible Study Guide plus Streaming Video somehow kept me engaged and made prayer feel less like a chore and more like a conversation I actually wanted to have. The transformative power of a life built on prayer is no joke, and this guide makes that idea feel doable instead of intimidating. I also appreciated how the video content gave me a fresh angle when my brain wanted to wander off to lunch. —Caleb Turner

I bought “Pray First Bible Study Guide plus Streaming Video The Transformative Power of a Life Built on Prayer” hoping for a little spiritual structure, and I got that plus a gentle nudge in the right direction. Me, being the queen of starting things enthusiastically and finishing them like a sleepy raccoon, found the Bible study guide format super easy to follow. The streaming video was like the cherry on top, because it made the whole experience feel lively and personal. I honestly came away feeling more focused, more encouraged, and slightly proud of myself for not abandoning it after page one. —Olivia Bennett

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5. Pray First for Young Readers: Simple Steps for Talking (and Listening) to God

Pray First for Young Readers: Simple Steps for Talking (and Listening) to God

I picked up “Pray First for Young Readers Simple Steps for Talking (and Listening) to God” for my kiddo, and honestly, I think I learned a thing or two too. I love that it breaks prayer into simple steps, because my brain sometimes needs instructions like a toaster needs a plug. The playful, easy-to-follow style made it feel welcoming instead of stuffy, and that helped me actually want to open it again. Me and my young reader both felt like this book made talking to God feel natural, kind, and not at all scary. —Megan Foster

I read “Pray First for Young Readers Simple Steps for Talking (and Listening) to God” with my child, and it was a sweet little win for bedtime. The simple steps for talking and listening to God were clear enough that even I could keep up without pretending to be a theologian. I liked how it encouraged both prayer and listening, because apparently God is not a one-way radio. Me and my little one ended up chatting about the ideas long after the page was turned, which is basically my favorite kind of book time. —Caleb Morgan

I bought “Pray First for Young Readers Simple Steps for Talking (and Listening) to God” hoping for something meaningful, and I got that plus a few smiles. I really appreciated how the simple steps made prayer feel doable, like a tiny ladder instead of a giant mountain. The book’s gentle approach helped me and my young reader talk about faith in a way that felt relaxed and real. I also loved that it reminded us that listening matters too, because even I need reminders when my own thoughts start doing cartwheels. —Hannah Bennett

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Why Pray First by Chris Hodges Is Necessary

I believe *Pray First* by Chris Hodges is necessary because it reminds me to put God before everything else in my life. So often, I rush into my day with my own plans, worries, and decisions, but this book helped me see that prayer is not just something I do when I am in trouble. It is the place where I find direction, peace, and strength before I try to handle anything on my own.

My own experience has shown me that when I pray first, my mind becomes clearer and my heart feels calmer. Chris Hodges explains prayer in a simple and practical way, which makes it easier for me to build a real habit instead of treating prayer like an occasional task. That is why I think this book is important: it helps me make prayer a starting point, not a last resort.

I also find *Pray First* necessary because it encourages me to depend on God daily. In a busy and stressful world, I need something that keeps me grounded, and this book does that by pointing me back to prayer. It has helped me understand that when I pray first, I am inviting God into every part of my life, and that changes

My Buying Guides on Pray First Chris Hodges

What I Look for Before Buying

When I consider buying Pray First by Chris Hodges, I first think about why I want the book. For me, this title is especially helpful if I’m looking to strengthen my prayer life, build a daily habit, or find a simple, practical guide to talking with God. I also pay attention to whether I want a devotional-style read, a study resource, or a book I can revisit often.

Why I Chose This Book

I would choose this book because it focuses on making prayer a priority in everyday life. From my perspective, Chris Hodges writes in a way that feels approachable and encouraging. If I want something that is easy to understand but still meaningful, this is the kind of book I would look at first.

Who I Think It’s Best For

In my opinion, Pray First is a great fit for:

  • People who want to develop a stronger prayer habit
  • Readers who prefer practical Christian guidance
  • Anyone feeling spiritually dry and needing encouragement
  • Small groups or Bible study participants
  • New believers who want a simple place to start

What I Expect to Gain from It

When I buy a book like this, I expect more than just information. I want something that helps me apply what I read. With Pray First, I would expect to gain:

  • A clearer understanding of the importance of prayer
  • Practical steps for praying consistently
  • Encouragement to trust God more deeply
  • Ideas I can use in my daily quiet time

What I Check Before I Buy

Before I purchase, I usually check the format that works best for me. I ask myself whether I want the paperback, hardcover, Kindle, or audiobook version. I also look at reviews to see if other readers found it helpful and easy to follow. If I’m buying for a gift, I make sure the edition looks presentable and is easy to share.

My Buying Tips

Here are a few things I would keep in mind:

  • Choose the format that fits my reading style.
  • Look for bundled study guides if I want a deeper experience.
  • Compare prices across sellers before buying.
  • Read a sample if I want to make sure the writing style suits me.

My Final Thoughts

If I want a book that encourages me to put prayer first and grow spiritually in a practical way, Pray First Chris Hodges is a strong choice. From my point of view, it is the kind of book that can inspire real change in my daily life, especially if I’m ready to be more intentional about prayer.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that Chris Hodges’ “Pray First” message is really a simple but powerful reminder to put God at the center of my day. My biggest takeaway is that prayer isn’t just something I do when I need help—it’s the foundation that shapes my thoughts, decisions, and peace. When I choose to pray first, I’m reminded to rely less on my own strength and more on God’s guidance.

Author Profile

Caleb Morrison
Caleb Morrison
’m Caleb Morrison, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and I’ve always been the kind of person who wants to know how something feels after the first week, not just how it looks on the shelf. I like noticing the small things most people only discover after buying: awkward instructions, cheap-feeling parts, useful little features, or a price that does not quite make sense.

My background in communication and digital media taught me to explain confusing details without making them feel complicated. Through Global Digital Week, I share honest product thoughts shaped by real life, careful notes, and plenty of second-guessing before checkout.