Edward McKendree Bounds

Edward McKendree Bounds – Life, Writings, and Quotes

Explore the life and legacy of Edward McKendree Bounds (1835–1913)—Methodist clergyman, lawyer turned prayer-writer, author of profound works on spiritual life. Includes biography, major publications, famous quotes, and lessons.

Introduction

Edward McKendree Bounds (August 15, 1835 – August 24, 1913), often known as E. M. Bounds, was an American Methodist minister, attorney, and spiritual author whose central focus was prayer. He became known for his deep devotion, his writings on the necessity and power of prayer, and his influence on subsequent generations of Christian leaders. Though he published only a fraction of his works during his lifetime, after his death many of his manuscripts were edited and released. His writings continue to inspire those seeking a deeper spiritual life.

Early Life and Family

Edward McKendree Bounds was born on August 15, 1835, in Shelby County, Missouri.

When Edward was about 14 years old, his father died (from tuberculosis), which altered the trajectory of the family.

Youth, Law, and Call to Ministry

As a young man, Bounds studied law in Hannibal, Missouri.

However, during the period of religious revival known as the Third Great Awakening, Bounds felt a growing call toward Christian ministry.

Career, Ministry, and Writings

Ministry and Pastoral Work

Bounds served in various pastoral roles, both in fixed congregations and itinerant evangelistic work.

He was arrested by Union forces in 1861, as part of a group required to pledge allegiance and post a bond—he refused, being morally opposed to what he saw as inappropriate demands.

Afterward, Bounds served as a chaplain for the Confederate States Army (3rd Missouri Infantry).

In his later years, Bounds became known for his discipline in prayer. It’s said that he would rise at 4 a.m. and continue in prayer until 7 a.m., regardless of preaching engagements.

He also held editorial roles: for eight years he was or of the St. Louis Christian Advocate, and later Associate or of the Nashville Christian Advocate.

Writings & Posthumous Publications

Bounds was a prolific writer—he left behind many manuscripts focused primarily on prayer and spiritual life.

Some of his notable works include:

• Preacher and Prayer (later republished as Power Through Prayer)

• The Resurrection (republished as Ineffable Glory)

• Purpose in Prayer (1920)

• Prayer and Praying Men (1921)

• Heaven: A Place—A City—A Home (1921)

• Satan: His Personality, Power and Overthrow (1922)

• The Possibilities of Prayer (1923)

• The Reality of Prayer (1924)

• The Essentials of Prayer (1925)

• The Necessity of Prayer (1929)

• The Weapon of Prayer (1931)

His writings emphasize the urgency, depth, struggle, discipline, and transformative power of prayer.

Historical Context & Influence

• Bounds lived through a tumultuous era in U.S. history: the Civil War, Reconstruction, and religious revivals. His ministry was shaped by that upheaval, particularly in the border states and southern congregations.

• His writings arrived at a time when many Christian leaders were emphasizing methods, organization, and institutional expansion. Bounds countered that with a return to spiritual discipline—particularly prayer as the foundation for all else.

• His influence grew after his death: admirers like Claude Lysias Chilton, Jr. and Homer W. Hodge worked to collect, edit, and publish his manuscripts, bringing his teachings to later generations.

• Today, Bounds is often quoted in Christian communities that emphasize revival, spiritual disciplines, leadership rooted in prayer, and personal holiness.

Legacy and Influence

• His books on prayer are still widely read, quoted, and recommended among pastors, missionaries, and believers seeking deeper spiritual life.

• Many Christian ministries and revival movements draw from his insights on intercession and the urgency of persistent prayer.

• He became a model of someone whose life and writing were intimately joined: his discipline in practice lent weight to his written exhortations.

• Bounds is often referenced in sermons, discipleship materials, and Christian leadership training as “a man of prayer” whose works endure beyond his lifetime.

Personality, Strengths, and Challenges

From accounts and his own writings, several characteristics of Bounds emerge:

• Disciplined and devoted: His consistent early morning prayer habit, even when traveling, signals extraordinary commitment.

• Introspective and earnest: His works often reflect internal struggle, soul searching, wrestling with waiting, doubt, faith, and perseverance.

• Minimalistic about methods: He warned against overemphasis on programs and structures and urged dependence on men of prayer more than machinery.

• Humble in outward recognition: He published little in his life; much of his fame came afterward.

• Wounded by war: His injury in battle and experience of imprisonment likely deepened his spiritual resolve.

Challenges include:

• Because many of his writings were posthumous, some material may reflect editorial shaping.

• His intense focus on prayer means his works sometimes assume a certain spiritual maturity or context, making them more appreciated by advanced readers or leaders than by beginners.

Famous Quotes of Edward McKendree Bounds

Below are notable and widely circulated quotes attributed to E. M. Bounds (reflecting his emphases on prayer, holiness, faith).

“Apostolic preaching cannot be carried on unless there be apostolic prayer.” “God shapes the world by prayer.” “The Holy Ghost does not flow through methods, but through men. He does not come on machinery, but on men. He does not anoint plans, but men — men of prayer.” “Prayer is God’s plan to supply man’s great and continuous need with God’s great and continuous abundance.” “It is hard to wait and press and pray, and hear no voice, but stay till God answers.” “The lazy man does not, will not, cannot pray, for prayer demands energy.” “The Church is looking for better methods; God is looking for better men.” “That man cannot possibly be called a Christian, who does not pray.”

These quotes reflect the core thrust of his theology: prayer is the bedrock of spiritual effectiveness, holiness, and divine cooperation.

Lessons from Edward McKendree Bounds

1. Prayer is foundational—never auxiliary
   For Bounds, no amount of method, planning, or effort can substitute for earnest, sustained communion with God.

2. Holiness and spiritual life must precede ministry
   He held that internal character, devotion, and intimacy with God shape external success in spiritual work.

3. Waiting and persistence matter
   He did not romanticize only answered prayer; he recognized the spiritual growth in seasons of silence.

4. Men over methods
   Rather than fixating on organizing structures or new techniques, the emphasis should be on the men who pray and live closely with God.

5. Suffering deepens faith
   His life in war, imprisonment, injury, and spiritual discipline gave weight to his writings about endurance.

6. Legacy may come posthumously
   Bounds’ case shows that faithful work done privately can bear impact beyond one’s lifetime.

Conclusion

Edward McKendree Bounds stands as a towering figure in Christian spirituality whose life was hardly fame-seeking, yet whose legacy resounds. Born in Missouri, trained in law, transformed by conviction, he gave his life to ministry and prayer. His writings—many published only after his death—continue to challenge believers to depth over appearance, devotion over distraction, and persistence in the unseen discipline of prayer.