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Rees Howells: Intercessor
Norman Grubb explores the life story of Rees Howells. He also looks at the foundation of the Bible College of Wales at Swansea, perhaps the greatest legacy of his work, and the intercessory prayer that became the hallmark of Howells, impacting as it did on national policy and international affairs.
292 pages, Paperback
First published January 28, 1952
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2501 people want to read
About the author
Norman P. Grubb
83 books28 followersNorman Percy Grubb was a missionary statesman, writer and theological teacher.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
May 22, 2013
This book blew me away and stretched me spiritually like none other. It's an old book that would likely not be a best-seller in today's get-rich-quick health-and-wealth teachings passing as the Gospel. This is a true man of God who gives the whole of his being to following and serving Jesus. This is not your book if you're looking for a "be happy, healthy, wealthy, and popular by following these 7 steps" kind of books. If you're ready to go deep and be challenged, check this book out.
April 11, 2018
Just wow . . . This was amazing. It both inspired and convicted me, uplifted and challenged me. I learned so much about the Holy Spirit and intercessory prayer. Grubb's writing style kept me engaged and interested, and I loved the inclusion of direct passages from Mr. Howell's diary.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
June 16, 2016
This is certainly a classic, and it has been quite a while since I read it. As a teenager, I read many books on prayer and was quite inspired by books like this.
Looking back, a lot of what I read about prayer hurt me more than helped me. This was because it led me into asking God to do things which he had already accomplished through Christ, instead of praying with thanksgiving because of what God had already accomplished. This led to a lot of frustration.
There were some things in this book that frustrated me more than help me. One example was that Reese believed that the Lord gave him the sickness of another person to bear.
After coming out of the place of frustration in prayer, I realize that it is very easy for people to be healed if we understand what Jesus has done. I have also come to see the role of afflicting spirits in causing sickness. Nobody needs to bear another person's sickness, because Jesus has carried the pains and sicknesses of all, as Isaiah 53 says.
I have seen that false religions try to transfer a sickness into a tree or something else in their healing practices. All of this is a deception. There is no need to transfer sickness or afflicting spirits around. Jesus carried it, and dealt with it.
I am convinced that in this instance, Reese was deceived by an afflicting spirit that came on him and told him he was bearing the sickness of another person. This drew his attention away from gospel truth and led to great difficulty and travail in dealing with something that is easy to deal with in the gospel way.
The book is certainly worth reading, but we must not put people like Reese Howells on a pedestal just because they prayed a lot. Rather, we must understand that they were growing and we can learn some things from them, but they also often had a great lack of understanding in certain areas. Sometimes the thing that can make prayer such a struggle is having a limited understanding of the gospel.
Looking back, a lot of what I read about prayer hurt me more than helped me. This was because it led me into asking God to do things which he had already accomplished through Christ, instead of praying with thanksgiving because of what God had already accomplished. This led to a lot of frustration.
There were some things in this book that frustrated me more than help me. One example was that Reese believed that the Lord gave him the sickness of another person to bear.
After coming out of the place of frustration in prayer, I realize that it is very easy for people to be healed if we understand what Jesus has done. I have also come to see the role of afflicting spirits in causing sickness. Nobody needs to bear another person's sickness, because Jesus has carried the pains and sicknesses of all, as Isaiah 53 says.
I have seen that false religions try to transfer a sickness into a tree or something else in their healing practices. All of this is a deception. There is no need to transfer sickness or afflicting spirits around. Jesus carried it, and dealt with it.
I am convinced that in this instance, Reese was deceived by an afflicting spirit that came on him and told him he was bearing the sickness of another person. This drew his attention away from gospel truth and led to great difficulty and travail in dealing with something that is easy to deal with in the gospel way.
The book is certainly worth reading, but we must not put people like Reese Howells on a pedestal just because they prayed a lot. Rather, we must understand that they were growing and we can learn some things from them, but they also often had a great lack of understanding in certain areas. Sometimes the thing that can make prayer such a struggle is having a limited understanding of the gospel.
May 3, 2020
First the good: Rees Howells was clearly a remarkable man, who had a very close relationship with God and was greatly used by him, especially in prayer/intercession.
Now the bad: This is a very poorly written biography. In fact it isn't biography, it's hagiography. There's almost no attempt to consider Rees' faults or failings. The writer is clearly in awe of him, which has completely clouded his judgement. The book is very repetitive and should have been edited properly. It's full of religious cliches, many of them meaningless. And while I'm sure a lot of it is true, it's so badly put together, it sadly makes you doubt the authenticity of some of the accounts. It's a book lacking any kind of discernment, and was a chore to read (it took me 15 months because I often couldn't face picking it up again). This is a great tragedy, as some of the stories and testimonies are remarkable and deserve to be heard.
Now the bad: This is a very poorly written biography. In fact it isn't biography, it's hagiography. There's almost no attempt to consider Rees' faults or failings. The writer is clearly in awe of him, which has completely clouded his judgement. The book is very repetitive and should have been edited properly. It's full of religious cliches, many of them meaningless. And while I'm sure a lot of it is true, it's so badly put together, it sadly makes you doubt the authenticity of some of the accounts. It's a book lacking any kind of discernment, and was a chore to read (it took me 15 months because I often couldn't face picking it up again). This is a great tragedy, as some of the stories and testimonies are remarkable and deserve to be heard.
March 4, 2024
This book has sat on my shelves for 40 years. I finally read it and now was the right time. Sometimes an amazing true story is told that inspires one to live better as a friend, neighbour, citizen and simply a person.
Rees Howells was born in 1879 and died in1950. His story covers significant events in history and his calling to serve God shows him a man of total commitment to serving God through loving those he came in contact with. His pathway into intercession for individuals and nations is as remarkable as it is scarcely told.
I recommend this book to anyone searching for a great story of Christian dedication.
Rees Howells was born in 1879 and died in1950. His story covers significant events in history and his calling to serve God shows him a man of total commitment to serving God through loving those he came in contact with. His pathway into intercession for individuals and nations is as remarkable as it is scarcely told.
I recommend this book to anyone searching for a great story of Christian dedication.
February 6, 2016
Norman Grubb did a great job illustrating the life of Rees Howells. Choosing a life of devotion like Rees Howells is hard but it has eternal fruits and this book brings his life's testimony so near that one wishes to choose a life of surrender to. If someone searches for real examples of victorious faith life 19s he sourly has to read this book. I recommend it to all who are not satisfied whit their life 19s and are searching for the key of understanding Gods will. This book humbled me because I realized that we are all the time expecting great things without to surrender and pay the price needed to give birth to great things and we are not realizing that the kingdom of God has his laws and we really can live according to them a victorious life.
July 25, 2012
This is a must-read, if you want God to take you to a higher level in prayer. Rees Howells was an ordinary guy--what we'd call a blue-collar worker--but God used him to do extraordinary things, as he surrendered himself to the Lord's will. See how the Father healed, witnessed, raised money and even directed WWII though this man of faith. I cried and laughed and just sat in awe more times than I can count. It has enhanced my prayer life and changed my expectations of how God uses men and women of faith.
August 2, 2011
Rees Howells surrendered all to live out the call of God on his life. This book had a powerful impact on me as I read and learned and "saw" through Rees Howells' life what it means to be sold out completely and to live your life for an audience of One. This is a must-read for those on a path of spiritual growth.
May 30, 2008
An essential work documenting the life of an ordinary man prepared to do anything for an extraordinary God. From the Welsh Revival to the failure of Nazi power, God can use any man to influence history.
April 26, 2012
If you've ever wanted to learn of the life of prayer and or what is meant by the term prayer, this is an awesome resource. The life of Rees Howells was a life supernaturally lived through the power of prayer. God was never early, but He was never late.
July 6, 2017
Extremely inspiring biography. This book is not meant to be taken as a systematic theology on intercessory prayer. It is good to read this book through the lens of seeing what God will do with a life that is partnered with him in faith in prayer. Amazing!
October 29, 2016
This book radically changed my way of prayer - I believe i pray with more belief than before -
made me think alot!
made me think alot!
January 7, 2021
This was one of the most inspiring books I have ever read. In some ways it was difficult because Rees was very unique and consecrated. I wonder if it is like like reading an in depth book on the life of John the Baptist. Inspiring and unattainable. Some things left me questioning.
This deepened my love for God and helped me appreciate the call of an intercessor. The pages seemed to blaze with Fire which drew me in each chapter. Yet, as the book continued, I tried to slow my reading to prolong the spiritual feast- even allowing myself only half a chapter in one sitting. I’m wondering if Rees’ call and faith still speak in this generation- in a time in our world and nation where God is calling for willing vessels to pray in His Kingdom. Breathtaking soul stirring book.
This deepened my love for God and helped me appreciate the call of an intercessor. The pages seemed to blaze with Fire which drew me in each chapter. Yet, as the book continued, I tried to slow my reading to prolong the spiritual feast- even allowing myself only half a chapter in one sitting. I’m wondering if Rees’ call and faith still speak in this generation- in a time in our world and nation where God is calling for willing vessels to pray in His Kingdom. Breathtaking soul stirring book.
March 20, 2025
Haven’t had a book provoke this much thought in a long while. Started a lot of office conversation and excited to talk through it at the prayer and fasting retreat.
December 13, 2021
How could I NOT give this true story which took place in Wales 5 stars? Rees is a simple coal miner, just as Jesus' disciples were called from simple trades! His "training" consisted of years of walking alone without a hat on through the fields, getting to know his friend, Jesus. Walking without a hat was unheard of back then, even considered odd or rude. He certainly modelled what it means to be called to be set apart. He was mostly in nature, seen by Jesus only. He was truly dead to self, allowing Jesus to "take the wheel."
His "intersession" consists not only of extended faith filled prayer, but also that of literally bringing missionary children and Jewish children without parents during WWII to live with his extended family, giving of his finances, going near the very ill to pray for them to sharing a weekly message he is eventually called to share, literally being Jesus' hands and feet to the world in submission to the Father. He obeyed the call to spread the gospel of good news to everyone whom the Lord burdened Him with, FIRST to his neighbours and family members.
There was one part which I found distressing, that of letting a family member raise his son, "Samuel," since much more is known about attachment than we did then. I was pleased to read that His son did come back home and followed in his fathers' footsteps. There is a book that tells of his son's ministry. I hope I can find it. This older bio, I found on OpenLibrary.org.
This biography is a model of how every believer ought to be, in constant companionship with His Creator and Sustainer. This is a hero of the faith I've previously never heard of. No, NOT Thurston Howells the 3rd!
This story is every bit a story of living purely by faith which matches that of the men of faith in the book of Hebrews in the Bible. The book contains excerpts of Howells' real faith diaries, the most profound being those daily diaries during WWII. Rees and his family, including his school family, covered every minute of the war in prayer! Rees truly "fought the battle on his knees," his diaries giving a play by play of his prayers, as well as radio news.
Not of the Pentecostal leaning bent, I at first assumed this story to be embellished, but not even speaking in tongues is mentioned. No holy rollers here! Very impressed. Certainly lacking today is not only intimate knowledge of holy scripture but knowledge of history, including modern times heros of the faith, and there are many!
I can't believe the lame responses 😒 I've heard from pastors during these times of deception, such as "obeying Caesar!" In the school and residences Rees bought, he and his family and staff lived in faith for finances--a far cry from salaried positions or TV evangelists asking for contributions of their followers to "seed" faith!
I feel so alone, standing up for truth! Now that I have more space and time, I should not despair because of my horrific situation but dare to be a Daniel, a Rees Howells, asking always according to His will! I do fear fearful for myself and my daughters, but each of us must continue to follow in the examples of these precious forebears--it is up to ALL of us! In EVERYTHING, give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning YOU! 😊 😃
His "intersession" consists not only of extended faith filled prayer, but also that of literally bringing missionary children and Jewish children without parents during WWII to live with his extended family, giving of his finances, going near the very ill to pray for them to sharing a weekly message he is eventually called to share, literally being Jesus' hands and feet to the world in submission to the Father. He obeyed the call to spread the gospel of good news to everyone whom the Lord burdened Him with, FIRST to his neighbours and family members.
There was one part which I found distressing, that of letting a family member raise his son, "Samuel," since much more is known about attachment than we did then. I was pleased to read that His son did come back home and followed in his fathers' footsteps. There is a book that tells of his son's ministry. I hope I can find it. This older bio, I found on OpenLibrary.org.
This biography is a model of how every believer ought to be, in constant companionship with His Creator and Sustainer. This is a hero of the faith I've previously never heard of. No, NOT Thurston Howells the 3rd!
This story is every bit a story of living purely by faith which matches that of the men of faith in the book of Hebrews in the Bible. The book contains excerpts of Howells' real faith diaries, the most profound being those daily diaries during WWII. Rees and his family, including his school family, covered every minute of the war in prayer! Rees truly "fought the battle on his knees," his diaries giving a play by play of his prayers, as well as radio news.
Not of the Pentecostal leaning bent, I at first assumed this story to be embellished, but not even speaking in tongues is mentioned. No holy rollers here! Very impressed. Certainly lacking today is not only intimate knowledge of holy scripture but knowledge of history, including modern times heros of the faith, and there are many!
I can't believe the lame responses 😒 I've heard from pastors during these times of deception, such as "obeying Caesar!" In the school and residences Rees bought, he and his family and staff lived in faith for finances--a far cry from salaried positions or TV evangelists asking for contributions of their followers to "seed" faith!
I feel so alone, standing up for truth! Now that I have more space and time, I should not despair because of my horrific situation but dare to be a Daniel, a Rees Howells, asking always according to His will! I do fear fearful for myself and my daughters, but each of us must continue to follow in the examples of these precious forebears--it is up to ALL of us! In EVERYTHING, give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning YOU! 😊 😃
August 19, 2013
All I can say is that, there are men and there are men. In the vast economy of God's kingdom on earth, there are those who were poured out completely as sweet-smelling offering to Christ unlike their numerous "classmates" preferring to hold back the very thing that makes God progress with a man - total surrender. Rees Howells strikes me so much that I wondered and marvelled at the liberty the Holy Spirit had in working with and through him. I gasped repeatedly in my spirit literally sighing at such depth of selflessness, knowing fully well that this was not really about Rees but about Christ. Cos this is no doubt a man who stands among the masterpieces of God in that gallery of faith clearly portraying the life of Jesus to the rest of us. I was moved when I read it but my prayer is to actually move to this kind of life in all it's fullness - living only for Christ's glory even at the expense of physical convenience.
November 9, 2016
Earlier I shared that I found this book insightful, especially about Second Birth, and I enjoyed reading about this remarkable man. But I took issue with his distinctions between prayer warrior and intercessor. I don't buy his distinction, though I can't deny that his prayers bore fruit. They sure did. But really, God did. My own personal take on prayer is that the outcomes are up to God, not us. Sometimes in reading this book, I felt that the emPHAsis was being put on the wrong syl-LA-ble, giving perhaps more credit to the instrument than to GOD who plays it.
December 31, 2020
I did love the stories of how the Howell’s community in Wales started to reach out to the sick, the needy and the jobless. Also, the many prayer victories are encouraging to read about.
One good quote from the book:
“…I learned, according to 1 John 4:20, that you don’t love the Saviour one bit more than you love the least one He died for.”
One good quote from the book:
“…I learned, according to 1 John 4:20, that you don’t love the Saviour one bit more than you love the least one He died for.”
December 16, 2015
This was an incredible testimonium of the power and difficulty of intercession. It's about true empathy, feeling the pain (sometimes physically) of the one ur called to pray for. Howells faces some intense situations and experiences difficulty in being conformed in obedience to Christs will. This is a encouraging and exciting read.
December 21, 2014
This book was incredible, I couldn't put it down! God has used this book to challenge me deeply and I feel stretched in my faith, wonderful! I'll be recommending this book to anyone who will listen! Rees Howells was an awesome man of faith and I for one want to be like that!!
July 25, 2015
A Book That Will Change Your Life!
So many people I know personally have been transformed by this story. This is a book for the ages, the life of a man wholly devoted to God in prayer.
So many people I know personally have been transformed by this story. This is a book for the ages, the life of a man wholly devoted to God in prayer.
February 11, 2016
An absolutely incredible book about the power of prayer!
It challenged me in ways I did not anticipate.
I plan on rereading bits of it, just to remind myself that our prayers matter and that God responds to faith and faithfulness.
It challenged me in ways I did not anticipate.
I plan on rereading bits of it, just to remind myself that our prayers matter and that God responds to faith and faithfulness.
July 18, 2014
Good reminder of how prayer can change the course of one's life . . .
November 2, 2020
Maybe the most important book I have ever read
December 1, 2022
Wow.
Wow
Heart wrenching
Page turner
Gripping
Inspiring
Wow
Wow
Wow
Heart wrenching
Page turner
Gripping
Inspiring
Wow
Wow
March 17, 2025
At this point, I think it’s safe to say that this is the most impactful Christian biography I have ever read. God used Rees’ story to confirm things in my life that I’ve never had insight into before and have struggled to understand for years. Rees lived in a level of faith and obedience that I think will make anyone who reads this book uncomfortable, but if you let it, his story will absolutely change your life. If you feel at all drawn to this book, please go get it today!
Favorite Quote: “A man who did not know his name simply asked the ticket collector at the station where ‘the man with the Holy Spirit’ lived and was directed to Mr Howells! “
Favorite Quote: “A man who did not know his name simply asked the ticket collector at the station where ‘the man with the Holy Spirit’ lived and was directed to Mr Howells! “
March 12, 2024
I’ve been having a personal revival with the Lord since the beginning of this year and this book is no small part of that. Multiple times in this book I was gripped by how small my faith is and how big and holy God is. How much more reign the Spirit deserves over my body and how humbling it is to be called to surrender it all to Him. So grateful for the inspiration that Howells and those in my life who have been similarly marked by his life of faithfulness and intercession. Onward for the kingdom!
April 11, 2020
Had to read this as part of my course at BCW. What an inspiration and encouragement. To follow the journey of Rees Howells from being a man with a love of money to being a man of God where the Holy Spirit had control of his money and more was so humbling. It is a privilege to currently be studying at the very place he established and also led so much intercession for the nations, seeing nations and wars turn in the power of prayer. Never underestimate the power of prayer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2021
This is not just a book about prayer, and it is definitely not a how-to-pray book. This is the story of someone called by God to be an intercessor. So beware. This book will challenge you to the core. You will be offended at times. A few moments later you will be inspired. If nothing else this will challenge you to think deeper about the work of God in a person's life than maybe you have ever thought before.
November 18, 2024
Brilliantly bonkers hagiography.
Basically, the author writes down Howells’ sermon recollections (which are never 100% accurate 😂) and gives a gushing account of Rees Howells life.
But, it is still a magnificent book. Even accounting for exaggeration, there is plenty to challenge, encourage and fan the flame.
Probably one of the most influential books in my life (I first read it 30 years ago).
Basically, the author writes down Howells’ sermon recollections (which are never 100% accurate 😂) and gives a gushing account of Rees Howells life.
But, it is still a magnificent book. Even accounting for exaggeration, there is plenty to challenge, encourage and fan the flame.
Probably one of the most influential books in my life (I first read it 30 years ago).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews