I Prayed have prayed
Father, we pray for protection over Christian publishers, booksellers and retailers. We pray that their businesses would not be usurped by the giant Amazon.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

We are facing a crisis in the Christian bookseller industry. Family Christian, with 281 stores closed two years ago, and Lifeway with 170 locations is closing all its stores this December, although Lifeway will continue to sell online. Christianbook (formerly known as CBD) has 200,000 Christian book titles, Amazon has only 9000 Christian book titles. The effect of Amazon on Christian publishing has been covered in Headline Prayer previously.

Plus, and this is crucially important, Christianbook also maintains an inventory exceeding 300,000 Bibles, DVDs, music, homeschool materials, gifts, academic resources, and church supplies. Its online presence, Christianbook.com, provides a depth of information on its products, including author profiles and interviews, detailed product descriptions and excerpts, music clips, articles, reviews, specialized search engines, and video content.

Christianbook.com has experienced spiritual attack, as you can imagine, so we are requesting prayer for the protection of the staff and the owner, President and CEO, Ray Hendrickson. In addition, pray for their financial success so they can continue the Kingdom-spreading work that they do every day and not be forced to shut down like all the other Christian book retailers.

From humble beginnings in 1978, Christianbook (previously known as Christian Book Distributors or CBD) remains steadfast in its dedication to serving the Christian community with a wide product selection, excellent discounted pricing, and unsurpassed customer service. As Ray Hendrickson says. “It is a humbling situation to be the last major Christian retailer left. Along with the independent Christian retail stores that are remaining, we are standing in the gap providing Christian resources to churches and the Christian community.”

If you have a choice of where to buy your Christian books–take a moment and check first with Christianbook, Mardel, Lifeway or other Christian bookstores. Shipping may not be next-day Prime fast, but you will be supporting a company that is dedicated to the market of Christian books.

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june breen
November 1, 2019

i miss the bookstore that was by me i loved what they did and their items i still go online to bless my friends and family just did alot of christmas shopping there i t is always i way to share god with the love ones

Charlie Anne Cooksey
October 21, 2019

I have run a Christian Bookstore for 45 years. I am so sorry for those who do not read or even listen to good books. The fact you have a kindle is less likly for you to read because you know you can some time. The younger generation which I am on a college campus is learning from what anyone says. I am here to make sure they get the right bible and bible studies along with good books on subject for the future. They go to Amazon and just get what look or priced right and thus no idea of the author or his background or if he even believes in God as the lanuage he uses. I really feel we are missing something not get this to the college campus as they are the future for our grandkids etc.

Beverly
October 20, 2019

I have purchased books from CBD for many years, and I hope and pray that they will be able to stay in business. Just a reminder, though, that there are other small Christian bookstores in various communities, but the largest I know of in Michigan is Baker’s Book Store in Grand Rapids. And don’t forget actually going to the publishers, like Concordia Publishing House, and Zondervan, if you cannot find other resources.

Sherrill Boyd
October 19, 2019

I have been a Preferred Customer at CBD for years and find their discount prices hard to beat. I know they will find just about anything I want in their inventory. I choose to avoid Amazon at any price. I find it hard to believe their prices are better, but even if, in some cases, they are I choose to support a Christian company over theirs.

God bless CBD.

Felicia Penner
October 19, 2019

Forgive us Lord for not supporting a part of our Body. Forgive us for thinking a savings and getting something quicker is more important that supporting Your work in these Christian Book Stores. Cure our isolation that has fallen on us that keeps us from understanding what has been and is currently going on. Give voice to these concerns through our pastors, that Your Church, your Body would have Community. I pray this in Jesus name, Amen

Jana D.
October 19, 2019

I remember when Christian bookstores were selling books, like Leonard Ravenhill, and the classics. Then they went to emphasizing “gifts” really junk in my eyes, dust collectors. Thank you for those who mentioned Mardel. I use Christian books; I will order from them also.

Unfortunately, now Amazon is the only place I can get some books. Also today I got a package with the Amazon “smile” that I had ordered from a private company who, I guess fulfills their orders through Amazon. Sigh. It’s like China. I used to refuse to buy items made in China, but now it’s impossible not to. (Thankfully, that may be changing now.)

Timothy K Bunn
October 19, 2019

I wonder how Christian book stores are left in yon Bible belt? I like a scripture in Psalm 32:6 For this shall every one pray in unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh into thee. I have an idea that there is coming a time when it will become harder for Christians and others seeking the Truth, resources will dry up.
I apologise for my loose interpretation of this scripture, for a metaphorical or allegorical one. The Spirit moved me. God Bless us.

    phil winder
    October 21, 2019

    I live in the Bible belt and we don’t have a lot of book stores open since Life Way closed down. The sad fact is many Christian chain book stores went to selling trinkets that were extremely over priced to begin with. What got me was when a famous author would have a new book come out the price would be atrocious. If you waited a few months you could get it for a fraction of the price. Retailers often think us consumers are a bunch of dummies.

    We’ve been shopping at CBD for years and love their prices and service. Will only use Amazon as a last resort.

Wendy Payton
October 19, 2019

Thank you, Lord, for Christianbook and any other Christian bookstores. I ask a special blessing on them, that you would give them wisdom about what items to carry and about business practices that will help them thrive, and that customers will grow in knowledge and wisdom.

Bill Tobey
October 19, 2019

Thank you for the information. I will make a point of buying books from them.
I refuse to buy anything from Amazon because of the corrupt CEO.
Not only will I be praying for this book company I will be praying for the downfall of Amazon.

Kaycee Emilienburg
October 19, 2019

I do try to support Christian booksellers, but when my life group, which is constantly doing a solid Bible study by some of the best teachers out there, can get books significantly cheaper from Amazon than they can from Christian booksellers, it’s a no-brainer. We give to causes that the Lord puts on our hearts. For example, our small group of about 20 just donated $8,650 to Agape Gospel Mission in Ghana. We can’t do that when we have to pay high dollar for our study books.

    Peggy M
    October 20, 2019

    Your group should check the prices at ChristianBook.com. I think you will find that their prices and service are great. Also, supporting Christian bookstores keeps people in business who provide jobs for people right here in America and provide a Christian environment in which to work and their profits do not go to groups that promote abortion or other causes that are in conflict with our Lord’s teaching.
    We should all take a close look at how we steward our money, which is a blessing from the Lord! Are we honoring Him in how and where we chose to buy goods? May we all pray for wisdom in this area.

    Heather M Peterson
    October 21, 2019

    I am surprised by your post. I have found CBD almost always cheaper than Amazon. Even if they weren’t I won’t support evil and what Amazon does with the money they are given is evil.

    cyndy taylor
    October 22, 2019

    Agree with you completely! Christian stores charge high prices and many are on tight budgets. Of course they will go somewhere else that is lower cost. I also have ordered from secular stores and have had people in the stores ask about the book and want to read it too.they weren’t Christian’s so maybe that’s an upside to it.

Becky Miller
October 19, 2019

You forgot about Mardel Christian Store owned by the same family who owns Hobby Lobby.

Bettie
October 19, 2019

Praying for the drawing like a magnet on the Christian book stores! That people will be so drawn and attracted and will go inside and find the life giving words of encouragement and salvation And purchase.

Betty
October 19, 2019

Amazon is a huge monopoly. Barnes and Noble suffer from folks using the Amazon format and so does World Net Daily (n independent news organization run by a Christian).

we can all make choices to use different sources for products, and pull business away from Amazon.

Barbara
October 19, 2019

Father God, I declare a blessing on Christianbook and its owner and staff. With You, nothing is impossible. Since the battle belongs to You, I expect not only survival for Christianbook, but abundance and blessing beyond belief as a testimony to Your goodness and fathfulness, because you are a God Who loves to bless His children. Do it now Lord, for this business that serves and honors You.

Jim
October 19, 2019

Pray they go out of business, I haven’t seen a real Christian book since Andrew Murray, Smith Wigglesworh, or John G. Lake, except for Sam Sweg and Eternal Lord having him raise 10 people from the dead. Many of the aforementioned books are free on YouTube or other free download systems. When was the last time I saw a book besides these that would take me into the Kingdom of God Almighty on earth identical to heaven? Kenneth Hagin’s books and videos are good.
Many of these books are full of unbelief and are written to make money, or they wouldn’t be going broke, that is the book stores that sell them.
When books are full of “Winds of Doctrine,” and reduce your faith, remember “English Standard Version
Matthew 7:14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

    Barbara
    October 19, 2019

    Only the Holy Spirit and true worship can take you into the Presence of God on Earth, not a book written by man. We must worship Him in spirit and in truth. That is up to US alone, not a book or another human being.

    Mikah
    October 19, 2019

    @Jim Yes, you rightly speak about many “Christian” books so you may find my testimony difficult to believe. I cannot post photos here so I will ask you to email [email protected] so I can share. Every important supernatural event in my life was captured in a photo. Father God has perfect timing! 2006-Jesus reached from the spirit realm and laid hands on me, anointing me into service; Father gave me a new name; and a photo of me holding 4 scrolls. By this time I understood I was going to write 4 God-breathed Books. I am creating the 4th one now. These Books are available, but be prepared to learn the true Kingdom gospel! There has been much deceit over thousands of years to support false doctrines!

    Deb Cuddhy
    October 19, 2019

    Jim,

    Sorrowfully, this situation is even bigger than CBD. It’s about where our country is heading and our culture’s feelings toward Christianity. See the bigger picture, please. And did you write to CBD’s president with your concerns ?

    Heather M Peterson
    October 21, 2019

    When was the last time I saw a book that would take me into the Kingdom of God? Not Kenneth Hagin or any other teachers in the heap, but the Word of God. Lord have mercy on us and save us from the spirit of confusion and offense. Save us from entering into senseless controversies and arguments that only confuse and make others stumble. Let us have confidence in the Holy Spirit to lead us into a full knowledge of the Truth and end our dependence on teachers to tell us what You say. Let us hear Your voice for our own self, proving that we are Your sheep. In Jesus’s Holy Name, Let it be so, Father.

Janice Garey
October 19, 2019

Heavenly Father, thank You for Christianbook dotcom and what it has meant to me personally through the years as I bought books, Bibles, cards, gifts, and shared reviews and read their catalogs and engaged with their online information. They are a trustworthy source not guided by the standards of the world as are others. May they please have an outstanding year of sales with many new buyers. Thank You for letting them be a leader in marketing to homeschoolers who are typically avid readers. I pray Your favor to be upon them. May their expenses decrease while profits increase. If You have ways for them to expand, please let that be known. They are ultimately in Your business of doing one vital part of sharing the gospel to help You save souls. Please keep the business thriving and reaching more for Your kingdom. May Your will be done. I pray in the blessed name of Jesus, Amen

    Dawn J McClain
    October 19, 2019

    Praying in agreement with you, Janice, for Christian Book. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

      Janice Garey
      October 19, 2019

      Thank you, Sister in Christ!♡

      Diana
      October 22, 2019

      I’m also praying in agreement with you Janice. I own a small retail store and when our Christian Bookstore closed I had customers asking if I could carry anointing oil and other items. I now carry Bibles, books, anointing oil and special inspirational gifts. I thank God for Christianbook.com. Their prices make it possible for me to purchase items and still keep the prices low for my customers. I was so blessed when I overheard a customer who had never been in my store say, “Now I know why I was led in here.” She saw one of the books by Neil Anderson. May God continue to bless and expand Christianbook.com! In Jesus’ Precious Name – Amen!

    Debi
    October 19, 2019

    I stand in agreement with you. I pray that God would give Christians a desire to read so they would want to hold a book in their hand. Cover every Christian bookstore with Your blessings and favor. In Jesus name. Amen and Amen

      James Weeks
      October 19, 2019

      Amen Having owned a Christian Book Store from 77 – 92 and managed a Church Bokstore for 14 years, I fully agree with you. The Christian Book industry is in sad shape. Even the association that brought book stores together (CBA) is now gone by the way side. Sure sad to see. In our area, now there is not one single Christian store left. And no one does imprinting. I have a machine and have been doing a good business. Lifeway stopped doing this service in July and they are telling everyone about my service. Been quite busy Praise God. I love books and booksellers. I was a rep for several Christian companies for a long while (travelled 11 states) SAD SAD SAD!!!

    Mikah
    October 19, 2019

    A great pray! I am in agreement.

Lisa Stout
October 19, 2019

I was disappointed when I heard CBD was selling a book that supports the LGTB lifestyle. As a Christian bookstore they should not.

    Karen Crutcher
    October 19, 2019

    What was the name of the book that you refer to?

    Mikah
    October 19, 2019

    Soooo true! Just another deceiving spirit at work in these last hours of the third day.

    LR
    October 21, 2019

    Oh yeah, wouldn’t want to include someone just because they love the same sex! That’s definitely what Jesus would have done! /sarcasm. Be Christ-like, like you’re supposed to, and maybe more people will follow your religion.

Stephanie Moore
October 19, 2019

Dearest Father-God,
You are the eternal rewarder of faithfulness. Father-God we thank You for this wonderful company that has blessed so many people for so long. We ask You for one of those miracles that only You can do. The kind that makes no sense to a watching world. But it is an
incredible witness to those of us who know that You are able to do all things well and that You are the rewarder of those who diligently seek You. God bless Christian Book. And if You have some other road for them to take please show them clearly And provide beyond anything they can think or ask or imagine.
in Jesus’ Name –
for Your glory. Amen!

    Mikah
    October 19, 2019

    Another great prayer over this situation with Christianbook! And I aam in agreement.

Sheryl White
October 19, 2019

Lord, we pray in agreement for Christianbooks to thrive and not close
Have mercy on us, Lord
We pray for revival in our land
Send your Holy Spirit to touch our hearts and restore within our generation a hunger for righteousness
Give us ears to hear and eyes to see
and a desire to hear your voice and be filled anew
King of glory come
Let not famine of your Word come upon us
In Jesus name, Amen

    Mikah
    October 19, 2019

    We are the last generation and we will soon see the Day of Wrath during President Trump’s second term in office.

Sheryl White
October 19, 2019

Lord, we pray in agreement for Christianbooks to thrive and not close
Have mercy on us, Lord
We pray for revival in our land
Send your Holy Spirit to touch our hearts and bring stir within our generation a hunger for righteousness
Give us ears to hear and eyes to see
and a desire to hear your voice and be filled anew
King of glory come
Let not famine of your Word come upon us
In Jesus name, Amen

Victoria Lofgren
October 19, 2019

Agreeing in prayer. Praying also for Mardel Christian & Education stores https://www.mardel.com/ that are up & coming to be Blessed & to flourish in more & more communities. JESUS, Your WORD IS ETERNAL ! It stands FIRM in The Heavens. Your Faithfulness CONTINUES through ALL generations. GLORIFY YOUR NAME in ALL the earth Today & ALWAYS ! Hallelu YAH !

    Susan
    October 19, 2019

    Agreeing in prayer – for the continuation of Family Bookstores and for Mardel Christian & Educations stores – great selection of wide range of christian oriented products and books. Praying for them as well.

      James Weeks
      October 19, 2019

      Family stores closed a couple years ago. Mardel is a great company and I pray they continue to flourish and do well.

Cynthia Scott
October 19, 2019

Father, Your Word is critical to our lives and our life as a nation. Please show favor to Christianbook. You know what they need to prosper and how to move on the hearts of Your people to support them. Proverbs 10:22 says “The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.” Bless this company with success, keep the hearts of their leadership and staff right with You and proliferate Your Word across our nation. In Jesus mighty Name I pray. Amen

Ken Budz
October 19, 2019

Lord thank You for everything. Thank You for prayer. Lord I pray that this book store and its staff are protected by You so some of Your kingdom work can be done through them. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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