Edward McKendree Bounds, better known as E. M. Bounds, was an American Methodist minister, pastor, chaplain, and author whose writings on prayer became enduring classics of Christian devotional literature. Born in Missouri in 1835, Bounds served as a lawyer before entering the Methodist ministry, and later worked as a pastor, editor, and preacher. His life and writing were marked by a deep conviction that prayer is central to Christian faith, spiritual authority, pastoral work, and the renewal of the church.Bounds is best known for a series of influential books on prayer, including Power Through Prayer, Purpose in Prayer, The Necessity of Prayer, The Possibilities of Prayer, The Reality of Prayer, The Weapon of Prayer, and Prayer and Praying Men. His work emphasizes disciplined devotion, dependence upon God, holiness, humility, intercession, and the spiritual responsibilities of Christian leadership. More than a century after his death, Bounds remains widely read by pastors, teachers, students of Christian spirituality, and readers seeking classic works on prayer, Christian living, spiritual growth, and devotional discipline.