January 7, 2008
How Strong Women Pray
With each new beginning, be it the new school year when I have another chance to create a system that works for me, or the flip of the calendar, my spiritual life is always a key area of scrutiny. How can I improve? How can I get closer to God? How will I be able to do that?
In How Strong Women Pray Bonnie St. John (former paraolympic medalist, White House staffer, and Rhodes Scholar) tackles the issue of prayer–one area in which I always feel that I am lacking. She clearly explains why we often stumble through our prayer lives (p. xiii):
Conversations about prayer are rare. People can go to church together every day and never talk about how they pray. Husbands and wives can pray separately for a lifetime and never share the experience. Even in a prayer group, most people talk about what they are praying about, not how they actually pray.
In the pages of this book St. John shares her own story–personal and professional successes and failures, the hurt of abuse, and her spiritual journey. She also lets 25 women share how prayer has impacted their lives, but more than that, they simplify and demystify the experience by sharing how they pray. I enjoyed reading her story and the profiles of the other strong women who acknowledge the importance of prayer. I found this book practically helpful in the area of prayer, encouraging, funny, touching and inspiring. Here are some examples from a few of the women profiled:
“I always feel that I should have a regular prayer routine, but I don’t. I usually talk to God about three times a day.” Heather Whitestone McCallum, former Miss America
Olympic medalist Vonetta Flowers: Today my husband and I get up before the kids and pray before the day gets started. I go downstairs in the basement and sit on a
comfortable couch with my eyes open.
Amy Domini, CEO of a company which uses investments to build a better world says, “I always pray last thing before I go to sleep. Sometimes I get on my knees. Mostly, I don’t.”
Marilyn McCoo, speaking of her marriage, shares “The Lord gave me the patience. Before I was praying, I tried to handle it all through arguing. Prayer worked much better than arguing. It helped me tremendously. I learned not to take matters in my own hands.”
There are discussion questions included, which would make this book perfect for a book club or small group Bible study.
If you’d like to win a copy, please leave a comment on this post, and check out the New Habits in the New Year guidelines at this main post.
Come back on January 9 to see if you have won. Please be sure that the email address that you enter with is one that you check regularly, and also check your spam folder when the winners are announced if you see your name.
Thank you for all your great comments on your favorite reads of 2007. I really enjoyed reading them. The winner of one (or more) surprise books from my stash is Melissa Markham. You should have an email from me requesting your address.
Filed under * Feature Columns, 5 Minutes for Books, Books, Christianity, Contests by Jennifer
358 Comments on How Strong Women Pray »
#1 - Tara Robertson @ 12:14 am
I’d love to win!
#2 - Katherine @ 12:25 am
Please add my name to the drawing!
:)Kat
#3 - Caryn Bailey @ 12:37 am
Count me in please!!
#4 - Wendy @ 12:52 am
Prayer is an area I definitely want to focus on and improve this year. I’ve read several books on it, but this one sounds like it has the perspective I can relate to and benefit from. Thanks!
#5 - Monkey Giggles @ 12:55 am
count me in please
#6 - Krista @ 1:01 am
This would be nice. I’d like to do the study on it with some of my friends.
#7 - Cindi Hoppes @ 1:25 am
Sounds like a powerful book. My prayer-life need this book! I know I am lacking in powerful prayer! The fact that it has a study guide/question is super. Please put me in the drawing for you book giveaway.
Thanks so much, Cindi
#8 - Miscellany Mom @ 1:27 am
could always use more help with prayer!
#9 - Diana @ 1:36 am
Please enter me. Thanks!
#10 - Stacey @ Happy Are We @ 1:48 am
I love the title of the book! Our family has discovered that no day is complete if it doesn’t begin and end in prayer. We have also discovered how fun it is to listen to each other pray - we all have a different approach, and you can always hear our personal concerns come out when we have family prayer. As a final note…you find it a lot harder to stay grumpy with someone you’ve just knelt in prayer with! (a big plus when you have so many siblings!)
#11 - America @ 2:13 am
Oh yep, we are starting a new group and would love to share this.
#12 - Cara Mirabella @ 3:16 am
this sounds like a fabulous book that I’d love to read!
#13 - ELLIE @ 3:40 am
this book sounds fabulous…….would love to win it!!! Count me in!!!
#14 - HOW STRONG WOMEN PRAY - GIVE AWAY « A MOTHER & DAUGHTER PROSPECTIVE @ 3:49 am
[…] 7, 2008 · No Comments 5 Minutes For Mom is offering this great book called “How Strong Women Pray”. In the pages of this book […]
#15 - Lesha @ 4:04 am
Very nice!
#16 - David Bertolo @ 4:29 am
Do strong women prey on weak men?
#17 - Beth Kuligowski @ 4:33 am
I’d like to read this. Thanks for the chance to win!
#18 - Jack Palmer @ 4:38 am
Thank you for the opportunity to win this exciting prize!
#19 - Joanne Danzer @ 4:47 am
Would love to win!
#20 - Molly Capel @ 4:52 am
Prayer is something I need to incorporate in my life. I would really use this prize.
#21 - Jana Kappel @ 4:59 am
thanks!
#22 - Joyce Collins @ 5:42 am
Please enter me. Would love to win this.
#23 - Emmaline Kuebler @ 6:43 am
Please enter me.
#24 - donna pavcik @ 6:47 am
a great win
#25 - Jodi @ 7:10 am
Count me in please!
#26 - Tonya Keener @ 7:29 am
I really need help and direction in the area of prayer
#27 - Elizabeth @ 7:32 am
Another great book introduction, thanks.
#28 - Michelle S. @ 7:36 am
My spitual and prayer life has been much in my thoughts lately because I hear so many people talk about their wonderful relationship with God, and while I do pray, I don’t feel I have that, so I would love to read these stories of how women developed their prayer lives. I need ispiration.
#29 - kellie sutton @ 7:36 am
It is so easy to begin each new day with the intention to stop, get quiet and listen for Him to speak, but so often for me, I get whisked away by the hustle and bustle of my 4 children, each going in a different direction. I believe this book would be a huge asset to my mornings in helping me re-construct and make a priority, beginning and ending each day in communion with my Creator.
Thank you for the opportunity to win!
#30 - Megan @ 7:49 am
I’d love to read this book, thanks for offering it!
#31 - Linda Carello @ 7:59 am
I’d love to win this book!
#32 - Evelyn Murray @ 8:16 am
I love to read. Thanks
#33 - Katrina (Callapidder Days) @ 8:31 am
Please enter me — this looks great. Prayer is an area where I am always looking for more encouragement, insight, practical advice.
#34 - Lorraine @ 8:38 am
perfect for someone I know
#35 - Adventures In Babywearing @ 8:43 am
This sounds like something I could really benefit from- and definitely timely in my life right now!
Steph
#36 - Carey @ 8:48 am
Please add me to the drawing, thanks.
#37 - margaret herrin @ 8:48 am
Nice.
#38 - Jenn Johnson @ 8:55 am
I would love to read this! please enter me!
#39 - Christy @ 9:02 am
I so need this!
#40 - Dori @ 9:06 am
I would love to win this book! Blessings in this new year!
Dori
#41 - Bailey's Leaf @ 9:07 am
What a wonderful book!
#42 - Mama Zen @ 9:10 am
This sounds wonderful!
#43 - Kari @ 9:10 am
Sounds like a great book!
#44 - Melissa Markham @ 9:13 am
I could benefit from this book.
#45 - Mya Brooks @ 9:15 am
With so many struggles I’ve had over the years, I would love to learn how to pray more. Thanks for a great giveaway.
#46 - Jessica @ 9:15 am
Count me in! I’d love to win!
#47 - Donna @ 9:16 am
I could use this book.
#48 - Dottie L Hubbard @ 9:18 am
This is an area I really need help with.
#49 - Susan @ 9:19 am
This sounds like a great book! I love to hear about others’ experiences, and could certainly use some practical advice. Please enter me!
#50 - Rebecca Snodgrass @ 9:23 am
i need this
#51 - randi oaklief @ 9:29 am
I would love to win this book.
#52 - Michelle Rosborough @ 9:34 am
great book
#53 - Shannon Baas @ 9:37 am
I would love this.
#54 - Kim @ 9:38 am
Enter me please..
#55 - Capturing Today @ 9:39 am
I’d love to read this book!
#56 - Jenn @ 9:40 am
this sounds like a great book!
#57 - Gretchen @ 9:41 am
sounds great!!
#58 - Karen Gonyea @ 9:44 am
Enter Me Please !!
#59 - Dominique Withrow @ 9:46 am
I’m intrigued.
#60 - Kim @ 9:53 am
I would love this.
#61 - Bess @ 10:00 am
Please count me in! Thank you!
#62 - sara @ 10:02 am
One of my resolutions this year is to nuture my relationship with God so I would LOVE to have this awesome spiritual tool to help me on my way! Thanks for the chance to win this!
#63 - Denise @ 10:03 am
I would love this.
#64 - Carrie @ 10:03 am
Please sign me up. I think I could really use this.
#65 - Annette @ 10:12 am
Enter me, please.
#66 - Pat @ 10:16 am
Would love to read this book.
#67 - jeff @ 10:18 am
thanx
#68 - Angela C @ 10:29 am
This would be awesome. Pick me!!
#69 - Vicki Wurgler @ 10:31 am
put me in the drawing for your book - thanks
#70 - Angel @ 10:34 am
pick me
#71 - Ana Meza @ 10:36 am
i would love this
#72 - Maja @ 10:36 am
count me in
#73 - Carolyn @ 10:37 am
I would love to win this for my mom who is having a tough time but keeps going each day with her faith.
Thanks and Happy 2008!!
#74 - Sarah at In the Trenches of Mommyhood @ 10:46 am
Count me in!
#75 - Jenn S @ 11:13 am
Enter me please! Sounds like a great book.
#76 - Peggy Doty @ 11:19 am
Enter me.
#77 - Dodo O @ 11:25 am
Sweet deal.
#78 - Angela @ 11:29 am
I would love to win a copy!
I blogged you too
http://www.prizeatron.com
#79 - Heather (Heather's reality show) @ 11:33 am
Count me in!
#80 - Diane @ 11:34 am
enter me please!
#81 - Karla Meachem @ 11:42 am
An AMAZING giveaway - thanks for the entry!
Be blessed!
#82 - Anne @ 11:49 am
Prayer has litterally changed my life! I would cherish this!
#83 - kymomma73 @ 11:49 am
This sounds nice!
#84 - linda @ 11:49 am
I’d love to win this one.
#85 - Barb Szyszkiewicz, sfo @ 11:51 am
Sounds like a fascinating book. I’d love to read it.
#86 - Corrina Hotra @ 11:52 am
Please add my name to the drawing. This book sounds great!
#87 - Sisterlisa @ 12:03 pm
I would LOVE to read this. lisa422 at gmail.com
#88 - Deb Piper @ 12:13 pm
Prayer is a daily part of my life. It’s awesome to see God move as a result of prayer. I’m a firm believer in prayer.
#89 - Bobbye F @ 12:28 pm
Please enter me!
#90 - Jennifer Turenr @ 12:31 pm
Please enter me, it sounds like a great book
#91 - Leann @ 12:33 pm
Would LOVE to win this one… please add my name. Thank you!!!
#92 - Joseph @ 12:34 pm
I’d love to win.
#93 - SJ @ 12:37 pm
This would be a great read…count me in!
#94 - jessie @ 12:39 pm
great giveaway- please enter me.
#95 - Courtney @ 12:50 pm
Please enter me.
#96 - Tanya Moyer @ 12:54 pm
This sounds like a neat book! Enter me in please, thanks!
#97 - Susan Caldwell @ 1:00 pm
Winning this book would
be an answered prayer! :o)
#98 - Tina @ 1:01 pm
This sounds like a great book. I don’t know where I would be without prayer, but it wouldn’t be pretty.
#99 - Jessica Anderson @ 1:01 pm
I re-learned prayer when I was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. While I have made the leap to faith - I still need a lot of fine tuning.
#100 - jeanne pellin @ 1:02 pm
Prayer is a part of my life but I would like to find a way to incorporate it more into my overall lifestyle. This book sounds like it could do that for the lucky winner
#101 - Katherine Frazier @ 1:03 pm
enter me
#102 - John MacDonald @ 1:11 pm
count me in too!
#103 - Tiffany Lane @ 1:19 pm
would love this.
#104 - Mikki @ 1:21 pm
Wow! Another good one. Throw my name into the hat.
#105 - Betty Barrett @ 1:28 pm
I pray each day…usually by the time my feet touch the floor I have ask for protection over our family and friends all over the globe and from there the conversation continues throughout the day. I would love to pray more mindfully, more earnestly…to slow down and really focus on the power I am addressing.
#106 - Linda White @ 1:34 pm
who couldnt use a better prayer life?
#107 - Chrissy @ 2:17 pm
Me too please!
#108 - Valerie Furr @ 2:19 pm
This would be a great book to have and read.
#109 - NerdMom @ 2:21 pm
Prayer seems to be the weakest point for me. I just get so busy that it is easy to ignore. So I would love this book!
#110 - oh amanda @ 2:34 pm
Great!
#111 - stephanie @ 2:38 pm
Enter me please!
#112 - charline s @ 2:38 pm
I could use this book. Everyone should pray
#113 - dawn @ 2:54 pm
Would really enjoy reading this
#114 - Jessie @ 2:55 pm
Add me, please.
#115 - Tiff @ Three Peas in a Pod @ 2:57 pm
Count me in!!!
#116 - Jane @ 3:01 pm
I’d love to win this book.
#117 - Kayce C. @ 3:03 pm
Include me, please
#118 - Jane Squires @ 3:16 pm
I would like to win this book. I know since I’ve had surgery and met so many nice authors who have prayed with me and encouraged me when no one at my church even asks how I am doing, it has been such a blessing. I am even a leader in the church.
Yet it has been authors who have been there while I have been shut in to encourage and uplift me and pray with me. God Bless them all.
#119 - Racheal @ 3:18 pm
wanna winnnnnn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#120 - Debbie Criss @ 3:26 pm
Praying is good.
#121 - Linda Lansford @ 3:37 pm
lol to all
#122 - Virginia Michalak @ 3:37 pm
I just got baptized 2 months ago. I would love to win this book. I need all of the help I can get.
#123 - kathy @ 3:58 pm
Prayer is so imporant! Thank you for this great contest….
#124 - john iavarone @ 4:03 pm
pick us ~ would love this.
#125 - jenny hebert @ 4:09 pm
Sign me up Great way to start 2008
#126 - Beth @ 4:09 pm
Boy do I need help there!
#127 - valerie mabrey @ 4:09 pm
add me please
#128 - Sara @ 4:12 pm
Just today in the car I was thinking how I need to be praying more and how that will look in my life. This would be a great booster book.
#129 - jennifer allen @ 4:13 pm
Count me in!!!
#130 - Amy @ 4:28 pm
I would love to have this book! I have rededicated my prayer life in ‘08.
#131 - SUSAN VARNEY @ 4:29 pm
would be wonderful to win
#132 - Anita Yancey @ 4:31 pm
Sounds like a good book. Please enter me.
#133 - Qtpies7 @ 4:33 pm
That would be a wonderful and timely book for my life right now! I am desiring to resurrect my prayer life.
#134 - Adrienne Gordon @ 4:36 pm
Please add me.
#135 - Lisa - The Scrap Princess @ 4:43 pm
Awesome book - I have added this to my books to read in 2008!
#136 - Tia @ 4:51 pm
This book is a must read; we all could use prayer in our lives.
#137 - jenna @ 5:09 pm
I’d love to win this. You always have great books to give away.
#138 - Edward Durbin @ 5:10 pm
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE
#139 - Erica C. @ 5:11 pm
my grandmother would love this
#140 - Sarah @ 5:38 pm
Count me in!!!
#141 - Susan @ 5:39 pm
beautiful gift
#142 - mama4jc @ 5:46 pm
What a thought-provoking giveaway! Hubby and I have been talking about something similar recently.
#143 - Michelle S @ 5:53 pm
I would love to win this book! One of my New Year’s resolutions is to deepen my spiritual walk with the Lord by quiet time, prayer & Scripture Memorization, this would really be helpful! Thanks.
#144 - Melody from ~ Pennies In My Pocket ~ @ 6:03 pm
I would love to win this. Great giveaway!
#145 - jesy @ 6:06 pm
We ALL could use the prayers
#146 - taryn @ 6:09 pm
I’d love this book!
#147 - Sarah @ 6:09 pm
Strong women pray for things besides husbands.
#148 - Cindi Aylor @ 6:10 pm
My prayer life needs a boost. Count me in.
#149 - Amber @ 6:16 pm
Awesome!!! Just what I need right now - I know for sure I am feeling God’s pull to deepen my spiritual life. Thanks for the wonderful recommendation!
#150 - Kreda Thomas @ 6:19 pm
I would love to win this. I have been going through a lot and my faith has been tested. This would be excellent!!
#151 - JONI CHADWELL @ 6:24 pm
this would be great
#152 - Erin @ 6:26 pm
With 2 little ones around I can use all the advice I can get.
#153 - Shannon H @ 6:38 pm
That’s so cool, I randomly gave this book to my sis for Xmas. I’d love a copy!
#154 - Kim Statzer @ 6:56 pm
This is my number one goal for the new year. I’d love to read this book.
#155 - Linda Moeller @ 7:00 pm
I’d love it!
#156 - Kathy Scott @ 7:02 pm
Please and thank you.
#157 - risanjax @ 7:07 pm
Count me in too!
#158 - Pamela White @ 7:13 pm
This would be great for my group
#159 - DianeL @ 7:14 pm
Would luv to have this book.
#160 - Linda Howard @ 7:16 pm
I would love to read this book.
#161 - Karen Ruth @ 7:22 pm
Prayer starts and ends each day for me and thus, I would love to have this book.
#162 - Rachel @ 7:26 pm
Add me! I would love to have this on my “spiritual retreat” to cancun at the end of the month.
#163 - Christine @ 7:26 pm
Love to read it…maybe it will help me want to live again
#164 - Kathy Bruins @ 7:30 pm
I would love to read this book. I lead a prayer ministry, so I would be very interested.
#165 - Kathy Bruins @ 7:30 pm
I would love to read it.
#166 - Jessi N @ 7:32 pm
I would love to read about this. It just might help me a little too.
#167 - Tanya @ 7:48 pm
I could use this book.
#168 - Bree @ 7:50 pm
This would be a great read!
#169 - Samantha Pruitt @ 7:50 pm
sounds like a good read
#170 - Pam Hricenak @ 7:51 pm
I am very interested in this book. Would love to win it.
#171 - Sylvia Porter @ 7:52 pm
i’d love to win this!
#172 - Candie @ 7:56 pm
I need this because often I do not think of myself as a strong woman.
#173 - Christi @ 8:11 pm
my spiritual life is an area that I am really trying to improve this year! This book would fit right in!!
#174 - pawn @ 8:13 pm
I can use all the help I can get!
#175 - Nikki @ 8:20 pm
I gotta read this book!
#176 - Catherine copeland @ 8:24 pm
I have already commited to engaging in bible study and I think this book about prayer woud help me in my spiritual quest
#177 - Peggy Miller @ 9:02 pm
Pray, Pray, Pray
#178 - Sheila at Dodging Raindrops @ 9:02 pm
Sounds like a book I need!
#179 - christopher h @ 9:29 pm
count me in
#180 - Jenny M @ 9:40 pm
We’d love to win- Im in a bible study and wer’e looking for books on prayer.
#181 - Beth@sportsmomma @ 9:42 pm
this looks like such a good book-and exactly what I need!!
#182 - Jenifer @ 9:44 pm
Looks like a great life changing book. Please add me to the drawing
#183 - Patricia S @ 10:02 pm
What a wonderful giveaway,
#184 - Shaun Wallner @ 10:05 pm
Id love to win this!
#185 - Erica G @ 10:05 pm
great book
#186 - Melinda Toungette @ 10:10 pm
I would love to give this to my future daughter-in-law. I know have difficult keeping a marriage together these days are, so I would like her to know that she can do all things through prayer.
#187 - Patricia Robertson @ 10:12 pm
I would love to win this book I am just now starting to have a strong relationship with God and I think this book would help me.
#188 - Tiffany G @ 10:25 pm
Im praying that I will win:)
#189 - Shay @ 10:36 pm
Please enter me Thanks!
#190 - Shay @ 10:45 pm
This is just what I need to start the year off on the right foot. Thanks!
#191 - Patty P. @ 10:48 pm
Sounds like a book that would be helpful to me.
#192 - susan abee @ 10:49 pm
MY MOM WAS A PRAYER WARRIOR!!!!
#193 - tracy holcomb @ 10:55 pm
i would love to win
#194 - Melanie @ 11:01 pm
I could use this.
#195 - Jill @ 11:03 pm
I would love this.
#196 - Brooke Allen @ 11:04 pm
Can never pray too much.
#197 - Shannon B. @ 11:06 pm
Sounds like a book I would enjoy and learn something from.
#198 - Carissa Davis @ 11:20 pm
Sounds great!
#199 - Michelle H. @ 11:26 pm
This is a book I think that I would really enjoy reading.
#200 - Jamie @ 11:46 pm
What a super way to start the New Year!
#201 - Christina W @ 12:07 am
Hmmm - would love to check out this book - I like the way you put it - that “we often stumble through our prayer lives”. It would be wonderful to grow more graceful in prayer.
#202 - Jim Cincinello @ 12:08 am
Thank you for the chance to win.
#203 - Veronica Jarvis @ 12:14 am
I would love to win this for my mom….please pick me!
#204 - Diana @ 12:27 am
Prayer is an element of my spiritual life that I’m sure I could improve. I’d love to win this book. Thanks!
#205 - Michelle Simons @ 12:30 am
I am a strong woman, I am a Strong woman…….. I think.
#206 - Laura @ Laura Williams' Musings @ 12:56 am
blogged ya:
http://laurawilliamsmusings.blogspot.com/2008/01/monday-edition-of-contests-galore.html
#207 - bella @ 1:03 am
We all need alittle help once in awhile……..especially praying
#208 - Bea Karnes @ 1:12 am
This sounds wonderful. I’d be thrilled to win this book.
#209 - Valerie Mitchell @ 1:16 am
fabulous!
#210 - Sylvia @ 1:23 am
I want to enter this contest.
#211 - Rosanne Morrison @ 1:49 am
People dsay I’m strong and I pray constantly so I’d like to read this
#212 - Terri @ 2:07 am
this is a great giveaway, thanks
#213 - Margery Yeager @ 2:08 am
Please pick me!
#214 - T.H. @ 2:26 am
Good Read!
#215 - heather h @ 3:00 am
Oh, I’d love to read this book. Please count me in!
#216 - Jackie O @ 3:28 am
I would love to win this book, blessings!
#217 - Pamela Callahan @ 4:59 am
I would love to win!
#218 - Lindsey @ 5:45 am
Sounds like a good book!
#219 - jeff @ 7:40 am
for my wife
#220 - david basile @ 8:30 am
nice
#221 - Sharon Seneker @ 8:52 am
Hi! What a great offer for an inspirational start to 2008! Thanks!
#222 - terrrisa karaus