“…He (God) sat with me, comforted me, and welcomed me home to His heart because He had loved me all along” (page 41). Do you want to be a praying woman? Most of us do; it is one of the ways to grow closer to the God who loves us. Sheila Walsh shares why so many of us are challenged with praying, covering my fears and hindrances well. She tells us how to grow beyond those challenges and how she has done so. Each chapter begins with a quote about prayer from a classic Christian author and a pertinent scripture verse and ends with “Prayer Reminders” and a prayer.

This beautiful, thoughtful, encouraging book about prayer and praying is written for every woman. It is written with this gifted Bible teacher’s trademark transparency, gentleness, and wit, with principles referenced in scripture. She does not preach; it is more like chatting over coffee with a dear friend to savor this book. Sheila Walsh uses illustrations from her own life, including some humorous and some of the most painful. This honesty is refreshing and as much of a blessing now as when I read some of her earlier books sharing how the Lord has been with her through depression.

Prayer was one of the most important things in Christ’s life on earth as well as since He returned to heaven, which is one thing I had not considered for quite some time. It is also important enough that the Holy Spirit helps us with prayer. For me, that has included a conviction that I need to pray more – but how to pray both more and better?

Subjects I found most critical in this season include persevering in prayer, praying when it is hardest to pray or when it seems God is silent, praying the Word of God (specifically through Psalms, and how Jesus prayed from various Psalms), praying through dressing in our armor daily as well as praying in our armor, and praying through Christ’s victory. Re-learning who I am in Christ, and finding my confidence in Him, not myself. How “Praying women pray through their heartache until it becomes their authority.” That I am changed, whether or not my circumstances are. Even though the Lord knows my needs, He, like Aslan in The Magician’s Nephew, likes to be asked. Ultimately, just how much God loves me and has compassion for me.

Praying Women can be read by new and seasoned Christian women. Every concept regarding prayer is backed up by scripture, and stories from both the Old and New Testaments are included. The scriptures, of course, are most important. The experiences of the author are secondary, yet important to a woman’s heart as we see that we are not alone in how we feel. The author’s love for the Lord is evident on every page, as is her love for Christians. This is the kind of book one gets a copy of for themselves – to read, savor, learn from, and re-read – as well as purchase as gifts for other women in our lives. Even if you glean only one nugget of truth today, you might find one another time. I highly recommend it! God wants to hear from you!

From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

Sheila has a way of pointing us not to her but our God through her beautiful books. I felt so encouraged and enthused to deepen my prayer life with our Lord and to keep persisting in the prayers that have not been answered.

She gives the reader tools to pray but doesn't' leave you there. Sheila reminds us throughout her book, God desires a relationship with us, and prayer is the way. We solely need to start where we are.

She had me laughing aloud, with her stories, especially the one where she knocked out her tooth and had to speak.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to deepen their prayer life.

An answer when you don't know what to say in your prayer
Best-selling author Sheila Walsh wants to give an answer to the question: "Do you ever find it hard to pray and don't know what to say?" in her newest book "Praying Women. How to Pray When You Don't Know What to Say", published by Baker Books. She divided the book into ten chapters: 1) Pray When You Don't Know What to Say, 2) Pray Because God is Waiting for You, 3) Pray ... and Don't Give Up, 4) Pray Hardest When It's Hardest to Pray, 5) Pray Through Your Pain, 6) Pray When God Seems silent, 7) Pray with the Power of the Word of God, 8) Pray with Your Armor On, 9) Pray When You Need a Breakthrough, and 10) Pray from a Place of Victory. Walsh also states that "We have made prayer far too complicated. Prayer is simply talking with and listening to the One who is crazy in love with you (p.19)." This statement alone should challenge readers to take this book into their hands, read it, and apply it to their lives.
Walsh is raw and honest in her treatment of the topic of prayer. She includes personal experiences with prayer, is open about her struggles. In her writing she addresses herself directly to the readers.
Every chapter starts with a quote and a Bible verse that is related to the specific topic treated in this chapter. Walsh closes every chapter with prayer reminders and "A Prayer when ... (e.g., "you're not giving up", "it's hard to pray", "you're in pain"). In reality "Praying "Women" is a book for everyone who struggles with prayer and not only for women and as such also a valuable present for all who struggle with prayer. The book includes also notes that help to verify statements and can be used for further study. I highly recommend it as a valuable tool for prayer.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#PrayingWomen #NetGalley

I love this book! Praying Women - it's in the title! Sheila Walsh tells of her experiences which brought her to pray and gives guidance and encouragement on prayer. It feels as if she is really speaking from the heart, so honest and open. She asks some questions within the text that get you thinking. There are Prayer Reminders at the end of each chapter as well as a suggested prayer to help you regarding the contents of the chapter. I love these! I am a list person, so the Prayer Reminders are something that will really stick with me. One point that really spoke to me was the section on praying when you don't know what to say. How many times have I been there?! I strongly encourage you to read this book, especially if your prayer life could use a little boost!

I'm only about halfway through "Praying Women" because I keep re-reading sections. The content is so good! I have struggled for many years with the concept and execution of praying. There have been many amazing people in my life who are excellent orators and their prayers are simply beautiful. I felt that if my prayers couldn't match that level, they weren't worth praying. Sheila points out often through the book (or at least the half I have read numerous times!) that it's not so much the words we use but the heart we have when we come before the Lord. I am so glad that I had the chance to be part of the launch team and read this book early. It will definitely be one that I keep and read numerous times as well as share with anyone who will listen. Hopefully, I can start a Bible study with this book for our women's ministry at church. It will be an amazing resource!

I found Praying Women to be a powerful resource by Sheila Walsh that will help women (and men) to renew and/or reinforce their prayer life. There are many unique ways to pray that are discussed in this novel. Every chapter discussed a different type of prayer. At the end of each chapter there are summary points and a specific prayer that can be used for different circumstances in one’s life. I plan on reviewing this novel on a regular basis by using these summary points . I would like to thank netgalley and Sheila Walsh for allowing me to receive this novel for free in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I love everything by this author. She has a way of putting things and being real and honest that lets you know you are not alone. Her heart for the Lord always comes out in her writing. Such a great resource and I would recommend it to anyone seeking answers.
Thanks for the advanced copy by netgalley and the publisher. This is my honest opinion.

Sheila Walsh's books are ALWAYS well worth reading. I feel honored to be a member of her Book Launch team for her newest book, PRAYING WOMEN. As Christians, we often get so caught up in praying for others' needs or just during church in response to prayer needs, that many of us tend to forget that we can and should go to God in prayer for everything at all times. We are meant to "pray without ceasing." And when we don't know what to say, just say "Jesus"! Not only does Sheila remind us of that important truth, but it's an amazing song, too! I am excited for others to be able to read Sheila's new, amazing book on prayer...and to be able to complete it as a Bible Study with my Sunday School ladies!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84LSLk3hfD4

*I received an Advanced Review Copy of PRAYING WOMEN by Sheila Walsh.

Praying Women tackles hard questions on prayer while providing ideas to grow your prayer journey. I found myself looking at prayer with deeper meaning and understanding of it's importance in spiritual warfare. As I read, the reality of the power of prayer and my faith grew. I intend to incorporate praying scripture into my prayer life going forward. I felt encouraged by Sheila's honesty in sharing her personal journey relating to prayer. I appriciate the majesty, sovereignty, and reverence of God pointed to the specialness we have to speak with God through prayer. If you are looking to grow in your relationship with Jesus, I recommend reading Praying Women

"Praying Women " by Sheila Walsh is a motivating, resourceful book for the Christian Woman. Sheila is a well known singer and Christian woman. She shares her struggles with connecting with God first. After she is very open she shares how she handled her struggles in prayer.. She is so real and honest. I think this book is so important for any Christian woman. So often as Christians we get stuck in our own inadequate feelings about prayer and have difficulty moving forward. God wants to use us as we are in our weaknesses. We are a needed vessel in this broken world. Prayer is a powerful weapon and needs to be used for God''s glory. Sheila is speaks to women at churches. She shares how God has transformed her through prayer. Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

I still remember Shelia Walsh concerts as a teen. But as an adult, I have come to love and appreciate her writing and Bible teaching. It's hard to find authors who value the Word of God and who center their writing around the teaching of the Bible, and who teach the Word effectively, integrating it into the principles or strategies the author has learned, with real life stories, humor, and personal application.

Shelia Walsh also wins for being super practical and real.

From thinking about the book formatting. She has headings throughout each chapter, the chapter has a title, and she shares summaries related to that title at the end of the chapter, reviewing the main points.

Not only does this make the book a much more readable book- she gets women- she knows our emotions, our self doubt, our lament, our joy, our struggles, and our resilience and she reminds us that these good, bad, and ugly are all part of our identity in Christ- and makes the point that when we know who God is-- and remember and believe it- we learn to live differently because the God of the Universe- the Ultimate Authority- loves me- and gave His all when Jesus died for me- so if that's who I live and move and breathe in- than I can trust Him in everything.

I love her humor about her own life and experiences-- she tells truly funny stories of awkardness in life- and makes the reader know you are normal. She speaks of her life, other women that she has invested in, and those she meets when she travels, and hears their aha's or questions, in a way that makes you know you are normal.

The book is founded out of three years of her own personal study of prayer and is not as much a how to pray, but as a mindset for prayer based on the examples from the Word and the historical events and people we can learn from, as well as modern day women's experiences.

Thankful to get a pre-release copy of the book after ordering it myself. It's worth your time.

Don't know how to pray? Don't know what to pray? Don't know if God is even listening? I've had these questions. So has Sheila Walsh. She has written this book in an easy to read, conversational, and to the point format. Sheila uses examples from her own life that are relatable. I appreciate her vulnerability and insight. The book gives prayer reminders and a prayer after each chapter. Great way to remember and apply key points. Thank you Sheila for another powerful book.

"Praying Women", is a book that speaks to all of us who are trying to cope with all that life throws at us on a daily basis through a different way to pray. Sheila shows us how we can use verses in scripture (Psalms) by personalizing them in our prayers. Sounds complicated,? Sheila clearly explains and uses the Lords Prayer as an example. This book is so well written and packed with encouragement. Sheila reminds us how much GOD loves us and who we really are " Daughters of the KING". One of my favorite quotes from Sheila is,"Prayer is simply talking with and listening to the ONE who is crazy in love with you." A book truly lead by the Holy Spirit. We can all benefit and draw nearer to GOD as Sheila teaches , encourages and reminds us that we are never alone. GOD is always near. Beautifully written. I had a hard time putting it down. Thank you Sheila Walsh.

I truly enjoyed this book from Sheila Walsh, author, TV host and all-around encourager. "Praying Women" is a book that would be good for any age--she also writes in a way that is inclusive and inviting.

If you've ever felt like it was too hard to pray or if you're not sure what to pray or even how to pray, this book is for you. Walsh explores many of the hindrances that hold women back from truly seeking God in a personal, relational way. Within the chapters of the book, Walsh shares her personal stories and those of friends who have faced seasons where God seemed quiet and their prayers were bouncing off the ceiling.

Walsh doesn't mince words or lessen the impact of those struggles, but she does remind the reader that God is always there to listen, if we take the time to speak to Him. She offers questions at the end of each chapter for reflection/discussion and highlights important constructs from that particular portion. She also offers a way to pray through the Psalms that is helpful and easy to implement.

"Praying Women" is a book that can be broken into smaller portions, as each chapter has a different theme. It would be awesome for a small group setting or for personal study. I think it could fit in a setting for all ages of ladies and open the door for further in depth conversations.

I was an early reader, thanks to Baker Publishing Group. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a review.