In When We Talk to God, Sharifa Stevens offers a beautifully raw and intimate collection of prayers and poems that speak directly to the hearts of Black women. With every page, Stevens creates a sacred space for reflection, joy, pain, and faith. Her words capture the complexity of the Black woman’s experience, blending spiritual depth with personal truth. This collection isn’t just poetry — it’s a powerful companion that invites readers to embrace their full selves in conversation with the divine. It’s a heartfelt, empowering, and deeply moving work.

When We Talk to God: Prayers and Poems for Black Women by Sharifa Stevens is a beautifully written book. It blends heartfelt prayers, poems, and striking artwork in a personal and spiritual way. Sharifa’s words speak directly to the experiences of Black women, covering everything from job interviews to grief, parenting to self-worth. The honesty and emotion in each piece make it easy to connect with, whether you’re celebrating or struggling.

This book doesn’t shy away from complex topics—it invites you to bring your whole, unfiltered self to God. That kind of openness is refreshing. It’s not just inspirational; it’s profoundly validating.

I didn’t give it five stars because I wanted just a bit more structure or guidance in a few places. Some parts feel more like a journal or stream of thought than something to revisit for reflection or prayer.

Still, this book is a meaningful and thoughtful gift, especially for Black women of faith. It’s comforting, uplifting, and a reminder that God hears and loves you, just as you are.

I thoroughly enjoyed the poems and prayers. While some of them I could not relate to, that was made up with the rest that I could. I will definitely be coming back to this book in the future and will be sharing with my friends and family!



Thank you to the publishers for the opportunity of reading this book as an E-arc <3

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me this arc in exchange for an honest review!

I LOVED THIS!!!!

It's not often that you find a book rooted in spirituality and womanhood that doesn't feel like a certain belief is being shoved down your throat. This book was beautifully written and made me self-reflect and wonder how I could grow in my faith and journey in life. Highly recommend this for all women especially during these trying times when hope seems to be dwindling.

As a Black Christian woman I think I expected a bit more from this. There were some parts in the beginning that had me questions where the Bible actually said these things or if it was the authors interpretation of what the Bible actually said so it fit the narrative of what she was trying to depict.

Some of the narrative was quite spicy toward things that may have happened at work ie not being treated right in meetings or having to advocate for ourselves more in the healthcare system and whilst I have had my fair share of experiences, I think reading this (if I wasn’t healed) would really cause much anger within me and that could be quite dangerous if not channelled properly.

That being said, it was a DNF for me. We as Christians need to be so careful about the things we consume and where they get their sources from.