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Praying for Strangers: An Adventure of the Human Spirit
What if there was something readers could do that could positively influence others and change their lives in the process? As 2009 approached, New Year's resolutions were the last thing on River Jordan's mind. Her sons were both about to go off to war and all she could do was pray for their safety and hope to maintain her strength, until she unexpectedly came upon the perfect New Year's resolution-one that focused on others instead of herself. She would pray for a complete stranger every single day for a year. In Praying for Strangers , River Jordan tells of her amazing personal journey of uncovering the needs of the human heart as she prayed her way through the year for people she had never met before. The discovery that Jordan made along the journey was not simply that her prayers touched the lives of these strangers, but that the unexpected connections she made with other people would be a profound experience that would change her life forever. Watch a Video
336 pages, Hardcover
First published April 5, 2011
61 people are currently reading
684 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
August 28, 2011
I considered titling this review "Everything I Thought I Knew About River's New Book When I Didn't Know Squat", but I decided that a) it was a bit long and b) I shouldn't use squat in the title if I want y'all to take me seriously. And I do.
So, let's go with the facts. I knew I would enjoy this book. I just didn't know how much. In the interest of full disclosure, River is a very good friend. Thanks to a 21 event/14 day book tour we did together in the Spring of '10, we know more about each other than either of us would care to share.
In other words, I know the author. I thought I knew the book. I mean, I've been there on River's journey, so to speak. I knew it was in the works before a word was put on paper. I watched it in progress, or at least I saw what could be seen. I've seen River stop, do an about face and dissapear to hunt down someone she simply must talk to/connect with, when we were already a day late and a dollar short (literally) for the next book event. So, forgive me for assuming I knew what was unfolding around me. Little did I know how multi-layered the story being written in River's heart and the hearts of those crossing her path on this wild adventure of the human spirit. But let's back up, and start at the beginning...
As 2009 approached, New Year's resolutions were the last thing on River Jordan's mind. Her sons were both about to go off to war and all she could do was pray for their safety and hope to maintain her strength, until she unexpectedly came upon the perfect New Year's resolution-one that focused on others instead of herself. She would pray for a complete stranger every single day for a year.
In Praying for Strangers, River Jordan tells of her amazing personal journey of uncovering the needs of the human heart as she prayed her way through the year for people she had never met before. The discovery that Jordan made along the journey was not simply that her prayers touched the lives of these strangers, but that the unexpected connections she made with other people would be a profound experience that would change her life forever.
The book I expected to read, a sweet tale of strangers passing in the night-- or day-- was not the book I lost myself in from the very first page. Praying for Strangers is not a book. It's an experience and you need to take it. Open it and walk into River's world. Take her challenge and see if you ever look at people the same way.
Shellie Rushing Tomlinson
So, let's go with the facts. I knew I would enjoy this book. I just didn't know how much. In the interest of full disclosure, River is a very good friend. Thanks to a 21 event/14 day book tour we did together in the Spring of '10, we know more about each other than either of us would care to share.
In other words, I know the author. I thought I knew the book. I mean, I've been there on River's journey, so to speak. I knew it was in the works before a word was put on paper. I watched it in progress, or at least I saw what could be seen. I've seen River stop, do an about face and dissapear to hunt down someone she simply must talk to/connect with, when we were already a day late and a dollar short (literally) for the next book event. So, forgive me for assuming I knew what was unfolding around me. Little did I know how multi-layered the story being written in River's heart and the hearts of those crossing her path on this wild adventure of the human spirit. But let's back up, and start at the beginning...
As 2009 approached, New Year's resolutions were the last thing on River Jordan's mind. Her sons were both about to go off to war and all she could do was pray for their safety and hope to maintain her strength, until she unexpectedly came upon the perfect New Year's resolution-one that focused on others instead of herself. She would pray for a complete stranger every single day for a year.
In Praying for Strangers, River Jordan tells of her amazing personal journey of uncovering the needs of the human heart as she prayed her way through the year for people she had never met before. The discovery that Jordan made along the journey was not simply that her prayers touched the lives of these strangers, but that the unexpected connections she made with other people would be a profound experience that would change her life forever.
The book I expected to read, a sweet tale of strangers passing in the night-- or day-- was not the book I lost myself in from the very first page. Praying for Strangers is not a book. It's an experience and you need to take it. Open it and walk into River's world. Take her challenge and see if you ever look at people the same way.
Shellie Rushing Tomlinson
May 23, 2012
I liked the idea that this book presented more than the book itself. Once I'd read about 60 pages it was mostly more of the same - short chapters detailing a new stranger and how they reacted to her telling them she'd be praying for them. Somehow I wanted more from this book, though I can't exactly say what - I just felt as though there was something missing from it that I wanted to hear more about. I admit I was also surprised that none of her strangers seemed to have a negative reaction - I find it hard to believe the case would be the same if I did this. Kudos, though, to Jordan for sticking with her resolution; while the idea's got me paying more attention to "strangers" I'm spotty with it and my prayers are usually pretty lackluster.
November 6, 2014
If I could have given this book higher than a 5, I would have. This is a non-fiction book that reads as well as a novel. River Jordan, a southern gothic writer, according to her own words, makes a New Year's Resolution upon learning that both of her sons will be deployed one to Iraq and one to Afghanistan at the same time. Her resolution is to pray for a stranger each and every day that in hopes that someone will be praying for them. Never in her vaguest thoughts does she ever believe how this will affect her own life. The book consists of various chapter each dealing with a stranger that she comes across in her everyday life and for whom she prays from waitresses, cashiers, homeless, babies, widows whomever she feels led to that day. She always follows the same routine: approach the person, ask their name, tell her resolution, tell them she will be praying blessings for them that day, and ask if they have any special needs. In almost every instance, the person she approached ends up blessing her in some way. Her last few chapters include other ways you can pray for a stranger each day. I was overwhelmed and convicted that if each of us could undertake this idea what a difference we might make in the world around us.
January 11, 2014
I want to say something important about this book and another book. Eat, Love, Pray is weak compared to Praying for Strangers. Jordan's book is about genuine love, that other book seems to be about finding ones self and learning to accept yourself. That author went from putting herself first to letting others in and she did it by searching for other gods. Jordan's book is about removing your focus from yourself, ceasing to worry and wallow about your own problems by becoming sensitive to the needs of others and compassionate toward people without regard for what they can do for you. All the while, opening (and humbling) yourself to allow the one God to work through you.
Regardless of your faith, Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, other- I personally feel that this book shows more maturity and a more beautiful, valuable viewpoint. This one may not make much of a movie, but I wish it were as popular a Eat Love Pray was- because the world needs Praying for Strangers.
Regardless of your faith, Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, other- I personally feel that this book shows more maturity and a more beautiful, valuable viewpoint. This one may not make much of a movie, but I wish it were as popular a Eat Love Pray was- because the world needs Praying for Strangers.
Read
August 6, 2012I met River at the 2012 Calvin Festival of Faith and Writing--actually she was a surprise addition to our author dinner! She is delightful and her book intrigued me. So I went to her talk which became my favorite of the year. The book is an inspirational idea and a spiritual challenge. After awhile the premise stretched a bit thin. Shorter might have been better. But it's a wonderful project!
September 30, 2021
I thought this book was beautifully written, amazing and inspiring. I'm dumbfounded that only one public library has it in all of Canada and that no one has shared any quotes from the book on Goodreads (unfortunately I didn't note them myself on my first go-through or I'd be sharing them). I liked it so much that I may well buy my own copy and am thinking about personally pursuing the author's resolution.
April 5, 2024
The best quote from the book was “The great tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer.” Don’t assume one does not need prayers but give freely and fully. Connections made will be greater than you know.
I really liked message of book - but it felt like it could be condensed and have the same impact.
I really liked message of book - but it felt like it could be condensed and have the same impact.
April 27, 2011
River Jordan is an accomplished writer. Her novels have been praised by media sources (Publishers Weekly, Southern Living, and the Tampa Tribune) and also by some of my favorite authors (Silas House, Joshilyn Jackson, and Susan Gregg Gilmore). With the release of her new book, however, Jordan strayed from the "safe" path of fiction writing and delved into more personal writing.
Praying for Strangers is a compilation of sorts; there is little plot, and Jordan herself is the only true "main" character. Jordan was forced, in putting these words on paper, to leave behind her self-professed storytelling strengths and tell only true stories. Most are no more than two or three pages long. Despite her being outside her writing comfort zone, Jordan has managed to write a beautiful book that I have been pushing at people for weeks.
In Praying for Strangers, River Jordan tells the tale of one year in her life -- perhaps the most difficult year of her life. In this year, both of her sons were deployed: one to Iraq, one to Afghanistan. It is mind-boggling to wrap one's head around how she managed to simply survive that year. The experience must have been an excruciating one, fraught with sleepless nights and mind-racing worries. In spite of this emotional turmoil -- or perhaps because of it -- Jordan managed to do a single thing during this year. She prayed for strangers.
It began as a New Year's resolution, promises made to self that Jordan admits she rarely keeps. But for some reason, in this particular year, with her sons in harm's way and out of her ability to protect them, Jordan managed to keep this resolution. She prayed for people she met at the supermarket. She prayed for people she met waiting in line to pay a bill. She prayed for construction workers she passed. And for the most part, not only did she pray for them, but she also told them about it.
Now, if you stop to think about this, it seems an impossible task. How many people would appreciate a stranger accosting them in a parking lot, telling them she would be praying for them? In that scenario, my first thought would probably be to back away slowly and then high-tail it out of there. The people who Jordan met each day did exactly the opposite. They spilled their guts; they got teary-eyed; they hugged her. Some even prayed for Jordan.
Praying for Strangers was less about prayer, in the end, and more about human kindness. The act of a stranger telling you they will be praying for you turns your day around, no matter the prayer. Jordan brought her resolution to people of all creeds, colors, religions, and economic statuses, and every single one thanked her.
The changes to Jordan's own life were perhaps the most miraculous. She prayed for candidates on both sides of the aisle during the 2008 presidential campaign, and a change occurred inside of her: "[M]y amazing discovery is that the longer you pray for someone, the more you lose that crust of ambivalence, that twinge of not liking them. Those things fall away, and instead sometimes there's just a flash . . . that if that person walked through the door, I'd be pleased to meed them in that moment. Somewhere in that slice of time I spent praying . . . I became less frustrated by their presence" (210).
Jordan also found people who she needed as much as they needed her prayers. At a rest stop, she met a woman who was humming along happily, seemingly in need of nothing. Still, it struck Jordan that she was "the one" for the day, and before long this happened:
"Anything special that you need prayer for?"
She nods yes as tears well up in her eyes. "My son died two months ago."
This struck close to home with me, the safety of my sons somewhat being a catalyst for this resolution. So I break my policy about public praying. Right there, in the middle of that rest stop, I wrap my arms around her and whisper a prayer for her broken heart. One mother to another. (188)
The true message of the book is, as I said before, less about prayer itself and more about caring for other humans. We all pass hundreds of strangers each day, week, month, and year, usually ignoring them as a whole. Jordan accomplished something extraordinary in her year of praying for strangers: she noticed them. She connected with them. She says near the end of the book: "It was one of those days again. For what felt like the three-hundredth time, I decided I just wasn't going to tell anyone that I was praying for them. It goes against my nature. It takes courage. It takes time; all those blessed interferences take me away from other obligations and pursuits. It takes some kind of faith to believe that my prayers might matter to a stranger. The bottom line -- it takes. But it also gives."
Praying for Strangers is a compilation of sorts; there is little plot, and Jordan herself is the only true "main" character. Jordan was forced, in putting these words on paper, to leave behind her self-professed storytelling strengths and tell only true stories. Most are no more than two or three pages long. Despite her being outside her writing comfort zone, Jordan has managed to write a beautiful book that I have been pushing at people for weeks.
In Praying for Strangers, River Jordan tells the tale of one year in her life -- perhaps the most difficult year of her life. In this year, both of her sons were deployed: one to Iraq, one to Afghanistan. It is mind-boggling to wrap one's head around how she managed to simply survive that year. The experience must have been an excruciating one, fraught with sleepless nights and mind-racing worries. In spite of this emotional turmoil -- or perhaps because of it -- Jordan managed to do a single thing during this year. She prayed for strangers.
It began as a New Year's resolution, promises made to self that Jordan admits she rarely keeps. But for some reason, in this particular year, with her sons in harm's way and out of her ability to protect them, Jordan managed to keep this resolution. She prayed for people she met at the supermarket. She prayed for people she met waiting in line to pay a bill. She prayed for construction workers she passed. And for the most part, not only did she pray for them, but she also told them about it.
Now, if you stop to think about this, it seems an impossible task. How many people would appreciate a stranger accosting them in a parking lot, telling them she would be praying for them? In that scenario, my first thought would probably be to back away slowly and then high-tail it out of there. The people who Jordan met each day did exactly the opposite. They spilled their guts; they got teary-eyed; they hugged her. Some even prayed for Jordan.
Praying for Strangers was less about prayer, in the end, and more about human kindness. The act of a stranger telling you they will be praying for you turns your day around, no matter the prayer. Jordan brought her resolution to people of all creeds, colors, religions, and economic statuses, and every single one thanked her.
The changes to Jordan's own life were perhaps the most miraculous. She prayed for candidates on both sides of the aisle during the 2008 presidential campaign, and a change occurred inside of her: "[M]y amazing discovery is that the longer you pray for someone, the more you lose that crust of ambivalence, that twinge of not liking them. Those things fall away, and instead sometimes there's just a flash . . . that if that person walked through the door, I'd be pleased to meed them in that moment. Somewhere in that slice of time I spent praying . . . I became less frustrated by their presence" (210).
Jordan also found people who she needed as much as they needed her prayers. At a rest stop, she met a woman who was humming along happily, seemingly in need of nothing. Still, it struck Jordan that she was "the one" for the day, and before long this happened:
"Anything special that you need prayer for?"
She nods yes as tears well up in her eyes. "My son died two months ago."
This struck close to home with me, the safety of my sons somewhat being a catalyst for this resolution. So I break my policy about public praying. Right there, in the middle of that rest stop, I wrap my arms around her and whisper a prayer for her broken heart. One mother to another. (188)
The true message of the book is, as I said before, less about prayer itself and more about caring for other humans. We all pass hundreds of strangers each day, week, month, and year, usually ignoring them as a whole. Jordan accomplished something extraordinary in her year of praying for strangers: she noticed them. She connected with them. She says near the end of the book: "It was one of those days again. For what felt like the three-hundredth time, I decided I just wasn't going to tell anyone that I was praying for them. It goes against my nature. It takes courage. It takes time; all those blessed interferences take me away from other obligations and pursuits. It takes some kind of faith to believe that my prayers might matter to a stranger. The bottom line -- it takes. But it also gives."
February 15, 2025
River Jordan gave herself a great challenge to prayer for a stranger each day. She met some interesting people with stories one can relate. I’ve read this book twice and will probably read again, as it’s a great little book to keep at bedside to read one or two chapters and pleasant dreams.
December 20, 2012
I give 5 stars to the idea behind this book--praying for strangers is one of the most noble ways you can spend your time and I totally agree with River that the world would be a better place if we all spent a little time doing it. That being said, I didn't really enjoy reading this book. Each short chapter goes like this: she approaches a stranger, tells them she is going to pray for them, then they gratefully exclaim they sure did need her prayers because of x, y, or z, and finally she reflects that she was glad she worked up the nerve to approach them in the first place. Rinse, wash repeat. It got a little tedious after a while. Even so, she inspired me to be more considerate of the lives of those around me so the book was worth reading just for that aspect.
May 27, 2011
The author makes a resolution to pray for a different stranger every day in the new year to try to take her mind off the deployment of both her sons. We're not told of 365 prayers, but we are given enough to make this a great idea for everyone to do. I intend to donate a copy to my church library.
March 7, 2012
I absolutely loved this book! This is a book I think everyone who prays or believes in prayer should read. I don't usually buy books but prefer to borrow them cause I rarely reread them but this I did wind up buying even before I was done reading the library copy! I just need my own copy to reread and underline and mark up with notes for myself. I'll be praying for you, River Jordan!
August 22, 2011
Amazing story-telling talent; inspiring; thought-provoking. Wish I could give a copy to everyone on my gift-list!
March 11, 2015
a must read...
If you've need for prayer or lost hope of it....take a pause to see the world around you. book gives much needed perspective
If you've need for prayer or lost hope of it....take a pause to see the world around you. book gives much needed perspective
May 16, 2017
Had a lot of potential and the writer clearly had the ability to write beautifully, but I felt like maybe she rushed through creating this one.
April 21, 2019
Writer River Jordan makes a New Year's resolution about the time two of her sons are sent off to serve in the American Military in Afghanistan and Iraq. She decides that she will pray for a stranger each day, someone God calls her to pray for who she comes across in her daily routine and events. She starts out, as a shy introvert, deciding that she will just make note of the "special person" and think about and pray for them when she goes to bed at night.
Pretty quickly she is pulled into actually approaching the person and telling them that they are her "stranger" for the day, and often asking if there is anything they would like her to pray for. Then she begins to record the stories that go with the various situations and "strangers" she prays for.
The result is an uplifting and inspiring record of how ordinary people can come together for simple but profound transformation when prayer is involved. While this is certainly a book that will warm the hearts of Christian readers, it is also a book that will appeal to people who. for whatever reason, have steered pretty clear of Christianity. River Jordan herself states that she doesn't "cozy up with religion". But she becomes through the prayer for strangers "resolution" a very spiritually aware person looking for meaningful ways to connect with strangers.
This book makes me want to try the same task, perhaps not quite so much as a "resolution". I would also like to give this book to others to read. It made a huge uplifting change from the more sombre books I have been reading recently.
Pretty quickly she is pulled into actually approaching the person and telling them that they are her "stranger" for the day, and often asking if there is anything they would like her to pray for. Then she begins to record the stories that go with the various situations and "strangers" she prays for.
The result is an uplifting and inspiring record of how ordinary people can come together for simple but profound transformation when prayer is involved. While this is certainly a book that will warm the hearts of Christian readers, it is also a book that will appeal to people who. for whatever reason, have steered pretty clear of Christianity. River Jordan herself states that she doesn't "cozy up with religion". But she becomes through the prayer for strangers "resolution" a very spiritually aware person looking for meaningful ways to connect with strangers.
This book makes me want to try the same task, perhaps not quite so much as a "resolution". I would also like to give this book to others to read. It made a huge uplifting change from the more sombre books I have been reading recently.
January 1, 2018
Praying for Strangers rambles and doesn't introduce the main character well, and left me unsure who the I (character) was. It took me a few chapters to realize this book wasn't a fiction novel, but a nonfiction.
I did enjoy the spiritual aspects of Praying for Strangers, and felt even though the book is directed towards a Christian audiance in general, there is no reason a person of any faith could not read this book. The spiritual truths River taps into are universal for any faith. Uttering a simple prayer or good wish to strangers is not only for Christians. The world would be a better and far more interesting place if we took the time to listen to our hearts and take a second to notice people in our busy lives.
Overall, I did find a lot of the themes (however inspiring ) repetitive, and towards the end of the book, River mentions previous strangers she has prayed for yet again. This felt forced, and honestly the book felt longer than it needed to, at 322 pages.
The last few pages of Praying for Strangers should have been the first few pages. The author introduces the project she was doing and how it changed changed her life personally. It is less preachy and brought her message in perspective for me. And then I wanted to give it a higher rating. Read the last chapter first, and then start at the beginning, in my opinion.
I did enjoy the spiritual aspects of Praying for Strangers, and felt even though the book is directed towards a Christian audiance in general, there is no reason a person of any faith could not read this book. The spiritual truths River taps into are universal for any faith. Uttering a simple prayer or good wish to strangers is not only for Christians. The world would be a better and far more interesting place if we took the time to listen to our hearts and take a second to notice people in our busy lives.
Overall, I did find a lot of the themes (however inspiring ) repetitive, and towards the end of the book, River mentions previous strangers she has prayed for yet again. This felt forced, and honestly the book felt longer than it needed to, at 322 pages.
The last few pages of Praying for Strangers should have been the first few pages. The author introduces the project she was doing and how it changed changed her life personally. It is less preachy and brought her message in perspective for me. And then I wanted to give it a higher rating. Read the last chapter first, and then start at the beginning, in my opinion.
Read
June 17, 2022It sounded like it could potentially be a life-changing, thought-provoking book like One Thousand Gifts. Checked this one out of the library through an interlibrary loan. I got busy and it was checked out three times before being finished. The first time I had gotten about 1/3 way through. I feel that, again, the nuggets to be had were primarily in that first 1/3 of the book. It is comprised of many 2-3 page chapters that the author had in encounters when she set out to pray for a different stranger every day. It was a good reminder to be aware of the hurt around us, to be willing to put ourselves out there to start conversations, and to sometimes even "intrude" in others' lives for the sake of praying for them and for gospel opportunities. The author has some doubts about the security of her own salvation (as stated at the end of one chapter), but we can still take the principles and apply them. Praying over everything is a sweet principle that I have been fortunate to grow up with so it was not novel, but again a few great truths in the book and for someone who did not grow up with the same Godly parents as myself, it could be a revolutionary concept. So overall, recommended as a quick read.
October 26, 2018
I was gifted Praying for Strangers by a good friend, and am very grateful. This thoughtful read about the work of prayers in others’ lives, and the work of praying in our own has given me pause to consider my own prayer life. Yesterday I heard a quote on K-LOVE radio asking if God answered all of your prayers, would it change anyone’s life but your own. While I don’t think my prayer life is so self-centered as to answer that question in the negative, I would have to say that frequently it would only change the lives of family, church family, friends, and those for whom they specifically ask prayer. So, while I am not stepping up to the resolution River Jordan made of praying daily for a stranger, I am striving to be more aware of the needs of strangers around me, and to lift them in prayer. I have even introduced myself and asked, “Is there any way I can pray for you today?” Thanks River Jordan for reminding me to slow down and be aware of those around me.
May 25, 2020
Another book I found among the many books my late son had. This one is definitely one to read again. River Jordan, the author, begins at the end of a year (2008) when both her sons are going of to dangerous places; one to Iraq and one to Afghanistan. While wanting to make this the best Christmas ever for her boys before they leave, and not having any thought of New Year's resolutions a resolution chose her. It was to pray for a stranger everyday. At first it was a little awkward, then she had the impression she should tell the stranger that she was praying for them. She was much more aware of the people around her, searching for someone to help. Often she was impressed to pray for someone who didn't appear to need anything however after visiting with them awhile found they did indeed need her prayers.
The book was filled with quotes that spoke to me, but I only wrote one down.
page 257 "I know how much a son's safety and happiness weigh on a mother's heart."
The book was filled with quotes that spoke to me, but I only wrote one down.
page 257 "I know how much a son's safety and happiness weigh on a mother's heart."
May 16, 2023
This is my all time favorite River Jordan book! I, too, often pray for strangers but not with them! River has given me an objective to attain! She is the best and the main lesson - if you are going through something - get out and do for others - it will lighten your heavy burden!
The true story of a woman who, when both her son’s - the only children she has - are sent to serve overseas during wartime - she meets and prays for strangers instead of holding one year long pity party for herself! What wonderful memories she makes and not to mention the friends she made along the way!
Going through something bad - get this book and read River’s stories - you will feel better and who knows we may start a POSITIVE MOVEMENT!
The true story of a woman who, when both her son’s - the only children she has - are sent to serve overseas during wartime - she meets and prays for strangers instead of holding one year long pity party for herself! What wonderful memories she makes and not to mention the friends she made along the way!
Going through something bad - get this book and read River’s stories - you will feel better and who knows we may start a POSITIVE MOVEMENT!
July 9, 2018
Praying for Strangers was amazing! I found her stories and how River Jordan was honest and real about approaching strangers so refreshing. It wasn’t an easy journey, a I can’t wait to jump out of bed and do this every day fluff and stuff... She was honest, more honest then some would be. Her stories were touching, in fact a few tears even rolled down my cheeks as I read some of the chapters. She also pulled the truth of what our world could become if we ALL cared even just a little bit more about who surrounds us, who passes us and who we interact will even for a second. Beautiful, brilliant and teaching! Loved this book!
December 17, 2023
Worry about her sons stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan leads River Jordan to consider what problems other people may have to endure as well, and she resolves to pray for one stranger every day for a year. She wrote Praying for Strangers to evaluate the experience.
The book consists of short chapters, each dealing with a specific stranger she chooses to pray for. In most cases, she tells the person, and in almost every case, the person is pleased. The most negative reaction Jordan reports is “It won’t matter anyway” (p. 31).
The book tells of a few instances of Jordan meeting up with a person afterward, and they seem to be better off, but the primary value for the people prayed for seems to be in Jordan cheering them with her message. Jordan even hints that she herself may have benefitted the most from the experience, as it allows her, who claims to be an introvert, to be more aware of people and to be less quick to make assumptions about them.
The book consists of short chapters, each dealing with a specific stranger she chooses to pray for. In most cases, she tells the person, and in almost every case, the person is pleased. The most negative reaction Jordan reports is “It won’t matter anyway” (p. 31).
The book tells of a few instances of Jordan meeting up with a person afterward, and they seem to be better off, but the primary value for the people prayed for seems to be in Jordan cheering them with her message. Jordan even hints that she herself may have benefitted the most from the experience, as it allows her, who claims to be an introvert, to be more aware of people and to be less quick to make assumptions about them.
April 2, 2019
I wanted to enjoy this book and feel inspired to expand my prayer life. But I couldn't get past the author's need to continually remind my that she really didn't want to do this good wonderful thing that would bless everyone's life so much, but she made a resolution so she just had to keep doing this thing she really didn't even want to do. After the same thing for 1/3rd of the book, I decided it was enough. Others may find value from it, but it was not for me.
October 6, 2019
River Jordan’s stories of everyday life and everyday people - seeing with different eyes - wow! Some of the stories are better than others, of course, but the main thing is this book actually changed my awareness of others. I find myself often saying a silent prayer for someone I see. Not every day, like River does, but maybe even most days I pray for someone “random” that I come in contact with, asking God to bless them with joy and give them whatever they need most.
June 7, 2024
A most impactful book. When you chose to pray for strangers you are necessarily more aware of the world around you. You become an active part of what used to be a passing flash and therefor have a responsibility to humankind. A new outlook on the day-to-day of your life.
It changes others but most of all it changes you. What a concept! Especially like the quotes at the start of each chapter that define PRAYER. I will look at those often.
It changes others but most of all it changes you. What a concept! Especially like the quotes at the start of each chapter that define PRAYER. I will look at those often.
February 8, 2018
I liked this book. It was a perfect book to carry around in my bag and read a chapter or a two at a time. It was inspiring and uplifting, and made me want to help and love all people. It was not the type of book you would want to read straight through, cover to cover. The paragraphs would seem super similar and boring read that way.
March 17, 2018
Beautiful discovery and love for human kind
The book written by River is quite amazing and stunning. Some may feel it too simple, but I loved the easy to read stories and the heartfelt journey that she shared with the readers. It gives much to ponder throughout reading and after. Thank you for this beautiful book!
The book written by River is quite amazing and stunning. Some may feel it too simple, but I loved the easy to read stories and the heartfelt journey that she shared with the readers. It gives much to ponder throughout reading and after. Thank you for this beautiful book!
April 30, 2019
River Jordon makes a new years resolution that "dropped down" inter her soul, one
that benefits both herself and the many strangers she encounters. Total strangers
seem in many cases to be awaiting for someone to come along and meet their needs
through the vehicle of prayer. Each chapter begins with a meaningful quote about prayer.
that benefits both herself and the many strangers she encounters. Total strangers
seem in many cases to be awaiting for someone to come along and meet their needs
through the vehicle of prayer. Each chapter begins with a meaningful quote about prayer.
January 17, 2022
I wish I could have finished this book (and I came close), but the stories were too repetitive and too slow. Jordan’s initial intent behind the book was praying for a stranger each day, and while the concept was a beautiful one, Jordan eventually said she prays for others because it makes her better, when really praying for others is a selfless act not associated with the self.
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