Praying Women: How to Pray When You Don't Know What to Say

by Sheila Walsh

Prayer is one of the most powerful, life-changing things we will ever do. Yet we often struggle. It's hard to find the time. It's repetitive. We get distracted and sometimes even bored. And the answers often feel few and far between.

The good news? There is a simple, powerful way to reignite your conversation with God. In Praying Women , bestselling author Sheila Walsh shares practical helps directly from God's Word, showing you how to
· know what to say when you pray
· understand how to use prayer as a weapon when you are in the midst of a struggle
· pray as a joy-filled warrior, not an anxious worrier
· let go of the past and stand on God's promises for you now

Prayer changes you and it changes the world. You may have tried before, but if you're ready to start again in your relationship with God, let Sheila Walsh show you how to become a strong praying woman.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Prayer, Christian Living, Christian Non Fiction, Spirituality, Religion

208 pages, Hardcover

Published February 4, 2020

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Sheila Walsh (05-07-1956) is a powerful communicator, Bible teacher, and best-selling author with more than 4 million books sold. A featured speaker with Women of Faith®, Sheila has reached more than 3.5 million women by artistically combining honesty, vulnerability, and humor with God's Word.

Author of the best-selling memoir Honestly and the Gold Medallion nominee for The Heartache No One Sees, Sheila's most recent release, The Shelter of God's Promises, has also been turned into a DVD curriculum and in-depth Bible study. The Gigi, God's Little Princess book and video series has won the National Retailer's Choice Award twice and is the most popular Christian brand for young girls in the United States.

Sheila co-hosted The 700 Club and her own show Heart to Heart with Sheila Walsh. She is currently completing her Masters in Theology.

Twitter @SheilaWalsh, facebook.com/#!/sheilawalshconnects

Reviews

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Prayer activates the power of God." (p 27)

I'm a fiction lover at heart. I learn and grow by feeling my way through a story which is why I read Christian Fiction almost exclusively. I'm very selective about the non-fiction books I read and even then, I need a storytelling approach to capture and hold my attention. Just the way my brain is wired, I guess. But this title intrigued me...especially the "how to pray when you don't know what to say' part so I decided to be brave and wander into the pages of another non-fiction selection. And am I ever glad I did!

I've been living with Praying Women for a couple of weeks -- admittedly not reading it cover to cover but randomly discovering sections on whim -- or, dare I say, divine guidance? It has become a part of my morning bible study and even though I've read the whole book through in my higgedly-piggedly fashion, I'm not ready to put it aside. I know I can go deeper if I let Walsh's words really settle and take hold.

So -- what this fiction aficionado loves about this -- gasp -- non-fiction book:

First and foremost, Sheila Walsh is a storyteller. Praying Women reads like she's sitting across from me at my kitchen table. She's authentic. Honest. Real. Vulnerable. And she's created a safe place for her readers to be too. I found myself having imaginary conversations with her, stripping away some of my hurts and daring to be real right back. Very cathartic -- even if the only one listening is God...which is kinda the point of the book. :-)

And I so appreciate how she validates my worries and fears. I'm broken. I have a messy past. Experienced a lot of pain. Sometimes I've failed more than I've triumphed. Walsh reminds me that I'm not alone. That my struggles are real. That it's okay to be so overwhelmed that you can't find words to pray.

"Whatever your challenge is, let me remind you that God is not looking for perfect words or perfect people. He just wants our hearts." (p 15)

I love the way each chapters has a graphic depicting a powerful prayer statement in bold cursive in-your-face-not-to-be-ignored audacity. Like "Praying Women trust God in the silence and not knowing" and "Praying Women know that the greatest breakthrough is in their own hearts." I can't tell you how many times I've flipped through the book looking for these reminders. Enough so that I've printed them on index cards and plastered them all over my house!

I love the easy flow of Walsh's writing style. The way she weaves in and out from personal story to scripture and back again.

I love the prayer reminders at the end of each chapter -- simple starting points that help me focus on my relationship with God.

And for those times when I can't dredge up a single thought or know where to begin praying, she has included a simple prayer at the end of each chapter. A starting off point, maybe? Or a place to mediate from. I found such a release when I read some of them. Knots of tension and strain snapping free with every word I couldn't have found on my own.

My copy of Praying Women has a place right next to my bible and my devotional as I will continue reading from it daily.

This book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am extremely grateful for Sheila having written this book. So many times, I get lost in the day-to-day bustle and allow myself to be disappointed that I didn’t carve out enough time for a specific, elaborate prayer “session”. She provides a prayer perspective that speaks to my heart. It’s meaningful and personal, without a “right way”. She is raw in sharing her personal challenges and experiences. Throughout the book, it’s clear that she longs to serve the Lord, and is a vessel to other women wishing to grow their own relationship, whether a seasoned believer or one just starting. Thank you Sheila for bringing this much needed message to fruition.

[Connie Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this book and I certainly wasn't disappointed. I long to be known as a Prayer Warrior but I often doubt my ability to pray as I should. This book is just what I needed and Sheila Walsh seemed to be speaking just to me! Praying Women is filled with "golden nuggets"---nuggets of inspiration, motivation, encouragement, and God's Word. Walsh understands that Christian women aren't immune to pain and disappointments and her words offer the comfort that we often need. There are ten chapters that focus on different situations and I love that each chapter has Bible scripture, 'Prayer Reminders' and 'A Prayer When You Don't Know What to Say'. So helpful because I often find myself in this very situation!

"I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time, waking and sleeping. It doesn't change God. It changes me." C.S. Lewis

Walsh shares these words in her introduction and they set the tone for the whole book. Praying Women is a must-read for anyone wanting to develop a stronger prayer life and a deeper relationship with God. This is a book to keep and I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy from Baker Books but there was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.

[Yvonne Paddick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed "Praying Women: How to Pray When You Don't Know What to Say". It was challenging and encouraging. I would recommend it to my friends. If you ever found it hard to know what to pray in hard times or where to start this book would be a good guide. I like that Sheila Walsh saturates it with scripture. It is an easy read, once you pick it up it is hard to put it down. I find myself looking at my every day prayer time in a fresh new light.

[Lori Jorgensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you a praying woman? Do you want to be? Have you made a statement “I’m going to pray more!” We all have been there and done that. Sheila helps you take the awkwardness out of prayer and just start. That’s were we all need to go - just start. There are no secrets, no methods, or sacred words you Have to use for prayer to work. You just talk/pray to God it’s kinda like your talking to your best friend because you Are talking to him!!!

[Iris Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread…wonderful book.

[Haley Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

incredibly powerful book. i appreciated that everything was backed by scripture. i really want to appreciate prayer more and better my prayer life and i think the Lord rly used this book to teach me something. highly recommend.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a powerful book. I found this book so helpful and encouraging.

[Elise Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recently I've started attending church groups where members are asked to say the opening and closing prayers. For this introvert who for most of her life has mostly said rote prayers, I was terrified when I knew my turn was coming. Or even more terrified when waiting to see if I'd be chosen. Everyone else seemed to pray spontaneously without effort, while I struggle to put two or three words together. So I went looking for a book on "how to pray." Of course, this one came up near the top in the Amazon search and, eventually, I bought it.
If nothing else, it put my mind at ease with its emphasis on a prayer doesn't have to be perfect. Sheila Walsh's personal experiences were very relatable. I'll probably read this book at least once more to reinforce what I've learned. And, of course, in the meantime I'll be getting more practice in.

[Gina Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a call to action! I love Sheila’s heart for prayer and her desire to see women rise up and develop into the prayer warriors God has created us to be! There are so many great takeaways from this book! On page 35, Sheila reminds us: “But the truth is, God isn’t looking for a holy place to meet with us. Because of Jesus, we are the holy place, and God is always waiting to meet with us, wherever we are.” On page 160, she states, “I wonder in those dark times if the breakthrough God is looking for is a breakthrough in us. Perhaps this is the most significant breakthrough of all.” What a book!

[Tracye Goad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelia's newest book on prayer simply put: powerful. She's reignited a passion for prayer in me that has been lacking power for so long. What a privilege it is to pray, instead of just a checkmark to start or end the day!

 "Because we are IN CHRIST and we pray IN HIS NAME, we pray with the authority of that name. If we could truly grasp the weight of the authority of the name of Christ not only would it change how we pray, but it would also change us. "

"Prayer is being with Christ, aligning ourselves with the things He cares about, battling in the spiritual realm for our family members and friends, and resting in His presence."

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy Sheila Walsh's books both in book form and audiobook because it feels like she is just talking with me. This book on prayer is just what I've been wanting to read. I added more prayer to my desires this year. Using a prayer journal and studying about prayer has really been a big help to my prayer time, which was on the fly at best before, and my walk with God, and life in general! I recommend!

[Leanna Kruppa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was given to me as gift, and I am so glad I read it. I don’t know if I would have known about it otherwise, and I am trying to become stronger in my faith. I loved that it taught me a lot while weaving in humor! It definitely helped me think about things that I may not have realized on my own. For that, I am grateful.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re female and you pray read this book. If you’re female and don’t pray read this book. Many of us make such a big deal out of praying, is this right, was that wrong, are my prayers as beautiful as Jane Doe’s? Shelia does an excellent job of showing it’s no big deal at all, there’s no right or wrong. It’s a conversation with the best friend you’ll ever have! It was a joy to read!

[Jess (Shepherdjel) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great reminder to not worry how you pray, do it, be faithful and speak the truth, open your heart, and let it out! Take away, finding your identity, we strive to be the best at things, mom, boss, worker, wife but in the end when those fail us who are we and what do we have? Invest your identity as to be the best Christian, build your identity on not in the confidence of who we are but who God is!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest, real, and best of all: NORMAL. I loved this book. I highly recommend the audio. It's narrated by the author and she has the most charming Scottish accent. One I plan on reading again.

[Stephanie Mckeever · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stick with it. First half was a super slow-go for me. Second half was so good I finished it in one night.

[Lesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love her honesty/vulnerability in this book.

[Danielle Hammelef · Rating 4 out of 5]

Praying Women is a powerful book that has given me tools and the confidence to pray every day and pray often in my own words. Even if you have only recited prayers your entire life, the author helps her readers know why the words in prayer aren't the only part of prayer--prayer is so much more; prayer is being in the presence of God, prayer is asking for God's help, prayer is our weapon against Satan.

Some of my favorite quotes that impacted me, gave me those ah-ha moments:

"Prayer is the thing that guides you through every moment in life."
"Prayer should be my first response in everything."
"The most powerful prayer you can pray is just one word, the name of Jesus."

Through a conversation writing style, the author tells her personal journey in prayer, giving her readers Biblical verses to reference and base her points on. She calls all women to act and provides a prayer at the end of each chapter that readers can pray and/or use as a starting point when they don't know what to pray. I especially enjoyed the chapter "take-aways" or bullet points at the end of each chapter. Most of these became my favorite quotes from this powerful book.

One eye-opening prayer suggestion for me was to pray to God, asking Him to point you scripture which you can use as your weapons in battle against Satan's lies. Satan only wants us to stop praying and tells us lies. But the author encourages her readers not to believe Satan's lies but instead remember God's unfailing and unconditional love for them. And, most importantly, that God has already defeated Satan and with God, Satan has no power over us.

Another point that I had forgotten about was that Jesus prayed to God and prayed often. If prayer os so important to Jesus and so much a part of His life, then it's definitely important to me. She has convinced me that I don't need to worry about getting the words in my prayers right or wrong. I just need to start talking to God because He's listening.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“…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.

[Debbie Chatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this Jesus girl to Jesus girl book on being praying women. As I was reading this book, I felt like Sheila and I were sitting down for a cup of tea and just talking woman to woman. As usual, Sheila is very authentic and vulnerable about her life struggles with prayer, which makes her so relateable to me and others. It’s so easy to look at others and think they have it all figured out. So it was refreshing to read this book and realize Sheila and others have the same struggles in pray. Each of the 10 chapters begins with a quote and a verse, and then ends with some key reminders and a prayer.

Some of my favorite quotes are
God is not looking for perfect words or perfect people, he just wants our hearts
We can either back down in the mist of struggles or, by Gods Grace, stand up and pray through the pain.
Like mosquitoes in summer that annoy and distract, the enemy will do whatever he can to distract us from prayer

Recommend this book for all Christian women, whether you believe in prayer or not, whether you are following hard after God or are on the sidelines. Let God use this book to call you back to a connected relationship with him. And while you at it, you learn more about purpose of prayer and how your prayers can change the world.

[Julie Woodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I heard Sheila Walsh had written a book on prayer, I knew I had to read it. I first saw her at a Women of Faith conference in 2003. Her words and ministry have deeply impacted my faith journey since then.

Prayer is something I know is so important in the life of a believer, so I hate to admit it, but I struggle with it. Sheila's book was just what I needed. She gave practical, Biblically based ways to pray and to make prayer more deeply meaningful. By sharing her own challenges and triumphs she helps us see how prayer can be a vital part of our every day life. And she doesn't make prayer hard, but reminds us: "God is not looking for perfect words or perfect people. He just wants our hearts." And, "Prayer is simply talking with and listening to the One who is crazy in love with you."

This book is for everyone, not matter of they are a new Christian or have been following Jesus for many years. I highly recommend it!

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Christians know the importance of prayer. Yet, this is an area that many of us struggle with. The tagline of this book is what really caught my attention: “How to Pray When You Don’t Know What to Say”. How many times have we been there? We are hurting, lonely, miserable, scared, anxious, joyful, excited, or any other range of emotions, and we may not know how to express this to God. Do we use fancy prayers from books? Do we keep repeating the same requests over and over? Is there a right or wrong way to pray?

Sheila Walsh shares ten practical tips to being a praying woman that I found very helpful and applicable:

Praying women know it’s okay to start where they are.
Praying women believe that God is listening right now.
Praying women never stop praying until they receive God’s answer.
Praying women press through in prayer even when life is tough.
Praying women pray through their heartache until it becomes their authority.
Praying women trust God in the silence and the not knowing.
Praying women don’t depend on their own strength but on the power of God’s Word.
Praying women put on the whole armor of God, trusting in His promises.
Praying women know that the greatest breakthrough is in their own hearts.
Praying women know that the battle is already won.
As I read this book, I realized that if I remember and utilize these helpful tips, prayer can become a weapon for me in the midst my day to day challenges. It can truly change me (and all of us), and draw us closer to God. I found #6 and #7 to be especially powerful because I have found myself getting frustrated and stressed when I pray and do not get an answer right away, or the answer that I think I should be given. I also struggle and strive to manipulate situations to my advantage at times, or just worry, instead of depending on the power of God’s Word. Praying Women gave me sound advice and encouragement to make my prayer life more meaningful.

Some of my favorite quotes from this book included:

“We tend to measure our understanding of God’s ways and will by the outcome we see, but God is far more interested in who we are becoming in the waiting.”

“We can either back down in the midst of struggles or, by God’s grace, stand up and pray through the pain.”

“An answered prayer might give information, but God’s presence gives peace no matter what the answer is.”

“The Psalms speak for us. If we struggle to pray, we have found God’s prayer book. No matter what you are facing at this moment, when you pray the Psalms, you are praying with the authority of the living Word of God.”

“A lifetime is not too long to pray.”

I would recommend this book for any woman who wants to work on their prayer life. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Baker Books, in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Margaret Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Praying Women" is a book that resonates with all of us who have prayed, wanted to pray, tried to pray, or had difficulty praying. Elements of prayer that we have consciously or unconsciously dealt with are tended to in "Praying Women" with candor, truth, love, and sound theology. Sheila's Bible teaching comes through in each chapter. Her candor in personal revelation and understanding are presented kindly, compassionately, and with wisdom gained through experience.

There were several themes that resonated with me especially.

The fact that when we don't know what to say/or pray - He is interceding for us with perfect petitions, and we can rest knowing that the One who knows us best and knows the Father best is right there at the throne of grace uttering words we don't even know how to say!

When it is hard to pray, that's when we need to really give our heart to prayer. When we are in pain it forces us to take our concerns to Him. But whenever we feel distant and far away from God, we should remind ourselves that He is not far away from us. He never moved. We did.

Keep praying when we don't see answers in our timeframe. Keep praying when we feel used, useless, and unsettled. Petition for protection from the evil one. Give thanks in victory. Give praise in joyous times. Give Him our questions in confusing times. Give him our grief in hard times. And ALWAYS know that victory is ours already because there is no battle we face on our own. He has already determined our victory.

"Praying Women" is written to help us understand that no matter where we are in our spiritual walk He is right beside us and His power may be accessed through this POWERFUL communication tool called PRAYER. Written for the prayer beginner or the prayer warrior, "Praying Women" calls us to the truths, struggles, and REALITIES of communication with the One who loves us best; the One who knows us best; the One who desires to give us the best He has to offer - now and for all eternity.

Thank you, Sheila, for covering prayer so thoroughly and thoughtfully. Our prayers rise as pleasing aroma to Him! May we spend our lives covered in prayer and covering our dear ones in prayer, for it is the only way to experience true victory and joy and grace as we please Him daily by bringing our concerns before His throne of grace.

[Prairie Sky Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow. Sheila Walsh’s new book is one of the most powerful and impacting non-fiction books I’ve read in a long time, and is about a subject that all Christian women can relate to: prayer. “Praying Women: How to Pray When You Don’t Know What to Say” shares insightful reflection about the power of prayer, and how it truly is one of the most life-changing things we can do. At the same time, Sheila acknowledges (with deep understanding and compassion) the struggles and difficulties that also come with growing as a praying woman.

Not only does Sheila share gentle yet hope-filled wisdom, but she also reveals that she truly understands because she has been there. . . She has struggled to pray when it seemed that God was absent or ignoring her. She has prayed through the deepest heartaches and times of fear and pain. She has prayed when all she wanted to do was give up. And as a result, she has experienced the beauty and fulfillment that only a deep and lasting relationship with Jesus can bring. She hasn’t done anything perfectly, she readily admits, but that isn’t the point at all. The point is relationship. As Sheila explains, “when we don’t know what to say, we have His name, Jesus. We enter our Father’s presence, believing that He is listening and waiting for us... (we) press into His presence, knowing that Jesus, our High Priest, has been there and understands... we trust Him even though we don’t always understand His ways... We pray for a breakthrough, and we thank our Father that because of Jesus the battle is already won.”

I absolutely adore this powerful, deep-reaching book because it is written with warmth and understanding, and not a hint of condescension. I yearn to grow in my prayer life and often feel like I have so far to go. But Sheila meets her readers right where they are, gently grabs their hands, and invites them to approach the throne of Jesus - where we are guaranteed to not only be accepted but also welcomed and loved unconditionally. We may never fully understand the power and purposes of prayer this side of Heaven, but with this beautiful guidebook to help us along the way, I believe that our prayer lives will be exponentially enriched as we journey through life with Jesus at our side.

I received this book free of charge for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Aminata Coote · Rating 4 out of 5]

Praying Women offers ten steps for the woman who is struggling in her prayer life. You'll learn how to pray for a breakthrough, when God seems silent, when you want to give up, or when it's just hard to pray.

If you've ever studied the subject of prayer in the Bible you'll uncover much of the same information presented in this book. But it is presented through the life and experience who share some of the cultural and societal experiences you do.

Know God--before we can learn how to become praying women, we must first spend time to learn more about the God to whom we will pray. One of the main things the author highlighted about God in Praying Women is that God loves us and wants to spend time with us. When we remember that we are always welcome in God's presence, we will seek him out and spend time talking with him through prayer.

Know yourself--Sheila Walsh was very transparent in this book. She shared her victories in prayer but she also shared her failures. She invites us to put aside the things that prevent us from praying and seek out the presence of our Heavenly Father. Only in Christ do we truly understand who we are and only then can we live up to the purpose for which we were created.

Run your race--every person on earth is welcome in the presence of God. He loves us and wants us to want to spend time with him. We can become praying women if we just show up and allow the Holy Spirit to do his work. 

What I enjoyed most about this book were the little bits of insight into the culture and practices of the people of the Bible and the bits of Bible teaching that made old information come alive in a whole new way.

I also enjoyed how easy this book was to read. Sheila Walsh, even with her years of Christianity and theology degree under her belt, presents herself as one of us: a woman who loves the Lord but sometimes finds it hard to go Him in prayer. Praying Women is a great book to read if you want clarity on what persistent, regular prayer can look like in your life.

I received an advanced reader's copy from the publisher as part of the Baker Bloggers program; a positive review was not required.

[Dawnielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Pray When You Don’t Know What to Say

Sheila Walsh, in her newest book, “Praying Women :How To Pray When You Don’t Know What to Say” . guides the reader along a path of developing a deeper richer connection with God through pray, even when you don’t know what to say.
I love the way Sheila begins in the introduction sharing about her own confusion and struggles with prayer and shares examples from her life. Sheila lets us know that we are not alone and not the only one who struggles with praying.
Starting in Chapter One she reminds us that we can start right where we are. We don’t have to find the perfect words; we can just start talking to God. I love that “prayer is not about the right words; it’s about the right heart”.
“Even if you don’t know what to say, just talk to God-He is listening.”
There is a chapter about praying scripture back to God and examples of how Sheila does this
I love that Prayer was Christ’s weapon of choice and that Jesus prayed the “Psalms”
“Tucked into your Bible is a prayer book. It will bring you comfort and strength, it will help you pray with power and authority, and it will guide you when the read gets dark.”
Each of the ten chapters has a section titled “Prayer Reminders “that contain 3 bullet points of the main points about praying from the chapter. Then there is a prayer for the prayer struggle discussed in the chapter.
“Praying Women”. touches on a subject that so many of us struggle with and don’t want to admit to other Christians that we don’t know “how to” pray. This book gently leads you along and provides ways to develop a deeper richer relationship with God through prayer, i.e. talking with God.
It’s time for the God’s daughter to become “Praying Women” and use Christ’s weapon of choice against the darkness that prowls the earth “looking to kill, steal, and destroy us and our loved ones.
I was part of a group that was able to read the book prior to it’s release. I have also purchased a copy of the book to reread it again and to share with my family.
#prayingwomen.

[Randi Sampson]

If you asked a room full of Christian women what area in their Christian walk they would most like to improve upon, I have a feeling you would hear one common theme over and over again: prayer. Be it praying more, praying more purposefully, praying more directly... whatever the exact struggles may be it is an area that so many of us struggle with and want to improve upon. It is such an important part of our Christian lives, and yet that so many of us feel insecure about. I am certainly in that group too... so often feeling like I simply don't know what to say or where to begin. For this reason, it was this book's tagline that really drew me to it: ' How to pray when you don't know what to say'. Oh yes, this was clearly a book that my tongue tied self so very much needed to add to my collection.

When it comes to reading Christian nonfiction regardless of the topic, one thing that I find is that I get more out of those books that don't feel like I am being preached at. Listen, there's nothing wrong with a good sermon... but I don't want to be told over and over again how I am doing it wrong. I tell myself that enough already. I am certain that I am not alone in this, and this is likely why Sheila Walsh is such a loved voice in the genre. She is open and honest and admits the areas in which she struggles too. It's more like sitting down for a conversation with a friend than being told what to do... there's something very relate-able about that. It's also very refreshing to know that even someone who we see as a strong Christian woman still has those same struggles. The feeling that we don't measure up can be really disheartening and negatively impact our views as ourselves as Christians, so I certainly see this as a plus.

Whether you are a new Christian uncertain of how to really begin praying or a seasoned Christian who wants to improve their prayer life, this is a good read to consider.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.

[Haley Dewey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Praying Women by Sheila Walsh

55% of adults who pray do so daily, according to a 2021 study by the PEW Research Center.
Regardless how accurate this specific statistic really is, it is well-known that praying consistently is a struggle within the Christian community. Praying Women by Sheila Walsh is written as a response to this issue, inviting all those struggling in their prayer life to re-invest in the power of prayer.

Praying Women provides encouraging and practical applications for Christians, specifically women, to better improve their prayer life. By connecting biblical and personal experiences, Walsh reminds us of God’s promises and the importance of communion with him – through prayer.
Praying Women is a delightful mixture of biblical study, philosophy, shared faith experiences and humor. Walsh is a fountain of knowledge, comfort and inspiration for any woman searching for guidance in prayer and faith. Praying Women provides an overview of common challenges women face in prayer and resolutions to common prayer “pain points.”

Walsh addresses Christian struggles and concerns with her endearing Scottish charm and wit- while emphasizing and maintaining the importance, power, and beauty of prayer. Praying Women is written in first-person narrative. While the chapters are in a sequential-topical order, the subsections are written more lucidly- as if in conversation with a friend. While this makes Praying Women an overall easy weekend read, Walsh’s transitions can be sudden and unexpected.
Regarding the content itself, Walsh provides a lot of interesting and encouraging suggestions for the reader. Filled with numerous “golden nugget” moments, the reader will not be in search of a highlighter moment!

I give this work a rating of a five. I highly recommend it to all my friends and strongly believe it will improve the lives of those who read it. If you have turned away from prayer, Praying Women should be your next cup of coffee.

[Misty Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Sheila Walsh is like having a conversation with an old friend. She’s real. She’s personal. Which is exactly how God wants our prayer life to be.

“Loving God is not about religion but relationship. Prayer is not about the right words; it’s about the right heart.”

In Sheila Walsh’s latest book, Praying Women, she helps us understand that prayer is not just something we do but it encompasses who we are. It is not our last resort, but it is our greatest weapon and our greatest comfort.

I have been dealing with some major health issues this past year, and I have read most of this book sitting next to people in doctor’s office and hospital waiting rooms, who were waiting on life-changing test results, waiting on healing, waiting on God. I cannot tell you how much this book spoke to my current situation. If you are in need of a breakthrough or a spiritual revival in your life or in the lives of your family and friends, Praying Women is for you.

Some of my favorite chapters include:

Ch. 6 Pray When God Seems Silent
“Praying women trust God in the silence and the not knowing...We tend to measure our understanding of God’s ways and will by the outcome we see, but God is far more interested in who we are becoming in the waiting.”

Ch. 9 Pray when you need a breakthrough

“When God’s timing seems to make no sense. God knows what He is doing. He is for you. He is with you. He has not forgotten you.”

“I wonder in those dark times if the breakthrough God is looking for is a breakthrough in us. Perhaps that is the most significant breakthrough of all.”

I love how each chapter ends with a summary of the most important points and a closing prayer, making this book an excellent resource to look back on during difficult days.

The prayers that really spoke to me include:

“Father, Thank You that You are a faithful God who listens to my prayers. I bring before You now every area in my life where I need a breakthrough: my family, my finances, my health. Help me spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally. I ask for a breakthrough in Jesus’s name! Amen.”

“Father, Today I claim victory over the enemy by putting on the whole armor of God. I put on the belt of truth, standing on Your truth alone. I put on the breastplate of righteousness, remembering that I am clothed in the righteousness of Christ. I put on the shoes of peace, and today I will walk in Your peace. May Your peace radiate from me to others. I hold up the shield of faith against every lie the enemy would fire at me. I thank You for the helmet of salvation. I am Yours, and no one and nothing can snatch me from Your hand. Thank You for the specific daggers You have given me in Your Word to combat the enemy. As a praying woman, I stand strong in You. Amen.”

I was able to read an advanced copy of Praying Women from the publisher, and I believe that God brought it to me when I needed it the most. It has helped change my perspective not only on prayer, but on life. I hope that God will use Sheila’s book to speak to your situation and speak to your heart as well. God bless!