Sometimes pray seems like a formidable 4-letter word. It’s one of those things we all know we should be doing. But yet many of us find ourselves wondering if we are are doing it right. How can four letters strung together create such angst and amazement in the mind of a believer?
Walk into any Christian bookstore, and you will see the shelves lined with many books on prayer. Why? Because we know it’s an essential tool in our spiritual arsenal but so many us feel like we are not wielding the tool correctly.
Have you allowed your fear of not doing it quite right sideline your prayer time? Or perhaps you found yourself feeling like me at times, thinking the sister over there does it so much better. But prayer isn’t about competition but rather conversation.
Your savior wants to hear from you. Perhaps you could use a little help getting the conversation started. If so I’d like to introduce you to one of my latest reads, Designed to Pray: Creative Ways to Engage With God by Kelly O’Dell Stanley. Kelly presents a no-frills, no intimidation way of reconnecting with God in an eight-week adventure. She doesn’t approach the subject as one who has attained but instead as a fellow sojourner in the journey of finding peace with our prayer life.
Prayer is successful when you do it. Period. – Kelly O’Dell Stanley
Too often we ascribe to the “unsaid” but thought belief that we have to do it like someone else. In my journey, I’ve learned that writing out prayers is easier than speaking them at times. In speaking, I’m often lost and grappling for the right words but sitting down with pen and paper the concerns of my heart flows more freely.
While that may not be the case for you, Designed to Pray still may be helpful to you. It’s one of those books that can be used by the season prayer warrior or one who is still trying to find your footing in prayer. It’s an interactive book.
In the book, readers are encouraged to let go all the rules and just do it. Do it in fun new ways you may have never considered.
“When your experiences color your perceptions of God, you may have trouble fully embracing prayer.” – Kelly O’Dell Stanley
I appreciate that Kelly does not suggest the methods in her book possess some magical power of tapping God’s power but rather offers fresh ways to open our eyes to God. Although fancy methods are not required, we all can fall into ruts from time to time in our spiritual walk. Some links within this post may be an affiliate, which means at no additional cost to you, your purchase helps support the site.
Looking to get out of your prayer rut? Visit Kelly’s website and grab your copy of the book on Amazon or Christianbook.
Giveaway
If you would like to bring a little creativity to your prayer time, I’m delighted to offer you a chance to get your very own copy of Designed to Pray: Creative Ways to Engage With God, courtesy of The Blythe Daniel Agency and Tyndale.
A random winner will be chosen via random.org. The winner will be notified by email and has 48hrs to respond.
Looking for other books I have to giveaway? Check out the list of free used books I have available and join my list to be notified when additional books are added. Find something you like, simply contact me with your preference
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Pam says
27 March, 2017 at 9:36 amYour thoughts on prayer are spot-on, Wanda! Kelly’s book sounds like a great resource for getting past those hang-ups we all have about prayer. Thanks for sharing!
Wanda says
27 March, 2017 at 7:03 pmI don’t know why we have so many hang-ups about such simple but profound invitation to communicate with God.
Sarah Koontz says
27 March, 2017 at 9:40 amLove this, Wanda! “Too often we ascribe to the “unsaid” but thought belief that we have to do it like someone else.” So true! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
Wanda says
27 March, 2017 at 7:04 pmOdd that we would think this way, isn’t Sarah. We have made each of us as unique beings.
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
27 March, 2017 at 11:31 amI like the saying about crayons.
We forget that prayer isn’t fancy or structured thing. It’s just talking with God.
Wanda says
27 March, 2017 at 7:05 pmLeave it to us humans to complicate things.
Edye says
27 March, 2017 at 12:39 pmBy reading my Bible.
Wanda says
27 March, 2017 at 7:19 pmHi Edye, no better place to meet God than in His Word. Best wishes to you.
Lana Phillips says
27 March, 2017 at 2:10 pmI like when God throws answers to my prayers out in small ways, like seeing a butterfly when I’m feeling down.
Wanda says
27 March, 2017 at 7:21 pmIt’s amazing how when we are open to him, we can often see his fingerprint in the simplest but meaningful ways.
Cheryl says
28 March, 2017 at 9:45 pmMy favorite way to connect with God? Whew…I wouldn’t even know how to answer that. I have prayed such heart-wrenched prayers that I literally sobbed and could hardly breathe. And, I have prayed softly whispered prayers when I had little time to intercede. And, there have been those days that I hardly knew when one prayer ended and the next one began. I don’t really have a favorite way…but I suppose my most precious times are when He speaks back to me in such an intimate way and lets me know that all will be well. Thank you for the chance to win this book…it sounds amazing. 🙂
Wanda says
29 March, 2017 at 6:45 amThe beauty of it is that while the content and the way we pray may differ depending on the situation, Cheryl, He hears them all. So grateful for a Savior that listens. Best wishes to you sweet friend 🙂
Elizabeth Brooks says
2 April, 2017 at 6:20 pmJust talking to him in my moments of need… comfort fir example
Wanda says
8 April, 2017 at 10:37 pmIsn’t it comforting to know that God is available to us at any moment, Elizabeth, even when others can’t be reached.
Danielle M says
2 April, 2017 at 6:57 pmby just talking to him.
Wanda says
8 April, 2017 at 10:38 pmI love that He bends to listen to us Danielle.
Gloria Luongo says
2 April, 2017 at 7:05 pmWith prayer.
Wanda says
8 April, 2017 at 10:39 pmThat we have the ability to communicate with God, the creator of the universe, is both humbling and amazing.
Donna Kozar says
2 April, 2017 at 7:55 pmReading the Bible and prayer.
Kelly Wach says
2 April, 2017 at 8:06 pmI am living proof the power of prayer works, I was in a rut and I got down on my knees in my living room and asked God to help me.. 2 mths after I turned 50 I met the love of my life and am now married.
Wanda says
8 April, 2017 at 10:36 pmKelly that is such an inspiring testimony. Thanks so much for sharing.
Tandi Cortez says
2 April, 2017 at 8:17 pmI connect with God while reading His word.
Barbie says
2 April, 2017 at 8:36 pmSounds like a great read!
Ceil says
10 April, 2017 at 9:34 amHi Wanda! I follow a little tool that was developed by Matthew Kelly called ‘The Prayer Process’. It has questions that are designed to start and maintain a conversation with God. After all, that’s what prayer is, a conversation.
The book sounds like a good one, and congrats to Dani for winning!
Blessings,
Ceil
Wanda says
10 April, 2017 at 2:21 pmCeil, I’ll have to check out Matthew’s Prayer Process it sounds like an interesting read. Thanks for sharing that resource.
saleslady371 says
12 April, 2017 at 10:36 amHi, Wanda!
Prayer is my lifeline. I am interested in anything I can learn to keep me focused on the relationship I have with the Lord always talking to Him. I enjoyed your thoughts here. Peace and love to you, sister, during this time of Holy Week.
Wanda says
19 April, 2017 at 11:30 amHope you and your family enjoyed a wonderful Resurrection weekend.
Tiffany Montgomery says
18 June, 2017 at 10:54 amLove that… to pray well just Pray. I know I have grown by just doing it. I also love that our church has a Woman’s prayer meeting! I have learned so much about prayer by listening to the older women pray. Those ladies know how to call down heaven itself!
Wanda says
22 June, 2017 at 6:56 amTiffany, I’m convinced we make prayer more complicated than necessary. It’s great that you have had the opportunity to grow in prayer by being in community with older woman.