Busy Mom's Guide to Prayer Review

   I recently picked up Lisa Whelchel's (remember Blaire from The Facts of Life?) book Busy Mom's Guide to Prayer from Amazon.  I find it hard to organize my prayers and over the years I've tried many different things.  I've often done a prayer journal but then I would tend to journal long about life which is nice but took a lot of time.  If I didn't have time I would find myself not praying besides these little things here and there.

  I am actually all about practicing God's presence and walking and talking with Him at all times but what I found myself missing and longing for was praying for those continual long term needs.  I was great with a friend in need or the kids fighting an illness but longed for time (and a memory) to pray for their future spouses, our governor, our Sunday School teachers etc.  I wasn't sure this book would help but I figured it was worth a try.

  Well, I love it!  It has 20 days and each day has six focuses.  Praise, Self, Husband, Children, Personal Influences and Reaching Beyond.  On each page she has a focus, a Scripture reading and a simple prayer.  I simply read through it and continue the prayer with personal thoughts, needs or thank yous.  There is room for you to write extras and I'm sure everyone uses this differently.  For me, I put general topics like our siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews, Aunts and Uncles etc.  The thought behind the book is when you finish, you simply start back over. You can never pray too much for our country or your church leaders,  your husband and children!  This book really helps me get started when I don't have enough brain cells to think straight.  Once I'm started I can continue.  Sometimes the starting is the worst!

  The other thing I love is her written prayers so far have hit right on the spot.  I couldn't have said it better.  It seems to cover exactly what I am thinking.  I will be using this book for many years.  I hope to have it worn and tattered from the praying through it.  Don't let the idea of six focuses scare you away.  Honestly, some days I am fast and through it quickly, like 10 minutes. Other days, when I have the time and quiet, I sit for quite awhile.  Regardless, it gets me started and if I happen to not start until I have children running around making noise, it helps me stay focused.

Really a great tool for any mom.  Check it out.

Oh, I saw she has one coming out for Grandma's soon.  What a great gift to give to the Grandmas in our lives.

You may also like these book reviews:

Reshaping It All

Heaven Is for Real