15 Minutes Alone with God

by Emilie Barnes

15 Minutes Alone with God is designed to help women develop consistent devotional habits. At the same time it does more than teach women how to organize their quiet times. It's also filled with warm, open meditations Emilie has written especially for busy women, providing encouragement and direction for the day from someone who's been there. These meditations Readers will experience God's touch as never before as Emilie includes thoughts about loved ones, encouragement, worry, grace, and other subjects close to heart and home.

Genres: Faith, Christianity, Christian, Religion, Spirituality

276 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Emilie Barnes was the bestselling author of more than 80 books, including 101 Ways to Clean Out the Clutter, Five Minutes in the Bible for Women, and 15 Minutes Alone with God. Sales of her books have surpassed 6 million copies worldwide. She and her husband, Bob, founded the More Hours in My Day time-management seminars.

Emilie’s heart was always to help others in practical ways as they managed their busy homes and lives, but even more, her beautiful spirit made a connection with readers that was both lovely and timeless. Her words remain as inspiring today as when they were first published.

Reviews

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is actually a re-read. I last used this book as a daily devotional in 2006 and promised myself I would come back to it at least two more times.

More than a decade later I am more consistent with my devotional and study time, so it didn't take me nearly as long to work my way through this book. While I enjoyed Barnes's overall message and snippets of wisdom, I also found the book to be dated, a bit condescending at times, and the scriptures chosen too often pulled from their context and given random meaning to fit the author's purpose.

I'll let it lie another decade or so before I pick it up for a final time. It is interesting to revisit journal entries and impressions I had more than a decade ago while reading the same text with new, or just more aged, eyes.

[Ashleigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

I took a break from this book at least twice out of frustration. Several of the entries are more along the lines of self help or inspiration than seeking God, specifically in the "thoughts for action" section. A particular section that bothered me was a devotion on 1 Peter 3:3-6, which talks about letting your beauty come from a gentle and quiet spirit within rather than outward adornment. What follows in the devotion is all about how to be feminine and the "thoughts for action" section suggested a lot of ways to pamper yourself and add to outer beauty. Overall, I don't know that there's anything unbiblical here, but I think there are several quick devotionals out there which are better at encouraging spiritual growth (and they are less dated.)

[Shannon Maddox · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried reading this book a long time ago (like decades ago) and couldn't remember why I never finished it. Now I remember. This is a good devotional if you are a wife and mom. For someone not attached, it doesn't give much spiritual insight and really comes off as a "bougie mommy blog." Seems like her message is that God wouldn't want to spend even 15 minutes with you if you're not married or have children. This will remain a "DNF."

[Jasmine Shadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do not struggle with my time alone with my God, but I so appreciate these books that help draw others into having an intimate time with our Creator. I also am not really a devotional book reader, as in read them on a daily basis as a guide. However, I read them as encouraging moments are needed. Emily Barnes has such a wonderful and unique way of encouraging us to find our strength and peace with the Lord that knows us better than we know ourselves. I appreciate her tender words and appreciate her a great deal.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is one woman’s daily devotional about forming and sustaining a strong personal relationship with Jesus. Through your growing relationship with Him you’ll learn how the bible and its teachings can bring you peace and comfort through difficult times, as well as create joy into your life when following His word. Also she writes how she incorporated Jesus and his teachings into her home and family. It was a nice read.

[Tabitha · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNFR
Really dated, as others have said, portraying women in an incredibly submissive way. I also found the parts I did read somewhat arrogant in a self-congratulatory way, and occasionally there were stories that really did not match up/weren't relevant Biblically to the verse/s that were presented in that chapter.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was published in 1994, and I'm not sure when I actually got it, but I've FINALLY finished it! By this time it's a little dated, and not really relevant to where I am in my life (grown kids). If you use it fully, there are journaling prompts.

[Rozsa-Hrabinski Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good for whenever you’re struggling with Bible and Devotional readings.

[Lisa Mendiaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great devotional book...

[Alisia Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book twice....it is wonderful and inspirational. I love a book where you can read a passage a day. Truly will change your life!

[Asante Joseph]

I think and believe that this book will add value to my daily devotion with God