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When Prayers Aren't Answered: Opening the Heart and Quieting the Mind in Challenging Times
In the depths of grief, some find solace in their faith, while others feel that God has deserted them. In this gentle and wise guide, a beloved spiritual teacher counsels that prayer works - but not always in the ways we expect. Welshons, who has worked closely with Ram Dass and Stephen Levine and trained with Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, confronts life's most challenging experiences directly, acknowledging both the reality and inevitability of unexpected, unwanted change. Then, with insights gathered from the world's great spiritual traditions, he shows how to use painful circumstances as fuel for enlightenment. In short, step-by-step chapters, Welshons shares stories of transformation from his own life and the lives of those he has counseled. With deep empathy, he lights a path toward the communion, peace, and joy that are possible when we open our hearts to life in its totality.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published September 28, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 9, 2009
A great book for anyone who has ever struggled with loss,disappointment, anger, etc. and not believing that God is listening... It was a great book to read during Lent!
April 6, 2021
Had some meaningful insights to it. Didn't help the ache as much as I hoped.
February 8, 2025
It was good, gave some insight and perspective that was new. Sometimes felt lengthy or off topic and sometimes redundant but I did take a few important perspectives away and part had me in reflection of my own internal thoughts and beliefs.
October 2, 2010
At one time or another, everyone experiences a really difficult time, one that threatens to pull them under. In our grief and pain, it is almost impossible not to question why. How could this happen? Why would God allow such pain and suffering? How could life be so cruel? What did I do to deserve this?
At times like this, prayers become heavy with emotion and urgency. We want God to make things right, fix this now, to prove that he is still listening. Sitting in pain, feeling vulnerable and isolated, it is very hard to believe that there is a greater plan and that somehow someway this moment will reveal a great gift.
When Prayers Aren’t Answered is a beautiful book. It accompanies us, in the midst of grief, fully understanding that in such times we hurt and desperately want the hurt to dissipate. Then, the author gently reminds us of the things that don’t fade or die. We start to see and feel deeper connections and perhaps if we are very lucky open ourselves to the possibilities that we don’t yet know exist.
At times like this, prayers become heavy with emotion and urgency. We want God to make things right, fix this now, to prove that he is still listening. Sitting in pain, feeling vulnerable and isolated, it is very hard to believe that there is a greater plan and that somehow someway this moment will reveal a great gift.
When Prayers Aren’t Answered is a beautiful book. It accompanies us, in the midst of grief, fully understanding that in such times we hurt and desperately want the hurt to dissipate. Then, the author gently reminds us of the things that don’t fade or die. We start to see and feel deeper connections and perhaps if we are very lucky open ourselves to the possibilities that we don’t yet know exist.
May 22, 2011
Wow what a great book! I first heard of John on Steve Maraboli radio show. Their interviews are incredible. I had to buy this book!!! Top 5 fav's. Thanks John!
December 5, 2009
I READ IT ALL WITHOUT EVER PUTTING IT DOWN,GREAT BOOK.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews