Confessions of a Prayer Slacker

by Diane Moody

An alternate cover edition can be found here.

Let's face it. Most of us are clueless at praying. Why is that? And how come we've never done anything about it? In Confessions of a Prayer Slacker, author Diane Moody traces her own personal prayer journey with a touch of humor and a healthy dose of transparency. ''I want my readers to stop the merry-go-round of prayerlessness, quit acting like a bunch of spiritual babies, and get serious about this thing called prayer. Without it, we'll never experience the warm, one-on-one relationship God desires to have with each one of us.''

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

184 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2010

About the author

Born in Texas and raised in Oklahoma, Diane Hale Moody is a graduate of Oklahoma State University. She lives with her husband Ken in the rolling hills just outside of Nashville. They are the proud parents of two grown and extraordinary children, Hannah and Ben.

Just after moving to Tennessee in 1999, Diane felt the tug of a long-neglected passion to write again. Since then, she's written a column for her local newspaper, feature articles for various magazines and curriculum, and several novels with a dozen more stories eagerly vying for her attention.

When she's not reading or writing, Diane enjoys an eclectic taste in music and movies, great coffee, the company of good friends, and the adoration of a peculiar little pooch named Darby.

Reviews

[Brittany Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Glimmers of goodness. The tone was condescending at times. I think an update of this book sans name-calling and clichés would help this title out in a beautiful way. (It was first published in 2010 and because of the tone, I almost DNF.)

My takeaways:

I'll now be starting a prayer journal/petition pad specifically for just that cause. Prayers.

The visuals were extremely vivid. I don't think I'll ever forget a story shared within of a girl only having time for the Creator on her said time, and how that scene played out. There was also a prayer transaction vending machine visual that opened up my heart as well. The visuals were great.

The study guide at the end asked some really deep thought-provoking questions to take action on. This was my favorite part, and most helpful.

The books the author referenced and quoted were very interesting. I highlighted a few for future reference.

I was not the target audience for this Christian title but ended up highlighting roughly 44 passages. If I stick to a prayer journal, I'll have this title to thank for the idea!

I downloaded this while it was free on Amazon (it still is if you are interested 04/2021). I was under no obligation to write a review, my honest opinion is freely given.

Buddy read with @openlybookish 04/2021

[Natacha Ramos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually I did not finish it.

Don't get me wrong, it is really good, the thing is that I might not be the target for the book.

If you don't have a prayer routine and need some encouragement and tips for doing so, this is for you. Very helpful.

But if you already have a dynamic in your relationship with Jesus and you are content with that and feel like growing in it, then probably this won't tell you something you don't know.

For example, she talks about setting a place and a time for prayer and gives you practical ways for doing so. That's great. But I have both and I enjoy them. If a person doesn't, trust me, this book would help a lot.

Besides, the author really understands the true struggles in prayer. She'd be like a friend to you and won't be disappointed if you give her a chance.

[Louisa Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome. Super fabulous. Quirky. That's enough about me, ha ha. No seriously this book for me is summed up in those four words.

Imagine walking in the hot sun of the day, feet a little sore, you've passed no shops for ages and now parched and then you realize you've made it home and the pool [if you have one I don't don't but just work with me here! :)] is full, calm and cold. You take a run and jump and plunge in clothes an all! When you surface its that first gasp of breath, the refreshing cold water on your skin and the gorgeous sun shining down from a brilliant blue sky. That's how I'd sum this book up.
And then.... for the humor in this book it's like wondering where your clothes have gone! Wahey!

This was great, refreshing, hopeful and straight talking. Exactly what I wanted...needed to read. The honesty is refreshingly bold and quite hilarious I loved the author's voice through this book so imagine how gutted I was when 57% through reading it came to an end only to be treated with a sample of her gorgeous work from her books.

If you feel as though you're slacking in prayer this is the match to strike your prayer life into a spark again. There's no order of service but real, heartfelt and joyful moments. Except for one moment that made me sniffle. THE VISITOR, a performance the author recalls she saw, it hit home and really painted a vivid picture that is hard to shake off, and I wouldn't want to as it's exactly what is needed to show the importance of relationship with Jesus.

Many thanks to the author for her openness, honestly and telling it like it is, I don't feel so alone.

[Mwrogers · Rating 2 out of 5]

I see that I’m in the minority as far as ratings regarding this book. Before anyone jumps on me, this is my personal opinion.

I did not find this book helpful at all. It was a combination of bible stories and verses, cliches, and quotes from other authors. Lots of those. And a lot of the book seemed to be written in a flippant manor. The last chapter of the book was better than the rest. But if you need new ideas regarding jump starting your prayer life, I would not recommend this book.

[Ruthie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If anyone ever felt guilty about not spending enough time in prayer, this book is for you. It has encouraged me to spend more time praying. Praying isn't a wish list but spending time with the one who loves and created you. She takes you on her own personal experiences and gives you some advice on how you can pray.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is our current small group study. Technically, we're only on chapters 3&4 for this week, but I finished the book before we even had our first discussion on it. Easy and fun to read. Love the author's sense of humor and candor. Her suggestions for journaling are simple and are working great for me. I always felt like other Christians were so much better at praying than me, but she has put that into perspective so that I no longer feel like a prayer failure. I am finally motivated to return to daily devotion and prayer time.

[Roxanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounding up from 3.5 stars.
I really enjoyed the author’s relatable, humorous writing style as she humbly discusses her own stumbles in her prayer journey. There are inspirational and practical tools to motivate one to pray more and more sincerely.

[Barb Duling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witty, inspiring, timely

This book has prodded me to reflect on my prayer life and encouraged me to go deeper with God through my prayer habits. The author is candid, interesting, and encouraging. I have read this book twice now and will probably do so again.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, I could relate to the confessions. I seem to struggle with prayer on a regular basis. The author is down to earth, she had some good insight and I felt the book was helpful to me. This is one I may read again.

[Michael K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all have those times in our lives where we get lazy. Sadly, I find myself as such when it comes to prayer. I pray, but I do not have a specific time for certain prayers and praises to God. This book is for you and me, both! Some good ideas to help you get back on track...but you have to read it and then you have to act on it! I needed this book, at this time.

[Denise Ballentine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit that at the start of this book, I really thought the author came off as little too casual and flippant for my tastes. I thought I would not like this at all. However, after persevering, I found much that was helpful, in spite of her writing style. I was reminded how important it is to carve out of our busy and distracting days, a special time of devotion. I was challenged not neglect my personal time of prayer and conversation with the Lord. Easy to understand, realistic, and personal, this book would be very helpful for those seeking a deeper experience in their own personal quiet times with God.

[Robin Hatcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

2015 is the year I have dedicated to reading books about prayer and/or about prayer warriors. Diane Moody's book was a nice addition to the mix. If you are a Christian who struggles with having a daily prayer time, this book will challenge you to change that. It is an easy read and the author has a witty way of presenting topics and expressing her opinions.

[Tracie Berghaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely finished the book motivated to start working on my prayer life. The book was easy to read, funny and inspirational. Probably would,have gone to 5 stars had there been a few less flippant moments. Overall I enjoyed it and think it's worth the read.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book about prayer that was funny, real, and challenging. A quick read that will get you thinking about your relationship with the Father.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was fully prepared to give this 2 stars. I don't personally care for the author's tone in this book. While she appears to be trying to state that she is also in a state of "slackerdom" in her prayer life, it often feels as if she is actually pointing a finger at the reader instead. The writing also felt a little overly casual for the significance of the topic. The tone of voice mixed with the fact that my Kindle version also has a novella she'd written tacked on at the end, it just felt like helping others with prayer wasn't really the main objective. HOWEVER, I'm giving it a 3rd star because I have actually had some really moving prayer sessions since starting this book. I don't know that I can give her the credit entirely or if it was more the Holy Spirit guiding me through things that have been heavy on my heart/conscience. And I have really seen God move recently with some big prayer requests I've prayed over with close friends. Again, I know that credit belongs to God and not this book.

I do not recommend this book for a new Christian, nor would I recommend it for someone on the fence trying to find answers. I can see how it could be discouraging for some. For long time believers... meh, maybe? Even if you're like me and don't care for the writing style, but if it pushes you to reflect and be more honest with God, then I'd say it would be worth a try.

[Terri Milstead · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book during my morning devotion time as the first of a few that I plan to read in service of my word of the year: Pray. I know this is an area of my life with God I need to work on and I thought this book (which I’ve had for years if that tells you anything about how long I’ve known I need help) would be a good start.

I didn’t really enjoy the book. The tone was a bit too flippant for me, but I don’t doubt the author’s heart for God and for the importance of prayer. I did get some really convicting quotes from other authors, though, and I plan to put them in a commonplace book I’ve been meaning to start.

Bottom line: maybe skip this book and know that you already know what you need to do: find a time, find a place, and just pray.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reminder and funny

Good reminder and written with a good sense of humor. Also got some good future christian book recommendations from it

[Mickie Bernier Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good read. The author is funny at times but knows her stuff. I just wanted to see what a prayer slacker was. I’m happy to say that I’m not one of them.
Now on to her next book to see if I am considered a warrior 😊

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspired?

I was intrigued by the title of this book. Felt I could gain inspiration from it. The author takes the time to give the reader some background. They made their argument for why a book of this nature was necessary. They moved rather slowly with a lot of sarcasm. I questioned whether I wanted to finish reading the book, but it was free so what did I expect.

I reviewed the reviews on Amazon which were favorable to se if I missed anything and decided to keep reading. The book improved and got to the point. It gave me ideas of ways I could become my diligent in my prayer life but offered nothing new.

I did come up with an idea for a presentation for our local women’s event while reading this book. It really wasn’t something inspired by the book but I think it was one of those things that come to a person when they are open to the possibilities.

[Karina]

In the beginning the author shares her own experience, and that was was entertaining and really good. I wished she'd start on tips, but when she finally did, I was a little disappointed.

She's a non-Catholic Christian so there's a limited understanding of prayer... It's good, but that's not all there is, and as someone who is being formed in the Carmelite order, I know more. It goes deeper, way deeper.

For example, a friend recently shared a story about an advice she gave to someone about prayer: "When you go outside, and it's a beautiful day, and you see a flower, say 'Oh thank you for this beautiful day'" and the person responded, "Well, that's not prayer." Of course it is. It doesn't have to have all these grandiose words. You don't necessarily need to memorize a formula. "The language He hears best is that of silent love." (St. John of the Cross)

A set time and place for prayer is good, but I don't think it should be the ONLY time and place for prayer. Whenever you are doing something that doesn't require a lot of mental concentration, such as say washing dishes, you could talk to the One you know loves you. It is in these random moments that I sometimes get the best conversations. And of course there's also Adoration, being in the presence of God in the Holy Eucharist...

This was a free ebook on Amazon, and I'm glad I got it. I'll finish it at some point...

[Beth Beutler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a conversational book about prayer and the challenges believers sometimes have in engaging in a meaningful prayer life. The author shares about some of her own struggles and gives some practical suggestions for looking at prayer as a gift.

One standout concept to me was the reminder that prayer is not so much about changing things, but changing me and helping to hone my perspective and leading toward how to help others.

I rate this book as a three star because in some ways, it feels a bit like what I learned growing up in churches that encouraged routines and a daily quiet time. I actually practice a regular quiet time, but also bristle a bit at prayer being seen almost as a separate thing from everyday life. I think the author could have more deeply explored the idea of "doing life" with God--being in conversation with Him all day. Despite her efforts to help people let go of guilt, there were actually spots that unintentionally felt guilt producing (specifically how we would react if asked to give up a Sunday afternoon of sports/rest for prayer--in my opinion, God is in those experiences too.)

While I liked the conversational tone, it became almost a bit too casual for me and I'm not sure how I would define the writing style.

If you are interested in learning about an honest person's journey with prayer, you may enjoy this book.

[Heidi Morrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful Spiritual Growth book

This was a convicting Spiritual Growth book. In fact, I have a prayer journal binder full of "too much". While I appreciated and learned a lot from the author's experiences, I would have loved to also have had some practical things to help me pare down my journal so my God and I Time would be more meaningful... so I wouldn't just "skip it" (aka Slacker!) I was able to read a copy of this book via Overdrive, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hits close to home. Diane makes you feel that you are not alone in slacking of your prayer life. Today is a new day. You can start again!

This book is well written and fun to read even though the subject is not one we want to discuss. Diane's story hits home and I could easily relate to her feelings. Feel the guilt and move forward and start your prayer life again. That is what I am taking from this book.

[Betsy · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I would not highly recommend this book because I did not find anything new as far as insight, it does encourage prayer and uses some well-loved scriptures and it is (or was) offered as a free ebook on Amazon. At times the author's attempts at humor turned me off to the book, but I did like the end of the book better because she let up on the snarkiness.

[Bria · Rating 3 out of 5]

An intimate look at prayer. Kind of like talking with a witty big sister. Some practical advice, some example from the author's own prayer life. Not 100% useful, but also comforting knowing that I'm not the only one out there that doesn't really know where to start.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the playful, yet serious tone of this book, I feel like I am sitting with an old friend, listening to a friend talk, and advise on the matters of prayer!!! I give this one a five out of five stars, and would recommend women of all ages read this!!!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a really good look at where you are in your daily prayer life. There is some direction to get you jump started into a regular routine. The style was conversational and the writer is witty. I guess I expected to be a little more inspired.

[Bonnie Blythe · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! With a fresh look at prayer and a lot of humor, Diane Moody inspires Christians in an area many struggle with. Highly recommended!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very honest and open look at why our prayer lives often are so lacking. I enjoyed the humorous style and practical steps to improve my prayer time.

[Elena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring, in a light-hearted way.