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Desperate Prayers: Embracing the Power of Prayer in Life's Darkest Moments

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Do your prayers resemble last-minute cries more than first-response chats? You’re not alone in calling out to God in life’s pitch-black moments and wondering if He’s listening.

Enter the powerful secrets of the Bible's eleventh-hour pleas of fifteen men and women. This engaging book invites you into the prayer stories of struggling Bible characters like Hagar, Hannah, and David. Each chapter's simple three-word prayer focus will deepen your trust and affirm your heart that it’s best to be you before God.

The ideal desperate pray-er to shine light on your prayer dilemmas, Rachel Wojo vulnerably shares her heartbreaking experiences of loss while pointing you to your Father. Her prayer journey and promising principles will guide you from frenzied desperation to dependent faith.

When you finish Desperate Embracing the Power of Prayer in Life's Darkest Moments, you’ll know that praying in a panic creates a powerful pathway to peace. 

240 pages, Paperback

Published October 8, 2024

38 people are currently reading
4004 people want to read

About the author

Rachel Wojo

26 books48 followers
Author also writes as Rachel Wojnarowski

Rachel "Wojo" Wojnarowski is a wife, mom to 7, blogger, writer and speaker. She and her husband, Matt, enjoy caring for their busy family, whose ages span 22 months to 21 years and includes a special needs daughter. Rachel leads community ladies’ Bible studies in central Ohio. In her “free time” she crochets, knits, and sews handmade clothing. Ok, not really. She enjoys running and she’s a tech geek at heart. You can find Rachel on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest, and of course, RachelWojo.com.

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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Samantha | samanthakreads.
270 reviews211 followers
August 10, 2025
3.5 rounded up ⭐

I enjoyed Desperate Prayers by Rachel WoJo, especially the audiobook version, which the author narrates herself. Her soothing voice made listening to the stories and Scripture feel comforting and personal.

I appreciated how Rachel wove Bible stories into her message, making the themes easy to connect with and encouraging. The way she shared her own experiences of loss added a vulnerable and relatable touch that I think will especially resonate with anyone who has faced grief or hardship.

The book offers a hopeful perspective on how prayers, even desperate ones, can be powerful pathways to peace and deeper faith. I found this uplifting and encouraging during a difficult season.

That said, some chapters felt a bit similar to each other, which made the book feel a little repetitive at times. And while Rachel’s stories of God’s provision were inspiring, there were moments I wondered about the ease with which solutions came.

Overall, Desperate Prayers is a gentle, faith-filled read that offers comfort and encouragement, especially for those wrestling with pain or doubt.

I was sent a complimentary copy to honestly rate and review. All thoughts are 100% my own.
32 reviews2 followers
October 8, 2024
Desperate Prayers by Rachel Wojo is a profoundly transformative and challenging read that serves as a salve for the soul. For anyone who has faced the trials of unanswered prayers, this book offers practical insights that are both encouraging and rooted in biblical truth. Rachel writes with remarkable vulnerability, sharing personal stories that deeply resonate while guiding the reader back to the faithfulness of God, much like a compassionate friend.

What I appreciate most about Desperate Prayers is how Rachel holds our hand through our struggles, gently reminding us that even in our most desperate moments, God is always listening. She grants us the space to grieve, while also instilling hope that our pain can be transformed for His purpose. If you’re seeking to exchange weeping for worship or simply looking for a practical way to reconnect with God through prayer, I highly recommend Desperate Prayers. Rachel is undeniably a tenacious warrior of prayer, equipped with a gift for meeting readers in their challenges and guiding them back to the One who hears every plea.
1 review
October 14, 2024
Though I do not find myself in a desperate season, or in a place of desperate prayers, I have been there and knowing how life works, I am not fool enough to think I won't ever be there again. That is what I love about this book. If you don't need it right now, it will help you and prepare you for the time that you will. Rachel's words were profound and I wanted to remember and ponder them. The chapters were filled with scripture that was placed right where it was needed, and it reminded me how much God's Word should drench our lives. And every chapter finished with a short, but well spoken prayer. Prayers that I can use myself! This book was complete in all the ways we want God to help us. Whether you need it now or not, I pray you will read it anyway! None of us will live a life without trials and tribulations. Let Rachel's words help you navigate them.
1 review
October 18, 2024
*****PRAYER IN DESPERATION CALLS US
TO GOD*****


Desperate Prayer written by Rachel Wojo, is the most profound book that is placed in your hands to read. The emotions of the arduous journey are very great and intense. Rachel uniquely gives us tremendous insight that is real in our humanness. She brings forth how difficult the paths of pain and desperation are when your story does not go as planned.


I love and relate to the truth that "God heals all wounds." Everyone has been taught in life that it is time specifically that heals all wounds. Rachel describes the biblical characters in God's Word so you and I can see that God sees you and I, and will answer. Hannah for one called out desperately, and through her story, she declared, "Your the God who sees."

Furthering on through the journey, the desperation, the wilderness, or the season, we can relate to biblical characters. Rachel takes the truth of the Word of God and soothes it to our souls. A fresh new perspective Rachel gives from the heart because she received into her heart the love of God throughout the journey.

Our hearts all relate to the desperation and cries from deep within. Rachel is honored by God for sharing with us how to get the answers for desperate prayers. Using the scripture, you will see that God sees, hears, and knows everything in your heart.

Rachel's raw honesty is a treasure to be held tightly. Her gracious Spirit snuggles is and lets you and me know that her heart and prayers go out to you for your healing.

Rachel takes us through the twists and turns of the struggle of life's problem and excruciating pressure, and pain. Whether bi or small, you will be able to understand and use the resources in this Desperate Prayer book. She brings us back to the realization of God's faithfulness and love for you. Reminder that God is always behind the scenes helping and guiding me and you. My own arduous journey ignited my heart, and I felt the pain of Rachel's journey.

As you turn the pages of Desperate Prayer, you will understand and know that there is hope, healing, and joy to come. The truth of God's promises and faithfulness blossom throughout this book. Steps are given to help you, and guide you from great wisdom. I have been brought to yet a deeper place with God. I felt God's power written on the pages.

This book is for everyone. Life is tough and God is waiting to hear from you. Call to Him in your desperate circumstances or time of need. Rush to get your copy. In prayer for you.

Penny Christine
Profile Image for Kathy Burrus.
Author 3 books3 followers
Read
October 9, 2024
Ah Rachel Wojo spoke deep to my heart with this book. God, see me! God, hold me! God, heal me! Right away she started with three prayers I have prayed at desperate times of my life. 911 prayers Rachel calls them. You don't think. You don't analyze. You don't perfect. You JUST PRAY! Rachel speaks as one who 'gets it.' From some of the hardest places in her life, came some of the deepest, simplest prayers.

Many things stood out to me as I read this guide, but one significant thing was that these were prayers of REAL people- then and now. The Bible is full of real prayers of desperate men and women who needed God to intervene so bad. But we don't have to look too far in our families and communities to hear some of those same prayers. God doesn't always answer as we think He should, yet He is always present. Always working.

Along with that was the awareness that to pray those prayers, you have to have enough faith to believe God was listening to you- even when you aren't sure if He is. That is when we walk by faith.

Yet another powerful thing was to see how her prayers- my prayers - your prayers progress as we trust Him with one thing, then another. How we prove Him to be BIG enough in one area which grows our faith to see Him bigger yet in the next.

Why should you read this book? Because you have those times in your life when all you can say is "O God!" Desperate Prayers will both lift you up and encourage you as you experience the prayers in the hard places.
Profile Image for Maureen Miller.
27 reviews
October 9, 2024
Rachel Wojo’s Desperate Prayers—Embracing the Power of Prayer in Life’s Darkest Moments speaks right to the heart. After all, most everyone struggles at some point, wondering how and what to pray, especially in a difficult season. This book is a tool, offering a closing prayer and prayer principles which are helpful when one struggles, questioning what to say. And its author speaks from experience, having gone through dark nights of her soul as well. Steeped in biblical truth, Desperate Prayers reminds us we are not alone, and knowing this often times gives us just what we need to take the next step in our faith journey, no matter how dark the days. This is a book I will be purchasing for others also.
Profile Image for April.
113 reviews4 followers
October 11, 2024
Wojo does it again. Such a powerful read that helps you delve into the subject of praying not only in desperate times, but in all aspects of your life. As someone who has been through the loss of a child and through many hardships in her life, Wojo has really shown how prayer has gotten her through it all. I'm at a point in my life raising my own 5 littles that at times I am in the throws of desperation to figure out who I am and what God has in store for my life. Desperate Prayers has opened my eyes and heart to God's ever redeeming love and how prayers are always answered, even if it may not be the answer you think it should be.
Profile Image for Novelish Delish.
102 reviews
December 31, 2024
Wojo does it again. Such a powerful read that helps you delve into the subject of praying not only in desperate times, but in all aspects of your life. As someone who has been through the loss of a child and through many hardships in her life, Wojo has really shown how prayer has gotten her through it all. I'm at a point in my life raising my own 5 littles that at times I am in the throws of desperation to figure out who I am and what God has in store for my life. Desperate Prayers has opened my eyes and heart to God's ever redeeming love and how prayers are always answered, even if it may not be the answer you think it should be.
Profile Image for Jalynn Patterson.
2,217 reviews39 followers
November 12, 2024
About the Book:

Do your prayers resemble last-minute cries more than first-response chats? You’re not alone in calling out to God in life’s pitch-black moments and wondering if He’s listening.

Enter the powerful secrets of the Bible's eleventh-hour pleas of fifteen men and women. This engaging book invites you into the prayer stories of struggling Bible characters like Hagar, Hannah, and David. Each chapter's simple three-word prayer focus will deepen your trust and affirm your heart that it’s best to be you before God.

The ideal desperate pray-er to shine light on your prayer dilemmas, Rachel Wojo vulnerably shares her heartbreaking experiences of loss while pointing you to your Father. Her prayer journey and promising principles will guide you from frenzied desperation to dependent faith.

My Review:

Prayer in my opinion is one of God's love languages. He wants to hear from you on lots of different levels. Prayer is one of those. We get to pour our heart out to Him. And prayer I'm going to tell you is one of those things that comes from deep within. Whether you are speaking in a good way or bad, He can tell what your honest to the heart notion really is.

The author takes different aspects of her life and uses them as examples for each of her talking points throughout the book. I like when an author does this. It gives us "real life". Its raw and open and I see myself if what they are trying to portray. This book was very eye opening! It really drives home the point that prayer is a source of strength and something we shouldn't take lightly.


**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
90 reviews2 followers
October 7, 2024
Do you struggle to pray? Do you struggle with knowing what to pray? Have you ever felt like your prayers weren't heard, God doesn't care about you or waited for answers to your prayers only to be met with silence. I know I can say yes to all of the above and more. Rachel Wojo's book Desperate Prayers is a tool you can use when you struggle with prayer, what to pray and wonder if you are alone in these struggles. In the book, Rachel uses personal stories, the stories of Biblical people, and scripture to help us pray in our times of trouble and desperation. Along with the stories and scripture, each chapter has a specific 3-word prayer and prayer principles we can use as a starting point in our prayer life. The book provides hope, encouragement, and God's Truth which we can lean on, cling to, and stand on in our darkest times knowing we are not alone in our struggles. The Battle is the Lord's God, Deliver Me. No Way Out God, Show Me. and Limps and Scars God, Protect Me. are a few of the chapter titles. "Whatever your emergency, God is your eternal 9-1-1 Operator, always by your side." and "Pain cannot grip you tighter than God's grace." are just two of the prayer principles that spoke to me from the book. Desperate Prayers is the oasis in the valley that can sustain us during our difficult seasons.
I received an advanced copy of the book for my honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Luminous Reads.
194 reviews1 follower
November 26, 2025
“Prayer is the first pick, not the final straw. Rather than feeling all I can do is pray, I want to remember that prayer is one of the strongest tools in my spiritual arsenal.”

Wow. This book absolutely blew me away.
Rachel Wojo acts as an insightful, vulnerable, and deeply empathetic guide through prayer stories of fifteen men and women of the Bible who turned to God in prayer during their darkest moments of pain and despair.

Through biblical examples, such as Hannah’s heartfelt plea for a child (1 Samuel 1) or David’s Psalms of lament, along with personal stories of heartbreaking loss, Rachel brings an essential reminder that desperation can actually deepen dependence on God.

This book is for anyone who finds themselves in a place of desperation and brokenness, feeling unseen, unheard, and in urgent need of guidance or protection. I loved now Rachel highlights that in these vulnerable moments, God's presence is closest, and as she so beautifully writes, “No prayer is beyond God’s reach or reply.”

I highly recommend this wonderful prayer book for anyone seeking to deepen their relationship with God through prayer, especially in times of loss and pain.


I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Lindsey.
186 reviews1 follower
October 12, 2024
Do you struggle to pray or know what to pray?
Do you feel like your prayers haven't been heard?
Does God’s silence make you feel like he doesn’t care about you?

Rachel Wojo’s new book, Desperate Prayers is a must have guidebook for prayer, as it will bring you to the feet of Jesus. Rachel weaves the lives of
Biblical characters, who were in need of intervention, among personal stories of her own vulnerability in speaking, weeping and rejoicing with God.

Desperate Prayers is structured with each chapter title being a 3-word prayer, one can repeat and concludes with a list of prayer principles to use as prayer starters. This book grants readers the space to grieve, while at the same time renewing our hope that our pain can be transformed for His purpose as we continue to move towards Him.



Profile Image for Karina Negron.
7 reviews3 followers
July 9, 2025
I had this book on my TBR for months, but it wasn’t until I was experiencing one of my toughest battles that I finally got the chance to read it. I wholeheartedly believe it was God’s perfect timing for me to read this book when I did.

Wow, what a perspective! Brokenhearted people have the most powerful desperate prayers. This book has shown me that desperation for God is a gift. It’s exactly the type of pursuit and heart posture that God wants us to have towards him.

Rachel, thank you for always sharing your thoughts in the most real ways. You take us on a journey, and never disappoint.

Your prayers have taught me that I do not have to have it all figured out. God is always near.

Absolutely loved this book!
1 review1 follower
October 1, 2024
This book touched my heart right when I needed it. It gives encouragement and instruction and direction. It gives personal examples of a woman and her family dealing with real life issues. It directs the reader back to the One who can heal the hurts, to the One who can give eternal salvation and hope for the future and directs the reader on how to have a personal relationship with the One who created you, God. This book brings hope to the hurting. Allow this book to touch you as much as it has me. You will not be disappointed!
Profile Image for Patricia Cameron.
Author 4 books10 followers
October 9, 2024
From desperation to hope and peace

I was touched by the picture Rachel Wojo paints in this beautifully written book. Desperate Prayers is a picture of hope and healing. A picture of God wrapping His arms around you and holding you in your pain. A picture of blessing and protection.

Rachel shares her heart and faith. She takes you by the hand and points you to God who meets your deepest needs.

This book is for anyone who’s ever cried out to God in desperation or who is currently walking down that road of struggle. Get it and let it change the way you pray.
Profile Image for Elsie McKenney.
Author 1 book17 followers
October 8, 2024
Rachel's words gripped my heart and comforted my soul. I've experienced some dark days. We all have. And as long as we live on this earth, we are going to experience more of them. This book will help you get through those times by encouraging you Godward and helping you to pray. Rachel weaves a beautiful tapestry of her life stories and scripture, making this book relatable and impactful. A must read for those who are seeking a richer prayer life.
Profile Image for Janet McHenry.
Author 9 books31 followers
October 9, 2024
I was delighted with the release of Rachel Wojo's new book, Desperate Prayers. Rachel knows much of deep loss . . . and also knows our connection to God through prayer is essential to see us through those challenging times. She carefully examines and teaches biblical text about how prayer helped God's people in their desperate times. I recommend this highly!
Profile Image for Crickett Keeth.
Author 12 books12 followers
October 18, 2024
A Heartwarming, transparent, and refreshing book on prayer!

We all struggle with how to pray at times. Rachel Wojo’s new book Desperate Prayers guides us through ways to pour out our hearts to God when life is hard, or we don’t understand why something is happening, or God seems silent. I love how the author shares transparently from her personal life and then guides us to Scripture. I underlined a lot throughout this book because I wanted to remember the “aha moments.” Rachel isn’t writing from a place where God answered all her prayers in the way she has asked, but she’s writing from a place of trusting God even when life is challenging, resting in the fact that He knows what’s best for her in His eternal plan. Every chapter drew me into an intimate time of prayer as Rachel reminded me who our God is and how much He cares for us. I love how each chapter title is a three-word prayer. I highly recommend Desperate Prayers. If you’re struggling with how to pray in a desperate situation or want to develop a deeper prayer life, this book is for you. It has enriched my time in prayer, and I believe it will do the same for you!
7 reviews
April 10, 2025
In this book, you get enough of a view of the author’s life to know she has truly been desperate in prayer, but also prays in the seemingly small moments. I’m inspired by her use of scripture in life application but also in just knowing God more. It feels heavy and heartwarming at the same time, simple yet stimulating.
Profile Image for Angela L..
Author 1 book
October 8, 2024
Sometimes it seems prayers bounce off the ceiling and back to earth. But Rachel Wojo in her book Desperate Prayers reminds us that God sees us, hears us, and even knows our hearts when words fail us. She provides practical principles to help us turn to God in our most desperate places.
Profile Image for Loni.
42 reviews1 follower
August 11, 2025
One of the best books I've listened to for 2025. Very encouraging and could relate to much of the author's story. I am now going to buy the book because I want to go through her highlights and prayers more that are at the end of each chapter.
Profile Image for Aliece Newton.
14 reviews
December 31, 2024
Learning to lean on God during the dark times when you don't even know the words to speak, that is desperate prayers. God is right there with you in those times and hears the cries of your heart.
Profile Image for Mindy.
Author 3 books4 followers
September 11, 2025
Excellent book. Recommend for anyone in difficult circumstances.
Profile Image for Lisa.
16 reviews
September 26, 2025
I highly recommend this book. Rachel shares her real life experiences and challenges. She shares how God showed up. There are great prayers and advice in this book.
81 reviews1 follower
October 9, 2024
This book is a balm to my soul. Rachel weaves her stories of loss and pain with the truth and promises of God's word. The principle summary points at the end of each chapter help cement the information into my mind and soul. The prayers to conclude each chapter are honest, raw, and right to the point. I'm grateful for this book when my broken heart and battered soul need it the most.
10 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2024
A Must-Read for Aching Hearts!
Reading this book was like sitting with a friend over coffee as tender words of comfort and hope washed over my soul. Some books are hard to read when you're hurting but Rachel's style and compassion gently invites us into a richer understanding of God's heart of love. Her 3-word prayers give us an easy way to express our needs to God when the confusion and chaos of life overwhelms. As someone who ministers to those walking through loss and heartache, I'm grateful for this resource.
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