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Present in Prayer: A Guided Invitation to Peace Through Biblical Meditation
Cultivate a quiet place to still your soul.
Do you notice that even when your body is not moving, your mind is racing? Anxiety, to-do lists, and the spiral of negative thought patterns often keep us from the stillness we long for. In Present in Prayer, award-winning author Jennifer Tucker invites you to allow the Holy Spirit to speak through God's Word and renew your mind through the practice of Christian meditation.
As in her first book, Breath as Prayer, Tucker shares a powerful prayer practice in this beautifully illustrated book that is deep yet accessible. Each of the 30 meditations
A gentle call to silence, an opening prayer, and a thoughtful reflection on a Bible verseGuided meditation on Scripture using the centuries-old practice of lectio divina—a framework of Christian meditation that helps you slow down and linger on God’s WordA prayer of surrender and prompts for how to live out the truths God is speaking to youInspired art to draw you into each meditation as you consider what is lovely, true, excellent, and worthy of praise
With a beautiful foil-accented cover and full-color original illustrations throughout, Present in Prayer is an ideal gift
Anyone experiencing stress, anxiety, or overwhelming thoughtsThose who want to establish a more regular prayer practicePrayer groups and prayer ministries
You're not in a hurry. You're on a journey. Cultivate a more purposeful and peaceful prayer life and greater intimacy with God as you focus your thoughts on His Word.
Do you notice that even when your body is not moving, your mind is racing? Anxiety, to-do lists, and the spiral of negative thought patterns often keep us from the stillness we long for. In Present in Prayer, award-winning author Jennifer Tucker invites you to allow the Holy Spirit to speak through God's Word and renew your mind through the practice of Christian meditation.
As in her first book, Breath as Prayer, Tucker shares a powerful prayer practice in this beautifully illustrated book that is deep yet accessible. Each of the 30 meditations
A gentle call to silence, an opening prayer, and a thoughtful reflection on a Bible verseGuided meditation on Scripture using the centuries-old practice of lectio divina—a framework of Christian meditation that helps you slow down and linger on God’s WordA prayer of surrender and prompts for how to live out the truths God is speaking to youInspired art to draw you into each meditation as you consider what is lovely, true, excellent, and worthy of praise
With a beautiful foil-accented cover and full-color original illustrations throughout, Present in Prayer is an ideal gift
Anyone experiencing stress, anxiety, or overwhelming thoughtsThose who want to establish a more regular prayer practicePrayer groups and prayer ministries
You're not in a hurry. You're on a journey. Cultivate a more purposeful and peaceful prayer life and greater intimacy with God as you focus your thoughts on His Word.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2024
325 people are currently reading
6572 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 12, 2024
A really lovely guide walking the reader through the Christian meditative practice of lectio divina. The author selects scriptures and outlines a process in this devotional-like format, so each day you can immerse yourself in reflection on scripture. Perfect for Christians that want to incorporate a contemplative/meditation practice into their day while still staying wholely within their faith tradition. I own and love the author's first book, "Breath As Prayer" and often incorporate the reflections and mindful breathing in it into my end-of-the-day routine.
I feel that "Breath As Prayer" may be more accessible if you aren't super "churchy" but do find comfort in scripture, and "Present In Prayer" may be better for those with a more traditional faith walk. Both books are filled with beautiful illustrations and very clear reassurances and descriptions of these practices so devout Christians can feel comfortable using mindfulness and meditation techniques and secure that they are not treading into "New Age" or Eastern meditation practices. Great devotional books for anyone who finds value in scripture and Christian teachings.
ARC through NetGalley
I feel that "Breath As Prayer" may be more accessible if you aren't super "churchy" but do find comfort in scripture, and "Present In Prayer" may be better for those with a more traditional faith walk. Both books are filled with beautiful illustrations and very clear reassurances and descriptions of these practices so devout Christians can feel comfortable using mindfulness and meditation techniques and secure that they are not treading into "New Age" or Eastern meditation practices. Great devotional books for anyone who finds value in scripture and Christian teachings.
ARC through NetGalley
December 5, 2024
I am not Christian, but this is such a beautiful book that gave me a lot of comfort and solace. Any spiritual seeker or believer can enjoy this book and the writer did a splendid job mixing scripture, mindfulness and positive psychology with her own endearing art and illustrations to relay her hopeful and uplifting message of faith.
July 27, 2024
I loved this introduction to the practice of lectio divina--guided meditation on Scripture. Includes 30 meditations to help bring calm while focusing on God's word. A wonderful resource to boost one's faith.
March 15, 2025
A wonderful book for anyone looking to be closer to God. It walks you through a lot bible verses and Christian medications with a focus on mental health and reducing anxiety. I loved this book and it’s one that you can read small sections everyday to add a little light in your life!
June 30, 2025
This book is a beautiful guided devotional for Christian solitude and scripture meditation. One of the most meaningful, useful, and beautiful devotionals I've gone through! I highly recommend this for anyone desiring to learn how to practically exercise themselves daily in solitude and scripture meditation.
December 31, 2024
This is one of the best devotional books I’ve ever read. I’ve been wanting a book that helps me meditate on scripture and this really helps me get the words into my soul. I actually chew on what I’ve learned throughout the day because of the approach she gives here. I highly recommend this book if you want to go deeper into your reading and have it actually stay with you throughout the day.
June 25, 2025
"Present in Prayer: A Guided Invitation to Peace Through Biblical Meditation" by Jennifer Tucker was a fantastic meditation tool and provided a great format for spending daily time with God.
For the sake of transparency, I received a free copy of "Present in Prayer" through a Goodreads giveaway listed by TNZ Gift.
Though the official title of the book is "Present in Prayer: A Guided Invitation to Peace Through Biblical Meditation," Goodreads adds a postscript onto the title - "The Perfect Christian Gifts for Women." I admit that the target audience for this book is likely not male: the cover is light pink, the title is embossed in gold, and the work is full artwork depicting flowers, plants, and nature (the artwork also happens to be created by the author, and it is beautiful). However, nothing in the content of the book is inherently feminine - or gendered at all, actually. At its core, the book is about how to meditate in God's presence. It uses Scripture as its basis, and it provides a framework to allow readers to easily enter into silent time with God. While I plan to give this book to my wife now that I've finished it, this book is suitable for anyone.
Essentially, "Present in Prayer" is an introduction to Lectio Divina. For anyone who is not familiar, Lectio Divina is a specific type of meditation wherein the practitioner reads a short passage of Scripture and then meditates on that Word from various viewpoints, attempting to not only comprehend the verses, but truly commune with God and, as a result, internalize the passage and the messages it communicates. Tucker spends a few introductory chapters introducing the reader to Lectio Divina, discussing how to practice it and the benefits of spending time in meditation before God. She then moves on to the bulk of the work, which is to provide thirty Lectio Divina practices based off of Philippians 4:8, which encourages Christians to think about things that are: true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.
I found "Present in Prayer" to be incredibly accessible. I think it is a fantastic resource for anyone wishing to incorporate meditation into their spiritual life. The simple format of the daily meditations will allow anyone to practice them, whether they are familiar with Lectio Divina or not. Additionally, the daily practices focus on truths about God and His role in our lives. While the readings do not go incredibly deep (each one follows a set format that, with the exception of a couple of lines, is the same each day), using this book dutifully will provide the reader with a starting place for sitting before God and opening themselves to what He has to say to them.
I appreciated the different aspects of this book, including the thoughtful meditations, the peaceful artwork, and the use of Scripture to communicate truth. In all, it is a solid entry into Biblical meditation in a church culture that does not often talk about the topic.
For the sake of transparency, I received a free copy of "Present in Prayer" through a Goodreads giveaway listed by TNZ Gift.
Though the official title of the book is "Present in Prayer: A Guided Invitation to Peace Through Biblical Meditation," Goodreads adds a postscript onto the title - "The Perfect Christian Gifts for Women." I admit that the target audience for this book is likely not male: the cover is light pink, the title is embossed in gold, and the work is full artwork depicting flowers, plants, and nature (the artwork also happens to be created by the author, and it is beautiful). However, nothing in the content of the book is inherently feminine - or gendered at all, actually. At its core, the book is about how to meditate in God's presence. It uses Scripture as its basis, and it provides a framework to allow readers to easily enter into silent time with God. While I plan to give this book to my wife now that I've finished it, this book is suitable for anyone.
Essentially, "Present in Prayer" is an introduction to Lectio Divina. For anyone who is not familiar, Lectio Divina is a specific type of meditation wherein the practitioner reads a short passage of Scripture and then meditates on that Word from various viewpoints, attempting to not only comprehend the verses, but truly commune with God and, as a result, internalize the passage and the messages it communicates. Tucker spends a few introductory chapters introducing the reader to Lectio Divina, discussing how to practice it and the benefits of spending time in meditation before God. She then moves on to the bulk of the work, which is to provide thirty Lectio Divina practices based off of Philippians 4:8, which encourages Christians to think about things that are: true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.
I found "Present in Prayer" to be incredibly accessible. I think it is a fantastic resource for anyone wishing to incorporate meditation into their spiritual life. The simple format of the daily meditations will allow anyone to practice them, whether they are familiar with Lectio Divina or not. Additionally, the daily practices focus on truths about God and His role in our lives. While the readings do not go incredibly deep (each one follows a set format that, with the exception of a couple of lines, is the same each day), using this book dutifully will provide the reader with a starting place for sitting before God and opening themselves to what He has to say to them.
I appreciated the different aspects of this book, including the thoughtful meditations, the peaceful artwork, and the use of Scripture to communicate truth. In all, it is a solid entry into Biblical meditation in a church culture that does not often talk about the topic.
December 16, 2024
Present in Prayer by Jennifer Tucker is a beautifully illustrated guide to Christian meditation. The author leads you through 30 different meditations, the topics of which are based on Philippians 4:8. There are 8 sections: Whatever is True, Whatever is Honorable, Whatever is Right, Whatever is Pure, Whatever is Lovely, Whatever is Admirable, Whatever is Excellent, and Whatever is Worthy of Praise.
These are not a quick 5-minute devotionals. Each meditation has taken me about half an hour, but the time spent on it is really up to you. The author provides a framework, but how much time you take meditating and contemplating is going to be different for each person. Very biblically based, and you'll be doing a thorough perusal of a passage of scripture in each one. I will say that I don't always prefer the translation the author has picked (ie MSG). Some of the more contemporary translations help give context, I just happen to be partial to the NKJV.
As a bonus, my Garmin shows that my stress levels are reduced drastically during and after these meditations, so they've been a great way for me to end my day and wind down before bedtime.
5/5 Stars. Highly Recommended if you're looking for a closer walk with the Word. Helpful to find personal insights into scripture. I received an eARC version of this book and have already ordered it in hard copy. I'll definitely be checking out the author's other books.
Thank you to NetGalley, Jennifer Tucker, and Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to review the eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
These are not a quick 5-minute devotionals. Each meditation has taken me about half an hour, but the time spent on it is really up to you. The author provides a framework, but how much time you take meditating and contemplating is going to be different for each person. Very biblically based, and you'll be doing a thorough perusal of a passage of scripture in each one. I will say that I don't always prefer the translation the author has picked (ie MSG). Some of the more contemporary translations help give context, I just happen to be partial to the NKJV.
As a bonus, my Garmin shows that my stress levels are reduced drastically during and after these meditations, so they've been a great way for me to end my day and wind down before bedtime.
5/5 Stars. Highly Recommended if you're looking for a closer walk with the Word. Helpful to find personal insights into scripture. I received an eARC version of this book and have already ordered it in hard copy. I'll definitely be checking out the author's other books.
Thank you to NetGalley, Jennifer Tucker, and Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to review the eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 14, 2024
I read and enjoyed Jennifer Tucker’s “Breathe as Prayer” and was excited to see her new book, “Present in Prayer”. In “Present in Prayer”, she explains and then provides opportunities to practice Lectio Divina. She clarifies this is not eastern mind-emptying. Lectio Divina is slowing your mind and heart with the intent to provide God to work in your heart through his Word and in prayer.
Following some background on the practice, Tucker provides thirty scripture passages with guided practice in Lectio Divina that were encouraging and artistically beautiful. Use them at whatever pace you wish to go.
I’m usually a kindle format reader, but like Tucker’s “Breath as Prayer”, this would be most thoroughly enjoyed in a print edition. The artwork is beautiful, and a hard copy book would allow you to flip through the thirty passages in a non-linear way if you chose.
If you want a beautiful book that will help you intentionally slow down and experience God’s Word in fresh ways, check out “Present in Prayer.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Zondervan & Thomas Nelson Gift division, for providing me with a digital copy. All opinions are my own.
Following some background on the practice, Tucker provides thirty scripture passages with guided practice in Lectio Divina that were encouraging and artistically beautiful. Use them at whatever pace you wish to go.
I’m usually a kindle format reader, but like Tucker’s “Breath as Prayer”, this would be most thoroughly enjoyed in a print edition. The artwork is beautiful, and a hard copy book would allow you to flip through the thirty passages in a non-linear way if you chose.
If you want a beautiful book that will help you intentionally slow down and experience God’s Word in fresh ways, check out “Present in Prayer.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Zondervan & Thomas Nelson Gift division, for providing me with a digital copy. All opinions are my own.
September 7, 2025
I purchased this book back in April of 2025 and I’ve reread it at least three times since. I’ve made countless notes, underlined many of my favorite parts and keep going back to it. I’m not a Christian and I was new to meditation when I bought this. I’ll admit, I rushed through the first time because my anxiety couldn’t sit still. However, I’m happy I made the notes I did even the first time through because going back through it, taking the practices of meditation and prayer in together really brought me much closer to Spirit. It opened up my own journey to healing my inner wounds and reading other books, listening to podcasts and speaking with Spirit throughout the day, and not just in times of need. This book, although short, taught me to focus my mind, understand versus from the Bible a little more and get closer to my faith. The illustrations in this book are beautiful as well and they really give me a sense of peace. I read this almost daily when I’m outside for that time of peace for myself. I would recommend this book to anyone just getting into meditation and closer to spirit within themselves.
November 4, 2024
Thank you @storygramtours and @thomasnelson for sending me an early edition.
This little book is truly stunning! What a wonderful way to learn how to do guided meditation.
And if those words freak you out or sound too churchy, just think of it as a way to help you pray with purpose and not get so distracted.
So if you're someone like me who maybe starts praying and then ends up making a grocery list or begins quiet time with the heart of praise and ends up listing all the things you need God to help you with...this may be the book for you!
It is filled with beautiful artwork, scripture verses, and prompts to help you think about what you've just read. It outlines exactly the steps to take to dive into the specific verse and offers questions to ponder. There's plenty of room to write and doodle and each section is short enough to not overwhelm.
It would make a wonderful personal devotional but is pretty enough to gift to a friend.
LOVED this!
This little book is truly stunning! What a wonderful way to learn how to do guided meditation.
And if those words freak you out or sound too churchy, just think of it as a way to help you pray with purpose and not get so distracted.
So if you're someone like me who maybe starts praying and then ends up making a grocery list or begins quiet time with the heart of praise and ends up listing all the things you need God to help you with...this may be the book for you!
It is filled with beautiful artwork, scripture verses, and prompts to help you think about what you've just read. It outlines exactly the steps to take to dive into the specific verse and offers questions to ponder. There's plenty of room to write and doodle and each section is short enough to not overwhelm.
It would make a wonderful personal devotional but is pretty enough to gift to a friend.
LOVED this!
December 18, 2024
I love Present in Prayer by Jennifer Tucker! Each of the 30 devotional entries uses Biblical meditation practices centered on a Bible verse of the day and expounds on it within that entry. I used Present in Prayer as part of my personal devotional time and it really Ministered to me. I loved the nuggets and Wisdom that Ms. Tucker brings out in each entry. I highly recommend Present in Prayer by Jennifer Tucker! Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. (I also bought a copy of this book for myself.) My review is also on Goodreads.
August 12, 2024
Oh, the times I have struggled to stay focused during times of Bible study. So many earthly interruptions...the tv in the background, the phone ringing, the dryer buzzer going off, the dog barking,..... Present in Prayer by Jennifer Tucker delves into ways to stay focused, to eliminate the distractions, and have a peaceful Biblical meditation.
Releases Nov 12th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
Releases Nov 12th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
April 20, 2025
3 stars for my personal enjoyment, but I'm giving it four because I think the book deserves it. I wanted to give this a try because I love the author's previous book about breath prayers, and this is objectively just as good: beautifully designed and thoughtfully written. Lectio divina just is not a structure that works for me. But many people find it very helpful, so if you like it or want to try it out, this is a good resource.
June 3, 2025
Such a soul-nourishing gift book. The daily readings help focus our minds on the Apostle Paul's prescription for "whatever is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable... excellent and worthy of praise." (Philippians 4:8)
The gentle tone and restful art complement the readings to make this a lovely time of engaging with Scripture and learning to linger in God's presence.
The gentle tone and restful art complement the readings to make this a lovely time of engaging with Scripture and learning to linger in God's presence.
October 11, 2025
Excellent contemplative prayer book using Lectio Divina: reading scripture, reflecting, and responding to God as you hear His voice. I am a seasoned Christian who has been practicing contemplative prayer thru journaling for over 15 years! I can’t say enough about how well written and thought out this little devotional book is. I will read/do it again & again! Thank you Jennifer Tucker! I plan to buy this as gifts for friends & family. Bonus: gorgeous illustrations
December 10, 2024
This guided prayer book is absolutely fantastic. It has brought me so much closer to the Lord by reminding me to slow down and go more in depth than I would with a typical devotional book. It has also encouraged me to do more of my own bible studies and meditative prayers. I absolutely love this book and hope the author continues to write many more!!
February 1, 2025
I actually listened to this on Audible. I am so glad I did! I had a big surgery and I have listened to the devotionals during recovery- times of rest and times when I struggled with pain. These guided meditations have contributed in a powerful way to my healing process
Highly recommend the Audible version read by the author.
Highly recommend the Audible version read by the author.
May 8, 2025
This was an enjoyable relaxing devotional.
I was provide much peace as I practiced:
May my pace be slow and unhurried,
Ever aware of your presence with me.
May my mind be attentive and clear, noticing the gift of every moment.
May my heart be gentle and kind, showing compassion to myself and others.
I was provide much peace as I practiced:
May my pace be slow and unhurried,
Ever aware of your presence with me.
May my mind be attentive and clear, noticing the gift of every moment.
May my heart be gentle and kind, showing compassion to myself and others.
October 23, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ Really loved this book!! What a beautiful and easy to understand introduction to Biblical meditation. Only complaint is the prompts in each chapter is repetitive. Loved her Breath as Prayer book too!!❤️
January 9, 2026
I am so glad I found this book! It has become a part of my daily morning routine. It teaches Christian, Western meditation. It has amazing prayers, excerpts from the Bible, and devotional questions to get you thinking. Reading this makes my day begin on a serene and positive note.
December 30, 2024
This was an excellent read! It shows you how to be deeply in tune when you pray. I recommend this little book to everyone.
February 26, 2025
If you struggle in your prayer life this book is a great model to set you in the right track.A step by step Christian meditation guide that encourages. Also, the book itself from the cover to the illustrations is just gorgeous!
March 7, 2025
I’ve read dozens of devotionals over the years, but never one like this. “Present in Prayer” is now in my top 3 for sure! So good! 😊
June 29, 2025
30 devotions practicing Lectio Divina. Such a good way to slow down and really meditate on Scripture.
August 23, 2025
Really enjoyed this! Practice of quieting the noise around you, slowing down, reading a passage, dwelling and thinking over each verse.
September 28, 2025
Took my time with this one :)
- Sit in silence for at least 5 minutes a day with no distractions.
- Slow down, be still, and stop waiting to do the work
- Sit in silence for at least 5 minutes a day with no distractions.
- Slow down, be still, and stop waiting to do the work
October 19, 2025
What a sweet companion this devotional has been. I will revisit it again and again.
December 17, 2025
This is a lovely book to practice lectio divina. It has helped me to slow down and spend time listening to God.
August 15, 2025
Prayer is suppose to help calm a person down; this audio book did the opposite.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews