What Happens When Women Pray

by Evelyn Christenson, Viola Blake

What Happens When Women Pray is a practical and biblical book about prayer. Its teachings have been tested in hundreds of prayer seminars all over the world, as both men and women have learned to pray in more personal and believing ways.
What Happens When Women Pray will show you how to move into the dynamic that occurs when people pray. It just might change your life or the life of someone you know and love.

Since 1968, Evelyn Christenson has led prayer seminars worldwide. Millions of readers have enjoyed Evelyn's books, which include, "Lord, Change Me!" and A Journey into Prayer. Evelyn and her husband, Harold, live in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Genres: Christian, Prayer, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Christianity, Faith, Spirituality

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1975

Reviews

[Suzyberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book over 20 years ago and have re-read it in part many times over the years. This book goes to the heart of the immense power women have when they empty their minds and hearts and lay all that is needed, all they are thankful for...all of everything in their lives whether good or bad, before the Lord in simple prayer. This book is perfectly written and will draw in even the most doubting person who sees prayer as unnecessary or just a lot of babble. I will keep this book on my shelves forever...and re-visit it for the rest of my life. Don't miss this blessing of words in a world of confusion...it will bless you, I promise.

[Amanda R · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very practical and informative guide to prayer. The many real life stories told throughout the book keep the pages turning fast all the while you are learning practical steps to improve or simply start your own prayer life.

[Tammy Perlmutter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my second read and I think I’m throwing it away. The practical ideas were helpful, and the descriptions of answered prayers are inspiring. BUT I am uncomfortable with her facile explanations for tragedy and the almost condescending and offensive reasons she gives people for their suffering, like God took away three of the author’s babies and years later told her it was so she and her husband could finish 7 years of schooling!!! God doesn’t kill babies for higher education!! There are a few statements like that which were pretty much intolerable and theologically heretical and dangerous. Another specific statement; After losing her 7 month old daughter, God told Evelyn “it was for your profit. If you’re going to be a pastor’s wife, you will have to understand some of these things.” Are you kidding me with this?!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Years ago I read this book with a group of women and it enhanced our prayer lives.

Of course it is a great book for all people, not just women, but Evelyn Christenson was asked to work on the project with women so she wrote it from that perspective.

The short, focused chapters are especially helpful for extemporaneous prayer in a group. Prayer is effective because we pray to an effective, eternal, all-powerful God in Jesus' name.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

One the best books on the simple complex paths to a strong and fruitful prayer life...a must read for any Christian with a thrirst for discovery meaning of prayer

[Iris Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a powerful book. It teached me to pray in a more deep and passionate way. I understand now the different ways to pray. It is a must have.

[Heavenly Readings · Rating 5 out of 5]

(English/Español)

Un libro corto que relata la importancia de la oración intercesora, especialmente la oración grupal. La autora relata su experiencia como líder de oración y de como empezó con un grupo de 8 mujeres para orar por los miembros de su iglesia y la forma en que Dios respondió a esas oraciones. Este libro contiene muchos testimonios preciosos y asombrosos de personas que experimentaron la respuesta de Dios a las oraciones efectivas de ese grupo de mujeres que oraron por sus necesidades ante Él. Nos muestra también cómo orar de acuerdo a la voluntad de Dios y con una serie de pasos que pueden ayudar al lector a orar de manera eficaz y bíblica. Una herramienta muy buena y preciosa que recalca una vez más la importancia de la oración en la vida del cristiano y el poder que hay en ella cuando es realizada según la Palabra de Dios. Sin duda, un libro muy recomendable y útil para todo aquel que desea comenzar un grupo de oración o simplemente ahondar un poco más en ella.
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A short book that recounts the importance of intercessory prayer, especially group prayer. The author recounts her experience as a prayer leader and how she started with a group of 8 women to pray for her church members and how God responded to those prayers. This book contains many precious and amazing testimonies of people who experienced God's response to the effective prayers of that group of women who prayed for their needs before Him. It also shows us how to pray according to God's will and with a series of steps that can help the reader pray effectively and biblically. A very good and precious resource that emphasizes once again the importance of prayer in the life of the Christian and the power that is in it when it is done according to the Word of God. Undoubtedly, a highly recommended and useful book for anyone who wants to start a prayer group or just delve a little deeper into it.

[Deanna Wiseburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have prayed many times before. Lately though I have heard others pray and I felt that I had a lot of growing to do to pray effectively. I knew my prayer life needed some work before. I wanted to feel like I prayed effective prayers. I've never been comfortable praying out loud.

This book has helped me to understand the basics and the things that can stand in the way. I know that my prayers can be simple and still effective. I also have a better idea of where and how to start praying better for others.

This book isn't the newest book, but it has made the most sense to me. It breaks it down simply, and yet it still shows you the power of prayer and praying for one another. Parts of the book talk about praying in groups and prayer chains, but the concepts can all work in your personal prayer life.

[Blsaldana · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was selected for a small Women's Bible Study group at an interdenominational church that I have been attending. I thought it was timely with the release of the movie War Room, which also has to do with prayer. Effective, fervent prayer, I might add.

Evelyn's book is great for beginners. It is simple and easy to read of twelve short chapters, and can truly help if the person/group puts their heart and truly desires to see that our prayers can move the hand of God and miracles happen. In our own lives and for those we are praying for.

The book is a bit "dated" with reference from the 1960's, cassette tapes, etc.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Years ago I read this book and it revolutionized my prayer life. Now, I am reading through it again with several other women.

The chapters are short and focused. The author's aim was to get even the most reluctant person to pray...Because prayer changes things.

Also look for the book, What Happens When God Answers Prayer. It's a solid follow up to What Happens When Women Pray.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Refreshing and easy to read without being condescending. The author gives lots of anecdotes including her own failures at times, and shares the simple power of prayer. She demonstrates how unforgiveness or sin can close the 'channels' to God, and challenges people to pray simply and in faith. Appropriate for men as well as women!

Re-read nearly 14 years later, and appreciated just as much. Thought-provoking.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

One woman gets together with 7 other ladies to learn what happens when women pray... and it turns out to sweep across her home, church, community, and even beyond to change people's perspective on prayer. I thought this was very straightforward and focused on the right areas without being overbearing. Simple yet challenging! It made me want to get on my knees and start praying, which is exactly what a book on prayer should do! :-)

[Reagan Chiu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely enjoyed it. Thought it was a good blend of strategies of how to pray as well as examples of what happened when they were implemented. Also liked how the author shared her failures as well as successes, showing the reader she is far from having stuff perfected.
This is something I would recommend.

[RUTH GUTHRIE · Rating 5 out of 5]

so inspirational, down to earth, easy to read. Really inspirational and motivating. My question is - why can't I finish reading these great books ? They're obviously life changing and very important. Busy busy devil-man

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although a little dated the information giving on prayer is first class. Such information doesn't really date. It's an easy, straightforward read and gives the reader a sense of God at work answering prayer. Inspiring. Don't know why I've waited all these years to read it!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this many years ago. We did it as a study and it was life changing. I think I still have my notes somewhere. Must search them out. Maybe revisit the book and read it again.This book should be read at every new year to start the year off right.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

What happens when women pray collectively? Prayer is powerful!

[Sharna Reif · Rating 5 out of 5]

The importance of prayer and how as women we canmake big impact when we pray faithfully together.

[Christine Probert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in a women's bible study group about 13-14yrs ago and came across it in my book cabinet and thought I'd reread it. I read a lot of books but the ones I really like, I keep.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good personal stories, inspiring but practical

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want to change your prayer life? This is the book for you. Older book but has been reissued.

[Carol Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an older book and my 2nd time through it. Excellent basic book.

[Crossroads Ecc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encourages praying in a familiar tone, and with a depth of intimacy and faith the God cares about everything we care about and is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.

[Angie Sanders]

Very helpful book, good tool to have

[Dawn · Rating 1 out of 5]

The same thing that happens when men pray. Duh. Very condescending.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent.

[Tamara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would not suggest this as a bible study however I am glad I read it.

[A.E. Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book back in the 80s and it has been an inspiration to me ever since. Have recommended it many times and continue to recommend it today.

[MHA Bookclub]

Shelf 2

[Mary Ellin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mixed bag. Some really good suggestions for how to pray effectively to get your prayers answered. Confess your sins before presenting your prayers. Pray for requests, not outcomes. Pray for God’s will. The author also has great tips for praying in groups: Don’t mentally compose your prayer while someone else is praying - just pray instead, and be assured the words will come when it is your turn (and a bit of silent pause is not a sin). Less impressive, to me, was the constant emphasis on praying for the salvation of others, the subtle suggestion that yoga and meditation were somehow linked to the occult, and the more blatant suggestion that gathering with people of other beliefs was not desirable. I read a lot of books on faith and can find myself annoyed when the author appears to lean fundamental (or be very much so); this one hit my annoyance nerve. I also hoped for more tangible tips: Give me examples of praying for an outcome and praying a request, praying for God’s will and not doing so. The same was true with the section on prayer chains; I’m on a chain and sometimes find myself frustrated by their limitations; the section on chains seems not to have been updated since the book was first published in the 1990s, when phone chains were the norm; I was disappointed not to find tips on managing chains in our era of email, texting and social media. Recommended, with these provisos.