Women Who Move Mountains: Praying with Confidence, Boldness, and Grace

by Sue Detweiler, Sue Detweiler

Infuse Your World--and Your Heart--with God's Life-Giving Power

Amid our packed schedules and life's curveballs, our hearts long for more. We want to live and love well; we want to be a source of joy and life. The good news is that you can--and the secret is found in the simple act of prayer.
Prayer was never meant to be a recitation of requests, but rather a drawing close to the heart of God. When you learn to exchange the obstacles of life for the promises of God, you will pray with passion and confidence rather than fear or insecurity. From this place of surrender and intimacy, you will discover what it means to become a powerful, effective woman of prayer--a woman whose life overflows with springs of living water that transform not only her own life, but the world around her.
With study questions and journaling exercises included, this is the perfect book to go deeper either on your own or with a group.

Genres: Nonfiction, Inspirational, Christian, Christian Living, Prayer

256 pages, Paperback

First published May 2, 2017

About the author

Sue Detweiler is an inspirational author, international speaker, and host of the Healing Rain podcast listened to in 135 nations. Sue is a recognized member of Randy Clark’s Global Awakening Network and Apostle Guillermo Maldonado’s Supernatural Global Network. Sue also received the highest recognition from the president of the Foursquare Church, Jack Hayford, for leading Life School of Ministry, a three-year Bible training institute in Nashville that grew to five hundred students. She holds a Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt University and is pursuing her doctorate with Global Awakening Theological Seminary.
Sue is a pioneer woman pastor who began preaching at the age of 19. With her husband, Wayne, she planted and co-pastored their first church at the age of 22. With a strong prophetic teaching gift, Sue has equipped men and women to become pastors, evangelists, and missionaries to the nations. She is an international speaker and travels to Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Sue presently serves as the executive director of Life Bridge Global, bringing healing, hope, and freedom to neighbors, nations, and generations. This Christian nonprofit equips individuals, local churches, and international communities through events, training, and creating online media resources, broadcasts, and courses.
Sue and Wayne Detweiler have been married for over thirty- five years and raised six children together. They now live in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and have eight grandchildren (and counting).
Books - Sue’s newest book is Healing Rain: Immersing Yourself in Christ’s Love to Find Wholeness of Mind, Body, and Heart (Chosen, 2023). Do you long for health, wholeness, and freedom? Do you continue to hit wall after wall of resistance on the road to pursuing healing? Pointing to the words, actions, and miracles of Jesus, Sue gives you the confidence to trust His presence and discover how to:
• open pathways to spiritual encounters with Jesus,
• remove obstacles to complete healing,
• overcome trauma and destructive thoughts
• receive the power of His blood to heal every area of your life,
• and active a supernatural faith and lifestyle.

Full of wisdom, incredible testimonies, discussion questions, prayers, activation exercises, and a spiritual inventory, this step-by-step biblical guide will help you tend to your heart and experience healing in your body, mind, and emotions—and empower you to help others do the same.
Sue is the author of Women Who Move Mountains: Praying with Confidence, Boldness, and Grace and has inspired women's groups internationally to grow in their relationship with Jesus through prayer.
Sue's first book, 9 Traits of a Life-Giving Mom, hit No. 1 on Amazon's hot new releases for Christian women's issues. As the mom of six and Mimi of eight, Sue brings a vulnerable perspective on how wonderful and difficult it is to be a mom.
Her second book, 9 Traits of a Life-Giving Marriage, grew out of her and her husband's heart to help couples grow closer to God and each other. In their pastoral ministry, they have seen how sharing their struggles has helped create a safe context for individuals and couples to be transparent and honest with their issues. Wayne and Sue have also seen God's transformative power heal and restore lives through the conferences and workshops they have led.
For more books and resources or to schedule a speaking engagement, visit SueDetweiler.com or email info@suedetweiler.com or call 903-776-4712.
Connect with Sue:
Instagram: Instagram.com/SueDetweiler
Facebook: Facebook.com/SueDetweiler7
Linkedin: Linkedin.com/in/suedetweiler
Twitter: Twitter.com/SueDetweiler
Spotify: Spotify
Apple Podcast: Apple Podcast
Websites: SueDetweiler.com
LifeBridge.Global

Reviews

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The power of prayer and the transformation that can come through thoughtful, passionate prayer is shown in this wonderful book. Do you ever wonder if God truly hears your prayers? Learning to truly have conversation with God and to listen for His promises helps prayer become meaningful and a true worship experience. This book includes a study guide and journaling prompts which enhance the reading. Excellent book for individual study or group study. I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my personal honest opinion.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amid our packed schedules and life's curve balls, our hearts long for more. We want to live and love well; we want to be a source of joy and life. The good news is that you can--and the secret is found in the simple act of prayer.
Prayer was never meant to be a recitation of requests, but rather a drawing close to the heart of God. When you learn to exchange the obstacles of life for the promises of God, you will pray with passion and confidence rather than fear or insecurity. From this place of surrender and intimacy, you will discover what it means to become a powerful, effective woman of prayer--a woman whose life overflows with springs of living water that transform not only her own life, but the world around her. With study questions and journaling exercises included, this is the perfect book to go deeper either on your own or with a group.

This book is broken down in 2 parts; Part One has 21 chapters that discuss prayer in depth, as well as questions, journaling exercises and a great deal of scripture, while Part Two is a 21 day devotional that also incorporates journaling and scripture. The author makes a lot of good points during Part One, including that prayer is more about having a relationship with God and less about ritual. I think this is an important thing to remember, as I imagine that many people turn prayer into more of a ritual, instead of a relationship, without even realizing they are doing it. Throughout each chapter in Part One, the author provides a great deal of scripture and questions going along with that scripture relating to the specific topic in that chapter. The only thing I didn't really like, was how the author talks about anxiety in a few of the chapters. I have read many Christian books that don't acknowledge that for many individuals with true mental illness, it is biological in nature and it can't be "prayed away." Please don't interrupt that the wrong way, I believe that prayer helps with everything, I am just a big advocate for mental health so I tend to notice things that maybe others wouldn't. Otherwise, Part 1 is filled with a great deal of advice on how to advance the way your prayer and the book contains a great deal of scripture to help you along the way. Part 2 is a 21 day devotional that continues on with what was presented in Part One and each devotional is broken down into 5 parts; journal, meditate, devotional, pray aloud and declare. I really liked the way the devotionals were written and broken down into these sections as well. Overall, an interesting book about prayer and learning to focus on your relationship with God, as well as praying for specific things.

Thank you to the publisher, Bethany House, for sending me a review copy of this book.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Women Who Move Mountains

Praying with Confidence, Boldness, and Grace



by Sue Detweiler

Bethany House

Bethany House Publishers



Christian

Pub Date 02 May 2017

I am voluntarily reviewing Women Who Move Mountains through Bethany House and Netgalley:

This book Women Who Moves Mountains takes on a journey through prayer, and teaches us to pray with confidence, Boldness and Grace.

We are reminded that there are different types of prayers including prayers of desperation, those prayers when you face a life or death situation or a life altering one. Sue Detweiller also reminds us that we don't have a fear problem, but a faith one.

The author reminds us the importance of learning to Pray with Faith, the first step being establishing a firm foundation.

This book would be perfect for either A Women's Bible study, or to add to personal Bible Study Time.

I give Women Who Moves Mountains five out of five stars.

Happy Reading.

[Dr. Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, Women Who Move Mountains: Praying with Confidence, Boldness, and Grace is real - full of real-life stories from women, the author included, of how they found hope, healing and transformation through prayer. I know from personal experience that the author, Sue Detweiler, lives what she has written and is anointed in helping other women grow. Over the span of two years, Sue and I hit the trail every Monday morning to walk and pray together. I grew so much through her prayers and insight. Reading this book was like being on the trail once more with Sue, soaking in her exhortation and encouragement. There are so many great little nuggets like, "It is often in areas of calling that you will experience the most rejection." And then Sue gives us scripture, exhortation and prayer to move past our feelings of rejection or anxiety or fear or disappointment or sadness to the overcoming position that God desires for us.

I did a fast-read, but look forward to digging in deeper with the Scriptures and study guide provided in my prayer times. I encourage any woman to "hit the trail" with Sue in your journey of prayer by working through this book in your own time with God, or with a group of other women.

[Lynn Wicker]

I LOVE this book! Sue Detweiler shares powerful stories and personal experiences with such transparency and authenticity about how going deeper with God in prayer has impacted her life. I can sometimes find my prayers feeling stale and lifeless, wondering if God is hearing me. Women Who Move Mountains provided me with impactful new insights into how my prayers can transform and equip me for the journey ahead. I am forever grateful for this treasure!

[Jessilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for a small group or personal Bible Study!
Sue takes the readers through a journey to help them realize who they are in Christ and to understand just how life changing prayer can be. Prayer isn’t something that we put on our checklist as a “daily duty”, it’s is a way of “living and breathing”. Prayer takes us through battles, eases our heartache, and shuts the door on the Enemy!

I love that every other chapter is set up like an interactive bible study. The study chapters remind the reader of a bible treasure hunt, taking us through various parts of the Bible and giving questions to answer about each one. Many of the questions challenge the reader to seek God through prayer to find the answer that relates to their personal life (needs, struggles, hopes, fears).

As I read this book I didn’t want to put it down. I just wanted to keep reading to see what was next. I wanted to know what else I could learn about prayer and what else I could learn about myself. Sue shares stories of real life experiences where God has used her prayers, and the prayers of others, to get them through deep valleys. This book showed me that I too can be a Woman who Moves Mountains! I highly recommend this book to any Christian woman-- at any stage of life! It’s a book I will come back to often to reread!

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.

[Danelle Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

The power of prayer! The most powerful weapon in the universe! In Women Who Move Mountains, Sue Detweiler explores the power of prayer, as described in the Bible. Sharing with us others journeys as they walk through valleys using prayer as their guide and their growth in the Christian faith through prayer. Who doesn't love a good mix of relaxed reading and Bible study. I feel this would be exceptional for any women regardless of her walk with God. Inviting, educational and well written. Praying and submerging myself throughout the day has been such a blessing - my pages are ragged and torn because I have been carrying this around with me through the day. I could see this book being discussed during Bible study groups, book clubs, or any group just wanting to deepen their relationship with God. I received an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. My honest opinion is this book is a blessing!

[Create With Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to learn more about prayer – if you want to release the power of prayer in your life – if you want to be a prayer warrior for God – I highly recommend Women Who Move Mountains: Praying With Confidence, Boldness And Grace by Sue Detweiler to you!

In Women Who Move Mountains, Sue uses both biblical and real-life examples to teach us how to pray more, pray better, and reap the benefits of prayer in our lives. She helps us overcome the barriers that often get in the way of us faithfully praying on a regular basis. Through this book, you’ll learn how to pray with both confidence and humility, how to come into God’s presence, and how to feel more comfortably praying both silently and aloud.

You’ll even find special resources such as 21 Days to Spiritual Breakthrough, Guidelines for Taking a Spiritual Retreat, Guidelines for Fasting, and 5 Steps of Grace inside!

Women Who Move Mountains is an invaluable prayer resource you will find yourself turning to again and again as you deepen your relationship with God through the practice of prayer.

This review is an excerpt from the original review that is published on my blog. To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. However, the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Michele Morin · Rating 5 out of 5]

God Moves Mountains When Women Pray

Last year, I started keeping a list of prayer requests, dated and described, and then, to my great surprise — answers! Clear direction for a son, help and success in a ministry opportunity, a new and wonderful job for my husband. Reviewing the list from time to time, I’m reminded to give thanks, and I’m reinforced in my thinking that when it comes to prayer, there is always something new and fresh God wants me to know.

Women Who Move Mountains by Sue Detweiler is clear and comprehensive enough to serve as a primer on prayer for the uninitiated, but Sue has shared so many deeply insightful stories and has woven them so beautifully with Scripture that those who are further along on the journey will also find a rewarding read. Twice in the gospels, Jesus talks with His disciples about mountains moving at their command. Of course, this is not a matter of showcasing the disciples’ great faith, but rather, the power of God at work on behalf of those who believe.

I have been guilty of praying small and safe, so it was a challenge to hear Sue’s rallying cry to pray with confidence, boldness, and grace. The book is set up with odd-numbered chapters covering real and raw stories of women who witnessed mountain-moving responses to their prayers, while even-numbered chapters pose questions based on living the principles here at ground level.

Belief in the ever-present, always-available Maker of Heaven and Earth is the foundation for a vibrant prayer life. Unfortunately, fear, shame, anxiety, perfectionism, entitlement, and timidity often derail us in the mountain-moving life. Staying close to Truth is transformational, and this becomes evident in the lives of women whose childhood wounds have been healed and whose “orphan mindset” has been replaced with assurance that in God’s eyes, they are a much-loved daughter.

Sue hammers on one truth about this following life that almost cannot be overstated:

“Just because you obey God does not mean that it will be smooth sailing forever and ever.”

Our obedience opens the door to God’s help and connects us to God’s plan, but prayer requires trust at every level. Offsetting the vending-machine-God mentality, Sue reminds readers that Jesus suffered greatly in His time on this planet. The following life is not lived above emotional pain and loss. Women who feel like the walking wounded are encouraged to turn to God rather than blaming God for their wounds.

Biblical examples of women like Hannah who prayed for a child and Esther who prayed for the rescue of her people demonstrate that prayer is a powerful weapon, that it launches us into our destiny, and that — amazingly — it is as simple as a conversation in which we transparently come before God bearing “our stuff.”

Just as conversation builds relationship between people, prayer is a day-long interaction with God. And since it is not simply prayer or my puny faith, but rather GOD who moves mountains, I want to press into that relationship and know the heart of this powerful God. Indispensable to our prayer life is a right understanding of who He is, and Sue has shared rich Scriptural insights:

Jesus is uniquely equipped to comfort and strengthen us when we face rejection. Remember what happened in Nazareth? When He challenged the hometown crowd, they were ready to drive Jesus off a cliff!
It’s an American idea that if God calls you to a task and if He is truly in it, then success always follows. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said it well: “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” Some of our most enriching spiritual growth experiences come through failure.
Jesus always had choice words of condemnation for the Pharisees in the crowd and set the example for us. “Becoming a woman who moves mountains means you care more about what Jesus thinks than the Pharisees in your life.”
F.U.N.K. and H.O.P.E.

Sue employs a couple of creative acronyms to stimulate readers to prayer that results in renewed thinking and powerful life-change. The next time you feel as if you are in a funk, realize that you are Floundering Under Negative Knowledge. Everything that seems dark and wrong may be very true, but staying close to God’s truth fights the slide into the pit.

Likewise, when the dark tunnel seems endless, hope says, “Hold On, Pain Ends!” God offers His hope when ours has long ago sputtered to a stop.

God-confidence gives perspective for the long haul of praying in light of God’s specific promises. There is so much that He wants to do as He trains us in righteousness, so many good works, prepared beforehand, that are waiting for us who walk with Him. Thanks be to God that we have been invited to come before Him in confidence, boldness, and grace.

//

This book was provided by Bethany House via Interviews and Reviews in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not simply a book on prayer. It's a book designed to completely change the way you approach God and live as His child. Full of Scriptural truths about who we are and who God is, this is meant to be a transformative help in praying with confidence, boldness, and grace, as the subtitle says.

This book is written to be a lengthy personal or group Bible study, with Scripture readings and question prompts to get you thinking and processing God's Word and what He is saying to you through it. It also includes a 21-day devotional and journaling guide and a short segment on fasting. The depth of content makes this one of the best resources on prayer that I have seen.

I confess that when I read Wendy Griffith's introduction at the beginning that I was thinking this book might not be for me. While indeed the author and I may hold some different theological views, don't be scared off by the introduction. This book is very practical and deals with the ways we desperately need God's work and healing in our lives and how we can press in to Him.

There is so much in this book that I found myself blessed by nearly every chapter. I felt God meeting me in many different areas as I read. If I had to pick a favorite chapter, it might be the one on replacing perfectionism with abiding in God's presence. That's some good stuff! I would recommend this book to all women looking to go deeper in their relationship with the Lord.

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.dreamwidth.org

[Kayla Stierwalt]

I received a copy of Women Who Move Mountains: Praying with Confidence, Boldness, and Grace by Sue Detweiler from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for a review.
This book serves as a reminder and guide through any season of life. Detweiler encompasses the depth and range of prayer, describing its effects, approach and connections. She outlines how prayer can heal us from hurt we experience or hurt we have caused others. Through a description of how it reaches us and how we can ask for it, she shows us we can have peace. She also reminds us how Jesus came to save us and connect with us. As God's chosen people, we can go to God in prayer. We have His presence open to us.
As practical and accessible as it is deep, Detweiler writes a book rooted in biblical truth and life application. I recommend this for as a boost of confidence in your prayer life.

[Tammy Bourque · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You and I have been called to have an intimate relationship with God of the universe. We discover the depths of His love through heart-felt prayer." WOW! This book really was timely for me because my prayer life had become quite stagnant. The impact that this book has and will continue to have on my prayer life is life-changing, to say the least. I definitely think this book is worth reading. "If you are trying to walk through life without the help of God, you will be lonely, depressed and overwhelmed. But, if you are ready to find help, He is waiting to help you. He is ready to pour His life-giving, life-altering, life-chaning pwoer into you. He will repalce your desperation with hope."

I was given an ecopy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Christine Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is possibly one of the most easy to read and easy to apply books on prayer for women that I've ever had the pleasure to read! Sue Detweiler has managed to pour personal and inspiring words into each chapter and then alternate those with practical and encouraging chapters for actual study and application to your prayer life immediately.
I cannot begin to state how fantastic and helpful the whole book was, and it's taken my prayer life to a more intentional level that I hadn't anticipated!
Attn: I have been given a copy of this book in return for an honest review. But I highly recommend!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a PDF copy of the book from the publisher for review.

The most helpful aspect of this book for me was the list of lies and list of truths to replace the lies with, found in each chapter.

The book is half manual/workbook, half instruction, with directions to access bonus material online such as journaling pages, videos, and worksheets. This layout took a little while for me to get used to, but once my expectations shifted I found the approach refreshingly different.

You will get the most out of this book by answering all the many questions (there are personal questions as well as questions to be used in a group setting) and doing the recommended exercises.

[Kristin Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fantastic resource for the woman who is looking to grow in her prayer life. Using examples from the Bible and sharing personal stories from her own life and the lives of others, Sue Detweiler shares about women who have used prayer as a weapon against the attacks of the enemy. This book is an easy read and could be used as a study in a small group bible study. I received an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Dan Lemond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful in depth book with lovely scriptures that enhance the stories that are examples of what things in life to pray about. It teaches you how to pray much better to enhance our prater life and help others..great book for a study or prayer group...I highly recommend it ..

[BreeAdoresReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you move a mountain? One prayer at a time. Sue Detweiler's book: Women Who Move Mountains will show you how! I've read alot of books on the subject of prayer but THIS book is by far my absolute favorite. This is not just a book to read about prayer but a book that takes you by the hand and walks with you on the JOURNEY of prayer. Sue's book is also part in-depth Bible study. Whole chapters are dedicated to teaching you about the nuts and bolts of prayer. The book also gives personal close-ups of people in the Bible and in the present day who seek God through prayer. Women Who Move Mountains will make an excellent resource for prayer groups and entire churches.

[TheConsultingWriter · Rating 5 out of 5]

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” - Matthew 17:20

The title first grabbed my attention: Women Who Move Mountains.  I've grown up in the church. They are my family. And the ladies who influenced me as a child were strong in their faith, in their walk with God and especially in their prayer life. They were truly prayer warriors. So when I saw the title of this book, I immediately thought of the ladies that have always prayed for me, from when I was a child to even now. I'd gone through four years without even the hint of pregnancy, and when I told them wanted a child, they began to pray. In two months, I was pregnant.

Now, I want to be like those ladies, I want to be a prayer warrior for my family, friends and anyone else who has a desperate need. But what does it take to move those mountains? Those problems in life that seem impossible. Sue does a great job breaking down what is necessary to get us there. If you try going through life without God, you will be lonely, depressed and overwhelmed. In the past, I might have said, "But I do live a life with God and I'm still lonely, depressed and overwhelmed." But that wouldn't be honest. And those worries and fears I have? Sue puts it painfully clear. Fear puts God on trial as if we don't fully trust that He'll take care of us. The author continues by showing us how we must learn to pray with faith, heartfelt and not with empty words.

The topics covered in this book include personal experiences from a variety of women, both in the Bible as well as ones the author knows today. And a lot of the stories cover abuse, whether physical or emotional. They don't cover just what happened to the individual, but also how that person lived in fear, shame, and guilt because of what happened. With all the news articles coming out about accusations of abuse, this book is a much needed and helpful resource. That doesn't mean that "getting over" the abuse will happen in a day. But it offers something more than dwelling on it, being ashamed or blaming oneself for what had happened.

The book doesn't just focus on the abused. It also covers those with severe anxiety, anxiety that can be crippling and can be a deceiver, exaggerating every little problem or unknown. Sue goes further with an example of someone going through a divorce. All of these struggles, all of these women, I really have nothing in common with as far as their problems. I've not gone through divorced, I've never been abused, I don't have a big problem with anxiety. So how can I still gain something from this book? Because as a woman and a mother, I tend to be extremely self-critical. And while I may not have gone through the same traumatic experiences, I can still benefit from learning to draw closer in my walk and prayer life with God. He's the only one that can give me peace and quiet the lies constantly swirling in my brain.

I wasn't aware of it when I first requested the book, but it actually reads well for a Bible study. In fact, Sue notes links to videos in most chapters. And multiple times, she encourages the reader to seek out other women to form a prayer group in support of each other. I highly recommended this for family, friends, neighbors or church family. Anyone desiring more from God, read this book. I received a complimentary copy from the Baker Publishing Group in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Jerrye Tellmeagreatstorylove · Rating 4 out of 5]

Women Who Move Mountains: Praying with Confidence, Boldness, and Grace by Sue Detweiler

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

____________________________________________________________

Story Notes

Sue Detweiler’s study of prayer beckons you to go deeper into your prayer life than you’ve ever ventured before, forgetting fear and arrogance, to find yourself in a more intimate relationship with the God who calls you to know Him better.

Have you ever read a book and thought “Wow, this has so much truth in it, but I’m just not connecting with how its written”? That was me with this book. I loved the truth Ms. Detweiler shared and felt she was on the mark with what she was teaching, but I just couldn’t get connected with her writing. This frustrates me quite a bit as I know I have much to learn about the greatness of God, that He wants us to get to know Him better, and that is done best through prayer and reading His Word. Being raised in a Christian home, prayer has been a major part of my life since I was a very young child. We prayed at meal times, bedtime, before trips and, most certainly, at church. As I have grown older and am seeking to build my relationship with Jesus every day, I am more frequent and sincere in the prayers that I offer as I see His provision and love in even the smallest happenings. And since I would never say I am an expert at prayer, I thought this book would be a great way to expand my knowledge and seek to pray for myself and others in a more meaningful, respectful way. Yes, I did learn some things and was reminded of others I knew but had been lax in applying, but the writing style hindered me in my learning. I had a hard time identifying with many of the stories she was sharing as those have not been my experience or history. I am also not married which also makes books written by married women hard for me to connect with. The second half of the book was a better fit for me as it was more focused on what I could do with myself rather than what others had done with themselves. When I have to question my motives, thoughts and habits, I find that I can always find ways in which I need to improve or confess wrong doing. So while this book was not to my particular taste I have given it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars because I feel that it still has so much to teach. It may be that this is just the book someone else is looking for and I am to pass it along so that God can use it in their lives. If so, that would be an amazing privilege that I am most thankful for which to be a part. I will certainly recommend this book to others, knowing God can use whatever He chooses to grow them in their spiritual walk. May others find more to connect with and a deeper relationship with God through the truth in these pages.

I received this book free of charge from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation from Bethany House Publishers for this review.

[Kathleen E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saturday, June 24, 2017
Women Who Move Mountains: Praying with Confidence, Boldness, and Grace by Sue Detweiler, © 2017

~*Inspiring Women in Their Adventure of Faith*~

My Review:

Studying with the book and resources available, together with a group or with a friend, you will grow as you study God's Word specifically for you.

The odd-numbered chapters explain how to transform your relationship with God and give examples of biblical and modern women who have moved mountains in prayer. The even-numbered chapters show how to apply these prayer principles to your own life as you discover the truth of God’s Word. You may want to write your personal answers to these questions in your own journal or go to website to download bonus journal pages.... Removing barriers between us and God improves our prayer lives. That's what this book will do for you!
Women Who Move Mountains ~ Introduction, 19

I like an in-depth study that is interactive with materials for introspection. I find it beneficial to color code and write in notes to go back to reflect on. Journaling, there will be discoveries of new and different things revealing unsubmitted areas and gaining greater clarity and focus. Scriptures are followed by a question for you. Join in and make it your own. Woman-to-woman, as if we were sitting across the table from one another. These times you wished you had is yours ~ now. Growing in our faith, removing barriers give us opportunities to go forward.

Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”
Mark 11:22-26 NLT

"Are you a woman who wants to improve your prayer life? Do you want to overcome obstacles and make them into opportunities? I love how God heals our hurt and helps us to become more like Him. He often does this through prayer. Become a woman who moves mountains through prayer."
~ author Sue Detweiler

SUE DETWEILER is a mother of six, author, speaker, radio host, and pastor with over 25 years of experience in leadership, ministry, and education. Sue and her husband Wayne have recently relocated to the North Dallas Texas area to plant and pastor Life Bridge Church.

***Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for this copy of Women Who Move Mountains. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***

[Kate Hendrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had some strong claims on the back cover, and I am happy to report that this book lives up to those promises. Before I get into the meat of my review, I do want to clarify that I read this book straight through, but I think it would be better read more like a devotional. Though I didn’t use the book for its intended purpose, I still would confidently recommend it for women looking to deepen their prayer lives.

Good
This book was written incredibly well. It was encouraging and inspiring while remaining grounded in reality. Though it is incredibly encouraging and motivational, it felt like authentic encouragement rather than a cheerleader. The structure was also really good. It contains stories from a variety of women (both living and Biblical), asks engaging questions, shares Detweiler’s thoughts, and wraps up by pointing out lies and replacing them with truths. There were a lot of things I really enjoyed about this book. Though I have some minor criticisms, they are so tiny compared to the excellent content in this book.

Bad
Though the book was grounded in realism, I did feel that Detweiler could’ve done a better job distinguishing between anxiety as a mental illness and just anxiety as in worrying. Though she did offer clarification later, I think it could’ve been clearer and presented earlier. I know this seems like a minor detail, but Christians who suffer from a mental illness may need more than prayer so clarifications like this or important. The only other general criticism I have is the use of The Message translation.

Catholic
From a Catholic perspective, I thought overall it was really good. There were a few things that were phrased oddly (like “before you were saved”), but there wasn’t anything majorly wrong. There were also some points that could’ve been expanded on like addressing the saints in Heaven when talking about the clouds of witnesses. As a Catholic, I was pleasantly surprised with her section on Mary.

Final Thoughts
Though there were a few minor flaws, I thought this was a great book, and I would recommend it to any woman looking to improve her prayer life. I do want to add the warning that the book does talk about abuse, so readers should be cautious if those topics could be triggering or would not be age-appropriate.

[Monica H (TeaandBooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Women Who Move Mountains by Sue Detweiler invites women to pray with more confidence, boldness and grace, as the cover says. However, Detweiler also says that this book is a book inviting readers to be real with God and to receive his Strength and healing where it is needed through prayer and conversation with Him.


This first part of Women Who Move Mountains has 21 chapters about learning to pray more intimately with God. This book has guidelines to go through the book yourself or to be a part of a women's study group. The odd-numbered chapters explain how to transform your relationship with God and share stories of women today and in the Bible who "moved mountains" with their prayers. The even numbered chapters show how to apply those prayer principles to your life. Detweiler suggest journaling in answer to the personal questions she asks at the end of the chapters. She also includes a downloadable prayer journal through her website.


The second part of Women Who Move Mountains is a resource guide to help readers spend 21 days reflecting, praying, and listening to God. She encourages readers to journal, meditate on the Bible, read the daily devotional and to pray aloud the included prayer and to make a brief declaration to God out loud to further solidify your intentions with each day. Detweiler also lists guidelines for taking a personal retreat to get the most out of it and also includes guidelines for fasting during the retreat, if that is your desire to further your spiritual breakthrough.


Women Who Move Mountains has clear instructions and guidelines for learning and growing in God and His Word. The stories accompanying the guidelines are all helpful. I wish the author had a bit warmer, more conversational tone to her writing but otherwise it is a very helpful book for those wanting to grow through prayer and study. She sounds like a teacher--and she is. Detweiler is a radio host and pastor with over 25 years of experience in leadership, ministry and education. She is well-qualified to teach through this book and has a lot to offer those who want to learn and grow.


I received Women Who Move Mountains from Bethany House. I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for the book.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book on prayer. God wants to hear from us, Detweiler says. There is so much that can hinder us from praying so she helps us work through those mountains.

Most of the book is material to help us on that journey of learning to pray with confidence, boldness, and grace. The chapters alternate. First is the teaching, including instruction and illustrations from biblical and modern stories. The following chapter contains suggestions on how to apply the previous teaching. Scriptures to read, questions to journal and one question for discussion are all included.

The last quarter of the book is a resource section. It includes twenty one devotionals. Each has a suggestion to journal, to meditate, a short devotional, a written prayer, and a statement to declare. Next are guidelines for doing a personal spiritual retreat. Next are guidelines for fasting.

I am impressed with this book. Not only is it good teaching on prayer, it also includes practical help in moving those mountains that impede us in our prayer life and obedience to God. She writes about shames, pride, perfectionism and more. One section I really appreciated was her writing about experiencing rejection in the area to which we feel we are called. Detweiler says God will use that heaviness we feel in our hearts. She encourages us to use that sense of desperation as a driving force for prayer. Another meaningful section was on the steps she went through in her healing of sexual abuse.

I think the strength of this book is in the opportunity Detweiler gives readers to journal their responses to the questions she provides. She offers a free download of journal pages that complement the book and offer additional growth opportunities. She has also included instructions for doing a ten week study with this book.

I recommend this book to women who want to grow closer to the Lord and each other through prayer. It would be a good resource for those wanting to start a women's prayer group and for women beginning their prayer journey.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Prairie Sky Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Infuse Your World—and Your Heart—with God’s Life-Giving Power”. With these words, Sue Detweiler invites us on a journey of drawing closer to the heart of God through prayer. “Women Who Move Mountains: Praying with Confidence, Boldness, and Grace” was published in 2017 by Bethany House, and is written in an interactive style with integrated study questions, journaling prompts, and more.

One of the unique aspects of this book is that alternating chapters provide different ways of learning how to transform our relationship with God. Odd-numbered chapters give examples of biblical and modern women who have moved mountains through prayer. Even-numbered chapters share questions and pin-pointed Scripture verses that reveal how to apply those prayer principles to our lives. In many chapters of the book it mentions that bonus videos are available to view along with each lesson by visiting Ms. Detweiler’s website, but so far those videos have not been posted—this was quite disappointing.

So, what are some of the topics covered in this book about life-transforming prayer? Well, some of my favorites include:
I Believe (Learning to Pray with Faith)
I Am Honored (Learning to Pray with Grace)
I Am Empowered (Learning to Pray in God’s Presence)
I Am Humble (Learning to Pray with Humility)

There are other topics, of course, but these ones really stood out for me. As with any book, some of the insights of “Women Who Move Mountains” were very thought-provoking and powerful for me, while other ideas sort of fell flat and did not feel relevant at all.

In the end I am certainly glad to have read “Women Who Move Mountains” because it gave me plenty of food for thought about the life-changing power of praying with a heart that desires closer relationship with God. While not every chapter gave the same level of inspiration for me, each reader will undoubtedly have different gems that stand out to them and reveal God’s heart in a way that speaks specifically to their heart.

“Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.”

[Jalynn Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book:

Infuse Your World--and Your Heart--with God's Life-Giving Power
Amid our packed schedules and life's curveballs, our hearts long for more. We want to live and love well; we want to be a source of joy and life. The good news is that you can--and the secret is found in the simple act of prayer.
Prayer was never meant to be a recitation of requests, but rather a drawing close to the heart of God. When you learn to exchange the obstacles of life for the promises of God, you will pray with passion and confidence rather than fear or insecurity. From this place of surrender and intimacy, you will discover what it means to become a powerful, effective woman of prayer--a woman whose life overflows with springs of living water that transform not only her own life, but the world around her.
With study questions and journaling exercises included, this is the perfect book to go deeper either on your own or with a group.


My Review:

I think prayer gets a bad rap, these days. Prayer is something that can move mountains. And we as wives, mothers, sisters, friends seem to have a keep awareness of this fact. It is like God made us to not just know this but to really "know" that we can really be brave warriors and fill that gap between Him and our loved ones.



Prayer is our one on one conversation with our Creator. He relishes this time with us and we should do the same by Him. It is not just a time for me to ask Him for things but a time for me to tell Him about my day and for me to give Him the praises He deserves. We can't let our life get so bombarded with well, life that we forget all about Him. This is a way to show Him we haven't.



A great book for individual Bible study or a group study.



**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Women Who Move Mountains kind of blew my doors off. I mean, if you’re looking for the status quo in books on prayer, this is NOT it.

Sue Detweiler has written a book with a fresh new approach to an old problem in the church—namely our prayerlessness!

When I read a book on prayer, frankly I am expecting a whole wheelbarrow of “should” and “ought” with a healthy sprinkling of “guilt” thrown in for good measure.

Instead, Women Who Move Mountains takes us on a journey to inner healing and wholeness that comes out into “a wide and spacious place” of new and fresh intimacy with God.

Wow! This is definitely not where I thought this book would lead me. Yet, Mrs. Detweiler seems to believe that it is our unhealed insecurities, wounds, and life-baggage that keep us following God at a distance—and thereby increases our reluctance to pray.

When you think about it this makes total sense to me.

I especially appreciated this book’s down-to-earth, heart-to-heart, “let’s ALL get REAL” approach. She uses simple and honest stories to illustrate clearly why she believes most of us avoid prayer. There are three bonus sections in the back of the book: 21 Days To Spiritual Breakthrough, Guidelines For Taking A Spiritual Retreat, and Guidelines For Fasting.

I think that this is possibly the most “common sense” book on prayer, and learning to pray with power, that I have ever read.

I also liked the fact that Women Who Move Mountains is tailored for group study, but the author’s website also offers a free downloadable journal so the reader can do this book solo if they desire.
(SueDetweiler.com)

You may get your copy of the book from Amazon or at any other fine book retailer.

I want to thank Bethany House Publishers for sending me this complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my review.

[Joanne Viola · Rating 4 out of 5]

At times, we can find ourselves at a point where we desire to live better and love God more deeply. We long to speak with Him and hear from Him.

Our prayer time was not intended to be a time we solely present our needs to God but is meant to be the means by which we draw closer to God. Yet many of us struggle with prayer.

In her book, Women Who Move Mountains, Sue Detweiler hopes to show us how to a place of intimacy and surrender to God through the simple act of prayer.

The book is has two parts. Part One encourages readers to transform our relationship with God. In this section, she give prayer principles based on God’s Word and examples of women who have moved mountains in prayer. There are questions to journal and journal pages can be downloaded at www.SueDetweiler.com. There are also group questions which make this an excellent resource for group Bible Study.

Part Two is a 21 Day guide to help readers spend 21 days reflecting, praying, and listening to God. Each day contains a journal question, Scripture to think on, a short devotional, a prayer, and a declaration to solidify God’s truth in our lives.

I found the book to be easy to read, enjoy, and understand. The book is encouraging and infuses a desire to pray more, to pray effectively, and to spend time in God’s Word. This is a book that will get one started on a journey of prayer. But it is also an excellent book to light a spark in a prayer life that may just be stuck for a bit. This is a book for us all no matter what season of life we may find ourselves.
*** I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really packs a punch with all that it has to offer! Though the journey we learn to pray with confidence, boldness, and grace. The first part of this book is a study- 21 days of examples, scripture, exercises, thought provoking questions and more. The second part of this book is a 21 day devotional. The author also offers some free downloads on her website to help you go deeper with journaling, as well as a free download of "5 Steps of Grace: A Journey Guide to Freedom". She also has videos that she will be posting soon, but at the time of this review, they had yet to be available. In the very back of the book, Detweiler also provides "Guidelines for a Spiritual Retreat" as well as "Guidelines for Fasting".
This book gives scriptures to help build you up, because you need to have confidence to ask for forgiveness and prayer requests. You don't have something because you haven't asked for it. (See James 1)
Detweiler covers so many points I fell in love with, here are a few examples: 1.) The main point of prayer is relationship, not ritual. 2.) Prayer is the beauty of being in God's presence without pretense. 3.) There is nothing you have ever done that God is not able to cleanse and set you free from! 4.) Becoming a woman who moves mountains means that you become better not bitter as you go through difficulties. 5.) The key to going through a crisis is to stay close to Jesus and follow the leading of His Holy Spirit. 6.) Hope is an anchor for our souls. ****

[Leslie McKee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Detweiler’s latest is filled with stories from women who have overcome many things, so there is likely to be something relatable to every reader. In addition to the testimonies, there are numerous Bible verses throughout to reinforce the message. There are also prayers and questions for reflection to help the reader go even deeper. The author tries to demonstrate how it is possible to pray with confidence, boldness, and grace, and find freedom in Christ.

A twenty-one-day devotional guide to spiritual breakthrough is also included, which is a nice addition to the book. Each devotion includes a journal activity, a verse for meditation, the message, a prayer, and a declaration. This section was my favorite part of the book.

That said, this book wasn’t quite what I was expecting. It would be very useful in a women’s small group, and it is extremely important to have a Bible handy when reading this, as many of the verses referenced (especially those in the “application/reflection” sections) are not listed in the book itself. Therefore, I didn’t find this as user-friendly as other similar books I’ve read. However, there are links provided so the reader can go online to access bonus material, such as journaling pages, videos, and worksheets.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy as part of the Bethany House blogger program, but I was not required to write a positive review.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prayer can change everything. As women we often find ourselves run ragged with busy schedules and packed agendas. But taking a moment to pray can change the course of the entire day. Join the author as she delves into the depths of prayer and learn how it can draw us closer to the heart of God and move the mountains in our lives. A study guide and journaling prompts are included to make the book perfect for personal study, small groups, or a women's Bible study.

I read through the book so that I could write a review. But this is a book that needs to be read slowly and soaked up in tiny portions. So I will be going back and reading it and studying the questions and answering the journal prompts. But just from reading, I was blessed and inspired to pray more. The layout is perfect for devotional time or to be used in a group setting. The author tells relevant stories to get the point across and the writing flows well. This is a deep book that will definitely touch your heart. My only complaint is that the type is rather small and it made it a little more difficult to read, especially for longer periods of time. But small print aside, this was an amazing book that I think every woman should read.

I received a copy of this book from Goodreads. All thoughts expressed are my own.