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5-Word Prayers: Where to Start When You Don’t Know What to Say to God
Prayer Doesn't Have to Be Intimidating Do you find yourself saying the same things to God over and over again? Does a thriving prayer life feel completely out of reach?
Maybe all it takes to open up to God is five little words. Each entry in this forty-day devotional will provide you with a simple five-word prayer, a corresponding Bible verse, and thoughts to encourage you in your communications with your heavenly Father. The short prayers in this book include... The strength of your prayers lies in your heart intent, not your word count. Discover a new joy in your conversations with God!
Maybe all it takes to open up to God is five little words. Each entry in this forty-day devotional will provide you with a simple five-word prayer, a corresponding Bible verse, and thoughts to encourage you in your communications with your heavenly Father. The short prayers in this book include... The strength of your prayers lies in your heart intent, not your word count. Discover a new joy in your conversations with God!
- GenresNonfiction
176 pages, Paperback
Published October 3, 2017
About the author
Lisa Whittle
36 books178 followersLisa Whittle is the author of 7 books, and a sought-out Bible teacher for her wit and bold, bottom line approach. A pastor's daughter and long-time ministry leader in issues relevant to the Church, Lisa is the founder of Ministry Strong and the popular Jesus Over Everything podcast. Her love runs deep to see people pursue Jesus for life, grow deep roots of faith, and walk strong in the midst of a world that so often seems to have gone crazy. She has done master's work in Marriage and Family Counseling, been featured on numerous media outlets in print, online, radio, podcast and TV through the years, and advocated for Compassion, International. Lisa and her husband of 24 years live in North Carolina with their 3 mostly-grown children who still (mostly) come home for dinner.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 26, 2017
4.75 ⭐️
Thank you so much to Harvest house publications via netgalley for sending me an ARC copy of 5 word prayers by Lisa Whittle . It will be released on October 1,2017.
"My time meeting with God has hinged upon my level if current crises"
"So i pray only five words"
"When praying feels hard, it is our tendency not to pray"
"Please give me strength now"
"You alone can heal me"
Most devotionals are God is good God is great he has a purpose and all the stuff we hear every sunday at church and basically all other devotionals. But this book wasnt like that, Whittle talks about her struggles, her life and her experience with prayers and God. The quotes above were my favorite out of many. This book was emotional and raw.
It is a 40 day devotional which i think is amazing because some days life gets busy and reading a fews pages of a devo is the last thing on your mind so feeling that need to do a daily devotional everyday can just add to the stress. I do have daily devos but this was different, it had more depth and stories and little 5 word prayers that everyone can pray at any time. Lots of 5 little words that can really make a difference in your day.
"Please give me strength now"
I have been through alot of medical issues and thats all i asked for the past 5 years. Sometimes its hard to pray because we dont want to. Because it feels like no one is listening, and if he is listening he just doesn't care. But reading this book gave me some hope and i have some new 5 word prayers to pray.
Thank you so much to Harvest house publications via netgalley for sending me an ARC copy of 5 word prayers by Lisa Whittle . It will be released on October 1,2017.
"My time meeting with God has hinged upon my level if current crises"
"So i pray only five words"
"When praying feels hard, it is our tendency not to pray"
"Please give me strength now"
"You alone can heal me"
Most devotionals are God is good God is great he has a purpose and all the stuff we hear every sunday at church and basically all other devotionals. But this book wasnt like that, Whittle talks about her struggles, her life and her experience with prayers and God. The quotes above were my favorite out of many. This book was emotional and raw.
It is a 40 day devotional which i think is amazing because some days life gets busy and reading a fews pages of a devo is the last thing on your mind so feeling that need to do a daily devotional everyday can just add to the stress. I do have daily devos but this was different, it had more depth and stories and little 5 word prayers that everyone can pray at any time. Lots of 5 little words that can really make a difference in your day.
"Please give me strength now"
I have been through alot of medical issues and thats all i asked for the past 5 years. Sometimes its hard to pray because we dont want to. Because it feels like no one is listening, and if he is listening he just doesn't care. But reading this book gave me some hope and i have some new 5 word prayers to pray.
April 3, 2018
Excellent devotional. Highly recommend. If you don’t know where to begin with prayer or time for a devotional, this is a perfect starting place. Encouraging and challenging on your spiritual journey.
December 28, 2017
Prayer is a mysterious thing, and how God works through prayer is even more mysterious. Several years ago, I was working in a ministry organization that really made me question my calling in ministry. I loved the work and (most of) those I worked with. However my supervisor was anything but a Christian leader. Her morals were questionable, her work ethic was sketchy and her treatment of her employees was determined by how little she paid you (the more you were paid, the worst you were treated, which included public shaming). I was a hospital chaplain, and had just come out of a great situation. I loved where I had worked, however my contract was up and I needed to move on. So I moved across town and immediately regretted my decision.
Fast forward about four months to an incredibly draining weekend where I ended by day by being chewed out for ministering to the family of a dying patient. It was not my unit, however I was the only chaplain available that weekend. The problem was not that I was on a unit that I was not assigned to (necessarily). The problem had been that I had agreed to go and minister to them. By the time I got home, my family was already in bed. Oh, did I forget that I had to be back at 8:00 am the next day. I collapsed into my recliner and simply prayer, “God, please do something now.” It was five words, yet it was probably the most heart-felt prayer that I had ever personally prayed. Five words.
The next day…I was fired. I am still to this day not sure that “you’re the best floor chaplain that I have” is sufficient reason for firing someone. But like I said, everything about this lady was highly questionable. After being let go, I went back to my office to finish my paperwork (it was the deal to get my last paycheck). I flipped open my phone (yup) and saw that I had a voicemail. It was the hospital that I had previously worked for, and they were offering me a job! “Please come to a meeting tonight to hear more details.” Less than twenty-four hours later, and it seemed that God has answered my prayer. I would go on to spend 2-1/2 years with that hospital, leaving only to accept my current full-time teaching position. Five words.
Please do not misunderstand me. I am not saying that simply praying a simple prayer will solve all of your problems. What I am saying is that our prayers, especially in difficult times, can be simple prayers—even as simple as five words. This is the beauty of Whittle’s little book. It is theologically light, and can border on advocating the very approach to prayer that I am cautioning you against in this review. However, her “five-word prayers” are practical. Some of her prayers can be adjusted for more critical moments of life, such as the sudden, tragic death of a loved one (“Please give me strength now” or “I want to trust you.”). Yet, in for the busy, connected world that we live in, this prayer guide might be just what you need to find guidance from and fulfillment in God.
Fast forward about four months to an incredibly draining weekend where I ended by day by being chewed out for ministering to the family of a dying patient. It was not my unit, however I was the only chaplain available that weekend. The problem was not that I was on a unit that I was not assigned to (necessarily). The problem had been that I had agreed to go and minister to them. By the time I got home, my family was already in bed. Oh, did I forget that I had to be back at 8:00 am the next day. I collapsed into my recliner and simply prayer, “God, please do something now.” It was five words, yet it was probably the most heart-felt prayer that I had ever personally prayed. Five words.
The next day…I was fired. I am still to this day not sure that “you’re the best floor chaplain that I have” is sufficient reason for firing someone. But like I said, everything about this lady was highly questionable. After being let go, I went back to my office to finish my paperwork (it was the deal to get my last paycheck). I flipped open my phone (yup) and saw that I had a voicemail. It was the hospital that I had previously worked for, and they were offering me a job! “Please come to a meeting tonight to hear more details.” Less than twenty-four hours later, and it seemed that God has answered my prayer. I would go on to spend 2-1/2 years with that hospital, leaving only to accept my current full-time teaching position. Five words.
Please do not misunderstand me. I am not saying that simply praying a simple prayer will solve all of your problems. What I am saying is that our prayers, especially in difficult times, can be simple prayers—even as simple as five words. This is the beauty of Whittle’s little book. It is theologically light, and can border on advocating the very approach to prayer that I am cautioning you against in this review. However, her “five-word prayers” are practical. Some of her prayers can be adjusted for more critical moments of life, such as the sudden, tragic death of a loved one (“Please give me strength now” or “I want to trust you.”). Yet, in for the busy, connected world that we live in, this prayer guide might be just what you need to find guidance from and fulfillment in God.
September 25, 2017
I very much enjoyed Five Word Prayers: Where to Start When You Don't Know What to Say to God by Lisa Whittle!
First, I enjoyed the concept of the book so much. It can seem hard sometimes to pray - where do I begin? Who am I to think that He has time for my small concerns when there is so much else going on in the world? Is it okay to say "I'm angry at You?", "I hurt", "help me, please"?
I also love the idea that our prayers don't need to be lengthy. A few words capture His attention, much as a small beloved child shouting 'Dad!! I need you!!" What parent would not respond? Why then, do we assume our Heavenly Father would not respond to us?
Lisa Whittle has chosen her five word prayers to cover a gamut of needs and emotions. Her brief writings on each of the prayers, brings clarity and reassurance that God wants an intimate relationship with each of us, his beloved children.
Can't help but feel better after reading this short gem of a book. A keeper, and it would make a nice gift for any Christian believer who sometimes struggles in their relationship with God.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Harvest House Publications for allowing me to read and review an ARC of this book.
First, I enjoyed the concept of the book so much. It can seem hard sometimes to pray - where do I begin? Who am I to think that He has time for my small concerns when there is so much else going on in the world? Is it okay to say "I'm angry at You?", "I hurt", "help me, please"?
I also love the idea that our prayers don't need to be lengthy. A few words capture His attention, much as a small beloved child shouting 'Dad!! I need you!!" What parent would not respond? Why then, do we assume our Heavenly Father would not respond to us?
Lisa Whittle has chosen her five word prayers to cover a gamut of needs and emotions. Her brief writings on each of the prayers, brings clarity and reassurance that God wants an intimate relationship with each of us, his beloved children.
Can't help but feel better after reading this short gem of a book. A keeper, and it would make a nice gift for any Christian believer who sometimes struggles in their relationship with God.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Harvest House Publications for allowing me to read and review an ARC of this book.
January 29, 2018
Practical, direct, and deeply personal. One of my favorite books on prayer.
Review to come.
Review to come.
April 24, 2019
This was the perfect devotional for me. I used it as a Lenten devotional for 40 days and it helped me break down prayers and things that I was working through. Thank you Lisa!
February 13, 2025
Simple enough that anyone can do it. And yet so powerful in their simplicity, are these prayers. My prayer life has been revived by this book. Praise God!
October 10, 2017
Having grown up in an era of long and sonorous prayers, Whittle's book is a breath of fresh air. “Prayer is not about word count, but about heart intent.” (9) The short prayers and the devotions that accompany them are about our feelings, not about technique. I like the encouragement to honest and to have passion in relating to God.
While I liked all of the devotions, a couple really made an impressions on me. One was Day 15: I need You desperately today. What a cry of the heart when we feel like we just cannot face what comes next. Her devotion reminds us that God sees and cares.
Sometimes the prayer and devotion are a spiritual lesson. An example is Day 26: You are my only Master. Reading her devotion is an exhortation. We need to identify what we let master us and turn our hearts to the Master who loves us fiercely.
Sometimes the prayer blends reality with our desire, such as Day 29: I want to trust You. Whittle reminds us God knows the intentions of our heart. He is faithful and worthy to be trusted with our whole being.
I recommend this little book. It is an encouragement to express our heart to God, not in lengthy prayers but in short and meaningful ones. It is a good book for those wanting to communicate their feelings to God but don't know how. Petitions, giving thanks, praise, all kinds of heart felt prayers are included. The forty devotions could be used as a Lenten emphasis on passionately communicating with God. But don't wait until then to relate to God from your heart.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Icon Media. My comments are an independent and honest review.
While I liked all of the devotions, a couple really made an impressions on me. One was Day 15: I need You desperately today. What a cry of the heart when we feel like we just cannot face what comes next. Her devotion reminds us that God sees and cares.
Sometimes the prayer and devotion are a spiritual lesson. An example is Day 26: You are my only Master. Reading her devotion is an exhortation. We need to identify what we let master us and turn our hearts to the Master who loves us fiercely.
Sometimes the prayer blends reality with our desire, such as Day 29: I want to trust You. Whittle reminds us God knows the intentions of our heart. He is faithful and worthy to be trusted with our whole being.
I recommend this little book. It is an encouragement to express our heart to God, not in lengthy prayers but in short and meaningful ones. It is a good book for those wanting to communicate their feelings to God but don't know how. Petitions, giving thanks, praise, all kinds of heart felt prayers are included. The forty devotions could be used as a Lenten emphasis on passionately communicating with God. But don't wait until then to relate to God from your heart.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Icon Media. My comments are an independent and honest review.
September 22, 2017
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
5-WORD PRAYERS is not only just a list of simple prayers, but it's an guide to how and why the simplicity of small prayers can be helpful. Whittle begins by saying that while she was committed to Christ for three decades, she found herself having less and less time for prayer because she allowed it to back burner for what is basic normal adult tasks. Then a night came when she needed prayer, but all she could think was "I love you, Jesus. Help." She points out that the 5 word prayers are not a new formula or magic fix she has created; instead, she wanted to share what has helped her with others who felt they had read all the other prayer books and just couldn't find what they were looking for. Maybe this would help someone else.
The book is a 40 prayer/day guide, though it can be used in and out of order if one needs to, because it's meant to be a guide for when you're not quite sure what to say when trying to pray. God listens to even the simplest requests for help and guidance. As Whittle points out "Prayer is less about talking and more about listening", for when we pray we are answered by God, but sometimes we are still too busy talking to hear the reply.
5-WORD PRAYERS is not only just a list of simple prayers, but it's an guide to how and why the simplicity of small prayers can be helpful. Whittle begins by saying that while she was committed to Christ for three decades, she found herself having less and less time for prayer because she allowed it to back burner for what is basic normal adult tasks. Then a night came when she needed prayer, but all she could think was "I love you, Jesus. Help." She points out that the 5 word prayers are not a new formula or magic fix she has created; instead, she wanted to share what has helped her with others who felt they had read all the other prayer books and just couldn't find what they were looking for. Maybe this would help someone else.
The book is a 40 prayer/day guide, though it can be used in and out of order if one needs to, because it's meant to be a guide for when you're not quite sure what to say when trying to pray. God listens to even the simplest requests for help and guidance. As Whittle points out "Prayer is less about talking and more about listening", for when we pray we are answered by God, but sometimes we are still too busy talking to hear the reply.
October 1, 2017
Does prayer feel hard? Do you find yourself struggling to know what to say? Do you feel like you just repeat the same things over and over? Author and speaker Lisa Whittle gets it. In her brand new 40-day devotional, 5 Word Prayers, Lisa tells us that the word count of our prayers is not what matters, it's the heart the matters. She teaches us how to have a thriving prayer life with few words.
Each entry in this devotional will provide you with a simple 5 word prayer, a corresponding Bible verse, and thoughts to encourage you in your communications with your heavenly Father. The short prayers in this book include…
Please give me strength now.
I need You desperately today.
Set my burdened heart free.
Help me to forgive myself.
I'm sorry for my sin.
With 5 Word Prayers, you'll discover a new joy in your conversations with God. Whether you are a mature Christian feeling stale in your prayer life or a new Christian trying to find your voice, 5 Word Prayers is for you.
And guess what! Lisa has a beautiful coloring book to go with 5 Word Prayers! As you color these beautiful pictures, you can pray these new, powerful 5 word prayers you've learned.
Each entry in this devotional will provide you with a simple 5 word prayer, a corresponding Bible verse, and thoughts to encourage you in your communications with your heavenly Father. The short prayers in this book include…
Please give me strength now.
I need You desperately today.
Set my burdened heart free.
Help me to forgive myself.
I'm sorry for my sin.
With 5 Word Prayers, you'll discover a new joy in your conversations with God. Whether you are a mature Christian feeling stale in your prayer life or a new Christian trying to find your voice, 5 Word Prayers is for you.
And guess what! Lisa has a beautiful coloring book to go with 5 Word Prayers! As you color these beautiful pictures, you can pray these new, powerful 5 word prayers you've learned.
November 8, 2017
I have read a lot of devotionals, but Five Word prayers has been one of the most helpful for me.
The devotional is set up in such a way that It is easy to understand, adds to my knowledge of the Bible and Jesus.
Each day has a title of a five word prayer followed by a bible verse. A short devotion follows breaking down aspects of the prayer and idea. The ending is the prayer itself.
These simple prayers give me a great spring board. They let me focus in earnest on the idea of the day. Rarely, did my prayer ever stop at those five words: I was inspired but not overwhelmed and this opened up a great connection for me.
This was very helpful for me and I hope it will be helpful to you too.
I received an ARC from NetGalley; all opinions are my own.
The devotional is set up in such a way that It is easy to understand, adds to my knowledge of the Bible and Jesus.
Each day has a title of a five word prayer followed by a bible verse. A short devotion follows breaking down aspects of the prayer and idea. The ending is the prayer itself.
These simple prayers give me a great spring board. They let me focus in earnest on the idea of the day. Rarely, did my prayer ever stop at those five words: I was inspired but not overwhelmed and this opened up a great connection for me.
This was very helpful for me and I hope it will be helpful to you too.
I received an ARC from NetGalley; all opinions are my own.
July 21, 2022
In this book’s introduction the author observes that she often has read prayer books that have left her feeling uninspired. She found that her own simple prayer of just five words offered her what she needed to move forward. And so, the seed for this book of one sentence prayers was sown.
Included here are prayers for 40 days. A few of the five words that make up a prayer are Thank you for carrying me, and I need you desperately today. Each of these sentences is followed by several pages of thoughts about the words. Included are a bible passage for each.
This book has a clearly Christian orientation and will most appeal to those of that faith.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harvest House for this title. All opinions are my own.
Included here are prayers for 40 days. A few of the five words that make up a prayer are Thank you for carrying me, and I need you desperately today. Each of these sentences is followed by several pages of thoughts about the words. Included are a bible passage for each.
This book has a clearly Christian orientation and will most appeal to those of that faith.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harvest House for this title. All opinions are my own.
October 2, 2017
The title says it all, 5-Word Prayers, Where to Start When You Don’t Know What to Say to God. I found that this book was thoughtful, helpful without being ritualistic. Lisa Whittle gives voice to the good times along with the struggles that I have experienced. I imagine these are common to many. Along with the five-word prayers are an explanation or devotional that includes verses from the Bible. I liked that.
I like devotional type of Christian writing in general, finding this one to be exceptional. Well written, insightful and right on the mark.
The publisher through Net Galley provided a copy.
I like devotional type of Christian writing in general, finding this one to be exceptional. Well written, insightful and right on the mark.
The publisher through Net Galley provided a copy.
October 24, 2017
5 Word Prayers by Lisa Whittle is a treasure trove of short, sincere prayers. Each selection begins with a 5 word prayer designed to help you connect with God quickly. The author then talks briefly about what the prayer means to her. I love the way she does this—it is brief, just the right length to help the prayer be more meaningful. Prayers do not have to be lengthy, just genuine. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who craves a deeper prayer life and is short on time. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
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October 29, 2021Oh wow. I don't take the time to review books very often but I feel like I have to review this one. It's so much more powerful than the title implies. One of the best devotionals I've read in a long time. I don't know how the author took her premise, a premise that holds all the promise of being cheesy or fluffy, and turned out 40 strong, empowering kernels of truth, but she did. If you are dissatisfied with the state of your spiritual life but have very little time to spend improving it, start here. Just start here.
September 7, 2017
This is a wonderful book that is divided into about 25 chapters dealing with times in your life and you want to talk things over with God. It gives you a five word prayer with bible verses and advise about that particular issue. From happiness to grief, it is a great comfort and gateway to opening up to and starting a conversation with God.
January 16, 2018
This little book has re-ignited my quiet time with God. This book helps to begin your prayer life with 5 little words each day. This book is great for any believer or non-believer who is interested in spending more time with God.
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October 26, 2017Love the simplicity of 5 Word Prayers especially in stressful times.
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