Learn to Unleash the Supernatural through Simple, Confident Praying
We long to see firsthand the power of God as displayed in the Bible. Miracles, prophecy, dreams, healing--most of these tend to be missing from our normal, safe, predictable faith. Yet we tend to view any movement of God outside our own experience with mistrust and confusion. But what if we've got "normal" all wrong?
In these pages is an invitation to a new way of embracing God's power through simple yet bold prayer. It's for the night owl, the caffeine-addicted, even the skeptic, beckoning all of us out of our comfort zones with stories of spiritual breakthrough, mind-blowing miracles, and physical healing. Here are the tools you need to work through your doubts, open up to the miracles of God, and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. You will learn to hear God's voice, trust his leading, and walk empowered by limitless prayer. It is time to see God transform your faith into a thrill-seeking adventure.
This book speaks to the desire so many of us have for more than a paltry, shallow relationship with God. The author recounts her journey towards a deeper relationship with God, a greater awareness of the Holy Spirit, and more of His gifts.
I was inspired reading this to spend more time with God by intentionally putting Him first in the morning through prayer and reading His Word, the Bible. She also encouraged us in the book to pray over our children by laying hands on them and their rooms. I started doing that, too, and both of these intentional times of prayer have already made a big difference in my life. On top of that, she made me long for more gifts of the Holy Spirit and to start asking for them again.
I do want to caution readers not to get the idea that this author thinks one spiritual gift is more important than another or that someone with one of the gifts is more spiritual than another. I felt that way a time or two as I read, but taking the whole work in context, I know this was not the intent of the author. I also had the idea that she believed we all could receive any of the spiritual gifts as long as we asked, had no sin in the way, and had the right faith. I found, however, that she recognized that the giving of the gifts was God’s choice, and having the right formula wasn’t going to get us whatever gift we wanted.
I’m so glad I read this book, as it encouraged me in my faith and gave me practical ways to strengthen it. I was inspired by her story and amazed by the power of God in the stories she recounted of what He had done. The fun part was that she told it all with such humor, I was laughing through the entire book. If you want a closer relationship with God, this is a great book to read!
In the first chapter, Erica describes "Normals"--Christians who have average spiritual lives but don't really get into all the "super-spiritual" aspects of our relationships with God, and maybe think some of it is kind of weird.
I have been a Normal for my entire Christian life. But now I want more. Believe Boldly is real and brave, and has encouraged me to take big steps in the way I approach and connect to God. The Holy Spirit is real. The battle with evil is real. But we have power over the enemy and Erica's journey of discovery is so inspiring! If you are looking to take your prayer life to the next level, READ THIS BOOK. It will challenge you to do things you might not have done before, especially if you're a Normal like me. We can make ourselves new, strong, and powerful through the power of God.
Boring, powerless Christianity doesn't have to be the norm. We can have so much more! "Great expectations are at the heart of enthusiastic encounters." Expect more from your relationship with God and you will see changes in how you approach that relationship.
Thank you, Erica, for sharing your heart and your journey.
This is what it looks like to seek after God with an obedient heart and humble spirit
“...what if there is more revelation and power for you as you live out your faith? Yes, God is responsible and even predictable at times, but what if He wants to express His untamable wildness through His faithful followers—including you?”
I’ve been a Christian for over 25 years, but there’s always more with God. And for me, prayer has been an area where I just never felt very confident. Erica is so real and funny and honest in the book. Her transparency, especially about the stuff most of us don’t want to admit, are a such an encouragement. She isn’t afraid to ask God questions, to be completely honest with Him, to dig into those things she doesn’t understand until she does.
Through the book, we reap the benefits of her searching. She answers many of the questions that believers are afraid to ask. She does it with love and touches of humor. #yawningforYahweh…seriously…too funny.
Through Erica's wit and beautiful way of walking alongside those she teaches, she brings clarity and encouragement to the area of prayer with her personal testimony and lessons learned along the way. She states, "Your true identity is not you, perfect. It is you, perfected", and learning to journey the process with the Holy Spirit is the theme.
I love how she addresses the doubting heart and taking baby steps into a deepened prayer life with such "realness" by bringing to light tactics of the enemy in, "Satan is A Jerk", but also how to "Armor UP" and contend for God's plans and purposes.
Some of my favorites quotes as She states, "Let's quit letting our fears dictate or destiny" and "Faith is not a formula you choose; it is a freedom you embrace."
Every Christian should have this in their library for reference to refer to again and again.
I didn't know how much I needed this book until I started reading it. Erica's words about the power of prayer and how it can strengthen our faith just leaped off the page at me. I love her writing. It feels like sitting down and talking to a friend. Her words let me know I'm not alone, illustrate what prayer can do, and challenge me to step up my own prayer life. There are "Check Your Pulse" questions at the end of each chapter, and I really like those. They make me think. Believe Boldly has encouraged me to start getting up early each morning to spend time with God - I mean, when I'm reading, "Am I willing to get up as early as needed to hear from God?", what else am I going to do? I haven't finished the book yet, because I'm taking time to read and digest it. I expect I'll read it more than once.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Satan is a jerk, Perfectica, rules we have put on ourselves that we were actually never told, like cupcakes for breakfast. These are some of the funny yet very compelling excerpts from this amazing book. After discussing these things that statues she placed on herself, Erica discusses how we can war against them with prayer, to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit! She discusses putting on the armor of God, praying over your house and how the woman is given a special place in the family, she looks out of the window in the upper room and God shows her where attacks are coming from. And then through her submission to her husband as the frontline person, she gives that information to him and waits for his direction! Man that is good, never thought of submission that way, you can still help! Read this book, it will change your prayer life and your walk with God!
I first heard of Erica Willis when I began participating in a part of her ministry called #TheFives. This hour of prayer 5 days a week at 5 AM was life changing! When I heard Erica was writing a book on prayer I knew I had to read it! Not only is Erica someone who writes about prayer but because I know her personally I know she is living what she writes about. She calls readers within just the first chapter to move past safe Christianity and embrace what she calls being a “super” this is the kind of Christian that does not play it safe but fully believes that the Holy Spirit can and will move in incredible ways! Her stories are funny and relatable. There are moments when I cried and moments when I laughed. If you want to experience something new in your prayer life then read this book!
This book is not just an inspiring story about Erica Willis’s own faith journey but a call to action to build your own faith. Each chapter will challenge you to question if your faith has become lackluster, or if you are truly running after every gift available to you to glorify God. Willis writes,“Living out the abundant life found in the Holy Spirit will bring life to those around us. Those who are dead will find new life.” Perfectly weaving Spirit with Truth, this book is a launching pad to help you seek that abundant life and to step confidently into the purpose God has uniquely designed for you.
Erica’s book “Believe Boldly,” in three chapters has inspired my prayer life. It has challenged me to be intentional about spending time with God and hearing from Him first thing in the morning. It’s encouraging because she is straight-forward about taking small steps of faith. You have to keep taking those steps because it doesn’t happen right away but gradually upon intentionality. If you’re looking for a book to fire you up, step on your toes and encourage you.. this is a book you need to have. I am so excited to keep reading.
A book after my own heart! Getting closer to the Lord through prayer and humor! Erica has a great way of making you dig deep while keeping you laughing. This book will definitely help you grow in your prayer life and is a must read!
[Note: This book was provided free of charge by Chosen Books. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]
Although I would not consider myself as belonging to the Charismatic camp of Christians, as this author so evidently does and as her likely reading audience does, I find it interesting to note the consistency of certain concerns that made it obvious that this book was aimed at that readership. Are there straightforward stories about the author and her life that mark her as a humble soul rather than a highly intellectual one? Yes, in abundance. Are there numerous references to spiritual warfare against Satan and his minions [1] as well as comments about various gifts of the spirit that people pray for and (supposedly) exercise in the contemporary world [2]? Yes, in abundance. Indeed, one could, if one was that sort of reader, make a flow diagram that shows how this book clearly belongs to its genre of spiritual literature meant to encourage charismatic believers about appearing odd or different for their spiritual beliefs in the eyes of others while encouraging a strong faith in the reader.
The materials of this book take up less than 200 pages and are divided into three parts and fourteen chapters. After an enthusiastic foreword and some acknowledgements, the author begins with a discussion of her doubting heart (I) and ruminates on the difference between "normals" and "supers" (1), encourages readers not to be afraid of the dark (2), the baby steps that are necessary at the beginning of one's faith (3), and how one endures through passion and perseverance (4). After that she talks about God's perfect truth (II) by talking about the evils of Satan (5), the need for believers to don the armor of God (6), and some encouraging words about seeking God's presence (7), shedding the skin of one's mortal life (8), and saying goodbye to fear (9). The third part of the book finds the author launching into gifts and matters of the Spirit (III) like fasting (10), speaking in tongues (11), healing (12), dreams and their interpretation (13), and the author's drastic and wrenching move from Missouri to Texas in her youth and its symbolism as the reader being able to have the best of multiple worlds (14). All of the chapters come with numerous questions at the end where the reader can "check their pulse" and the chapters are filled with entertaining stories about the author and her life experiences. My personal favorite is her childhood award as a champion eater and her struggles with fasting as a result of this orientation.
The author and I clearly move in separate circles and so this book was not likely to appeal to me as much as it would to others. The author is clearly writing to charismatic female believers to offer them encouragement and present herself as someone who has walked the same kind of walk that they have. But I am not a woman, am far more cerebral and intellectual than the author, and while I found this book's stories winsome and the author generally appealing, we are not the same kind of people and this book is not being aimed at me. Even so, there is a lot to appreciate about this book. It checks the boxes one would expect in a book about this time, having authenticity and a great deal of personality and dealing with issues of the supernatural both in demonology as well as gifts of the spirit that its readers will likely expect and celebrate. Anyone else reading this book will at least be able to read plenty of accounts that demonstrate the author's own struggles to have a mighty faith despite her overwhelming normalness.
Believe Boldly: The Power of Simple, Confident Prayer to Unleash the Supernatural by Erica Willis, has changed the way I've been praying. I tend to pray "safe" prayers, ones that seem comfortable, but are really bland, faithless prayers. As I read through Erica Willis' book, Believe Boldly, my spiritual appetite was whet for a faith that is so much more: bolder, braver, and deeper. Erica Willis showed me that God has so much more for me, and He desires for me to have faith that is ready to go further than I've ever gone before. Erica Willis encourages her readers to let go, move past the safe zone, and trust God to take you where He will; and allow Him to answer prayers His way. Because praying boldly is relinquishing control and not putting God in a box. Believe Boldly showed me that deeper faith happens when I stop trying to be in control and fully believe God for more, not just to get by. Believe Boldly is a must-read for followers of Christ. Believe Boldly guides readers to realize that God has so much more for our lives than we could ever imagine. I very highly recommend Believe Boldly. Read this book, because an amazing adventure with God awaits.
*I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Believe Boldly: The Power of Simple, Confident Prayer to Unleash the Supernatural from the publisher. The opinion stated is my own. I have not been compensated in any way.*
“That morning I finally came to understand that my life had become a series of safe encounters with God – calculated, formulated, (under)whelming. I could not stand it anymore. It had to change.” -Erica Willis
Erica Willis takes off the gloves and gives it to you head on to believe boldly living through faith, fasting, prayer and reading the Word.
Believe Boldly is presented in three sections. Part One: My Doubting Heart; Part Two: God’s Perfect Truth; Part Three: A Spiritual Launching Pad. Willis gives insight to building or reclaiming your faith in God by sharing personal experiences, scriptures, and thought provoking questions at the end of each chapter (Check Your Pulse).
Interesting sub-headings such as God is Not a How-to Book, The Overflow Valve, The Sneaky Gardener, and The Battle is Real correlate well with the book’s intended topic. The topic of fasting is also covered in the way to boldly believe.
Conveying the message to believe boldly is straightforward in approach and leads to soul searching for a way to revive or strengthen the relationship between yourself and God.
Recommending to believers of faith to further enhance or renew their prayer and fasting techniques.
I received this book from Chosen Books Reviewer Program in exchange for an honest review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.
In the beginning of this book, Erica Willis talks about the “Supers”—people who seem to have more knowledge of God than those who are coasting along in their faith. The “Supers” often have a word from God for others, dreams that actually mean something and seem to use a different language when they talk about things like baptism in the Spirit and Holy laughter. Erica was skeptical of them. Then her husband was encouraged by his pastor to get up an hour early to pray. In the beginning, she discouraged him from doing it because with family, job and school, she didn’t see how he could fit it in and get any sleep. The results were so astonishing, she tried it herself. At first, after 10 minutes she felt she had nothing else to pray about, but as time went on an hour didn’t feel like enough time to her. This one small action completely changed her life, and in this book, she talks about how it can transform other peoples too.
Moreover, she tackles things that are in the Bible and many people don’t think exists for believers today, as well as more conventional ideas. I loved that she felt bold enough to put these experiences out there for the rest of us, and I felt that this book very inspirational.
I definitely will be reading this again, and I recommend it to others.
Believe Boldly: The Power Of Simple, Confident Prayer To Unleash The Supernatural is a collection of experiences, compiled to share the remarkable journey that Erica Willis took from being a "normal" to being a "super" when it comes to confidently praying for God to move in her life.
Laced with scripture, casual conversation, and practical suggestions for inviting God to speak to you in a more personal way, Believe Boldly is a definite boost for Christian women who find themselves bogged down in the daily grind and feeling distant from God. If you find that your quality time with God is more like a quick prayer checklist with seemingly little payoff, then let Erica's story help you to change your game plan and bring your prayer life to new depths as you learn to surrender and trust God to lead you. 4/5 stars.
*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary print copy of this book from Chosen Books for the purpose of this honest review. All opinions are my own.*
I love Erica’s style and her tone throughout the book. She seems tad sassy and I like that, definitely keeps the reader engaged.
I always appreciate a non-fiction book that ties in real stories from the writers personal journey and the struggles and misconceptions they have faced. It makes the whole thing so much more relatable.
Erica really challenges the reader to take a deeper look at your prayer-life, something I really need to do and am doing.
She asks some excellent questions, like when you go to the Word are you anticipating encountering Jesus? I needed that reset for myself.
If you are looking for a book that will challenge you to believe more — believe boldly, I highly recommend this one.
A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley.com. All opinions are my own.
"Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. " - John 14:12
Erica ends her book describing herself thusly: "It is my passion to see others embrace the life God has designed for them uniquely, and to challenge them to run their race well."
That is how this book feels. She gives her personal experiences and then at the end of each chapter she has what she calls a "Check your pulse" moment with questions for you to reflect if you have any areas you need to challenge and grow yourself. She is very self-aware and reflective to the point that God is now using her to help others self-examine and grow.
This book is a powerful testimony of what God is up to in just one person. Read it and be encouraged.
Believe Boldly is Erica’s manifesto about her journey into the Supernatural! Her words are gentle and winsome leading others to believe a more profound and deeper walk with God is possible for us, as well.
However, Erica is never content for others to miss out. Therefore in this book, Erica teaches us all to want more. She begins each chapter with a relatable story, continues with practical scriptures and ends with engaging questions.
Don’t miss out on more in your walk with God! Buy this book and dive deeper into Jesus!
“Obedience is a nonnegotiable... God has plans for us that cannot be fathomed.” Erica’s book is powerful! She takes real biblical truth and explains it in a relatable way, with funny stories and interesting metaphors. I love how she takes the hard parts of faith and tackles them with boldness and honesty, challenging you to do your research on each of them. My favorite part of each chapter is the self-reflection questions at the end! This is a MUST read book for anyone looking to revitalize their faith!!
Imagine sitting down with a trusted friend to talk about prayer, God and the Holy Spirit. To me, that’s exactly what this book is like. Just like a friend who loves me and wants the best for me, this book challenged me to look a little deeper and trust a little more with each chapter. It will do the same for you. This book made me laugh, made me cry and definitely moved the Spirit within me. Erica’s heart for God and His people shines through in her writing. Don’t miss out!
This book is a fresh outpouring of what a healthy prayer life looks like and can do for your life! I love how completely relatable and refreshing Erica’s voice is. If you are wondering why your prayer life is falling flat and what you can do about it or how to start a healthy prayer life this is a must read for you. It is encouraging and uplifting and reminds me why I wake up and start my day in prayer. Believe Boldly is a living testament to what a life lived in obedience to God looks like.
This book is like the combination of an ice cold glass of water and the perfect strong cup of coffee: it refreshes...and also awakens! Erica's story is empowering because she keeps it simple. Her humor keeps you engaged, feeling like you are chatting face to face with a friend. This book can change the way you view prayer and catapult your relationship with Jesus to new heights that you never before thought were attainable.
Do you want to go deeper in prayer? Do you want to walk closer with God? If so, then this book is for you. Erica is inspiring and challenges you to walk beyond the "normal" Christian walk and see what God has for you. She guides you on a journey to a deeper walk with God through wisdom, scripture and questions. It is a must for all who believe. Don't just live your life believing but learn to Believe Boldly!!!
I see a lot of reviews from women so, for the record, I am a Harley-riddin', truck-loving guy...
...and I LOVE this book!!!!
I don't know how a book that is so easy to read can make you THINK so hard, but Erica nailed it.
Fantastic book and I recommend you visit her ministry website at BelieveBoldly.com to find out even more about this inspiring young lady!!! God is using her in a MIGHTY way!
I LOVE this book- for every one of us- hungry hearts- searching for something MORE in our faith walk. This book is for anyone who knows there's something deeper Jesus has to offer. We long for authentic community and to see these 'greater things' happen in our lives! Whether you are confident in prayer or not - this book will spur you on and encourage you to believe boldly- and realize you're not alone!
The journey this book catapults you into is amazing!!! I highly recommend you allow Erica to walk with you on the journey of experiencing real moments with God through laughter, humor, and some serious moments about your relationship with God. The words in this book and the heart behind it, will captivate your heart and attention from the first word to the last!
Erica Willis writes in such a way that I immediately connected to the words, but beyond that I feel called to act! Act boldly in my faith, pursuing God confidently and in expectation. Yes Lord! May we all seek Him in a passionate manner Willis describes in this book! "Your boldness is vital." Be bold! Be brave! Then read this book and be amazed!
This book is absolutely amazing!!! If you’re looking to enhance your prayer life- THIS book opens that door! I knew I was missing something and just rolling with the punches with my relationship with Christ. This book opened my eyes to my some areas where I need some work. Erica Willis is an amazing writer! Please tell me this is not the only book you’re going to publish! 😍😍😍
I love how vulnerably (and humorously) Erica communicates her story of faith. Her words are somehow gentle, kind, big, and bold all at the same time as she shares about her personal interactions with Christ and the bold belief He’s cultivating in her heart. An engaging read that brought faith-filled encouragement into my life at the perfect time.
I love when people show up and love big in the small things God calls them to and then get to watch what happens. The ripple effect it has - we may never get to see. But with 'Believe Boldly' the ripple effect is being lived out in these pages. But it won't stop there.