The choice of a devotional book is more personal than most. This kind of reading is not merely for the purpose of leisure and enjoyment. No, with this kind of resource you’re expecting and praying for something more. You want to hear from God, receive His direction, and be refreshed in the depths of your soul. Only God’s Word can do that.
So you need to choose wisely.
With her first devotional book, Priscilla Shirer makes your choice easy. For even though she’s written multiple best-selling books and Bible studies, including the 2016 ECPA “Christian Book of the Year” (Fervent), even though she regularly speaks to thousands at conference venues and churches around the world, even though she was the lead actress in a #1 box-office feature film (War Room) . . . It all starts for Priscilla where it all starts for you.
Alone with God. Alone with His Word. Eager to hear His voice. Prepared to humbly and obediently respond. She hopes, more than anything else, that the daily insights you receive in these pages will challenge, encourage, and strengthen you in every way.
These ninety devotions from the heart of a mom, wife, encourager, and friend will Awaken you each day with fresh insights gleaned from the Spirit of God. Ready to help you mine the treasures of Scripture and fortify you for the day ahead. This devotional is . . . a good choice.
Priscilla Shirer is a wife and a mom first. But put a Bible in her hand and a message in her heart and you’ll see why thousands flock to her conferences and dive into her Bible study series’ and books each year.
A graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, Priscilla holds a Master’s degree in Biblical Studies and considers it a privilege to serve believers from every denomination and culture by helping them to know the truths of Scripture intellectually and encouraging them to experience these truths practically by the power of the Holy Spirit.
In addition to Priscilla’s participation in many church and para-church conferences across the globe each year, Going Beyond Ministries hosts AWAKEN – an outreach event in their hometown designed to encourage and mobilize women locally. This free gathering brings together thousands of women from different denominations and backgrounds several times a year in an effort to stir revival.
Going Beyond Ministries also equips believers through books and Bible study resources. Priscilla has authored over a dozen video driven studies for women and teens on a myriad of Biblical characters and topics including Jonah, Gideon, the Exodus, discerning God’s voice, The Armor of God.
Her books include Discerning the Voice of God, God is Able, and two New York Times Bestsellers – The Resolution for Women and Fervent: A Woman’s Battle Plan for Serious, Specific and Strategic Prayer, which was named the 2016 Christian Book of the Year. Her latest offering is a 365-day devotional called Awaken: 90 Days with the God Who Speaks. In 2016, Priscilla ventured into the world of children’s publishing with The Prince Warriors, a fiction 4-book series and accompanying 365-day devotional (Unseen) designed to equip tween boys and girls for victory in spiritual warfare.
Priscilla has been married to Jerry for 20 years. Between studying and writing, she spends most of her time cleaning up after (and trying to satisfy the appetites of) their three growing boys – Jackson, Jerry Jr. and Jude.
I have been a fan of Priscilla Shirer for years, even more so after reading her book 'Fervent.' So when I heard about her newest book 'Awaken," I knew I needed to read it. I am not a devotional type of gal, typically. Call it a lack of self-discipline or a short attention span, but I never stick with them. So I was a little concerned about whether or not I would stick with a 90 day devotional. However, as soon as I finished Day 1, I knew that I was hooked.
The author has such a wonderful way of putting words together. I find myself constantly thinking, "Yes! She understands. She goes through these things, too. She has these struggles, too." Her words encourage and reassure, but they also fire the reader up! I tend to have to fight the urge to jump up on my couch and beat my chest with my Bible, while reading her work. This particular devotional will be a game-changer for me. I can't wait to order a physical copy of 'Awaken," just to be able to physically hold it in my hands. Thank you, Ms. Shirer! Highly recommend.
There are a lot of things I decide to do on January 1st that I give up on later that month. Thankfully, that didn't happen with this devotional. I committed to reading it daily and I actually did it. My spiritual life and relationship with God has been lacking a lot over the last couple of years and I feel this book definitely helped. I still have a long ways to go, but I feel on the right track. As for the book itself, I thought it started out a little run-of-the-mill, but as we got further into it, I found the lessons went a little deeper and I learned more. I would definitely check out other books by Priscilla Shirer.
90 Days with the God who Speaks by Priscilla Shirer
B&H Publishing Group (B&H Books, Holman Bibles, B&H Español, and B&H Kids)
B&H Books Christian
Pub Date 15 Aug 2017
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy of Awaken through B&H Publishing Group and Netgalley:
This book has ninety days of devotions, not merely for enjoyment a devotional allows us to go deeper in faith, and hopefully to look inwardly.
Awaken encourages the reader to grow deeper in faith, to Awaken that childlike faith. This ninety day Devotional has questions and Journaling excercise after each devotion to allow you to dig deeper.
This devotional is far more than your average devo. I should have known it'd go above and beyond since Priscilla Shirer was the author but she surprised me. Yes, there is a daily devotional, at the end however is journaling prompts to take you deeper. I love that part. This helped to encourage me, strengthen me, and challenge me.
It seems fitting that this is the first book that I finished in the new year. I found this book inspirational and I enjoyed the writing style. Sometimes when I read scripture I'm not sure if I am getting the most out of it or understanding it. This book really gave real life examples that I could relate to and understand. I found it to be a powerful devotional that was based on scripture but in a way that its meaning really reached me. I will be reading more of this author's works as I found this one to be encouraging and helpful in maintaining and building an even stronger relationship with God. There is so much I learned about faith reading this book.
I’ve read a few books by Priscilla Shirer, and I have never been disappointed. Her books always seem to tell me exactly what I need to hear at that moment. This book is no exception.
Awaken contains ninety devotions, and each day includes a verse, devotional passage, another verse, and a place for reflection. I read an electronic copy, but I look forward to getting a hard copy so I can fully engage with the journaling portions of the book.
As a fan of devotional books, this one is a wonderful addition to my collection. Shirer writes in a way that is easy to understand, and her personal stories are easy relatable.
Some of my favorite quotes include:
-“Be alert. Be present. Be fully engaged in the day stretched out before you. He’ll be there. Waiting to be seen by anyone watching and waiting.”
-“The quest for perfection will always be beyond our grasp. Unattainable in time and space. So we’ll need to look elsewhere. We’ll need to look upward.”
-“Allow life’s imperfections to become what they were always meant to be—everyday signs that point you to Jesus.”
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. However, I was not required to leave a positive review.
This is a wonderful devotional. I love her style of writing. I have listened to her speak and her writing is like she's there in front of you. This devotion is taken from her personal journals so we get to hear her heart and how God speaks to her. It's very easy to read, but don't take that to mean that there's nothing to learn! The lessons are there. God speaks through her heart. There's a lot of space for writing down what you glean from your reading and questions to help you dig a little deeper. If you are looking for a new devotional for yourself or as a gift, this is it! I received a free advance reader copy for my honest review of this book.
Took me a little longer than 90 days, but I did it! Shirer does a wonderful job of making these daily devotionals clear and simple. I love the pages on the sides for writing thoughts or prayers. The messages are short and sweet, perfect to squeeze into your morning routine or really anytime you have a few minutes to spare. Shirer truly has a love for God and His followers. I highly recommend this devotional.
I am so so so impressed with this author. She challenged me, encouraged me and unearthed so much truth found in scripture. I found myself looking forward to reading her each morning when I woke up. Thank you so much to Priscilla Shirer for listening to the Holy Spirit and presenting your findings to us with such clarity. Day 65 (I think) about scarcity and abundance was my favorite.
I always love Priscilla’s insightful words; she is just awesome. What took me longer to get through this devotional (> 90 days) were the journaling prompts after each day. I struggled with them and often felt like I was just repeating/restating things she had said. I admittedly don’t like journaling, so that could have been my problem.
One of the best devotional books I’ve read! Already reading another one by Priscilla Shirer. This is a 90 day one and each day was a short passage to read with tons of scripture references and a place to write down what God was showing you for that day. I will most definitely read through this again!
As far as devotionals go, this is one of the best ones I've ever used. I love how there was a page left for journaling after each reading, and oddly enough, the devotions tended to coincide with what I needed to hear most at the moment. I recommend this for focused reflection that only takes a few minutes each night.
It has taken me 90 days to finish this book - just enough time for each day’s words of wisdom and scriptures to infiltrate my heart and mind. Priscilla has a way of putting things in perspective in a very readable and relevant way each day. The topics covered over 90 days are varied, but with the same bottom line that God loves us and we have a responsibility to spend time in his word and in prayer so we can hear what He wants us to know. I definitely recommend this book.
Filled with everyday things that if we allow them point us to God. Priscilla has always been great to read and an encouragement to my faith, this daily read was amazing!!!
Excellent collection of short devotional essays, each combined with appropriate Bible verses to support the teaching and a question to ponder. Two blank lined pages are provided after each question should the reader choose to write out a response.
This is exactly what you would expect from Priscilla Shirer. It is well written, deep and encouraging. It is grounded in the truth of scripture and points you directly to God.
This is exactly what the world needs more of. I am convinced that any words Priscilla chooses to put on paper, I will choose to read. I am grateful for the way she uses her gifts to encourage and inspire the world. Do yourself a favor, buy this for yourself and then buy copies to gift to others.
The publisher provided an ARC through Netgalley. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts
It took me TWO WHOLE DAYS to write all of my favorite quotes from Awaken. God used this book to help me when I needed it with exactly the words I needed. I recommend this 90-day devotional to anyone who is struggling to hear God’s voice in transition.
We don’t need to do great things for God; He has already done great things for us!
I'm going to have to do it again it helped me with understanding my relationships with God and myself in a different way. I'm learning to discern his voice and do things a little differently.
I especially love the title of this book, Awaken, by Priscilla Shirer. Every morning this week, I get up and read this devotional spending time with God as I "awaken." Shirer says on the cover she hopes that you will spend time each day with "the One who wants to Awaken you each day to the sound of His voice."
These 90 devotionals are bound in a quality hardcover book with a ribbon marker. Each devotion in Awaken starts with a Bible verse, then a reading, and ends with a Bible verse. Following each devotional are two lined pages entitled He Speaks to Me. At the top of the first lined journaling page, Shirer asks questions or gives the reader something to think about and reflect on through journaling. I especially liked that in the introduction Shirer says that she is praying for her readers. She writes that "Whether young or old, may you be encouraged and realigned toward the simple beauty of sitting with Him, hearing Him, speaking to Him and being enlightened by His love letter to you." Each of the readings in Awaken relate to every day Christian life. These are just a few of the topics: business, forgiveness, quiet time distractions, life's storms, praying for your Pastor and church leaders, and living in the present instead of worrying about the future.
Awaken is a devotional that I looked forward to each morning. I felt each reading did turn my thoughts toward God and the journaling section helped me reflect on the related topics. One thing I especially appreciate about the journaling section is that the book has two pages of space to write and reflect. Sometimes, publishers don't leave enough room for me to write everything I want to in a journaling devotional so it is nice to see all of this space in this book. For those who do art journaling, this blank space could also be used artistically to reflect your heart and time with God. I think this book would be helpful to anyone in most any adult age group. It would also make a nice gift book too.
I received a copy of Awaken from BH Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for the book.
is a renowned Bible teacher, but this is the first time I’ve read one of her books. I picked up this book as part of a special bundle at Lifeway this Christmas season. In two weeks, a new online Bible study for her book Discerning the Voice of God begins (read an excerpt here), and I want to become familiar with her writing before I begin the study. It’s free to sign up, and the study videos are the same as the ones you’d study in a church or group.
What I enjoy most about Priscilla’s writing voice is her confidence in God mixed with humility. She is obviously a powerful communicator and a woman of rock-solid faith. Yet she is real, sharing stories of her own daily life that inspire me. Originally she wrote the devotions in her own prayer journals. I think that’s why this book has such a personal feel, which I find refreshingly intimate from such a spiritual powerhouse.
Her devotions include slices of life like putting groceries away, surveying damage after a rain storm, and dealing with a bored child. But most of the devotions are teaching-focused, because she Priscilla Shirer is a gifted Bible-teacher. The book flap tells the truth: “This kind of reading [devotional book] is not merely for the purpose of leisure and enjoyment. With this kind of book you’re praying for something more–to hear from God, receive His direction, and be refreshed in the depths of your soul.” I couldn’t think of a better summary for this book.
This beautiful quote from the book tells you what you can expect:
"Be alert…present…fully engaged in the day stretched out before you. He’ll be there. Waiting to be seen by anyone watching and waiting."
Another aspect of this book I really enjoy is the plentiful lined space after each devotion for personal reflection and prayer. If you use the space to record what God is saying to you through the 90 devotions, you will surely see how the book helped you awaken to new awareness of His presence and new understanding of His desires for you.
I tend to like in depth Bible study so I don't do many daily devotional type of books. But I have done several of Priscilla's Bible studies and decided that I'd give this one a try. So glad that I did. I know it's cliche to say that I was hooked from the beginning, but I was. The very first daily devotion is still resonating with me weeks later.
The set-up of the book is simple. There are ninety different devotions that start with a small portion of scripture and then follow with thoughts by Priscilla. Then there are questions to contemplate and and area to journal your thoughts if you desire.
As I said earlier I'm not usually drawn to this type of reading but I liked Priscilla's style in this. She presented each day's reading in a way that made you contemplate what it means in your life. The stories are hers but the situations are common to women so it was very easy to relate to the readings.
I thought that this would be a great morning and evening reading. It would also make a great gift to a friend. I thought it would be especially nice for that young mother that doesn't have gobs of time to do in depth Bible study but desires to stay in the Word amid the chaos of raising young children. Whether you decide to give it as a gift or use it yourself, I'm pretty sure that you won't be disappointed.
I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.
I truly enjoyed this devotional book as it jump started my journaling. I've been trying to make it a point to journal every day. (You'll see by my reading dates that I didn't start this journey without a few hiccups.) Having the guiding questions also helped me dig deeper into how I view different biblical concepts and how I've seen myself changing and growing over time. I also love hearing things from different perspectives. I'd recommend this book to anyone on a Christian spiritual journey who is trying to dig deeper into their faith and connect more closely with the God they serve. What I loved about the book: Journal prompts were poignant, easy to answer if you just give it a little thought. The space provided was most adequate for someone only wishing to answer the journal prompt question. (I journal in a separate book.) The devotions themselves were short enough to read in 5-15 minutes, depending on how much time you want to spend meditating over the words. I loved the fact that many scriptures were used and each devotion had at least four focal scriptures. I didn't really hate anything about this book. It was really good.
Awaken: 90 Days with the God who Speaks will awaken you each day with fresh insights right from the Spirit of God. You will be challenged, encouraged and strengthened. I found it hard to read only one devotion a day.
Priscilla’s devotions deepened my relationship with Jesus and increased my understanding of Him. For me this book is a 90 Challenge to sit and listen quietly to God. I loved how the book was set up. There are 90 different devotions that start with a scripture passage and thoughts by Priscilla. There is space as well to journal your thoughts and prompts to get you started.
One of the devotions that had me thinking was about Daily Bread, and talks about the Sabbeth, how it is not meant to be a hurdle to be worked around each week. We all need to stop and refocus our attention on God. “That it should be a pause, a stopping point, a decision to take a break..... My goal is to make Sabbeth a priority.
This was my first Priscilla Shirer book and will not be my last, game changing, thought provoking. Get the book, you will devour the devotions..
I actually bought this devotional years ago. I had started it and then, for whatever reason, fell off from reading it. I decided to pick it up again recently and I'm glad I did. It was timely for me as it addressed many things I have been feeling the past few months. I really like Priscilla Shirer's writing and her love of the Lord. Each day had multiple Bible verses and usually a story from the Bible leading into a lesson that could be applied to my life now. The devotions were 2 pages long and then there were some questions to ponder along with some Bible verses. There was also space to write beneath the questions if you want to write your answers down. I also liked that there was a ribbon book mark sewn in. That is always handy for a devotional. Overall, a great devotional based on Biblical stories and truths that I found very applicable to my daily life.