We Pray with Her: Encouragement for All Women Who Lead

by Emily Peck-McClain (Editor), Danyelle Trexler (Editor), Shannon Sullivan (Editor)

Leading while female—whether in business, politics, the home, local communities, or the church—can be incredibly life-giving and spiritually fulfilling, yet lonely and difficult. “We Pray with Her” means supporting all the hers, both established and just starting up the ladder, who are leading the charge in today’s culture. It is a commitment to let them know that they are not alone, and that we are praying with along with them.

In a world of glass ceilings, harassment, and “boy’s clubs,” women often encounter obstacles when they seek to forge ahead in their work to leave a positive mark through their labor, personal efforts, and causes. Women business leaders, political candidates, clergy, and trailblazers of all kinds need the support and encouragement of their fellow women. We are not intended to walk through life alone, and by raising each other up in prayer we will in-turn be inspired in our own efforts, grow in our faith, be understanding of shortfalls, and celebrate successes along with our fellow women.

This inspiring devotional is a collection of 100 entries written by the women of WePrayWithHer, a grassroots movement turned online collective of women faith leaders, explores themes such as call, vocation, persistence, resistance, and struggle. Whether you’re a woman leader looking for personal inspiration, in a supportive role to a leader, an aspiring leader, or a woman who wants to support her sisters in Christ, you’ll find a home within these pages.

Join the movement with your prayers, by mentoring, and through daily acts of solidarity with the women in your life and community. In these readings you’ll be emboldened to support one another as we strive to live the life to which God has called us.

256 pages, Paperback

Published September 18, 2018

Reviews

[Valeska · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't figure out how to post a picture with all the tabs I put in this book so I could find reflections at a later date. Still, I think this group of Methodist ministers put together a book of reflections that would resonate with women of many different denominations. It will be something I return to often.

I loved how many areas of life the book addressed: from difficult social interactions at work or in the community to technology not working, from family life with kids to family life without children. They did a great job of putting into words how we can sometimes feel and how we can get back to re-centering ourselves in our daily lives.

I wanted to leave you with one prayer that I thought would be helpful to all:

A Prayer of Blessing to Be Who You Are

May you know you are worthy.
May you unlearn all the silence and shame you were taught through hints and insinuations.
May you stand tall and walk proudly, delighting in the shape of movement of your body as you travel through the world, spirit-in-flesh, breath-and-dust, beloved child and Imago Dei.
May the truth woven into your being find its way out in words and music, in dance and poetry, in loving and marching, in creating and tearing down.
May you know your own power to speak and to listen, to make room for others and to claim what is yours.
May you be heard.
May you be seen.
May you take up space in the world.
May you know you are whole and holy, blessed and beautiful, bold and brave.
Be who you are: it is enough.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were some sections that felt too focused on aspects of having children and being a mother, and at times I wished that there were prayers for relationships with friends and spouses, particularly just starting out in marriage. That said, I gained so much strength and peace from using this as a devotional book. It holds messages that would empower anyone regardless of gender, but it was special to read something that had someone like me in mind.

[Cindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beautiful book of devotions by young Methodist Clergywomen. The devotions are more unusual, something that younger women might need, but that everyone can love and relate to. Our pastor daughter was a contributor.

[Christine V. Hides · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book of prayers I keep close by. It travels from nightstand to desk to car throughout the week. The prayers cover they myriad of challenges women face, from job interviews to infertility, from bedtime to everyday chaos.

[Patricia M Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that should be used when a pray is needed on various occasions. It is the type of book to keep by the night table to use a s spontaneous devotional book. I can see this as a go to book for years. I don't find it as a book to read like a novel.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in awe of my clergy sisters. I absolutely loved this devotional.