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Praying Through: Overcoming the Obstacles That Keep Us from God
Life can be hard. Prayer doesn’t have to be.Whatever is going on with you right now, God is actually interested. And yet connecting with God through prayer can often feel foreign, challenging, or beyond our reach.But here’s the You’re already awesome at prayer.You just don’t know it . . . yet.Through over twenty years of pastoring and writing, Jarrett Stevens has made it his mission to connect the dots between God and our everyday lives. With fresh biblical insights, powerful stories, and spiritually practical practices, Praying Through will help you connect with God in fresh and meaningful ways no matter what season you may be going through.Whether you’re new to prayer, or God seems silent, or you’re grieving a loss, or you need direction, or you're feeling grateful and don’t know how to express it—you don’t have to let these obstacles keep you from God.There is a way for you to pray through!
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2020
11 people are currently reading
969 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 14, 2020
I learned a lot from this book. It includes practical advice, steps to increase/improve your prayer practice (or start..). This came at the right time in my life, a season when I’m working to deepen my relationship with God. Highly recommend!
January 1, 2020
This book is written to minister to all Christian.
I meet so many people that ask me to pray for them in church or online. Praying Through by Jarrett Stevens awoke my soul as to the mundane prayers I have been praying.
In the first part of the book he provides a platform to help the reader wake to the power they have as Christians by starting with the disciples request on how to pray! And, what Jesus taught them through the Lord’s Prayer.
After reading the first couple of chapters, the other day, I decided to pray wowing God. I sat down and thought of how much God had done in the Bible and in my life. My heart was filled with gratitude and wholeheartedly knew that God could do the same for my friends. Sometimes, we forget who God really is and the power He has in our lives as well as others. I started my prayer with God’s attributes in my life.. Thank you, Jarrett for the reminder.
As I brought my request to God, I ask God kindly with a please to answer the prayer for a
hurting woman, the financial needs of a friend along with finding another friend a job where she could grow spiritually. I thanked him because He goes before us snd knows the solutions before we have the problems. Thank you, Jarrett for reminding me to thank God.
All day that day when I started my prayer life differently, I found myself involved in a relationship with God that I continually ask him to help me with my day. My spirit and life have shifted since that day.
What a New Years resolution to end the day thanking God and seeing him work in the small ways as well as the big ones. “When I don’t hear anything”, God is working quietly . I would recommend reading this book to start the year because everything begins with prayer in our churches and fills our lives.
In conclusion there are a lot of health benefits to prayer. Stress is over things we can’t control. But, in reading this book, I have found that being still and really seeing a higher power than me has conquered a lot of my fear. “Remember, Amen is not the end of a prayer, it is just the beginning!”
I meet so many people that ask me to pray for them in church or online. Praying Through by Jarrett Stevens awoke my soul as to the mundane prayers I have been praying.
In the first part of the book he provides a platform to help the reader wake to the power they have as Christians by starting with the disciples request on how to pray! And, what Jesus taught them through the Lord’s Prayer.
After reading the first couple of chapters, the other day, I decided to pray wowing God. I sat down and thought of how much God had done in the Bible and in my life. My heart was filled with gratitude and wholeheartedly knew that God could do the same for my friends. Sometimes, we forget who God really is and the power He has in our lives as well as others. I started my prayer with God’s attributes in my life.. Thank you, Jarrett for the reminder.
As I brought my request to God, I ask God kindly with a please to answer the prayer for a
hurting woman, the financial needs of a friend along with finding another friend a job where she could grow spiritually. I thanked him because He goes before us snd knows the solutions before we have the problems. Thank you, Jarrett for reminding me to thank God.
All day that day when I started my prayer life differently, I found myself involved in a relationship with God that I continually ask him to help me with my day. My spirit and life have shifted since that day.
What a New Years resolution to end the day thanking God and seeing him work in the small ways as well as the big ones. “When I don’t hear anything”, God is working quietly . I would recommend reading this book to start the year because everything begins with prayer in our churches and fills our lives.
In conclusion there are a lot of health benefits to prayer. Stress is over things we can’t control. But, in reading this book, I have found that being still and really seeing a higher power than me has conquered a lot of my fear. “Remember, Amen is not the end of a prayer, it is just the beginning!”
April 1, 2022
Simple yet profound, I Really enjoyed Praying Through.
March 26, 2023
Will be rereading. It is worth it.
March 6, 2020
This book is a great basic guide to prayer. He thoroughly explains types of prayer and how to pray through different circumstances. I can see this being a good resource to go back to when going through difficult times, to get a refresher on ideas for praying through that time. The only thing I didn't like was the assumption that some of the readers are too young to understand certain analogies and metaphors. If it's going to be too difficult to understand, don't write it. But also, using the term "millenials" in this context doesn't apply. Millenials are in their 30s at this point and most are old enough to remember a lot of the illustrations he gives. Even if the appropriate generation name was used, it's probably best not to talk down to or alienate part of the audience, even for humor's sake. Aside from this, the actual content of the book was great. I recommend for people new to faith, new to prayer or anyone going through difficult times who wants advice on how to pray through it. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
February 28, 2020
This book explores prayer. The author takes the reader through prayer techniques he has developed. You may find them to be different ideas than you have had. Each chapter covers a different subject. I read this book as part of a book launch team.
January 5, 2020
This is a solid book on prayer for those new to prayer and anyone looking to renew their prayer life. And who doesn't need renewal?
I usually read a book straight through, but this time I jumped ahead and began at the Chapter "When I am Gripped by Grief." I really appreciate the author's perspective that grief is a teacher, and he speaks from real life experience, not theory. He says, "Grief is a gift wrapped in sandpaper with a barbed wire bow." Yes, it is painful and yes, it can smooth out our rough edges. He also shares that it is okay to 'borrow faith' during these times. In fact, it may be all we can do. This is freeing and encouraging at the same time. When grieving we know, intellectually, that prayer will get us through, and yet emotionally it may be the last thing we can do. Jarrett says, "If you find yourself in a season of grief, perhaps one of the best things you can do is just that: borrow others faith. Just show up and feel no pressure to speak or offer anything. Perhaps the bravest thing you can do is put yourself in a place where you know God is (which is anywhere and everywhere) and where there are people of God who are more than willing to let you borrow some of their faith."
Jarrett Steven's provides simple tips and tools for prayer such as setting your phone alarm as a reminder to pray throughout the day and his WOW, PLEASE, HELP, THANKS, and YES! framework to get started in conversation with God.
He shares several snipits from his life which are relatable and encourage the reader to apply the lessons he has learned to their own times of difficulty and on the behalf of others.
One thing that stands out is that, 'if you have ever worried, you know how to meditate.' He points us back to Jesus and to several scriptures, including Matthew 6:33, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well."
"Simply pray, and pray simply. ...Prayer matters too much to let it be hijacked by fear or insecurity. Prayer is how you start and how you stay in a relationship with God."
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I usually read a book straight through, but this time I jumped ahead and began at the Chapter "When I am Gripped by Grief." I really appreciate the author's perspective that grief is a teacher, and he speaks from real life experience, not theory. He says, "Grief is a gift wrapped in sandpaper with a barbed wire bow." Yes, it is painful and yes, it can smooth out our rough edges. He also shares that it is okay to 'borrow faith' during these times. In fact, it may be all we can do. This is freeing and encouraging at the same time. When grieving we know, intellectually, that prayer will get us through, and yet emotionally it may be the last thing we can do. Jarrett says, "If you find yourself in a season of grief, perhaps one of the best things you can do is just that: borrow others faith. Just show up and feel no pressure to speak or offer anything. Perhaps the bravest thing you can do is put yourself in a place where you know God is (which is anywhere and everywhere) and where there are people of God who are more than willing to let you borrow some of their faith."
Jarrett Steven's provides simple tips and tools for prayer such as setting your phone alarm as a reminder to pray throughout the day and his WOW, PLEASE, HELP, THANKS, and YES! framework to get started in conversation with God.
He shares several snipits from his life which are relatable and encourage the reader to apply the lessons he has learned to their own times of difficulty and on the behalf of others.
One thing that stands out is that, 'if you have ever worried, you know how to meditate.' He points us back to Jesus and to several scriptures, including Matthew 6:33, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well."
"Simply pray, and pray simply. ...Prayer matters too much to let it be hijacked by fear or insecurity. Prayer is how you start and how you stay in a relationship with God."
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
February 26, 2020
Loved the book. Wish the author narrated though.
December 20, 2019
Praying Through
By Jarrett Stevens
Praying Through is a great book that will encourage your prayer life.
Jarrett begins and ends the book with this very true statement “You already know how to pray.”
In between those statements, Jarrett explains the struggles of prayer and the solutions to overcome in prayer.
Praying Through will cause you to have a deeper understanding of how to pray, how prayer works, and how to pray more effectively.
Of all the great content in this book, this is by far the one statement that stood out to me the most: “The more you show up in prayer, the more you grow up in prayer.”
Another great thing Jarrett said is, “I have found that praying through is my way through. It is my way through this life. It is my lifeline. It is my anchor. It is my constant. It is not how I escape whatever I am going through; it is how I face whatever I am going through.”
I enjoyed the material presented. It is well written and obviously something Jarrett has wrestled with and continues to wrestle with.
I highly recommend Praying Through. You will learn the value of prayer, and you will learn that you really do “already know how to pray.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
By Jarrett Stevens
Praying Through is a great book that will encourage your prayer life.
Jarrett begins and ends the book with this very true statement “You already know how to pray.”
In between those statements, Jarrett explains the struggles of prayer and the solutions to overcome in prayer.
Praying Through will cause you to have a deeper understanding of how to pray, how prayer works, and how to pray more effectively.
Of all the great content in this book, this is by far the one statement that stood out to me the most: “The more you show up in prayer, the more you grow up in prayer.”
Another great thing Jarrett said is, “I have found that praying through is my way through. It is my way through this life. It is my lifeline. It is my anchor. It is my constant. It is not how I escape whatever I am going through; it is how I face whatever I am going through.”
I enjoyed the material presented. It is well written and obviously something Jarrett has wrestled with and continues to wrestle with.
I highly recommend Praying Through. You will learn the value of prayer, and you will learn that you really do “already know how to pray.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
January 8, 2020
When we talk about the concept of prayer, we all have different opinions depending on where we stand in our faith journey. “Praying is hard”, “Praying is for the priest or minister”, or “I’m not sure how to say good prayers” are just some of the statements I’ve heard. Well, if you fit into one of these categories or your new at praying, Pastor Jarrett Stevens book Praying Through is a fantastic resource!
There are a lot of things I love about this book. First, it’s ridiculously practical. You don’t have to have experience as a Christian, devoted to a church, or understand the Bible to be encouraged and learn from this book. Jarrett writes in a way that is not only easy to read, but also easy to apply to your life.
Second, his writing style is engaging and humorous. You can tell that he enjoys sharing his experience and insight through these pages, and every page has something to teach and encourage with - when prayer is new, when I am worried, gripped by grief, and when I don’t hear anything are just a few of the topics covered.
If you need a resource to help you understand and apply prayer to your life, then look no further!
There are a lot of things I love about this book. First, it’s ridiculously practical. You don’t have to have experience as a Christian, devoted to a church, or understand the Bible to be encouraged and learn from this book. Jarrett writes in a way that is not only easy to read, but also easy to apply to your life.
Second, his writing style is engaging and humorous. You can tell that he enjoys sharing his experience and insight through these pages, and every page has something to teach and encourage with - when prayer is new, when I am worried, gripped by grief, and when I don’t hear anything are just a few of the topics covered.
If you need a resource to help you understand and apply prayer to your life, then look no further!
January 4, 2020
This is a REALLY good book! I am going to give this book as a gift to all my friends! I just kept rereading chapters because it was so helpful for me and the things I am going through. This is a book on how to pray but it is so much more than that! Who knew a chapter on grief could be so helpful! Who knew a chapter on worry could be life changing! Sometimes I think I need to read the chapter on worry every day! I think the title of this book should be in huge letters, "Overcoming The Obstacles That Keep Us From God" Because it's like a self-help book for finding and talking to God! Every chapter is so freaking good! Every chapter is so full of good advice! Every chapter can change your life in a super positive way! I could just go on and on but I'm not. I will say, READ THIS BOOK! Not all books are life changing but this one is!
January 10, 2020
Many books get convoluted when it comes to understanding what prayer is all about. Stevens keeps everything simple to comprehend and apply. The goal of the book is to make prayer as natural as possible, just like texting a friend or talking to a person. I appreciate how the book specifically looks at different obstacles in life (e.g., needing help, worry, grief, needing direction) and how prayer, when lived out naturally, can help you overcome these obstacles. Each chapter ends with a prayer example that ties in what you learned in that chapter.
This book is not one where you learn something new about prayer. It is more an affirmation on what you know about prayer already. As the Nike mantra tells us to "Just do it," Stevens, when it comes to prayer, is telling us to "Just pray." And when we pray, we will break through.
This book is not one where you learn something new about prayer. It is more an affirmation on what you know about prayer already. As the Nike mantra tells us to "Just do it," Stevens, when it comes to prayer, is telling us to "Just pray." And when we pray, we will break through.
January 13, 2020
Praying Through encouraged me, taught me and reminded me of the importance of taking every thing to God in Prayer. Through those times of life that we all face at one time or another that leave us feeling strong emotions of grief, loss, fear, and using prayer as a time to be thankful and seek direction.
Reading this book started me turning to prayer faster in times of struggle. I appreciate the power in going to God first. But remembering to do that before the emotions kick in. I struggle with that. As I read, I found a shift happening. I found myself praying earlier in conflicts I faced. Of course I am a work in process, Praise the Lord, and certainly will continue to work on this area.
I recommend this book as a learning tool about deepening ones relationship with Christ through prayer.
Reading this book started me turning to prayer faster in times of struggle. I appreciate the power in going to God first. But remembering to do that before the emotions kick in. I struggle with that. As I read, I found a shift happening. I found myself praying earlier in conflicts I faced. Of course I am a work in process, Praise the Lord, and certainly will continue to work on this area.
I recommend this book as a learning tool about deepening ones relationship with Christ through prayer.
January 20, 2020
Quite honestly, my first thought was that this was "just another book about prayer;" that was quickly dissolved right at the beginning. This book shows you how to pray when you don't think you can, or should. Stevens immediately acknowledges that we already know how to pray. But we need to pray through the moments even when, and especially if, we have no words to say. Praying through is the way through...the way through life...it’s how we face what we’re going through. “The promise of God’s presence, that He is not only with us, He is for us. He is here to help - all we have to do is ask.” Chapters are divided by when to pray – worried, grief, no words. It was a great read and a book that I probably highlighted too much; one that I am sure I will refer back to again and again.
December 30, 2019
If you’ve been a Christian for any length of time, you’ve read your fair share of books on prayer. About the time you think you have heard it all, Jarrett Stevens writes Praying Through.
Beginning with Lord’s Prayer and then moving on to common hindrances in prayer, Stevens moves gracefully and insightfully through the chapters with startling new concepts and practical points for your prayer life.
This is a book—for me—that needs to be a close companion. Many of his concepts require implementation and practice.
Highly recommended, a must read for the new year.
I was provided an advanced reader copy, but was not required to leave a positive review.
Beginning with Lord’s Prayer and then moving on to common hindrances in prayer, Stevens moves gracefully and insightfully through the chapters with startling new concepts and practical points for your prayer life.
This is a book—for me—that needs to be a close companion. Many of his concepts require implementation and practice.
Highly recommended, a must read for the new year.
I was provided an advanced reader copy, but was not required to leave a positive review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2019
Jarrett Stevens amazing new book "Praying Through: Overcoming the Obstacles That Keep Us from God offers a fresh perspective in prayer that really fosters presence in a meaningful way that de-mystifies prayer and simplifies application to each person's life. Pastor Stevens covers topics of gratitude, worry, grief, a need for direction, God's silence and the biggie for many - unanswered prayer. The book flows easily and provided strategies for increasing our relationship with the Lord in a manner that is natural and practical. This book is a must read for readers.
January 7, 2020
Jarrett Stevens’ book, “Praying Through” is inspiring and challenged me to be more consistent with my own prayer life.
I love how a new Christian can pick up this book and really grow but the mature Christian will gain just as much from it.
Many of the chapters motivated me. However, the chapter that resonated with me most was the one on worry. I will be re-reading it until it sinks in.
Good job, Jarrett Stevens. Praying you sell a million copies!
I love how a new Christian can pick up this book and really grow but the mature Christian will gain just as much from it.
Many of the chapters motivated me. However, the chapter that resonated with me most was the one on worry. I will be re-reading it until it sinks in.
Good job, Jarrett Stevens. Praying you sell a million copies!
January 8, 2020
"Praying seems hard...praying is essential..." Jarrett Stevens doesn't hold back in his assessment of what prayer is. Stevens isn't afraid to make it plain and simple this task, this gift, this ritual that Christian's participates in to make supernatural what is natural, and stressed the necessity of it. A timely book for this new decade and this new year. Will be using this book with my family and my clients.
June 12, 2021
This book is practical and applicable wherever you find yourself in your prayer life. There is encouragement for the person who is new to faith and prayer, and there is encouragement for the person who is seasoned in prayer. As I read this book I found myself both inspired and challenged. In a hard season of my own life, this refreshed me and pushed me on towards Jesus. And it freed me to grieve in the presence of the Lord in a way that brought healing.
January 2, 2020
I loved this book! Jarrett Stevens feels like a fabulous tour guide that really knows his way around, has a love and passion for what he does, and has cultivated a truly powerful experience that leaves you feeling energized and grateful, like sunlight shining in you and through you as you try to soak it all up.
January 1, 2020
This book is perfect for anyone going through...life! It’s full of real examples of some of life’s challenges and difficulties, and it follows them up with the healing and the joy and the relationships that happen on the other side of the “through.” It’s a quick and easy, yet profound, must-read.
January 25, 2022
This book is great regardless of where you are at with prayer. As someone who believes in the power of prayer, this book has inspired me to pray even more. This is not only a powerful read on prayer, but also a practical one.
January 1, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed Jarrett's writing style. It is almost as if you are sitting down having a conversation with an old friend. The power of looking for the less than obvious things to be grateful for will be something that stays with me for a very very long time. Thank you!
January 11, 2020
This book is great for all people who may need a fresh reminder of praying. There is a great feel throughout the book that presents modern and relevant perspectives, short anecdotes and the authors own real life examples. I highly recommend this book!
January 3, 2020
This book is phenomenal! The author/pastor is very down to earth. He gives guidance on prayer in tough times, yet it feels more like conversing with a friend about how to move forward in our lives with God.
January 16, 2020
This book gives you ideas on how to pray throughout your day. It is very practical. If you want to grow in your prayer life I recommend you read this book. I find myself highlighting so much of it to remember.
January 1, 2020
Whether you are prayer newcomer or have been praying for years, this book is for you. Jarrett reminds us that we tend to make prayer complicated when it is simple.
January 1, 2020
I HIGHLY recommend this book. It is a GREAT read! I have often struggled with prayer. This book has given me a great deal to consider and put into practice.
Blessings,
Sue
Blessings,
Sue
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews