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The Light of His Presence: Prayers to Draw You Near to the Heart of God

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ECPA BESTSELLER • CHRISTIAN BOOK AWARD FINALIST •  The beloved Bible teacher and daughter of Billy Graham shares a rich treasury of her personal prayers to guide you into deeper, more intimate daily conversations with God.
 
Why is it that as soon as we bow our heads to pray, we start thinking of other things we need to do? How do we make time to pray in the middle of our busy lives? And how do we know what to say and how to say it? 
 
Like many of us, Anne Graham Lotz has struggled with prayer. Over the years, she discovered that writing out her prayers draws her into deeper, more intimate conversations with God.  The Light of His Presence  offers forty of these tender, honest prayers for real-life situations as an invitation to deepen your own prayer life through worship, confession, thanksgiving, and intercession. You’ll be encouraged to lean more fully into God’s promises through this power-packed devotional resource, which includes inspiring quotes from Christians throughout the ages and also has space to journal your own words to God.
 
As Anne writes, “My prayer for you . . . is that God will use my struggle with prayer to help you overcome yours. And that, as a result, you will be drawn nearer to the heart of God.”

224 pages, Hardcover

Published October 6, 2020

138 people are currently reading
119 people want to read

About the author

Anne Graham Lotz

151 books254 followers
Lotz is the child of Billy Graham & Ruth Bell Graham

Anne Graham Lotz (born May 1948) is an American Christian evangelist. She is the second daughter of evangelist Billy Graham and his wife Ruth Graham. Anne Graham Lotz accepts speaking invitations worldwide, is founder of AnGeL Ministries, and an award-winning author.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
Profile Image for Joan.
4,348 reviews123 followers
September 28, 2020
Like many of us, Lotz often found prayer to be difficult. She had problems with concentration and consistency, often being distracted. And she had trouble with content. How could she pray day after day without being repetitive?

Lotz discovered that setting her alarm for an earlier time and writing out her prayers were keys to a deeper, more intimate conversation with God. She has included forty of those prayers in this book. She has tried to include the four elements of worship, confession, thanksgiving, and intercession, in each of these prayers.

In case we run out of content for our own prayers, Lotz has included a couple of excellent Appendixes. One identifies our blessings, food for praising and thanking God. The other is on sins, helping us identify our own for prayerful confession.

I am happily impressed with Lotz's prayers. She beautifully weaves into them Scriptures and phrases from well known hymns. She expresses heartfelt desires praise God, to see friends and family saved, to see the nation healed, to be stripped of pride, to show God's love to others, and much, much more. Each prayer is a lesson in spiritual transformation.

I highly recommend this book. If you've struggled with prayer like I have, you will find example, inspiration, and encouragement to develop a more consistent and deeper prayer relationship with God.

Lotz writes, “My prayer for you...is that God will use my struggle with prayer to help you overcome yours. And that, as a result, you will be drawn nearer to the heart of God.”

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Profile Image for Connie Saunders.
1,834 reviews160 followers
October 7, 2020
In the introduction of this book, the author admits that she has trouble with prayer and it's as if she knows me personally, because her problems are problems that I often face. Concentration, Consistency, and Content are the "C problems" and Anne Graham Lotz has a solution. The Light of His Presence has "prayers to draw you near to the heart of God" and these prayers speak to people of all ages, in all stages of life. Lotz examines a multitude of subjects and the Bible scripture and quotes sprinkled throughout provide much needed encouragement and comfort.

The Light of His Presence is filled with forty inspirational prayers and it's the perfect book to keep nearby. It would also be a great gift for others!

I received a complimentary digital copy from the publisher. A favorable review was not required and no compensation was received. These thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Jeanie.
1,311 reviews1 follower
October 4, 2020
If, like me, you struggle with praying, you are not alone! This wonderful, scripture-centered book is for those of us who have a hard time praying, want to learn to pray better, or may be in life situations in which the words just don’t seem to come out. The author shares briefly in her beautiful conversational style how she has worked through challenges she has faced when praying. Included is a collection of some of Anne Graham Lotz’s own prayers for many occasions, quotes from scripture or from other Christians, and places to include one’s own prayers. As she writes in the introduction,

“The purpose (of prayer) is to develop an intimate, personal relationship with the One who loves you, gave Himself for you, and longs for you to live in the light of His presence.”

These heart-felt prayers can be starting places for our own prayers or complete in themselves. I could learn from each of the prayers and the helps she includes at the back. The prayers include many circumstances, such as prayers for our country, the body of Christ, salvation of family members, wisdom, personal and national confession, and repentance. They are honest and open, humble and worshipful.

This is not a book to simply take home and put on the shelf. It can be used, over and over, as I see many prayers that I will use repeatedly. It is a book to keep an extra copy or two of, as there are people in our lives we will want to share it with. If one purchases an ebook version, I would suggest bookmarking the list of scripture references in the back to have it readily available.

Prayer is one of the absolute greatest privileges we have as Christians! I see this as a prayer book, as a gift from a woman who wants us to grow closer to Our Father, one that is destined to become a modern classic. I highly recommend this to anyone who appreciates relevant prayers, prayer suggestions, and all who want to live “in the light of His presence.”

From a thankful heart: I received an eARC of this excellent book from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Michelle Kidwell.
Author 36 books84 followers
November 21, 2020
The Light of His Presence
Prayers to Draw You Near to the Heart of God
by Anne Graham Lotz
WaterBrook & Multnomah
Multnomah
Christian
Pub Date 06 Oct 2020



I am reviewing a copy of The Light of His Presence, through Waterbrook and Multonomah and Netgalley:



What makes us think of other things we need to do, when we bow or heads to pray? How can we make time to pray in the middle of our busy often chaotic lives? When we do pray, how do we know what to say, and how to say it



Anne Graham Lotz, like the majority of us has struggled with prayer. She has discovered over the years that writing out her prayers has allowed her to draw into a deeper conversation with God.



The Light of His Presence is a collection of forty of these honest and tender prayers for real-life situations as an invitation to deepen your own prayer life through worship, confession, thanksgiving, and intercession. This devotional will encourage you to lean more fully into God’s promises, using this power packed devotional resource which not only includes Anne Graham Lotz prayers, but includes inspiring Christian quotes throughout the age as well as a place to do your own journaling.



I give The Light of His Presence five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Berta Hartzell.
68 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2020
The Light of His Presence: Prayers to Draw You Near to the Heart of God is a beautiful addition to my daily prayer time!

Personally, I can’t think of a better time or more perfect season for this book of prayers. My distractions and struggles with prayer have often led me to feeling disconnected and alienated with regards to my personal prayer life. In her new book, The Light of His Presence: Prayers to Draw You Near to the Heart of God Anne Graham Lotz has shared her heart and prayers with readers, not as the perfect words to say or forced readings, but as meditative moments to pause and consider. I want her words to be mine as I read. I find myself saying, “Yes, LORD, I feel this way too. I want that too!” This book is an excellent resource, and her prayers have become my starting point during my personal prayer time.

Anne writes, “My prayer for you as you read this volume is that God will use my struggle with prayer to help you overcome yours. And that, as a result, you will be drawn nearer to the heart of God.” Yes… please!
I received a book to facilitate this review. The views and opinions expressed here are 100% honest and my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, part 255 Guidelines, concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in advertising.
1 review
October 29, 2020
Anne Graham Lotz is a phenomenal preacher/speaker with a deep devotion to God and prayer. She begins by sharing some of her struggles when praying; which was validating for me because it's comforting to know that preachers face some of the same issues with prayer as lay people. Her candidness about the inability to stay focused was a comfort for me as I, too, often find my mind wandering when I should be solely focused on God. Her earnest and humble worship at the beginning of her prayers has helped me to better offer God the praise that He so deserves. Her prayers serve as a template for a meaningful and productive prayer life as she humbly weaves praise, confession, gratefulness, and requests into eloquent, yet simple and meaningful communion with the Savior.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Profile Image for Jeanie.
3,088 reviews1 follower
January 6, 2021
He who fears God fears no man.
He who kneels before God will stand in any situation.
Leonard Ravenhill


A strong worshipful book on guiding the reader thru prayers. It can be difficult to pray. To be focused and to keep the focus off yourself and on who God is. This book is extremely well done in that. Each prayer is titled with a prayer than with scripture or a quote on prayer. This compilation of prayers is a great resource to align with the heart of God. Highly recommend.

A special thank you to WaterBrook & Multnomah and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Profile Image for Debi Grenseman.
17 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2021
In "The Light of His Presence," Anne Graham Lotz shares her personal, journaled prayers with the reader. As I've been reading an advance copy, I've found so many of her prayers to be fitting for such a time as this in my life, too. I am very thankful for Anne sharing her heart with us--with me--in this book and for giving us an example of how to come near to God, especially in praise. King David wrote in Psalm 22:3 that praise draws God's presence. More than anything we need the Lord's powerful and merciful presence. Anne, one of her prayers, praise the Lord that He is current--always. May you be blessed as I was by reading "The Light of His Presence."
Author 1 book69 followers
September 27, 2020
Anne offers forty of these tender, honest prayers for real-life situations as an invitation to deepen your own prayer life through worship, confession, thanksgiving, and intercession.

Great encouragement and direction. As the caption reads, I was drawn closer to God. As with her other books, Anne gives an insight into her life, making this book personal. Very good. I highly recommend, "The Light of His Presence."
185 reviews5 followers
October 2, 2020
I have enjoyed a few books by Anne Graham Lotz, and I always find them to be encouraging, comforting, and convicting. I have been wanting to work on improving my prayer life, so I was eager to begin reading The Light of His Presence. This book is a collection of 40 prayers on different topics such as worship, loneliness, deliverance, strength, and confession. At first, I was thinking that this book would not be useful because it wasn’t a how to or self-help book about prayer. But as I read and meditated on the prayers provided, I realized that these prayers could help direct my own prayers and serve as prayer prompts. I would read a prayer, and then expand on that topic with a prayer of my own. This is not a book to be read quickly, but one to slowly soak in each prayer and apply it to daily life. It could also be used as a reference where you look up a topic, and then use the prayer that goes along with that topic.

This is an example of the prayers included in this book:

A Prayer to Stay Focused:

“True, Living Lord,
I acknowledge that You are Lord. Lord of the universe, Lord of this planet, Lord of this nation, Lord of this city, Lord of this community, Lord of my life…You are Lord of Lords. I thank You and praise You, O Lord, for Your blessings and Your grace.
I humbly confess that I too often give more weight to the pressures and stresses around me than to Your sovereign plan and awesome power. I seek out worldly wisdom rather than turning to Your perfect wisdom. I boast in my own strength rather than leaning on Yours. I tend to lose my focus on You.
Lord, help me never forget that, in a world of confusion, You are the Way. In a world of political correctness, You are the truth. In a world of death, You are eternal Life.
As I refocus on You and Your Word, give me wisdom to make decisions that are right. Give me courage to stand against that which is wrong. Give me patience to navigate my relationships with grace and truth, reflecting the light of Your love in a way that brings life to all I encounter. Give me everything I need so that others may see Jesus in me.
O God, I pray for these things not because I deserve them but because You have invited me to boldly ask for Your blessing in the name of Your Son, Our Savior – Jesus.
Amen.”

If you are looking to work on your prayer life, this would be a valuable resource. I am going to be using it alongside of the new Inspire Prayer Bible. I will read a prayer, expand on the prayer, and then do some relevant Bible journaling.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

90 reviews2 followers
October 5, 2020
As I opened Ann Graham Lotz's book The Light of His Presence I didn't realize that I would be met by God even as I read the first prayer - a prayer for the weary. With all going on in the world and daily life I am weary and worn. Ann's prayer for the weary had me in tears as she cried out to God who understands our weariness and struggles then prays for encouragement for others and to be an encourager herself. Ann states in the introduction that she struggles with prayer- she tells how she struggles with prayer and provides a template to use in praying- worship, confession, thanksgiving, and intercession. After the introduction Ann has quotes from various sources before each prayer. These prayers are written by Ann and are based on Scripture covering various themes we may encounter in our lives - from being weary, strength, wisdom, worship, and more. Ann uses the template of worship, confession, thanksgiving, and intercession in her prayers. She prays Scripture back to God and earnestly seeks God. Her prayers are relevant to the situations going on in the world today and in individual lives. Two appendixes are included; one of the believers birthright (blessings) and another on preparing your heart through confession (a list of sins). A note section is also included with the resources for the quotes and also references for the Scriptures used in each prayer.
I enjoyed this prayer book a lot and loved the heartfelt, honest prayers written by Ann even when confessing her sins to God. I would prefer the Scripture references in the prayers or at least at the end of the prayers instead of at the end of the book. I can see how others may find including the references in the prayers distracting though. I love this book and can see it as a guide to connect with God and for helping my prayer life, which I struggle in praying also- getting distracted, not knowing what to pray, feeling hurt and not wanting to pray, and wondering if my prayers are even heard. I recommend this book for everyone but especially those seeking guidance in praying or wanting heartfelt prayers to pray in their circumstances.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley for my honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Danielle Turko.
382 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2020
I received this book as part of a Multnomah launch team through Net Galley.
As humans, there are dozens of things we do in a day to stay busy, and when we get a few minutes its easy for our mind to go over those things to see if we missed something or ways we can do it better next time for efficiency. Who hasn't tried to have a quiet time with God and instead of focusing on time with him your brain instead resorts to those lists? One would assume it only them, but Anne Graham Lotz assures us that is not the case. Yes, Graham as in Billy and Franklin Graham. The daughter of Billy Graham has found herself having a hard time to prioritize her prayer life. Whether it's a matter of accidentally dozing off, not having enough hours in the day, or just shutting her brain off to outside distractions she finds having meaningful quiet time a challenge. Her solution? Writing her prayers down, and setting an earlier alarm. Going through her prayer journal, she shares the ones most people are going through to encourage all on their spiritual journey.
Not being able to focus on prayer time is a problem I myself have had, and the idea of writing them isn't something I ever considered but it does seem like an obvious answer. While her prayers do cover a variety of topics, and you will find a few that pertain to you, I found her writing style to be very formal. Maybe it's just how I was raised, but I've always believed talking to God is supposed to be like talking to your father. I'm not saying prayer should be quite as casual as when you're out talking to family and friends, and I do think there should be reverence involved, but the prayers in this book almost sounded like the old fashioned prayers where they felt if you didn't use the exact right words God would judge you. They had a formal sound to them. It may just be a age separation though too. As someone who is several years her junior, the church I grew up in has become much more relaxed than it probably was when she was my age. All in all, her prayers do cover things people are going through and some of them struck a chord with me, I just wish it was a more approachable style.
Profile Image for Michelle Bruin.
Author 7 books434 followers
October 6, 2020
Anne Graham Lotz is someone I have always looked up to as a model for teaching, and her writing is material I have relied on to inform my walk with Christ. I can’t think of a better person to write a book like this one. Her tone of voice and her word of truth is exactly what we need in our generation.

This book is constructed with 40 prayers that address various themes such as a prayer for the weary, a prayer for stormy days, a prayer for peace and protection, and a prayer to trust in God’s provision among many others. Anne says in the introduction that these are prayers that she has written, and she hopes that the reader will find these prayers to be a helpful resource to refresh their own conversations with God.

I wish I could pick out just one favorite prayer from the book, but I’m afraid that I love all of the prayers in this book to set one up as more of a favorite than the others. If I had to narrow my choice down, I would say that the two prayers at the end of the book were most dear to me. They are the prayer of adoration for the bridegroom, and a prayer to experience holiness. Each prayer is separated by a page with a quote from a well known teacher or theologian from history. I enjoyed reading those as well and gaining encouragement from those trusted voices.

This book is useful for anyone and everyone. It is easy to read, and the chapters are short. If you would like to supplement your devotional time with meaningful prayer or you are in search of prayers that give you the words to say during seasons of danger, weariness, or difficulty, then you will find this book very helpful.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any way. All opinions express are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Profile Image for Meagan | The Chapter House.
2,041 reviews49 followers
October 6, 2020
What do you think of when you hear the name "Billy Graham"? Or even his daughter's name, "Anne Graham Lotz"?

Many a time, I catch myself thinking, "They must have astounding spiritual lives. Never a difficulty, never anything." Heh. Lotz is quick to note in this her latest release that that is not remotely the case. What comfort! She's human, and so was her dad! And isn't it the truth that spiritual growth occurs more deeply in the forges of adversity? We certainly see that here with "The Light of His Presence"; Lotz shares prayers she's written over time and across a variety of topics: from missions to the future, confession to overcoming evil with good. Interspersed with striking pictures and moving quotes on prayer, the book is an excellent resource for any believer, regardless of where they find themselves in their walk with Christ.

I appreciated Lotz's forthrightness; she admits that she herself has struggled with prayer over the years, whether not knowing what to say, going through dry spells, or even frankly falling asleep mid-prayer. (I'm sure I've shaken my head before at the disciples falling asleep while Jesus went off to pray in the Garden; let's face it, we all would've done the same thing.) So this book means even more because it's personal, relatable, and real--it's not a self-help book on "how you, too, can have an epic prayer life in 7 days!" No ... it reflects life, and it reflects our Savior. A powerful read and one to revisit throughout the year and regardless of where you find yourself in life.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Penny Henry.
48 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2020
THE LIGHT OF HIS PRESENCE was sent to me by Net Galley, free of charge, in exchange for my honest review.
Multnomah – an imprint of Random House – published this Christian nonfiction prayer book, written by Anne Graham-Lotz.
In THE LIGHT OF HIS PRESENCE, Mrs. Graham-Lotz uses alliteration to explain her three basic struggles in prayer. I see myself in these…The first is CONCENTRATION. How many times I have fallen asleep while praying, been interrupted, or had my mind stray! One of the solutions was to read aloud Scripture prays. The next struggle was with CONSISTENCY. She spoke of jumping out of bed at the last minute and not having time. I have done that so many times! One of her solutions was to set her alarm for an earlier time, so she could get up to pray. Her last struggle was CONTENT, the solution being writing out her prayers. I have done this for many years, now. It really does help.
Each of her prayers cover four elements…
WORSHIP
CONFESSION
THANKSGIVING
INTERCESSION
Her prayers contain quotes from various authors, beautiful black and white photographs, boxes for personal prayer, and Scriptures to memorize and think about.
At the end of the book there is an appendix. There is the BELIEVER’S BIRTHRIGHT, which was an alphabetized list of our blessings. There was also PREPARING YOUR HEART THROUGH CONFESSION, which was a list of sins. And, lastly, a list of the Scriptures used in her prayers.
I do recommend this prayer book for yourself – to have a help in your prayer life. I would say it would also be a precious gift for someone you love.
72 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2020
Worship. Confession. Thanksgiving. Intercession.

Anne Graham Lotz has gifted her readers with a power-filled glimpse into her prayer life. In The Light of His Presence: Prayers to Draw You Near to the Heart of God, she shares 40 intimate prayers that focus on today’s struggles, salvation, restoration, mission, and much more.

Scripture-filled prayers recount God’s story and His love for His people. At times, I felt like I was observing Daniel praying. I paused to reflect on Daniel’s confession that he and Israel had sinned and considered today’s sins.

High and lofty prayers that raised the reader to the heights of the heavens, and simple prayers that humbly sat before the Lord of Glory, these prayers are heartfelt devotions.

In several of her prayers, Lotz reminds God of His promises and writes “We hold You to Your word.” I am uncomfortable with this. If we trust God and His word, then there is no reason to tell Him that He is obligated to fulfill what we request. Whether in this earthly life or our heavenly life, God said it, and He will do it.

I especially loved “A Prayer of Adoration for the Bridegroom” inspired by Song of Songs 2:5-4. She uses the imagery found in the Song of Songs to pray back to the Lover of her Soul, Jesus.

I received an advance NetGalley copy of The Light of His Presence from Waterbrook and Multnomah as part of the launch team for an honest review.

1 review1 follower
October 6, 2020
You’re going to love this collection of Anne's prayers: The Light of His Presence!
Anne Graham Lotz has been my heroine in the faith and long distance mentor for 30 years now. Only the Lord knows where I’d be without her example, influence and instruction in my life. I have listened and re-listened to countless hours of her biblically sound, Spirit-led and empowered teachings. I have observed her walk with Jesus, watched how she always exalts Him-even in the midst of heart-wrenching trials- and have sought to emulate her faithfulness. She endures “not just somehow, but triumphantly”, shining brilliantly for His Glory! I have read, re-read, and studied each book she has written and endeavored to put into practice the principles she so beautifully presents from God’s Word, the Holy Scriptures. Her latest volume is indeed a precious treasure as it leads us to the very throne of God. If you desire a richer, more consistent prayer life resulting in a greater intimacy with the Almighty, this book of prayers was written especially for you....for such a time as this! I have so enjoyed using Anne’s personal prayers as a catalyst for my own. I’m confident you will too! May you be abundantly blessed as you draw near to the heart of God ….in prayer, at the feet of Jesus!
2 reviews
October 6, 2020
You’re going to love this collection of Anne's prayers: The Light of His Presence!
Anne Graham Lotz has been my heroine in the faith and long-distance mentor for 30 years now. Only the Lord knows where I’d be without her example, influence and instruction in my life. I have listened and re-listened to countless hours of her biblically sound, Spirit-led and empowered teachings. I have observed her walk with Jesus, watched how she always exalts Him-even in the midst of heart-wrenching trials- and have sought to emulate her faithfulness. She endures “not just somehow, but triumphantly”, shining brilliantly for His Glory! I have read, re-read, and studied each book she has written and endeavored to put into practice the principles she so beautifully presents from God’s Word, the Holy Scriptures. Her latest volume is indeed a precious treasure as it leads us to the very throne of God. If you desire a richer, more consistent prayer life resulting in a greater intimacy with the Almighty, this book of prayers was written especially for you....for such a time as this! I have so enjoyed using Anne’s personal prayers as a catalyst for my own. I’m confident you will too! May you be abundantly blessed as you draw near to the heart of God ….in prayer, at the feet of Jesus!
Profile Image for Kristina .
1,324 reviews74 followers
October 12, 2020
When I saw that Anne Graham Lotz had a new book, I did not hesitate to request a review copy and was blessed to have this request granted. I had previous read a book from her about the Holy Spirit, and found her writing to be like talking with a wise friend. This book was absolutely phenomenal. Lotz shares her own prayers, which have transformed the way I formulate my prayers. She shares that her main components of prayer are: worship, confession, intercession and thanksgiving. While these were areas I've made a point to incorporate in my conversations with God, Lotz takes them to a whole new level. Her prayers are so eloquently written, but yet still feel personal to her own relationship with God. There is abundance Scripture woven seamlessly into her prayers, which not only shows her knowledge of the Bible but her willingness to continue to grow closer to Christ in her daily life. I was floored by some of the vulnerable prayers Lotz shared, and she has cemented herself as a must read author for me!

I received an ebook of this title from the publisher, Multnomah, via Netgalley for review; all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Becky.
847 reviews18 followers
June 28, 2020
Anne Graham Lotz was once called, "the best preacher in the family," by her father. Her writings show an intimacy with God that is enviable, but it is also achievable. The Light of His Presence is a book to aid the reader on the path to the same kind of intimacy she experiences.

The Light of His Presence contains prayers that fit various occasions we all encounter in life. These are not just prayers from the top of her head, but they are prayers steeped in scripture and show how God understands what the readers are going through. These are also prayers that help the reader focus on who God is and how much He loves us.

As Anne writes, “My prayer for you . . . is that God will use my struggle with prayer to help you overcome yours. And that, as a result, you will be drawn nearer to the heart of God.”

Five stars, two thumbs up, and a place near to the heart of God.

WaterBrook/Multnomah and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
134 reviews
October 1, 2020
Anne Graham Lotz’s newest book on prayer is a very timely volume. If ever we needed to be fervently praying, it’s now. She has arranged each prayer to include Adoration of God, Confession of Sin, Thanksgiving to God and asking God for requests (supplication). Beautiful nature photography divides sections/topics.

God is effectively adored through scriptural references about Him, including His many character qualities and names. What a great way to remember the many facets of who He is and how He works. I found myself identifying closely with the raw and honest words of confession and repentance. Each prayer addresses current issues we face as well as common needs we all share in various seasons of our lives, so it’s very practical and real.

I’ve never been particularly drawn to read other’s prayers, but in this case found myself wanting to read on to the next selection. Perhaps the next time I go through it, I’ll pause and pray and meditate on one at a time! I heartily recommend this book.
Profile Image for Lance.
52 reviews3 followers
September 23, 2020
This book is a treasure, one that you will want to keep close by. Written by Anne Graham Lotz, beloved bible teacher, speaker, author and daughter of Billy Graham, this book offers forty beautifully written and biblically-based prayers along with inspiring quotes designed to enhance one’s devotional time. The Light of His Presence was born out of Anne’s own struggles with prayer, especially with all of the noise and distractions found in today’s busy world. As a person who has endured many difficulties, hardships and losses in her lifetime, Anne offers these intimate prayers drawn from her own real-life situations so readers can apply them to theirs. This compilation of prayers, which cover a wide variety of topics and situations, all include four main elements: worship, confession, thanksgiving and intercession. It is no doubt this book will serve as a valuable and useful devotional tool to help readers develop a richer and more meaningful prayer life.
17 reviews13 followers
October 6, 2020
Anne Graham Lotz, in The Light of His Presence, has written a compilation of her own prayers in a touching, personal, and relevant way. She begins the book by telling of her own struggles with prayer ( yes she is just like us!), struggling to concentrate, consistently making time for prayer, and of course, knowing what to say. It was very easy for me to identify with all the same struggles in my own prayer life.

Anne gives the reader 40 prayers concerning topics that touch our everyday lives. They are written as a guide for us to use in our own conversations with God. Anne encourages writing out our prayers as a way to deepen our prayer life. Her 40 prayers are a great start to putting your own prayers to paper.

If you have struggles in your prayer life, as I do, I would highly recommend The Light of His Presence by Anne Graham Lotz!

I have received an advance copy of this ebook as part of the launch team. The views and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Pam Graber.
1,127 reviews40 followers
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October 6, 2020
When I read that even Anne Graham Lotz has a wandering mind when she tries to pray, I took notice. Knowing that someone of her stature in Christian circles has the same issue I do was incredibly freeing. In "The Light of His Presence", Lotz shares 40 prayers she has written down, which is one way she learned to combat a mind that wanders to other things while she prays. She incorporates all of the elements a good prayer needs - worship, confession, thanksgiving and intercession - into each prayer, along with heavy doses of scripture.

I also liked that the book left spaces for readers to write their own heartfelt prayers that can focus on things they are dealing with. Lotz sees this book as a beginning, a place to start a more vibrant prayer life. I think it would be a great book to have in hard cover. Lotz covers many different situations, and it would be great to be able to find whatever you're going through, and pray through it with her. I definitely recommend!
Profile Image for Janet.
3 reviews
September 3, 2020
I am so grateful for Anne Graham Lotz in writing this treasure of a book, and that I was given the opportunity to read portions prior to its release the first week in October.
“The Light of His Presence” includes 40 prayers with everyday topics such as being salt & light, strength to stand, and overcoming evil with good. It includes prayers of worship, thanksgiving and intercession. The book also contains beautiful pictures, quotes, and pages for you to journal your own thoughts.
I have two problems when I read or pray. It’s difficult for me to stay focused & concentrate. And I struggle in how to put my thoughts and feelings into words. But I have been so encouraged reading these prayers of Scripture and plan to include Anne’s book with my morning devotionals. The Word of God is alive and powerful and I believe my past struggle in praying is about to be over.
Profile Image for Becky.
9 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2020
Anne Graham Lotz has gifted us with treasure, found in her new book The Light of His Presence: Prayers to Draw You Near to the Heart of God. The prayers are moving and are both timely and timeless. She speaks words that are relevant to our world’s present, words that draw on the wisdom of the past, and words that reach into the future. Along that line, she has incorporated bits of scripture, hymns, and other Christian writings into the prayers, making them at once familiar yet brand new. I highly recommend The Light of His Presence, but don’t try to read it straight through. Take time to savor each one and actually pray the prayers.

I received a digital Advance Reader’s Copy of this book from WaterBrook & Multnomah Fiction Team and NetGalley for the purpose of review and the opinions are my own. I received no other compensation.
Profile Image for Janice Garey.
237 reviews43 followers
October 19, 2020
This is a wonderful book to use in a quiet time alone with God. Anne Graham Lotz knows the Bible. Her prayers align with God's word. When reading the prayers, you can almost hear her distinctive voice saying the prayers. It's as if Anne is sitting alongside you in the throne room with God.

People have so many various needs and concerns to bring before God. Anne is a mature Christian woman who has experienced pain and suffering so that her prayers are based on the cries out to God that are from a sincere heart.

I also appreciated the illustrations, relevant quotes, and passages of Scripture used to enhance the spiritual value of the book.

I received a sample copy of the ebook from the publisher for review purposes. I have given my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.
Profile Image for Create With Joy.
682 reviews169 followers
December 14, 2020
It’s hard to imagine that anyone who writes prayers as eloquently as Anne Graham Lotz does in The Light Of His Presence struggles with prayer. Yet, Anne confides that she has struggled with concentration, consistency and content during her prayer time. This gives those of us who struggle in these areas great encouragement as we read this book.

Ann’s thematic prayers are beautifully crafted, full or praise and highly honoring to God. They reflect the heart of someone who knows her Savior intimately.

This is a beautiful book that I highly recommend to anyone who wants to learn, through modeling and example, how to glorify God through their words.

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. My comments reflect my personal experience with this book!
20 reviews
July 18, 2020
The very first paragraph of the introduction of this book “The Light of His Presence” spoke directly to me as if as if I had told the author an area I struggle with and she said, “me too.” She then precedes to lay out guidelines on how she made changes in her prayer life.

I found myself highlighting so many of the prayers, sharing some of the prayers with hurting friends and writing different ones in my Bible so I see it again and again. In her prayers, Anne humbling confesses her fears, disappointments, times she failed and and then her praise and thanksgivings. This isn’t a book directed at the reader to change but instead illustrates us how she battled the same issues that we do. I enjoyed The Light of His Presence and am recommending the book to my family and friends.
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