Before the Throne (An 8-Week Bible Study): Finding Strength through Prayer in Difficult Times

by Crickett Keeth

Where do you go when life overwhelms you? Before the Throne . God’s people know they can turn to Him when times get tough. Instead of trying to fix things on our own, we can enter God’s throne room in prayer. The access granted to us by Jesus our High Priest is our comfort when the world is turned upside down.
 
In Before the Throne , Crickett Keeth, author of On Bended Knee , offers a follow-up study of eight prayer warriors from Scripture who turned to God when times became difficult. You’ll learn to pray Crickett’s studies are known for taking you deep—then even deeper!—into God’s Word. As you study these prayers, you’ll be strengthened as you see how these godly Bible characters poured out their hearts to God and how He responded to them. You’ll learn how to pray with the same power when you feel weak, helpless, stressed, or afraid. As you turn your focus toward God’s character through prayer, He will supply the strength you need to face whatever is before you. Because that’s the privilege you have when you come Before the Throne . “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

Genres: Prayer

256 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2022

Reviews

[Carolyn Litfin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am one week into this, and it's excellent! I have done many Bible studies because they help me focus on my time in the Word each day, and I often enjoy doing them with a group of friends. Sometimes with a study, I simply benefit from getting in the Word and not from the study itself. Not so with this one! The questions are thought provoking and bring out a greater depth to what I've read. I saw so many new insights during the first week that I had never seen in Scripture to that degree. One small reflection (of many) that I saw in the first week is that the Christian life is one of self-sacrifice, best exemplified in Christ. As I see His faithful love is better than life, it makes me more willing to give of myself and love others in the strength God gives by His Spirit.
I am happy to continue to study these lessons on prayer, to recommend to others, and to benefit from the gift this study is. I have never met Crickett personally, but I also love that she is in Women's Ministry, has studied the Bible in seminary, and has so much richness to bring to the study, all the while depending on God's Spirit and giving Him all glory.

[Chandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of receiving an ARC for this wonderful bible study. I am going to recommend it for the Women's Ministry at my church. I'm currently in a season that needs a lot of prayer (cancer, surgeries, recovery, death in the family and the care of those left behind, and my kitchen decided it needed a remodel and gave us a leak). All that to say, this book couldn't have come at a better time to help me refocus and trust that when I pray, God hears. He sees and He cares about all that we go through. Also, my Pastor is doing a series on Prayer, so the timing felt like God's way of speaking right to my heart. I'm going to buy another copy to give to a family member.

[Tracy Crump · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crickett Keeth’s look at how some of the most powerful (and sometimes most beleaguered) men of the Bible found strength in times of trouble provides a roadmap for us to follow today. I love that each day’s reading provides a little background but then guides me to think more deeply about the passage and form my own conclusions. Ending with a reflective look at the Scripture and more questions on how it applies to my own life brings the teaching full circle. This Bible study takes readers deep into the heart of prayer.

[Cathy Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Bible teacher for over two decades, I was drawn to the author’s solid teaching of God’s Word and the way she gently guides readers to the Word for their responses.

As a student of the Word, I was challenged but also impressed by the way it was written for all of us, regardless of where we are on the faith journey. Each chapter is broken down into bite-sized sections, “Looking to God’s Word”, “Looking Upward”, “Looking Deeper”, and “Looking Reflectively”, which I especially enjoyed.

And lastly, I admit to geeking out over the book itself. Its textured cover, the flat-lay interior (thank you!), and ample white space all lend themselves to a delightful time in God’s Word for such a time as this.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review and this is as honest as it gets.

[Diane Estrella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased a bunch of Bible studies from Moody Publishers, this one included.

I actually really like this study and think especially the prayers the author included are POWERFUL. My only critique of this book which would have taken it to a five star review would be, for MORE. More cross referencing, more digging, more questions for me to answer. I don't usually push for extra "work" but this study was a good first layer. I actually wanted the author to lead me and go even deeper.

I look forward to more studies from this author. :)

[Angela Dechambeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

My honest, uncompensated review of "Before the Throne,finding strength through prayer in difficult times." This women's 8-week Study by Crickett Keeth published by Moody Press,covers eight prayer warriors who in tough times, turned to God for strength instead of cowering in a corner. It is an honor and privilege to go before God unafraid and know He upholds us through the thick or thin. Fits in with events of today around the world. I hope you will get a copy of this study. I give it 5 solid stars #BeforeTheThrone

[April Dawn White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do we go when the Jenga blocks of life come crashing down? Author, Crickett Keeth, teaches us how to find strength in these difficult times by going Before The Throne of God. Like a master travel guide, Keeth walks alongside us introducing powerful prayers to recite during times of need, disappointment, strength, and hardship.

[Kaity ♡]

Did this with my mom. 🥰 Interesting discussions and wonderful prayers! I enjoyed the themes for each week and the self-reflection! Jesus is King! ✝️

[Jana M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing study that takes you through several key times when people called on the Lord in prayer. Knowing these prayers and situations helps me put my life and thinking into perspective. The author draws you into the study and calls out key points, but ultimately, this is a guide as YOU study the Word and examples of the ancient prayers.

[Caroline arrow_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before the Throne is an 8-week Bible study that focuses on different people in Scripture who prayed to God in their difficult times. 5 days of the week you are guided in the Word and answer questions based on the text and your own personal reflection. Each day is about 8-10 questions that point to God to find power in your own personal trials. I’ve enjoyed taking a deeper look in to scripture and how to grow in my personal prayer life. This wasn’t my favorite of the studies I’ve done lately, but thankful for it!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.

[Mary Elsbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all face difficult days when stress and fear try to overwhelm us. How we react depends on where we look for help. In Before The Throne, Crickett Keeth encourages us to focus our attention toward God through prayer. Looking through Scripture at the lives of Jonah, Habakkuk, Paul, Jesus, and others, we are given glimpses of how we can find strength when times are rough.

One of my favorite prayers comes from the chapter on Habakkuk: “Father, thank you for giving me the freedom to come to You and pour out my honest feelings and express how I’m struggling. Thank you for letting me ask why. I want to trust You more every day, and hard times give me that opportunity to deepen my faith. Help me embrace those hard times, keeping in mind that You’re working through them.”

Readers are encouraged to ask tough questions and then learn to trust God’s plan. If you are looking for a study to help you understand when situations don’t make sense, I highly recommend Crickett’s book.

[Peggy Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of Before the Throne from Moody Publishers to review. I have not received any payment for this review. Before I knew I would be asked to review the book, I pre-ordered it. I love this Crickett Keeth’s way of showing me things in Scripture that I have read before but never “thought about.” Each chapter studies prayers of someone from the Bible who was living in difficult times. You not only learn about coping in difficult times but how to pray scripturally. I recommend not only this book, but all her books. Your spiritual life will be richer for these studies.

[Dawn Dalton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before the Throne will be a Bible Study I go back to often for encouragement and strength. The prayers in this study have been so comforting when the world has seemed upside down due to the COVID pandemic. I have been truly blessed by studying these beautiful prayers and encourage to live a life before the throne for God's glory. I loved every minute of this study and recommend it highly.

[geekoutonreading : Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great study by Crickett Keeth!! This is a Bible study that we need for a time such as this; when the world seems in chaos and we are stressed, anxious, fearful, and overwhelmed. By going through some wonderful Bible characters like Moses, Jonah, Paul, and Jesus, we can learn how to not only be better Christians, but also learn to find strength through our prayers. God is listening! Also, I really enjoy the layout of this study! Highly recommend!

[Reyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im thankful about resources like this that help me to focus on Christ and open my eyes to the importance of being in constat communication with God. I read and enjoyed Crickett Keeth's last bible study and when I saw about this one I got very excited. I truly enjoyed all the open questions in the study, they are very good because they allow me to think and they are a very tool to use when studying in group.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great Bible study! The set up is a little different from other studies I have done, but I love it. The author is very good at asking open ended and thought provoking questions to get me digging into the Word. The topic is just what I need right now and can’t help but think it would be an incredible resource and encouragement for others as well. As a pastor’s wife, I see Christians struggling but still searching for the Lord. Enter “Before the Throne”. Keep learning, keep searching, God is ready and waiting to hear from you.

[Viv Sichalwe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crickett has always been an excellent writer of Bible studies that meet you, where you are at. I am so excited for study, 1st week has been such an eye opener about how Moises interceded constantly for Israel, even though he did any wrong. It welcomes me to pray for and pray in intercession for others. I am looking forward to building on this foundation as I keep going through this study.

[Lori Hooten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before The Throne: finding strength through prayer in difficult times by Crickett Keeth is a new Bible study that takes a look at prayer in the Bible. With all that is troubling the world today, there is no time more relevant than now to take a look at prayer in the Bible when the speaker of the prayer is in difficult times.

This study is designed as an 8-week study, with each week having an introduction and five days of study. I have used it as a part of my daily study, so I have been moving through it faster than one lesson a week. I have found it a comfortable size to read and the print, for the most part, is easy to read. There is plenty of white space on the pages, making it relaxing and enjoyable to work through. This also means there is plenty of space to write your answers, notes, and thoughts.

I found that Ms. Keeth has chosen to look at the prayer of some of the most prayerful people in the Bible – Moses, Jesus, Paul, the Psalmists. But she has also chosen some people with short prayers – Jonah – or who we may not think of first when we talk of prayer – Hezekiah, Habakkuk, the saints in Revelation. Such a variety of people who dealt with different types of hardship all sought God through prayer in their difficulty. This makes for an example for each of us today. Ms. Keeth examines the prayers and the context in which the prayers are made. Each chapter has you looking directly into God’s word and examining the prayer and what it included. It asks you to look upward, wrestling with thought-provking questions and perhaps creating some discussion. You look deeper, into more scripture and how it relates to the scripture prayer examined earlier. And finally, you look reflectively into yourself, how will this change you, how will you use it to change yourself and your relationship with God, applying what you have learned.

I really enjoy a study that looks to God’s word for the majority of the material, using a bit of personal input and thought to guide only, not as the bulk of the lesson. This study definitely does that and pushes your thinking about God’s word. The study also includes a group leader’s guide at the back to help a group leader consider which questions to dwell a bit longer on or to focus on.

I enjoy the fact that this study does focus first and foremost on what God is giving us in His Bible. This is what a Bible study should be and this one does just that. If you are looking for a study to support you in tough times, when prayer seems far away or harder than it should be, this might be just what you are looking for. Come Before the Throne and see what God will do for you.

[Prairie Sky Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever a new title is released in the Moody Publishers series of Bible Studies for Women, I always am excited to add it to my collection. “Before the Throne: An 8-Week Bible Study - Finding Strength Through Prayer In Difficult Times” is the newest offering from Crickett Keeth and takes on such a relevant and timely topic. “Where do you go when life overwhelms you? Before the throne.” And if you don’t feel like you are at that point yet, this book is the perfect place to start building into the foundation of your life.

“Before the Throne” is divided into eight weeks of study, five days per week. As we work though each week, we dive into the lives and times of biblical prayer warriors - from Moses and Paul to Habakkuk and Hezekiah. Their stories encourage, teach, and most of all point us towards our Lord as we unravel the circumstances that had these saints on their knees, pouring their souls out to God as they faced times of turmoil and uncertainty.

Within the Moody Bible Studies for Women, I’ve found a lot of variation as to the amount of study time required to complete each day’s work. “Before the Throne” is on the lighter, shorter end of the scale (Note: definitely not in a negative or too-easy way - it actually allows me to complete the study work every day, even if I’m short on time.) The teachings still dive deep, ask wise and thought-provoking questions, and provide cross-reference verses to help discern and contextualize the Scripture reading of the day.

All in all, “Before the Throne” more than lives up to the standard I’ve come to expect from this Bible study series. I am so grateful to have worked through it, and have it on my shelf for future reference. If you are looking for a way to infuse your prayer life with depth, strength, and inspiration from the saints of Scripture, I highly recommend picking up this book, Bible and pen in hand, and diving in to the truths and guidance offered by Ms. Keeth.

I received this book courtesy of Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Starr Ayers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Led...not spoon-fed.

I just finished leading a group of ladies through this Bible study—our second from Crickett Keeth. After facilitating her first book, On Bended Knee: Praying Like Prophets, Warriors, and Kings, my ladies couldn’t wait for the release of Before the Throne: Finding Strength Through Prayer in Difficult Times. We were not disappointed.

The author’s words, written during the 2020 coronavirus lockdown, point the way to stability in this topsy-turvy world. Our 8-week journey began with the prayers of Moses, continued with the psalmists, Jonah, Hezekiah, Habakkuk, Jesus, and Paul, and ended with the Revelation saints worshipping before the throne of God. Days of inspiring lessons sprinkled with commentary and thought-provoking questions encouraged us to dig deeper into God’s Word and regularly go before His throne in prayer.

If you want to be led and not spoon-fed, place Before the Throne at the top of your must-study list and be ushered into God’s throne room, where you will “receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of (y)our need” (Hebrews 4:16). I look forward to more studies from this author, whose sincere love for the Lord and the women she leads is apparent from the first page to the last.

[Bp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy using books to help me study God's word. I am happy to share with you today a new to me author (Crickett Keeth) and her new study called Before The Throne.



The message of this book feels timely for the issues and troubles facing all of us today. We all have so much happening. This study looks in depth at a few examples from the Bible who faced difficulties and how they used prayer in their lives. We can apply this to our lives now.

I do like the lay out of this study. I like how each week focuses on a different person. There are 5 days of study for each week. The questions she asks are thoughtful and deep. Some answers are easily found in the pages of the biblical text but some do make you dig a little deeper, which I appreciate. Finally, I like the appropriate quotes from others that are spread randomly throughout.


I have not completed the full study yet, but I am enjoying it as I go. This will be an author I will watch in the future as well due to this study. Check out this Bible study to do with your friends or on your own.

I received a copy of this book for my honest review. Thank you.

[Laura - Book In Still Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moody continues to produce quality Bible studies, and this new release by Crickett Keeth is no exception.
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‘Before The Throne’ is an 8-week study focusing on 8 examples of prayer. From Jonah to Jesus to the saints in Revelation, it’s an eclectic mix of Biblical examples to learn and study. Prayer is for every season of life, and Keeth emphasizes this by including prayers from a wide variety of experiences in the lives of biblical characters. Text-based questions are posed in black font, with ample room to write in personal responses right in the book. More reflective questions are set aside in an orange font, which I found was a helpful way of making them stand out. I especially appreciated the opportunities Keeth suggests praying the Psalms, and the times she ties Old Testament narratives to Jesus.
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While it is marketed as a study for women, this study on prayer could easily be enjoyed by anyone. Similarly, while this is primarily set up as a solo study, Keeth includes a leaders guide at the end of the book for anyone wanting to lead this in a group setting.
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Thanks to Moody Publishers for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moody Publishers’ newest Bible study, “Before the Throne” by Crickett Keeth, helps readers develop a powerful and effective prayer life. Through the study of eight prayer warriors from the Bible, Keeth shows us how to focus on God’s character and draw strength from His presence. Keeth’s study will challenge you to draw near to God just like Moses, the Psalmists, Jonah, Hezekiah, Habakkuk, Jesus, Paul and the Revelation Saints. She leads us deep into Scripture and teach us how to draw from its well strength and wisdom. I always enjoy Moody’s Bible studies. They are filled with Scripture, insightful teaching and encouraging words. You always finish better than you started.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free as part of the “Before the Throne Launch Team. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Raquel Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before The Throne by Crickett Keeth is a book that inspires the reader to focus their attention to God through prayer. This is a book that's an 8-week Bible study on prayer. I enjoy the layout of this book because it's really easy to follow. Each week consists of five days and each week focuses on a different person in the bible. Each chapter studies a prayers of someone from the Bible who was going through a difficult time. Some examples include the lives of Jonah, Habakkuk, Paul, Jesus, Moses, Hezekiah, and others. Through those stories in the Bible, the reader is given a quick look of how they can find strength when times get rough. This is a great book for those who are interested and in need on focusing their attention to God through prayer. I strongly recommend this book if your trying to improve their spiritual life through prayer. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.

[Cynthia Krueger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second prayer study of Crickett's. I highly recommend them. Her studies do a great job of getting my prayer life back on track. The prayers studied in Before the Throne were mostly ones that I had too quickly passed over in prior readings. Crickett does a great job of making scripture accessible to every level of knowledge as she guides us with her questions. The questions helped me to go deeper into God's word and ponder my answers. I appreciated how she had us notice the character and attributes of God that the writers were praising in their prayers. This was a great way of reminding me that prayer is about our relationship with God. We need to know the God we pray to and worship. I loved how she ended the study with the prayers of the saints in Revelations and brought us "Before the Throne". I am looking forward to sharing this study with the women at my church.

[Julie Lavender · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crickett Keeth’s eight-week Bible study illuminates the power of prayer during challenging days and desperate circumstances. The honest, transparent prayers of those mighty ones such as Moses, Hezekiah, Habakkuk, and more shed light into a dark world, spark hope in the hopeless, and encourage strength to face life’s struggles. Keeth helps the reader recognize that God remains good, even when life’s difficulties shout otherwise. Order your copy today! You'll be so glad you did! Highly recommended.
—Julie Lavender, author of 365 Ways to Love Your Child: Turning Little Moments into Lasting Memories (Revell) and Children’s Bible Stories for Bedtime (Penguin Random House imprint)

[Nancy Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before the Throne, a Bible study by Crickett Keeth, delves into the prayers of such Biblical heroes as Moses, Jonah, Hezekiah, Habakkuk, and Paul. Prayers from the Psalms, the Saints in Revelation, and Jesus himself are also studied. Crickett does not spoon feed the reader, but instead poses difficult questions to ponder and mull over. I am finding this study well worth the time and effort to pick apart the various prayers and to make them a part of my own prayer life. I highly recommend this study for groups that want to enrich their prayer lives. I was provided a copy of this book for my honest review.

[Patricia Jaracz · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her Bible study Before the Throne: Finding Strength through Prayer in Difficult Times, Cricket Keeth guides readers to Look Up, Look Deeper, and Look Reflectively. I loved discovering the context, purposes, and emotions of the prayers of Moses, the Psalmists, Jonah, Hezekiah, Habakkuk, Jesus, Paul, and the Revelation Saints. I have never examined their prayers this closely before and I have been well taught and inspired to model my own prayers after these Heaven reaching petitions. There is a new power in my prayers!

I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of reviewing it. I was not compensated.

[Adrienne Servis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crickett Keeth has continued to provide awesome studies of the Bible. I am a person of prayer and have studied it a lot. I appreciate the time and effort she put into this study on praying through difficult times. "Before The Throne" is a must in every household. The studies are individualized to help with specific areas to target in prayer. They are not difficult, but thought provoking. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the book launch team.

[Patricia Haupt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I haven't thought about all the different prayers in the Bible. Prayer has and always will be the way to change things, whether it's our heart, our mind or our lives, it is what always works! What a great study to remind us daily to go "before the throne." Crickett uses wonderful, Biblical examples of all kinds of prayers from all kinds of people just like us! Definitely a study to repeat and share with others!