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Prayer Starters: Talking with God about Hard Times
When you can't find the right words to pray...
In hard times, many of us shy away from God, not sure how to talk to him about what we're feeling. Through her own battles, Suzie Eller has experienced the peace of knowing that prayer is not about the number of words that come out of your mouth or how eloquent you sound. It's about being in God's presence.
When you can't figure out what to say to him, these 90 prayer starters will begin the conversation you've been longing for. Each one is birthed from a specific Scripture, and on each page, journaling space is provided so you can complete the prayer in your own words or simply write what you're feeling.
Don't let your hurts, fears, or doubts keep you from freely talking to God. He loves you and wants to hear what's on your heart.
Prayer Talking with God about Hard Times is more than a prayer journal. It's more than a book about prayer. Prayer Starters is a book that helps you connect with God, right where you are.
"Connect with God in ways you've always hoped for but haven't been sure how to make happen." --HOLLEY GERTH, bestselling author
In hard times, many of us shy away from God, not sure how to talk to him about what we're feeling. Through her own battles, Suzie Eller has experienced the peace of knowing that prayer is not about the number of words that come out of your mouth or how eloquent you sound. It's about being in God's presence.
When you can't figure out what to say to him, these 90 prayer starters will begin the conversation you've been longing for. Each one is birthed from a specific Scripture, and on each page, journaling space is provided so you can complete the prayer in your own words or simply write what you're feeling.
Don't let your hurts, fears, or doubts keep you from freely talking to God. He loves you and wants to hear what's on your heart.
Prayer Talking with God about Hard Times is more than a prayer journal. It's more than a book about prayer. Prayer Starters is a book that helps you connect with God, right where you are.
"Connect with God in ways you've always hoped for but haven't been sure how to make happen." --HOLLEY GERTH, bestselling author
- GenresPrayer
176 pages, Paperback
Published October 11, 2022
19 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
April 23, 2022
My tears were trying to spill while I read, “A Note from Suzie”. I felt like only God knew where I was right now. The place I’ve been. A hard and trying season of my own. But my tears refused to stay where they were when I read the, “face in the carpet moments”. Have you been there? Just from her note I knew this was HOPE for me.
And I want to say thanks to the author for that.
About the book ,
“Each prayer starter was birthed out of a specific Scripture and is a launching pad to talk about what’s been on your heart.”
SE encourages Christians to find a time and place that works for them to meet with God. Carrying this with them. Let it help them.
SE also gave resources for study tools.
I found each prayer doable and short, relatable and enough. Nothing hard here to ponder over. I found it comforting. And I recommend it if you need a boost to get back to your quiet time with God.
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit. (Jer 17:7–8 esv)”
Thanks Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley.
And I want to say thanks to the author for that.
About the book ,
“Each prayer starter was birthed out of a specific Scripture and is a launching pad to talk about what’s been on your heart.”
SE encourages Christians to find a time and place that works for them to meet with God. Carrying this with them. Let it help them.
SE also gave resources for study tools.
I found each prayer doable and short, relatable and enough. Nothing hard here to ponder over. I found it comforting. And I recommend it if you need a boost to get back to your quiet time with God.
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit. (Jer 17:7–8 esv)”
Thanks Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley.
December 17, 2022
This book is awesome!! It has been a total game changer in regards to my prayer life!!! I HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone!!! There is much to be learned.
June 14, 2022
I recommend this book to all Christians, to everyone that has trouble praying. Sometimes I just feel that I pray the same things over and over. I know I have lots to pray about but just don't always find the words or the thoughts. This book helped me by giving me new ideas to start a prayer with and then my thinking would take over. The name, Prayer Starters, says it all. Every chapter is short, has scripture and one central idea to start with. Each "prayer starter" can be read multiple times, and each time I will get new meaning and new prayers out of it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the DRC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Susan Eller for filling a need.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the DRC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Susan Eller for filling a need.
October 12, 2022
We are all going through hard times right now & this book is the salve for our hurting hearts. The author has obviously poured her heart into this book. This book opens up the door for you when you just don’t know what to pray, especially in those difficult, dark times. She starts you off with a prayer prompt for multiple issues, a question to help you think it through & a place to journal your thoughts & then some scripture to back up that days prayer. As an added bonus it has some stress relieving coloring pages! I’ll be carrying this book in my purse to refer back to frequently.
October 10, 2022
Prayer Starters
Talking to God About Hard Times
By: Suzanne Eller
Bethany House, Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: 10/11/2922
Genre: Christian, Nonfiction (adult), Religion and Spirituality
Suzanne Eller's book Prayer Starters provides inspiration and encouragement for women who pray and believe in the prayer of prayer. Ninety entries are included in three parts in this well-structured devotional. Readers can make it their own by adding journal entries with thoughts, reactions, goals, and illustrations. I appreciate that it is interactive, and I think that makes it more individualized to readers' needs.
Each prayer has a Scripture passage, and allows for follow up study. On good days, bad days or in times of confusion, anxiety, or fear, I find Eller's writing uplifting and reassuring. I needed the section on impatience. Her book is a wonderful companion on our journeys of faith, gratitude, courage, and peace.
Thank you to Net Galley and Bethany House, Bethany House Publishers for the advance reader's copy and opportunity to provide my unbiased review.
Talking to God About Hard Times
By: Suzanne Eller
Bethany House, Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: 10/11/2922
Genre: Christian, Nonfiction (adult), Religion and Spirituality
Suzanne Eller's book Prayer Starters provides inspiration and encouragement for women who pray and believe in the prayer of prayer. Ninety entries are included in three parts in this well-structured devotional. Readers can make it their own by adding journal entries with thoughts, reactions, goals, and illustrations. I appreciate that it is interactive, and I think that makes it more individualized to readers' needs.
Each prayer has a Scripture passage, and allows for follow up study. On good days, bad days or in times of confusion, anxiety, or fear, I find Eller's writing uplifting and reassuring. I needed the section on impatience. Her book is a wonderful companion on our journeys of faith, gratitude, courage, and peace.
Thank you to Net Galley and Bethany House, Bethany House Publishers for the advance reader's copy and opportunity to provide my unbiased review.
October 31, 2022
If you are longing to connect or reconnect to the God who loves you beyond your wildest imagination, this book belongs on your shelf. Suzie’s honest, heartfelt words come from her own experience in walking hard roads. For anyone who’s ever struggled with what to say to God when life isn’t easy, for anyone who wants to do more than just hold on through the tough times. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from this strong woman of faith.
October 12, 2022
In hard times it can be natural to shy away from God. But the most important thing we could all do in hard times is run to God. Are you not sure how to talk to him, what to say? In prayer starters it’s all done for you !! Such a good help with topics, scriptures and the start of prayers.
September 28, 2022
Read More Reviews Here
Rating: 4 Stars
Release Date: October 11, 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Review:
What an amazing resource. I wish I had this when I was first starting our my prayer journey, this would have save me a lot of headache and heartbreak when I did not think I was praying "the right way". There are days when you just really don't feel like praying and those are the days we most need it. I enjoyed how Suzanne had many different types of prayer starters in here everything from praise, to doubt, reassuence, anxiety and more, she truly has one for whatever prayer you need.
There were so many that I loved and wanted to keep for future uses that I wrote out 14 of them in my prayer journal so that I could have them forever and reference them again and again. The thoughtfulness of the words and composition of each prayer inveloped you into a warm embrace. Sometimes you don’t know the words to say to or get concerned with what you are saying that you lose the heart of prayer, these starters are a great way to get your prayer life back on track.
This little book packed a big punch in my prayer life.
Final Thoughts: This book could not have came at a better time in my faith journey. I recommend this book to all Christians, everyone from the brand new who has never prayed before to the lifelong Christain who is going through a hard time and is having trouble praying.
Disclaimer: Thank you Netgalley and Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Rating: 4 Stars
Release Date: October 11, 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Review:
What an amazing resource. I wish I had this when I was first starting our my prayer journey, this would have save me a lot of headache and heartbreak when I did not think I was praying "the right way". There are days when you just really don't feel like praying and those are the days we most need it. I enjoyed how Suzanne had many different types of prayer starters in here everything from praise, to doubt, reassuence, anxiety and more, she truly has one for whatever prayer you need.
There were so many that I loved and wanted to keep for future uses that I wrote out 14 of them in my prayer journal so that I could have them forever and reference them again and again. The thoughtfulness of the words and composition of each prayer inveloped you into a warm embrace. Sometimes you don’t know the words to say to or get concerned with what you are saying that you lose the heart of prayer, these starters are a great way to get your prayer life back on track.
This little book packed a big punch in my prayer life.
Final Thoughts: This book could not have came at a better time in my faith journey. I recommend this book to all Christians, everyone from the brand new who has never prayed before to the lifelong Christain who is going through a hard time and is having trouble praying.
Disclaimer: Thank you Netgalley and Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
October 6, 2022
A timely book! With so much going on in the world, hardships, and unknowns we sometimes struggle with words and what to pray. Our hearts know, our Lord knows, but yet we struggle verbally. This is no reason to give up or not pray. We sometimes just need a little help and that is what this book is for.
There are 90 prayer starts/prompts that come from Scripture to help you write out a prayer, praise, ask God a question, etc… Suzanne provides a helpful how to use the book and each days prayer start. In the back of the book are a few illustrations for those that enjoy being creative to color. When you are done going through the book, she suggestions going back and reading through them, noting any answered prayers. She also provides a list of verses to encourage and memorize. I appreciate her sharing her journey to why she wrote this book and how to continue when you have finished using the book. I will mention this is more of a prayer journal, but in book format.
I am enjoying the daily starters and the use of Scripture in my prayer time, it goes well with journaling which I like to do. This would be a great book to gift yourself or someone else who is struggling in conversation, praying to God.
There are 90 prayer starts/prompts that come from Scripture to help you write out a prayer, praise, ask God a question, etc… Suzanne provides a helpful how to use the book and each days prayer start. In the back of the book are a few illustrations for those that enjoy being creative to color. When you are done going through the book, she suggestions going back and reading through them, noting any answered prayers. She also provides a list of verses to encourage and memorize. I appreciate her sharing her journey to why she wrote this book and how to continue when you have finished using the book. I will mention this is more of a prayer journal, but in book format.
I am enjoying the daily starters and the use of Scripture in my prayer time, it goes well with journaling which I like to do. This would be a great book to gift yourself or someone else who is struggling in conversation, praying to God.
October 28, 2022
Thanks to Bethany House for the free book.
This is a book fit with 90 different prayer starters that all deal with different topics. I really liked how each starts with a small devotional to help focus the mind and then leaves space for your own prayer. There is also a small verse that helps wrap up that days prompt and is good to think on the rest of the day. I also liked how in between different days there is a section interspersed that isn't a prayer starter but it deals with different topics and a more deeper look into them with some more scripture reflections. It's a book I will come back to again and again.
This is a book fit with 90 different prayer starters that all deal with different topics. I really liked how each starts with a small devotional to help focus the mind and then leaves space for your own prayer. There is also a small verse that helps wrap up that days prompt and is good to think on the rest of the day. I also liked how in between different days there is a section interspersed that isn't a prayer starter but it deals with different topics and a more deeper look into them with some more scripture reflections. It's a book I will come back to again and again.
December 11, 2022
I loved this book! It is a great help with helping you to pray and starting your prayers to help you in your prayer life. It’s great! I love it. If you would like after finishing, you can use it over again with a blank journal. It is so helpful in your prayer life. I recommend to all especially anyone trying to strengthen their prayers. Thank you to #NetGalley and the publishers, for the opportunity to read and review #PrayerStarters with my honest thoughts and opinions.
April 22, 2025
If you are in a hard season, this book will be a balm to your heart and soul. God led me to it at just such a time. The daily scripture and the author’s heartfelt prayer leading into a guided journaling section helped me examine all I was feeling and talk to God about things I might not have otherwise voiced. Suzanne Eller’s honest and gentle words washed over me with the refreshment and encouragement I needed and led me into fellowship with the God of all comfort. For yourself or others you know in hard seasons, this book is a gift.
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October 7, 2022Do you ever feel like you need to pray and have that much-needed time with God--- but you just don't know what to say? When life is just full of the hard stuff and the words won't come? If this sounds familiar, this is a book that you absolutely won't want to miss!
Like so many others, the last few years have been quite tough for me... and there are many times that I find myself unsure of exactly how to pray. While I know that God knows what's on my heart even with the words that fail to come, I also know that I want to be purposeful with how I spend my prayer time. I want it to be a meaningful time spent with God. This book really appealed to me for that reason... and it did not disappoint. It really is a great guide to help us to focus our prayers, which is quite relatable for so many of us. It has lots of scripture, practical help, and space to write down our prayers as well.
At the time of this review, I have not completely worked my way all the way through the book, but I am really enjoying what I have seen so far. If you are looking for some help on knowing what to pray when it doesn't come easy, this is certainly one worth checking out.
**Book received for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
Like so many others, the last few years have been quite tough for me... and there are many times that I find myself unsure of exactly how to pray. While I know that God knows what's on my heart even with the words that fail to come, I also know that I want to be purposeful with how I spend my prayer time. I want it to be a meaningful time spent with God. This book really appealed to me for that reason... and it did not disappoint. It really is a great guide to help us to focus our prayers, which is quite relatable for so many of us. It has lots of scripture, practical help, and space to write down our prayers as well.
At the time of this review, I have not completely worked my way all the way through the book, but I am really enjoying what I have seen so far. If you are looking for some help on knowing what to pray when it doesn't come easy, this is certainly one worth checking out.
**Book received for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
October 12, 2022
If you need help with what to pray this book is for you.
I don’t know about you but I can tell you that there have been times when I have struggled with what to pray when I am going through relational issues, or just having a rough morning. Suzanne’s book “Prayer Starters” is a such a great guide. You can find a prayer starter for any area of your life.
Suzanne writes with wisdom, grace, and a great understanding of our human emotions and Godly wisdom. Her prayer starters do get you started. You can choose to stop at the end of your prayer but for many I found it was a prayer start for me in hashing out thoughts and feelings to our Heavenly Father.
I hope you will purchase this book. It is one you can and will keep going back to.
It is a book you will go back to time and time again.
I don’t know about you but I can tell you that there have been times when I have struggled with what to pray when I am going through relational issues, or just having a rough morning. Suzanne’s book “Prayer Starters” is a such a great guide. You can find a prayer starter for any area of your life.
Suzanne writes with wisdom, grace, and a great understanding of our human emotions and Godly wisdom. Her prayer starters do get you started. You can choose to stop at the end of your prayer but for many I found it was a prayer start for me in hashing out thoughts and feelings to our Heavenly Father.
I hope you will purchase this book. It is one you can and will keep going back to.
It is a book you will go back to time and time again.
October 15, 2022
Prayer has not always been my strong suit, especially when life gets hard. I often feel at a loss for words, or don’t even know where to start. This book is the perfect guide for those that may struggle with similar feelings, or those that wish to dig a little deeper in their prayer life. Each day has space to journal and reflect, as well as a scripture to support each day’s prayer. Suzie’s down to earth approach and acknowledgment that it’s not always easy talking with God when we go through tough times is so refreshing! I cannot recommend this book enough!
October 11, 2022
Suzanne Eller’s new book “Prayer Starters: Talking with God about Hard Times” is not your typical book of prayers. It is rather, a guided tour of how to get in touch with a God “who loves you like crazy.” In hard seasons, it is sometimes difficult to put a prayer into words. Suzanne has put those words together for you to start your own conversation with God. There is space for you to write your own words if you want and there are coloring pages for your creative side. This is a book that you will want to use each other every day, and refer and reflect back on it often. It makes a great gift for friends and loved ones who are struggling through their own hard times.
October 12, 2022
Many of us feel we can't bring our hard emotions to God, especially in difficult and challenging moments. In those times, we tend to pull away from God. Prayer Starters encourages us to lean in and draw close to God, bringing all those hard emotions to God and inviting Him into those intimate places with us. Author, Suzanne Eller, reminds us that God's Heart is to be with us through it all and that we are not alone in the hard times. This is a keep-on-the-side table book for you and anyone you love who is in hard times.
October 11, 2022
Prayer Starters is a beautiful soft back book that is a perfect gift to yourself or to others in your life. Suzanne Eller gets the conversation started FOR you. All you have to do is open your heart to continue the conversation with the God who "loves you like crazy". This wonderful little book gives you room to be creative through Journaling and coloring, provides Scripture to go along with each entry for further meditation, and tackles some hard topics we often shy away from. This is a MUST-HAVE for your library! ❤️
September 24, 2022
This little book is packed with ideas to get your prayer life going. There are ninety days of prayers, so you use this book as a devotional. You can also look up the prayers topically as needed. There are journaling prompts and scripture to add to your prayer journey. Highly recommended!
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley for the purpose of review.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley for the purpose of review.
September 15, 2022
This is devotional full of beautiful writings/prayers that help believers realize that God is present with us and for us at all times, especially during the hard times when we are tired, fearful, and/or uncertain. Ms. Eller shows us how to talk to God when we have no words, don't know what to say, or even what to pray for. This book has brought me a lot of comfort and I have shared its words with several friends.
My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for allowing me to read an ARC of this book via NetGalley. The book is scheduled for publication 10/11/22. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.
My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for allowing me to read an ARC of this book via NetGalley. The book is scheduled for publication 10/11/22. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.
July 7, 2022
As a young mother, Suzanne “Suzie” Eller struggled to find the words to pray, despite prayer lists or formulas. She wanted to hear from Jesus. She wanted to have intimate talks with Him like she would a dear friend. When she didn’t know how to pray in difficult seasons of her life, Suzie found the words as she studied Bible passages. What stood out to her in scripture about who God is and how He sees her helped her start a conversation with Him.
In "Prayer Starters: Talking with God about Hard Times," Suzie shared how she went about starting conversations with God during those difficult seasons in life. She organized the daily prayer starters into three parts. Each part has 30 prayer starters she's written for the reader, with a total of 90 conversations to have with God.
Her prayers have headers like "What Are You Asking Me to Do, Lord?" and "When Your Heart Is Bummer Out, Burned Out." The prayer starters have titles for each kind of prayer she has written, such as "I'm Really Tired, Lord," "Help Me Choose My Battles," and "Take My Anxious Thoughts." It's a great prayer resource because I can look up the topic that's on my heart when I don't know what to say. Many of her prayers resonated with what was going on in my life and helped me start a conversation with God.
Suzanne wrote a prayer to correspond with a passage from the Bible that she shared at the end of each prayer/day. She included a concordance of sorts with scriptures that covered topics, such as "healing," "hope," and "protection" to encourage readers at the end of her book. Most days ended with questions for the reader to answer and extra space for them to write to personalize their prayers. Readers can choose to start with day 1 and proceed in that fashion, or search by title for what speaks to them based on what’s going on in their lives.
The electronic advance copy of this book doesn’t have illustrations, but I believe the finished work will have them. Suzie said she liked to color and draw in her journal and Bible, so she left space for readers to do the same in this prayer book. She wanted readers to write down the date of specific prayers and prayer requests. They can then go back and write the answer received as a way to thank God and celebrate what He has done in their lives. It's also a nice reminder that God does listen. He loves and cares for us.
Prayer isn’t about the eloquence or quantity of our words, Suzie said. The Holy Spirit prays for us. He hears our groans. If we have no words, we can sit in silence. We just need to intentionally seek God and show up, she said. God is already there waiting for us.
Thank you to Netgalley and Baker Publishing Group for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. When this releases Oct. 11, I plan to buy this book for myself and want to purchase this as a gift for friends and family.
In "Prayer Starters: Talking with God about Hard Times," Suzie shared how she went about starting conversations with God during those difficult seasons in life. She organized the daily prayer starters into three parts. Each part has 30 prayer starters she's written for the reader, with a total of 90 conversations to have with God.
Her prayers have headers like "What Are You Asking Me to Do, Lord?" and "When Your Heart Is Bummer Out, Burned Out." The prayer starters have titles for each kind of prayer she has written, such as "I'm Really Tired, Lord," "Help Me Choose My Battles," and "Take My Anxious Thoughts." It's a great prayer resource because I can look up the topic that's on my heart when I don't know what to say. Many of her prayers resonated with what was going on in my life and helped me start a conversation with God.
Suzanne wrote a prayer to correspond with a passage from the Bible that she shared at the end of each prayer/day. She included a concordance of sorts with scriptures that covered topics, such as "healing," "hope," and "protection" to encourage readers at the end of her book. Most days ended with questions for the reader to answer and extra space for them to write to personalize their prayers. Readers can choose to start with day 1 and proceed in that fashion, or search by title for what speaks to them based on what’s going on in their lives.
The electronic advance copy of this book doesn’t have illustrations, but I believe the finished work will have them. Suzie said she liked to color and draw in her journal and Bible, so she left space for readers to do the same in this prayer book. She wanted readers to write down the date of specific prayers and prayer requests. They can then go back and write the answer received as a way to thank God and celebrate what He has done in their lives. It's also a nice reminder that God does listen. He loves and cares for us.
Prayer isn’t about the eloquence or quantity of our words, Suzie said. The Holy Spirit prays for us. He hears our groans. If we have no words, we can sit in silence. We just need to intentionally seek God and show up, she said. God is already there waiting for us.
Thank you to Netgalley and Baker Publishing Group for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. When this releases Oct. 11, I plan to buy this book for myself and want to purchase this as a gift for friends and family.
October 21, 2022
Prayer Starters Talking with God About Hard Times by Suzanne Eller is a well put together journal to prompt you to record your thoughts as you journey through hard times. This book is a great resource if you are going through difficult times, or even through good times. Part one talks about trusting God in hard seasons, part two is growing in hard places, and part three is freedom in hard places. Each journal page starts with a main idea, a devotional, a prompt for journaling, and a scripture at the end.
This book is an excellent resource on encouragement. I appreciate that it features a scripture verse each day. It also encourages you to look deeply within yourself and your life. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review which I was happy to do. I highly recommend and appreciated the resources offered in Prayer Starters Talking with God About Hard Times by Suzanne Eller.
This book is an excellent resource on encouragement. I appreciate that it features a scripture verse each day. It also encourages you to look deeply within yourself and your life. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review which I was happy to do. I highly recommend and appreciated the resources offered in Prayer Starters Talking with God About Hard Times by Suzanne Eller.
October 12, 2022
Absolutely love this beautiful book/journal that calls us into a deeper connection with God through prayer. Too often, we know we should pray but we struggle with what to say or how to get started. Plus we have a tendency to overcomplicate it. That’s why I love these simple yet profound prayer starters that call us to begin or begin again the sweet communion of conversation with our Creator. As Suzie says, it’s not about the words we say, it’s about showing up and leaning in to a conversation with the King of kings. Get a copy today and while you are at it, pick up a copy for a friend, trust me they will thank you. I ordered copies for my secret sister and a friend going through a hard time.
January 1, 2024
Looking back on my life, there have been so many times where I felt at a loss for words. It was as if the challenges and hurts left me tongue-tied. Suzanne Eller has been there. She created Prayer Starters to help her readers understand that we all struggle to get the conversation started with God sometimes. This interactive journal/devotional is perfect for those days. Read it from cover-to-cover or flip through and find the entry that speaks to your current situation. In her gentle and loving way, Suzie will help you get those first cries out to the Lord. This book would be a perfect gift for someone struggling with grief, heartache or life challenges.
May 29, 2022
Do you need help with prayer?
Author, speaker, Bible teacher, and pod-cast co-host Suzanne (Suzie) Eller presents her new book "Prayer Starters. Talking with God about Hard Times," published by Bethany House Publishers. The book is divided into three parts: 1) Trusting God in Hard Seasons, 2) Growing in Hard Places, and 3) Freedom in Hard Places. It includes also some "challenges" between the chapters, e.g., "Think on This", "What Are You Asking Me to Do, Lord?", "When You Are Afraid", or "When Your Heart is Bummed Out, Burned Out". There are ninety prayer starters. All contain a short prayer and a Bible verse and some of them include also a suggestion for something to do for the reader. At the beginning Eller describes what the prayer starters are and how to use them. She says: "The prayer starters within are an invitation to begin the conversation you’ve been longing to hold with God. Each prayer starter was birthed out of a specific Scripture and is a launching pad to talk about what’s been on your heart. Prayer Starters is a creative, interactive invitation to help you pray right where you are.
A prayer starter may lead you into meaningful conversation with God. It may create space where you just soak in his presence. It may allow you to talk with him about what has been heavy on your mind, to air your hurts, or to ask your questions. It may give you room to rejoice about things that make your heart glad. The most beautiful news is that God meets you there no matter what" (in "A Note from Suzie").
Eller closes the book with four short chapters: "What now?", "Scriptures to Encourage You", "How Prayer Starters began", and "Just for You: Creative Coloring Exercises" and she also offers possibilities to connect with her. This is not a book about prayer but a book to help with prayer. I highly recommend it for readers who are looking for help with their prayers especially when they are in hard seasons / hard places.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#PrayerStarters #Netgalley
Author, speaker, Bible teacher, and pod-cast co-host Suzanne (Suzie) Eller presents her new book "Prayer Starters. Talking with God about Hard Times," published by Bethany House Publishers. The book is divided into three parts: 1) Trusting God in Hard Seasons, 2) Growing in Hard Places, and 3) Freedom in Hard Places. It includes also some "challenges" between the chapters, e.g., "Think on This", "What Are You Asking Me to Do, Lord?", "When You Are Afraid", or "When Your Heart is Bummed Out, Burned Out". There are ninety prayer starters. All contain a short prayer and a Bible verse and some of them include also a suggestion for something to do for the reader. At the beginning Eller describes what the prayer starters are and how to use them. She says: "The prayer starters within are an invitation to begin the conversation you’ve been longing to hold with God. Each prayer starter was birthed out of a specific Scripture and is a launching pad to talk about what’s been on your heart. Prayer Starters is a creative, interactive invitation to help you pray right where you are.
A prayer starter may lead you into meaningful conversation with God. It may create space where you just soak in his presence. It may allow you to talk with him about what has been heavy on your mind, to air your hurts, or to ask your questions. It may give you room to rejoice about things that make your heart glad. The most beautiful news is that God meets you there no matter what" (in "A Note from Suzie").
Eller closes the book with four short chapters: "What now?", "Scriptures to Encourage You", "How Prayer Starters began", and "Just for You: Creative Coloring Exercises" and she also offers possibilities to connect with her. This is not a book about prayer but a book to help with prayer. I highly recommend it for readers who are looking for help with their prayers especially when they are in hard seasons / hard places.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#PrayerStarters #Netgalley
June 27, 2022
Prayer Starters
By Suzanne Eller
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Rated: 4
Obtain: Buy it
Back of the Book: “This is not a book on how to pray. There are many great books on that topic. Instead, Prayer Starters is a creative, interactive invitation to help you pray right where you are. If you ask a woman if she wants to pray, the answer is almost always yes. If you ask that same believer if she ever struggles to pray, not surprisingly the answer is the same. So, Suzanne Eller has provided the lead-in to 90 conversations with God about the difficult season you're in, whether in your prayer time or in the middle of the night when there are no words to be found.
A topical index and space for readers to write in your own words will help you replace the fear of not knowing what to say with the power of simply showing up, trade a list of rules for taking one small step, and stop comparing your prayer life to others' as you discover the beauty of your own.
It's not the longevity of your faith that determines your struggle. It's the clash between your longing to connect and all the things that seem to stand between you and prayer. Allow this book to draw you into daily, intimate conversations with a God who loves you like crazy.
Impressions: To be fair I did not read all the prayers in this book; I’m still working through them. From what I’ve read so far however these prayers are wonderfully prepared. The thoughtfulness of the words and composition was like a warm hug. Sometimes you don’t know what to say to God or how to express your heart and these prayer starters were a great way to get your prayer rolling.
I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here. For more book reviews go to: https://simplyannehere.wordpress.com
By Suzanne Eller
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Rated: 4
Obtain: Buy it
Back of the Book: “This is not a book on how to pray. There are many great books on that topic. Instead, Prayer Starters is a creative, interactive invitation to help you pray right where you are. If you ask a woman if she wants to pray, the answer is almost always yes. If you ask that same believer if she ever struggles to pray, not surprisingly the answer is the same. So, Suzanne Eller has provided the lead-in to 90 conversations with God about the difficult season you're in, whether in your prayer time or in the middle of the night when there are no words to be found.
A topical index and space for readers to write in your own words will help you replace the fear of not knowing what to say with the power of simply showing up, trade a list of rules for taking one small step, and stop comparing your prayer life to others' as you discover the beauty of your own.
It's not the longevity of your faith that determines your struggle. It's the clash between your longing to connect and all the things that seem to stand between you and prayer. Allow this book to draw you into daily, intimate conversations with a God who loves you like crazy.
Impressions: To be fair I did not read all the prayers in this book; I’m still working through them. From what I’ve read so far however these prayers are wonderfully prepared. The thoughtfulness of the words and composition was like a warm hug. Sometimes you don’t know what to say to God or how to express your heart and these prayer starters were a great way to get your prayer rolling.
I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here. For more book reviews go to: https://simplyannehere.wordpress.com
October 29, 2022
In Prayer Starters, Suzanne Eller has written a book to encourage readers to pray more and this book provided a helpful starter prayer to get you in the right mood. The book contained 90 prayer starters. She begins the book by explaining how she was reminded of God and His strength. She felt broken and was about to give a teaching to encourage others. A woman walked up to her and gave her a picture of a tree with Jeremiah 17:7-8 on it. This verse discussed a man is blessed when you trust in God. It compared him to being like a tree planted and he doesn’t fear about anything from a lack of water to being unable to bear any fruit. She explained how she was reminded that our strength come from Christ and we have immensely power when we have our roots in God’s written word. The book begins each day with a special prayer or a reminder to keep us focus on Christ’s power. There is open space to answer questions and journal about whatever we feel led to. The closing of the day ends with a verse.
I would recommend this awesome book to anyone who is seeking a book on prayer and a conversation starter. I immensely loved how easy the book was to read and how you can use it as a journal to dig deeper into the Word and in our relationship with Christ. One of my favorite days discussed the importance of shutting down the voice of condemnation. She explained how truth can be our ally and we can learn to discern the difference between our inner critic and our inner conviction. Christ will never condemn us for our mistakes and our failures. This book is a wonderful benefitable teaching on prayer and opening up with God about our struggles and allowing Him to help guide us during the difficult times.
“I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House/ Chosen for my honest review.”
I would recommend this awesome book to anyone who is seeking a book on prayer and a conversation starter. I immensely loved how easy the book was to read and how you can use it as a journal to dig deeper into the Word and in our relationship with Christ. One of my favorite days discussed the importance of shutting down the voice of condemnation. She explained how truth can be our ally and we can learn to discern the difference between our inner critic and our inner conviction. Christ will never condemn us for our mistakes and our failures. This book is a wonderful benefitable teaching on prayer and opening up with God about our struggles and allowing Him to help guide us during the difficult times.
“I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House/ Chosen for my honest review.”
October 7, 2023
As a person continually seeking to grow in my prayer life, I picked up Suzanne Eller’s book, Prayer Starters: Talking with God About Hard Times, and found a new prayer mentor. In each of her prayer starters, Eller taught me how to be raw and real with God and how to find refuge in Him as I pour out my heart to Him.
I appreciate that Prayer Starters is a God-focused and not me-focused book. Sure, the prayer starters often begin with topics like, “Overwhelmed” or “Help Me Hear You,” or “The Heart of the Storm,” but Eller helps readers look to the Lord and His character and attributes, ultimately learning to trust Him more. And essentially, that’s what prayer is anyway, isn’t it? Our drawing near to God and communing with Him, relying on His character and learning to trust Him more.
These 90 days of prayer prompts lead readers into deeper prayer on a variety of topics, with a short paragraph prayer starter, some space for continuing your own prayers, and a scripture passage to round out each day’s reading. Readers can go straight through the book or pick and choose what topics seem relevant on the day. The book is divided into three main sections – Trusting God in Hard Seasons, Growing in Hard Places, and Freedom in Hard Places.
If you’re looking to grow in how to talk with God with honesty and transparency in every season, you’ll find no better mentor that Suzanne Eller in her book Prayer Starters. I highly recommend it.
Note: I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review.
I appreciate that Prayer Starters is a God-focused and not me-focused book. Sure, the prayer starters often begin with topics like, “Overwhelmed” or “Help Me Hear You,” or “The Heart of the Storm,” but Eller helps readers look to the Lord and His character and attributes, ultimately learning to trust Him more. And essentially, that’s what prayer is anyway, isn’t it? Our drawing near to God and communing with Him, relying on His character and learning to trust Him more.
These 90 days of prayer prompts lead readers into deeper prayer on a variety of topics, with a short paragraph prayer starter, some space for continuing your own prayers, and a scripture passage to round out each day’s reading. Readers can go straight through the book or pick and choose what topics seem relevant on the day. The book is divided into three main sections – Trusting God in Hard Seasons, Growing in Hard Places, and Freedom in Hard Places.
If you’re looking to grow in how to talk with God with honesty and transparency in every season, you’ll find no better mentor that Suzanne Eller in her book Prayer Starters. I highly recommend it.
Note: I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review.
October 23, 2022
Below is an example of one of the many prayers Suzanna writes in her new book Prayer Starters. It’s one of many I use when I feel flustered and can not find the words to pray. And if your like me, you will find these prayers are the words your looking for to express yourself to God.
“On My Knees Father God, it’s so easy to see that person or that thing as my enemy. I put on my boxing gloves and swing wildly until my arms can swing no more. Help me to fight where it’s most effective—on my knees and in your presence. Not in my own power, but in yours. Help me to stand in your authority, knowing that you go before me. Crush every plan of the enemy with your might. If I need others to join me in prayer, give me the wisdom to reach out and share that with other prayer warriors. Most of all, thank you that you are higher, greater, more powerful, and that you fight for me daily. . . . What do you need today?
Clarify it for yourself. It’s okay if it’s raw. Try to put it in words.
“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12”
“On My Knees Father God, it’s so easy to see that person or that thing as my enemy. I put on my boxing gloves and swing wildly until my arms can swing no more. Help me to fight where it’s most effective—on my knees and in your presence. Not in my own power, but in yours. Help me to stand in your authority, knowing that you go before me. Crush every plan of the enemy with your might. If I need others to join me in prayer, give me the wisdom to reach out and share that with other prayer warriors. Most of all, thank you that you are higher, greater, more powerful, and that you fight for me daily. . . . What do you need today?
Clarify it for yourself. It’s okay if it’s raw. Try to put it in words.
“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12”
October 27, 2022
Whether we are new to prayer or not, I think we all go through seasons where it feels that the words to articulate what we are feeling/going through don't come easily. Seasons when prayer is difficult and God's presence feels far away.
Suzanne Eller's book "Prayer Starters" is a wonderful prayer companion in and out of those difficult seasons. It includes 90 topical lead-ins to prayer + accompanying scripture, and other inspirational quotes and journal prompts throughout. I appreciated the author's personal, relatable note at the beginning of this book - inviting the reader to "just show up," even when you feel stuck in your prayer life, and that by doing so our intimacy with God continues to deepen and grow.
This book is great to go through day by day, or to pull from when you are feeling stuck or going through something specific since all the prayer starters are titled. I liked the journal prompts that encouraged me to take the prayer time even deeper.
Thank you to Net Galley and Bethany House Publishers for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
Suzanne Eller's book "Prayer Starters" is a wonderful prayer companion in and out of those difficult seasons. It includes 90 topical lead-ins to prayer + accompanying scripture, and other inspirational quotes and journal prompts throughout. I appreciated the author's personal, relatable note at the beginning of this book - inviting the reader to "just show up," even when you feel stuck in your prayer life, and that by doing so our intimacy with God continues to deepen and grow.
This book is great to go through day by day, or to pull from when you are feeling stuck or going through something specific since all the prayer starters are titled. I liked the journal prompts that encouraged me to take the prayer time even deeper.
Thank you to Net Galley and Bethany House Publishers for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
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