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Words with God: Trading Boring, Empty Prayer for Real Connection
With conviction and biblical depth this rising thought leader and popular speaker invites you on a pathway of prayer and simple spiritual practices that will bring the fractured pieces of your life back together.
240 pages, Paperback
Published April 18, 2023
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2274 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 14, 2024
2nd read: I enjoyed this one so much more than the first time I read it. Don't get me wrong, I really liked it the first time I read it. However, the second time through, I didn't find it as wordy as I thought it was the first time.
This is beautifully written. The author is very thoughtful and sincere as he talks about the power of connection when it comes to prayer.
I relistened to the audio and still liked that he does his own narration but I still feel lthe need to get a paper copy so that I can highlight things. I don't usually change my ratings, but I think I just talked myself into 5 stars.
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I listened to this author on one of my favorite podcasts. He was very personable and sincere. I liked his overall message on prayer. I have since listened to him on other podcasts as well. It was mostly a repeat of what was said on the first podcast I listened to.
I liked his POV and his personal stories. On the negative side, there seemed to be a bit of fluff in this book...at times it felt a little wordy. I listened to the audio and that might have amplified that for me. But I'm so glad that he did his own narration. I think though, I now need to get the paper copy. There were things I wanted to highlight and revisit. I couldn't do that with the audio. So for now, 4 stars.
This is beautifully written. The author is very thoughtful and sincere as he talks about the power of connection when it comes to prayer.
I relistened to the audio and still liked that he does his own narration but I still feel lthe need to get a paper copy so that I can highlight things. I don't usually change my ratings, but I think I just talked myself into 5 stars.
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I listened to this author on one of my favorite podcasts. He was very personable and sincere. I liked his overall message on prayer. I have since listened to him on other podcasts as well. It was mostly a repeat of what was said on the first podcast I listened to.
I liked his POV and his personal stories. On the negative side, there seemed to be a bit of fluff in this book...at times it felt a little wordy. I listened to the audio and that might have amplified that for me. But I'm so glad that he did his own narration. I think though, I now need to get the paper copy. There were things I wanted to highlight and revisit. I couldn't do that with the audio. So for now, 4 stars.
October 8, 2023
A beautiful and profound message about the love of God, and his desire to have relationship with His children. God is a complex being, but the ways that he wants to interact with us isn't as complicated as it seems. Addison is an excellent writer, and each chapter felt like I was having a conversation with him across a table. An short and powerful read.
June 5, 2023
Audio
3.5 stars
I think I chose the wrong forum to read this book. The writing was too deep for audio. Perhaps my rating will change when I read hard copy.
3.5 stars
I think I chose the wrong forum to read this book. The writing was too deep for audio. Perhaps my rating will change when I read hard copy.
April 5, 2023
Prayer in three (3) parts. Part one looks at recognizing the Voice of God vs the Voice of the Adversary. While the concept of the quiet voice is fairly de rigueur the analogy with a Canyon Echo was a bit of a stretch for me. There were a few interesting observation though, such as life on the canyon wall switchbacks, our tendency to want answers immediately (just can’t wait) and the role of pain/suffering in spiritual growth (a common Catholic view point) Part two tries to give us a useful definitions of the Kingdom of God and our place in it (aka there should be no separation of secular and sacred), as well as the need to practice being good. No new revelations for me here; however, I will acknowledge that for most it might be. Part three seems to look a basic characteristics of prayer, presumable to make prayer better. There is no formula or strict steps to take, and this is pitched as a good thing, because reducing prayer to that would actually make it less effective … although the author does introduce at least three (3) prayer frameworks that appear to do just that: The Examen, The Office and Lectio Divina.
As with many personal/anecdotal stories that are used to buttress the concepts the author is trying to teach, they all run the risk that they just don’t connect with a reader that has a markedly different experience and/or world view and that can undermine the point somewhat. One particular example was the idea shared by many christians that you need to [wake up early and] withdraw [into a closet] to engage in structured prayer in silence … none of which is true. To be fair, the author seems tp only hold on to the latter as a requirement … which is strange because he then goes into the pray without ceasing mantra that can only happen the you live your prayer amidst the noise and chaos of life. While I understood the sentiment, the wording was awkward for me because I didn’t connect with the premise. This disconnect was aggravated when he attempted to trace the original of the word “intimacy” to the latin “in timor” (into fear … which is actually the origin of the word intimidate) … and is something that none of the etymologies that I have access to would support. Such word games undermines my faith into the rest of his research (however, despite my misgivings, his research is generally good).
Ultimately there were several observation, opinions and interpretations that didn’t quite resonate with me despite the book having a number of true gems within it. One such example would be when it states that “There’s a sense that God can forgive only what is confessed, so we rack our brains, searching out any wrong done or right left undone. [Only] Once every item is confessed can we be on our way, hopefully feeling bad enough to never do those things again.” This is a decidedly Catholic sentiment that, having grown up in a Protestant tradition, just doesn’t resonate with me very well. That said, there is still enough here to make it worth the read.
Part 1: The Canyon
1. The Voice
2. Into Silence
3. The Prayer
Part 2: The Temple
4. What We Call God
5. Seeing the Kingdom
6. Opening the Conversation
Part 3: The Dance
7. The Integrator
8. I Am Here
9. How Should We Ask?
10. Confession, Sin, and Conscience
11. Me to We
12. Forgiveness
13. Trials, Temptations, and Joys
14. In the Name
I was given this free advance reader copy (ARC) ebook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#WordsWithGod #NetGalley
As with many personal/anecdotal stories that are used to buttress the concepts the author is trying to teach, they all run the risk that they just don’t connect with a reader that has a markedly different experience and/or world view and that can undermine the point somewhat. One particular example was the idea shared by many christians that you need to [wake up early and] withdraw [into a closet] to engage in structured prayer in silence … none of which is true. To be fair, the author seems tp only hold on to the latter as a requirement … which is strange because he then goes into the pray without ceasing mantra that can only happen the you live your prayer amidst the noise and chaos of life. While I understood the sentiment, the wording was awkward for me because I didn’t connect with the premise. This disconnect was aggravated when he attempted to trace the original of the word “intimacy” to the latin “in timor” (into fear … which is actually the origin of the word intimidate) … and is something that none of the etymologies that I have access to would support. Such word games undermines my faith into the rest of his research (however, despite my misgivings, his research is generally good).
Ultimately there were several observation, opinions and interpretations that didn’t quite resonate with me despite the book having a number of true gems within it. One such example would be when it states that “There’s a sense that God can forgive only what is confessed, so we rack our brains, searching out any wrong done or right left undone. [Only] Once every item is confessed can we be on our way, hopefully feeling bad enough to never do those things again.” This is a decidedly Catholic sentiment that, having grown up in a Protestant tradition, just doesn’t resonate with me very well. That said, there is still enough here to make it worth the read.
Part 1: The Canyon
1. The Voice
2. Into Silence
3. The Prayer
Part 2: The Temple
4. What We Call God
5. Seeing the Kingdom
6. Opening the Conversation
Part 3: The Dance
7. The Integrator
8. I Am Here
9. How Should We Ask?
10. Confession, Sin, and Conscience
11. Me to We
12. Forgiveness
13. Trials, Temptations, and Joys
14. In the Name
I was given this free advance reader copy (ARC) ebook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#WordsWithGod #NetGalley
April 24, 2023
The title sums up the book. Addison walks you thru scripture to give you a guide on praying in a way to hear God’s voice. The book is well written and includes personal experiences, reference to other Christian books and a bit of etymology. It’s wonderful with an author will explain the origin of certain words in scripture to increase our knowledge and understanding. I would recommend this book to new Christians and long term believers that want to strengthen their prayer life and connection with God.
January 12, 2023
Words with God opened my eyes up to a totally different way about thinking of how I pray. It gave me the tools I needed to learn how to pray more effectively and be patient in my answers.
I enjoyed each chapter as I feel as though it increased my knowledge of how to pray more effectively and be more in touch with god.
I highly suggest picking up a copy of this book as it should be a road map to prayer.
I enjoyed each chapter as I feel as though it increased my knowledge of how to pray more effectively and be more in touch with god.
I highly suggest picking up a copy of this book as it should be a road map to prayer.
March 3, 2023
A huge thank you to Netgalley and Revell for gifting me this ARC for an honest review.
The reverberations are fun to manipulate, at least for a while, but eventually, it gets old listening to yourself on repeat. Conversations, by definition, are supposed to involve two or more people, so it’s only natural for us to want someone else to get involved.
To be honest, I am one who struggles with prayer. At times, I find myself not enjoying that I get to communicate with the Creator. I tend to look at it as a chore. A ritual. A tradition. I take it for granted. I want to be able to get deeper into my prayer life. I’m tired of looking at it like I have and realize the beauty of being able to take anything to the Creator and converse with him.
It’s in the canyon that we figure out that a “prayer life” is much more than a spiritual exercise, it’s the higher consciousness that reorders and integrates life, reclaiming every bit of living (and us) as holy and necessary to God’s purposes and design.
This is my first Addison Bevere book. I loved his writing style. I have so many highlights. I loved what he said about prayer. I think God knew I needed this book because I was in a prayer rut. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be buying a physical copy.
This book made me stop and think am I praying because that is what I was told to do or am I praying to get closer to God? I love him pointing out that normally we pray for something be we don't put any action to it. His example was praying to be healthy but eating unhealthy and not taking care of our bodies. Most times the world treats God like a genie but that is not what prayer is. Addison does a great job at pointing out what prayer is and how we should pray. Highly recommending this book
The reverberations are fun to manipulate, at least for a while, but eventually, it gets old listening to yourself on repeat. Conversations, by definition, are supposed to involve two or more people, so it’s only natural for us to want someone else to get involved.
To be honest, I am one who struggles with prayer. At times, I find myself not enjoying that I get to communicate with the Creator. I tend to look at it as a chore. A ritual. A tradition. I take it for granted. I want to be able to get deeper into my prayer life. I’m tired of looking at it like I have and realize the beauty of being able to take anything to the Creator and converse with him.
It’s in the canyon that we figure out that a “prayer life” is much more than a spiritual exercise, it’s the higher consciousness that reorders and integrates life, reclaiming every bit of living (and us) as holy and necessary to God’s purposes and design.
This is my first Addison Bevere book. I loved his writing style. I have so many highlights. I loved what he said about prayer. I think God knew I needed this book because I was in a prayer rut. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be buying a physical copy.
This book made me stop and think am I praying because that is what I was told to do or am I praying to get closer to God? I love him pointing out that normally we pray for something be we don't put any action to it. His example was praying to be healthy but eating unhealthy and not taking care of our bodies. Most times the world treats God like a genie but that is not what prayer is. Addison does a great job at pointing out what prayer is and how we should pray. Highly recommending this book
October 6, 2024
This is my second reading of this book, and I gleaned even more from it than on the first reading. Most modern Christian authors put way too much padding in their books, blowing up something with only 50 pages of substance into 200 pages of mediocrity. Every chapter of this book pertains to a different aspect of prayer as laid out in the opening framework, giving insight and depth into a topic that many Christians find perplexing or frustrating. And while not every question regarding prayer can be answered in the single volume, this book effectively encompasses it's importance for our daily lives and also the mystery that prayer inhabits.
May 20, 2025
2.5⭐️
This was definitely a me problem. Either I just wasn’t invested the way I should have been or he is way too smart for me because a lot of this book went straight over my head. I got a lot of good information and a lot of thought provoking questions from it but a lot of the time I was confused by the flow of his words and had to re read 3-4 times before I understood.
This was definitely a me problem. Either I just wasn’t invested the way I should have been or he is way too smart for me because a lot of this book went straight over my head. I got a lot of good information and a lot of thought provoking questions from it but a lot of the time I was confused by the flow of his words and had to re read 3-4 times before I understood.
April 12, 2024
If there were six stars available for a rating, this book would deserve every one. Well-written, deep, provocative, this book will stay on my shelf and be taken out for rereading every year. Wow!
March 21, 2025
This is a beautiful book structured around the Lord’s Prayer.
The biggest revelation that I gained was in the chapter discussing “opening the conversation.” Addison talked about how we often (even subconsciously) separate our lives into the “secular” and the “sacred.” We spend so much time in the mundane tasks of life that fall into the “secular” category that we feel like God is distant. Until we view our entire lives as sacred, we will never achieve the ability to “pray continually.” It’s not possible to engage in the religious practice some people consider “prayer” all the time, 24/7. But it IS possible to live as if our whole lives ARE a prayer, creating a greater and immersive communion with our Father, talking to Him in every breath, action, and thought of our lives. I loved this concept. It helped open my eyes to the truth that I can actually pray without ceasing.
As a side note, I also absolutely adored and am implementing his parenting strategy of asking his son, “Why do I love you?” Then affirming that it’s not because of anything he does (though he loves those things about him), but it’s simply because he is his son. He just loves him because he is. I thought that was lovely. When I did this small exercise with my own son, he held onto me so tight. I could tell it impacted him.
All in all, a good, instructive read. Would recommend!
The biggest revelation that I gained was in the chapter discussing “opening the conversation.” Addison talked about how we often (even subconsciously) separate our lives into the “secular” and the “sacred.” We spend so much time in the mundane tasks of life that fall into the “secular” category that we feel like God is distant. Until we view our entire lives as sacred, we will never achieve the ability to “pray continually.” It’s not possible to engage in the religious practice some people consider “prayer” all the time, 24/7. But it IS possible to live as if our whole lives ARE a prayer, creating a greater and immersive communion with our Father, talking to Him in every breath, action, and thought of our lives. I loved this concept. It helped open my eyes to the truth that I can actually pray without ceasing.
As a side note, I also absolutely adored and am implementing his parenting strategy of asking his son, “Why do I love you?” Then affirming that it’s not because of anything he does (though he loves those things about him), but it’s simply because he is his son. He just loves him because he is. I thought that was lovely. When I did this small exercise with my own son, he held onto me so tight. I could tell it impacted him.
All in all, a good, instructive read. Would recommend!
February 5, 2023
Words with God
Trading Boring, Empty Prayer for Real Connection
by Addison D. Bevere
Pub Date 18 Apr 2023
Revell
Christian | Religion & Spirituality
I am reviewing a copy of Words With God through Revell and Netgalley:
Words with God reminds us that prayer is a struggle for most of us. We are aware of the need for us to pray. We know it would be good for us help us be more grounded, more connected to God. But in our hurried lives, slowing down to pray can feel like a cosmic waste of time. Do our prayers even matter? What, if anything, happens when we pray? Are we having words with God or just words with ourselves?
Addison Bevere takes you into and through the tension of prayer--the struggles, the doubts, the answers--to the place where God makes himself real to you, in this thoughtful book.
If you are tired of boring, empty, transactional prayer then Words With God, this is the book for you.
I give Words With God five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
Trading Boring, Empty Prayer for Real Connection
by Addison D. Bevere
Pub Date 18 Apr 2023
Revell
Christian | Religion & Spirituality
I am reviewing a copy of Words With God through Revell and Netgalley:
Words with God reminds us that prayer is a struggle for most of us. We are aware of the need for us to pray. We know it would be good for us help us be more grounded, more connected to God. But in our hurried lives, slowing down to pray can feel like a cosmic waste of time. Do our prayers even matter? What, if anything, happens when we pray? Are we having words with God or just words with ourselves?
Addison Bevere takes you into and through the tension of prayer--the struggles, the doubts, the answers--to the place where God makes himself real to you, in this thoughtful book.
If you are tired of boring, empty, transactional prayer then Words With God, this is the book for you.
I give Words With God five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
January 17, 2026
Excelente libro para empezar el año.
Al empezar el año, no me podía concentrar y no encontraba el libro para empezar a leer, hasta que llego este libro; simplemente vi el titulo y el autor y dije: este es el que estoy buscando! Así fue, definitivamente era el libro.
Addison nos lleva por una realidad que pasan por muchos cristianos (me incluyo), el lo describe de una forma tan real y natural (obviamente te cuenta su propia experiencia) pero es esa sinceridad y "crudeza" que te lleva a sentirte identificado con todo; además de esa claridad que no te deja soltar el libro y a la par concentrarte cada vez más para aprender un poco más.
Me encanto el libro; y otro detalle el libro cita una frase de un libro que hace tiempo quiero comprar, definitivamente otra señal del camino que debo seguir.
Recomendado el libro.
Al empezar el año, no me podía concentrar y no encontraba el libro para empezar a leer, hasta que llego este libro; simplemente vi el titulo y el autor y dije: este es el que estoy buscando! Así fue, definitivamente era el libro.
Addison nos lleva por una realidad que pasan por muchos cristianos (me incluyo), el lo describe de una forma tan real y natural (obviamente te cuenta su propia experiencia) pero es esa sinceridad y "crudeza" que te lleva a sentirte identificado con todo; además de esa claridad que no te deja soltar el libro y a la par concentrarte cada vez más para aprender un poco más.
Me encanto el libro; y otro detalle el libro cita una frase de un libro que hace tiempo quiero comprar, definitivamente otra señal del camino que debo seguir.
Recomendado el libro.
April 3, 2023
This was my first experience reading this author's work and I really enjoyed the idea of this read -- making prayer a more natural aspect of my daily life and not a "ritual." I have to say that since the 2019 pandemic, my prayer life has totally changed for the better and I tend to "pray" to God all day long. When I read the blurb for this book, I figured if it helped my prayer life even more, that was a good thing! I enjoyed his way of thinking and explaining various various bible scriptures which opened my eyes in a different and interesting way. This is a thoughtful, interesting and unique book about prayer and one that I most definitely recommend. I'm grateful to have been given an opportunity to read an advance copy of this book through NetGalley.
June 17, 2023
Read this book if you are lacking in your prayer life, doubting prayer or even wanting to understand prayer more. Words with God isn’t a book lecturing on how to pray right, but about the beauty and faith it takes to pray. This is the first book I have read by Addison Bevere, and I will be reading more. His writing style is easy to follow and speaks to the heart. He isn’t “preachy” or negative, but encouraging especially when you are needing a confidence boost in your faith and prayer life. This book reminded me of the connection that prayer can give us, and how much we really need it throughout our daily lives.
July 21, 2025
This was not as practical as I wanted it to be, but I think that was the point. This book doesn’t give a formula for prayer (like my control-loving flesh wanted), but it is great to change my mindset about prayer. It’s very poetically written and deep so it took me a while to get through, but overall, it was worth it.
So, not an easy read but one that will challenge you to grow. Also, it’s not a practical play-by-play but instead is more focused on revealing the Father’s heart towards our connection with Him and others.
So, not an easy read but one that will challenge you to grow. Also, it’s not a practical play-by-play but instead is more focused on revealing the Father’s heart towards our connection with Him and others.
July 12, 2025
An incredible read.
"Jesus is God's Word. The One in whom every true word finds a home. We have life in his name because his name has become our own: He is the Holy One, and we are holy ones. He is the Beloved Son, and we are his brothers and sisters, beloved by the Father. To the degree that we understand this to be true, we can pray in the authority and authenticity and permanency of his name."
"Jesus is God's Word. The One in whom every true word finds a home. We have life in his name because his name has become our own: He is the Holy One, and we are holy ones. He is the Beloved Son, and we are his brothers and sisters, beloved by the Father. To the degree that we understand this to be true, we can pray in the authority and authenticity and permanency of his name."
August 20, 2023
Words With God is a gentle reminder that rote prayer, although still a conversation with God is not the only way to pray. I like to be reminded of that and to always listen to the response. The author almost dissects The Lord's Prayer and examines the meaning of each sentence. When i say the prayer now, it is with deeper thought and understanding.
December 2, 2023
I really enjoyed the depth of thought that went into this book, as well as the dive into certain scriptures that was truly enlightening. Bevere has a way of making concepts easy to grasp.
This book will likely go on my reread list for down the road... meanwhile, I would recommend it to Christians looking to grow in their prayer life.
This book will likely go on my reread list for down the road... meanwhile, I would recommend it to Christians looking to grow in their prayer life.
April 21, 2024
I enjoyed this book, but the advanced writing made it very difficult to follow sometimes. This book is not accessible to those with learning, developmental, or intellectual disabilities.
I liked the idea of the Spirit being the Lord of the Canyon. Son is the Lord of the Temple, and Father is the Lord of the Dance.
I liked the idea of the Spirit being the Lord of the Canyon. Son is the Lord of the Temple, and Father is the Lord of the Dance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2023
Written with honesty and intelligence, this is a great book for anyone who has struggled to hear God’s voice or has wrestled with doubts of any kind in relation to God. This book is worth your time and attention. Highly recommend!
May 31, 2023
This book was beautifully written with detail and relatability. I definitely recommend this book to those who want to know more about prayer and intimacy with God; as well as for those who need a refresher on the importance and beauty of prayer to Father God. It’s all about relationship!
July 7, 2023
A Good read but it wasn't what I was expecting from the title and it's companion book written by John Bevere. Although it was different from what I thought it was going to be, it was still inspirational and had good information in it.
March 1, 2024
Practical thoughts well connected to the Wprd of God on having Words with God. On his website there is a six session study to help reflect and implement the concepts. I appreciated his insights and the simple statements to hook you knowing prayer is communion with God in its truest form.
July 23, 2024
This book was so incredibly deep and profound that I would read a page, have my mind blown by a deep insight, then underline it and sit with it and pray about it and then do the same thing the next I picked it up.
It took me months to finish the book partly because I didn’t want it to end!
It took me months to finish the book partly because I didn’t want it to end!
January 4, 2025
This book is so refreshing in a way that brings clarity and excitement to spend not just time, but all of life, with the Lord. I love how the author addresses the condition of the human heart and mind, and disentangles all the stigmas, big emotions, and assumptions with the Truth of Who God is.
September 21, 2025
This book was a pretty solid book on prayer. It has some truly unique wisdom, but with that, some things I disagree with. Overall, it gives a solid outline on how to, why we, and what to pray and gives God the glory. 4.5 stars
September 23, 2023
So many good insights. Great for everyone but especially someone who has struggled with some disappointment with God
May 7, 2024
Such a skilled writer, felt like I was learning something new every page. Entertaining and very fun to read. A great book. I never write reviews this book was so good I had too.
November 24, 2024
Powerful and challenging. One of the best books on prayer, faith and Christian living I have read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews