Bonnie St. John profiles some of today's most prominent women and how prayer has impacted their lives.
How Strong Women Pray
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Book Description
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Part celebrity memoir, part how-to guide to prayer, this collection features the personal stories of many famous women who openly discuss their spiritual lives. There are some mature and wise words from singer Amy Grant, who confesses that prayer for her is often loose and unscheduled, and from actress/singer Della Reese, who has a regular morning devotional routine. Some of the stories are gripping: syndicated radio host Janet Parshall shares the story of her son's recovery from a gunshot wound to the head; Sopranos star Edie Falco reveals how prayer was the key to overcoming alcoholism; and gymnast Nadia Comaneci discusses how her family remained pious even when prayer and churchgoing were punishable offenses in Romania. The book is roughly organized into themes such as childhood, motherhood, career, marriage, dark times and maintaining a prayer life amid worldly success. Some of the most touching revelations in the book are St. John's own disclosures about fissures in her marriage, recovery from sexual abuse, and problems with perfectionism and self-esteem. At other times, though, St. John's chapters feel like excuses for name-dropping and establishing her career bona fides, which are certainly impressive (Harvard and Oxford degrees; Paralympics silver medal; working on Wall Street and in the White House), but not always obviously relevant. (Nov. 2)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Review
"Bonnie St. John has inspired many people with her own life and what she has accomplished despite her disability but wanted to share how prayer was a big part of it all and has written a book titled "How Strong Women Pray". -- ThewhatIfWomen.blogspot.com
"Bonnie St. John's amazing life story is interwoven with intimate reflections on prayer by Maya Angelou, Kathie Lee Gifford, Amy Grant, Kathy Ireland, Edie Falco, and Susan Taylor, to name just a few." -- AWidow.com
"The good news is, every woman, no matter how strong her spirituality, struggles to get close to God and stay close. Learn from their lessons. There's something for every woman between the covers." -- IDealinhope.com
"This book speaks to the power of God and the strength women draw from him." -- ChristysBookblog.blogspot.com
"Very inspirational book that will have you considering your prayer time or lack there of." -- LauraWilliamsmusings.blogspot.com
"How Strong Women Pray" is an intimate spiritual journey undertaken by author Bonnie St. John to learn about prayer and how it plays a part in the lives of women." -- EURweb.com
"Bonnie St. John's amazing life story is interwoven with intimate reflections on prayer by Maya Angelou, Kathie Lee Gifford, Amy Grant, Kathy Ireland, Edie Falco, and Susan Taylor, to name just a few." -- AWidow.com
"The good news is, every woman, no matter how strong her spirituality, struggles to get close to God and stay close. Learn from their lessons. There's something for every woman between the covers." -- IDealinhope.com
"This book speaks to the power of God and the strength women draw from him." -- ChristysBookblog.blogspot.com
"Very inspirational book that will have you considering your prayer time or lack there of." -- LauraWilliamsmusings.blogspot.com
"How Strong Women Pray" is an intimate spiritual journey undertaken by author Bonnie St. John to learn about prayer and how it plays a part in the lives of women." -- EURweb.com
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
How Strong Women Pray by Bonnie St. John is a powerfully written devotional/memoir. St. John had her foot amputated when she was four, was sexually abused from her preschool years until almost her teens by her stepfather, medaled in the Paralympics in skiing, and worked in the White House. Episodes in her life are bracketed by short essays by famous strong women about how they use prayer in their lives. Each woman uses prayer a little differently: some talk to God all day as a friend, others use more formulaic prayer, some meditate and listen for God there. But every woman listens to God in her own way and feels him moving in her life. Amy Grant, Edie Falco, and Maya Angelou each speak of the power of God. St. John's story is alternately heartbreaking and uplifting, and her search for faith speaks to the heart. The chapters are short and easy to read. While other reviews mention to St. John as a name-dropper, that's an unfair label. Each story tells of how this woman fought to rise above her circumstances and ultimately came to the realization that she couldn't do it alone. While she may have met famous people along the way, none of them filled the God shaped hole in her heart. This book speaks to the power of God and the strength women draw from him.
14 of 16 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not all testimonies in this book offer a biblical view of prayer
December 16, 2007
Format:Hardcover
Bonnie St. John has an impressive resume. Her list of accomplishments includes Paralympic Silver Medalist, one-legged Olympic ski champion, magna cum laude graduate of Harvard University, Rhodes Scholar, White House official, author, motivational speaker. What one may not expect to learn is that such an accomplished woman was also a victim of sexual abuse for several years of her childhood. While the loss of her leg drove her to succeed, the scars from childhood victimization threatened to destroy her. St. John realized that she had a gift for inspiring others with her story. As she set out to become a motivational speaker and author, she learned the power of prayer. However, the pain of facing her past and finding healing drove her closer to God and deepened her prayer life. St. John has shared her story with thousands of men and women, but many do not understand the strength she receives from spending time in prayer every morning. How Strong Women Pray was born from her desire to share the power of prayer, not only in her own life, but in the lives of twenty-seven other strong women from around the United States.
Most of the women who volunteered their prayer testimonies for How Strong Women Pray are not considered "religious" or "spiritual." To the casual observer, it would appear that these women have achieved their status by sheer will-power, hard work, and luck. St. John's goal with this project is to show that some of the most well-known and respected women in music, television, radio, politics, publishing, education, and athletics make prayer a priority in their lives. In addition to St. John, the following women contributed their stories: Maya Angelou, Barbara Bush, Nadia Comaneci, Delilah, Edie Falco, Vonetta Flowers, Kathie Lee Gifford, Amy Grant, Dorothy Height, Barbara and Kathy Ireland, Immaculee Ilibagiza, Marilyn McCoo, Janet Parshall, Libby Pataki, Susan Taylor, Christine Todd Whitman, and Heather Whitestone.
I enjoyed the format of this book. Each woman's testimony serves as one chapter. Then, between each testimony, Bonnie St. John tells a little more of her journey to a life of prayer. St. John's chapters are the glue holding the whole project together. St. John has lived such an extraordinary life she can relate to something in each woman's testimony, from motherhood to serving in Washington, D.C. Because such a wide variety of women (and, indirectly, denominations and doctrines) are featured, I think every kind of woman could find something interesting in this book.
The main reason I enjoyed reading How Strong Women Pray is I like to read about real people. The actual content regarding prayer, however, left much to be desired. With the exception of a few women, I did not appreciate much of what they had to say about prayer and the role it plays in their lives. Most of the women featured talked about prayer as more of a focusing exercise, a time for meditation, centering, something to do to quiet and empty the mind. Prayer is used more like a tool to help them be who they want to be. Many of the women spoke of "knowing" something after spending time in prayer, and did so without any reference to Scripture. The worst example of this is St. John's own account that she knew God was telling her that she could not stay married to her husband. Furthermore, when the word "God" is used I am left wondering which "God" the writer is talking about. A few women mention Jesus, use Scripture, and refer to prayer as a way of talking directly God. Some women even discussed the importance of setting aside time to pray with their spouses, and the difference prayer made in their marriages. While there are some decent testimonies, most of them are rather mystical and disjointed, trying to say something about prayer but not really saying anything about biblical prayer.
The goal of How Strong Women Pray is to share how prayer has impacted strong women, with prayer being defined as loosely as possible. If the reader goes in with those expectations, just wanting to enjoy a handful of human-interest stories, then she will not be disappointed. However, I would not recommend this book because it does not fall completely in line with what the Bible teaches regarding prayer.
Most of the women who volunteered their prayer testimonies for How Strong Women Pray are not considered "religious" or "spiritual." To the casual observer, it would appear that these women have achieved their status by sheer will-power, hard work, and luck. St. John's goal with this project is to show that some of the most well-known and respected women in music, television, radio, politics, publishing, education, and athletics make prayer a priority in their lives. In addition to St. John, the following women contributed their stories: Maya Angelou, Barbara Bush, Nadia Comaneci, Delilah, Edie Falco, Vonetta Flowers, Kathie Lee Gifford, Amy Grant, Dorothy Height, Barbara and Kathy Ireland, Immaculee Ilibagiza, Marilyn McCoo, Janet Parshall, Libby Pataki, Susan Taylor, Christine Todd Whitman, and Heather Whitestone.
I enjoyed the format of this book. Each woman's testimony serves as one chapter. Then, between each testimony, Bonnie St. John tells a little more of her journey to a life of prayer. St. John's chapters are the glue holding the whole project together. St. John has lived such an extraordinary life she can relate to something in each woman's testimony, from motherhood to serving in Washington, D.C. Because such a wide variety of women (and, indirectly, denominations and doctrines) are featured, I think every kind of woman could find something interesting in this book.
The main reason I enjoyed reading How Strong Women Pray is I like to read about real people. The actual content regarding prayer, however, left much to be desired. With the exception of a few women, I did not appreciate much of what they had to say about prayer and the role it plays in their lives. Most of the women featured talked about prayer as more of a focusing exercise, a time for meditation, centering, something to do to quiet and empty the mind. Prayer is used more like a tool to help them be who they want to be. Many of the women spoke of "knowing" something after spending time in prayer, and did so without any reference to Scripture. The worst example of this is St. John's own account that she knew God was telling her that she could not stay married to her husband. Furthermore, when the word "God" is used I am left wondering which "God" the writer is talking about. A few women mention Jesus, use Scripture, and refer to prayer as a way of talking directly God. Some women even discussed the importance of setting aside time to pray with their spouses, and the difference prayer made in their marriages. While there are some decent testimonies, most of them are rather mystical and disjointed, trying to say something about prayer but not really saying anything about biblical prayer.
The goal of How Strong Women Pray is to share how prayer has impacted strong women, with prayer being defined as loosely as possible. If the reader goes in with those expectations, just wanting to enjoy a handful of human-interest stories, then she will not be disappointed. However, I would not recommend this book because it does not fall completely in line with what the Bible teaches regarding prayer.
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Bonnie St. John's book, How Strong Women Pray epitomizes the focus of the aforementioned scripture. With skill, care and candor Ms. St. John cleverly entwines her life experiences with that of others to show the importance and results of prayer in their lives.
Through the uniquely written treatise readers are offered a view into the private lives of twenty-seven women. Each is viewed as strong in their own right. All are connected by duo threads of commonality; their dependence upon prayer and faith to acknowledge that they are not in control of their destinies. Delightfully absent from this work is the impression of a regime of rigidity and uniformity to be entered into. Instead, you will see the simplicity and fervor in which each approaches prayer and are divinely ministered to.
Those who feel that the presence of high profile names, the mention of positions Ms. St. John has held and her academic and Olympic accomplishments are self-serving will not absorb the full thrust of the work. They will miss the fact that in spite of her high visibility and accomplishments, she has made a choice. Through the choice to be vulnerable, Ms. St. John speaks to the plight of many with disabilities. Without reserve she is reaching out to those who are merely surviving rather than seeking to overcome the trauma of sexual childhood abuse or other obstacles that is preventing them from reaching full potential.
Reviewer/Dr. Linda Beed
On Assignment Reviews
Through the uniquely written treatise readers are offered a view into the private lives of twenty-seven women. Each is viewed as strong in their own right. All are connected by duo threads of commonality; their dependence upon prayer and faith to acknowledge that they are not in control of their destinies. Delightfully absent from this work is the impression of a regime of rigidity and uniformity to be entered into. Instead, you will see the simplicity and fervor in which each approaches prayer and are divinely ministered to.
Those who feel that the presence of high profile names, the mention of positions Ms. St. John has held and her academic and Olympic accomplishments are self-serving will not absorb the full thrust of the work. They will miss the fact that in spite of her high visibility and accomplishments, she has made a choice. Through the choice to be vulnerable, Ms. St. John speaks to the plight of many with disabilities. Without reserve she is reaching out to those who are merely surviving rather than seeking to overcome the trauma of sexual childhood abuse or other obstacles that is preventing them from reaching full potential.
Reviewer/Dr. Linda Beed
On Assignment Reviews
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
How Strong Women Pray
Absolutely loved this book! I have told every woman I know they must read it!!! I loved the way she interwove so many powerful stories with her own. Bonnie St. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Teacherlady
3.0 out of 5 stars
OK
The book was fine but I wished it had actually talked more about 'How Strong Women Pray' . I never really understood 'how' they pray except in the vaguest of ways nor what they... Read more
Published 13 months ago by Compulsive Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars
A wonderful book to be read and shared ...
Last year, we had a home fire that literally left us with the shirts on our backs, and immediately found the need for and the comfort in our faith, family, and close friends. Read more
Published on February 14, 2010 by Suzann @ Work Smarter Now
5.0 out of 5 stars
How Strong Women Pray
This is an outstanding and very inspirational book. I bought it for myself and was so inspired by the stories of the women that I purchased a copy for my Pastor for her (Yes... Read more
Published on May 29, 2009 by rstaempress
5.0 out of 5 stars
And Still She Rises!
"How Strong Women Pray," boldly addresses issues that many women face but is often not openly discussed. At age 4, Ms. St. Read more
Published on September 12, 2008 by J. A. James
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good Reading
This was a very good book. Inspiring and practical ways of praying shared by women from different walks of life. Also, the author sharing her story was very inspiring also. Read more
Published on April 11, 2008 by M. L. Willis
5.0 out of 5 stars
Authentic Speaker, Teacher, and Role Model
I not only had the pleasure of reading the book but also the opportunity of seeing her performs in person on a couple of occasions. Read more
Published on April 1, 2008 by Brenda Jenkins
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved this Book
Bonnie St. John has written a book that will touch and inspire many. The compelling narratives encompass true accounts of how twenty-seven women from all walks of life have... Read more
Published on January 23, 2008 by Yours in Reading
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Book!
How Strong Women Pray is a remarkable book about prayer. St. John is a great writer and captures the personalities of the women she interviews. Read more
Published on January 16, 2008 by Rebecca Town
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Power of Prayer and Faith
Bonnie St. John is a contributor as well as editor of How Strong Women Pray published by Faith Works, an imprint of the Hachette Book Group. Read more
Published on January 5, 2008 by Dera R Williams
