How Strong Women Pray (Hardcover)

by Bonnie St. John (Author)

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)
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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

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: FaithWords; 1 edition (November 2, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446579262
• ISBN-13: 978-0446579261
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #412,283 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful look at prayer , October 16, 2007

By	Christina Lockstein "http://christysbookblog.... (Oconto Falls, WI USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

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.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer..., November 1, 2007

By	On Assignment "Linda!" - See all my reviews

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

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Supreme Chocolate Kiss!, November 1, 2007

By	Pamela Perry (Detroit, MI) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is so sweet and yet nourishing at the same time. You'd want to read it during your devotion time and meditate on all the nuggets. It's so good! Loved it! Bonnie St. John, fine job!

Pam Perry
Chocolate Pages Reviews