I found Bonnie St. John's book "How Strong Women Pray" encouraging. So many times as busy women (so many demands, so little time) we beat ourselves up when we don't do everything perfectly including the amount of time we take to pray. Unfortunately, that leads us to abandon prayer altogether at times. I enjoyed the many stories of women who despite it all, found ways to fit prayer in and recognized its power as a result. St. John brilliantly weaves her own life story within the fabric of the book - giving the reader an opportunity to witness her growth as a result of embracing God and prayer for herself. From simple, short prayers to more elaborate prayers, St. John empowers us with the knowledge that both are sufficient.

A wonderfully written work on the benefits of prayer. Bonnie St. John's book details her journey towards a closer relationship with her Creator interwoven with pivotal times of other women and their prayer lives. I especially enjoyed that St. John included women from all areas of life, some well known and others who were not. It only shows that all women regardless of their status in life who put God first reap His benefits. Regardless of the reader's current prayer life, this book motivates the reader to desire a more intense relationship and a closer fellowship with God.

This a great book. A remarkable aspect of this book is that God shares with each reader how to live and find your life's purpose through prayer and faith. The women highlighted in this book are very inspirational people who attest to Matthew 19:26,"with men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible". No matter what situations women are facing, looking back at the history of prayer, women have been the strongest believers.

How Strong Women Pray is a gathering of personal insights from a variety of women with interesting backgrounds and experiences. Bonnie's powerful story is shared throughout the book - I really liked the way the book was presented. Everyone is certain to find at least a few women they can relate to and be encouraged by. I'm glad I took the time to read this book.

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...I did say her) birthday! It is an excellent addition to any library.

"How Strong Women Pray," boldly addresses issues that many women face but is often not openly discussed. At age 4, Ms. St. John was molested by her step-father and that cruel act continued for many years. At age 5, she was hospitalized for 6 months, with limited visits from her family, in order to get her leg amputated and then fitted for a prosthetic leg. Ms. St. John writes "to cope with the depressing realities of life, I not only controlled my emotions, I escaped into worlds through books and stories." This coping mechanism was central in her life for many years until she learned through prayer and therapy to face her fears and get in touch with her emotional core. Despite the heartbreaking start, this is not a downer; it is a story about triumphing against the odds and finding the path to self love and self awareness.

Ms. St. John's own story is so powerful that you are tempted to skip all the others and just focus on her compelling story. If you give in to that urge, you will miss inspiring stories by Ann Marie Moloney, a police office who on 9/11 rushed to ground zero to assist. She speaks about witnessing the devastation and coping through prayer and the strength of kids who gave the workers their favorite stuffed animals and blankies. You will love the story of Colette Branch, a Katrina survivor who God placed in the right position to save herself and over 100 severely disabled residents. You will understand the sacrifice of many military families after hearing how Kelly Hoke coped when told that her husband, who just returned from Afghanistan, would be deployed again to Iraq after spending just 90 days at home.

In a book where Ms. St. John laid herself bare, a few of the well known women missed the opportunity to share more of their authentic selves; however, the majority of the stories are heartwarming, painful, inspiring and profoundly authentic. In her early days of giving speeches, Ms. St. John struggled with stage fright. She conquered her fear when she was able to say "God made me to inspire others and He gives me the courage to do it." I believe that readers will indeed be inspired after reading "How Strong Women Pray".

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. I suggest this book to all readers.

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 maintained staying power, resilience and courage though their prayer lives. Intertwined throughout the book is Bonnie's amazing humbling account of her life's struggles with an inter haunting of being molested as a child by her step-father, her stamina, her victories, but ultimately her intimate relationship with God.


This book delivers a significant message - when it comes to your prayer life you do what works best for you. There are no Super Christians - if you allow the power of God to manifest in your life naturally, the rest will follow. I experienced a deeper spiritual connection in my own personal life through the reading of this book. I was compassionately moved by the phenomenal women who graciously expressed so beautifully, private accounts of their divine journey and how they manage to stay strong by being obedient and making simple prayers a part of their very existence. Their stories confirm that there is no better testimony or gift than sharing with others what has worked for you; they share Jesus without fear.


I loved this book - it will inspire you to pray, not in a traditional way but in a way where prayer becomes a part of your everyday life. It will show you that dreams do come true and obstacles can only make you stronger if you don't give up and truly believe in yourself and the power of the Living God. Don't just buy one copy of this book, because after reading How Strong Women Pray, there will surely be someone that you will want to share it with.

Sharon Haynes
Sisters Sippin' Tea Literary Group - Tulsa Chapter

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. It is a wonderful confirmation that prayer comes in all forms and that there isn't one mold for prayer. Refreshing.