Refresh Your Prayers: Uncommon Devotions to Restore Power and Praise

Review Title: Help For Weary Prayer Warriors (review of Refresh Your Prayers by Lori Hatcher)Reviewer: Janice Garey***** 5 StarsThis timely new devotional, published by the ever popular Our Daily Bread group, hits a bullseye for those of us who have been at a point of overwhelm for several years now. We've been called to battle in the spiritual realm over extremely gut-wrenching matters almost daily. It's been one crisis after another. I know I am worn out and welcome what this book offers.I am amazed at how the author, Lori Hatcher, draws from the well of experience in everyday matters to find spiritual aspects that nourish the soul. It's as if the spiritual eyes of her heart are open a little bit wider than others and she wants to share the glorious view. Lori helps me see the ripe fruit available for enjoying in the multitude of learning experiences in our days. She is always careful to correctly use God's Word in her writings. She gently weaves a story about distressing events such as meeting up with a childhood bully in a way that shows God's help is available when our troubles are shared with others who care about us.One devotion I found especially meaningful is titled, "Does God Speak To Me?" It gave needed insight into a topic I previously had decided to research. I felt delight in finding this devotion succintly answered my questions and gave guidance for future efforts to listen to God.Although I have not yet read the book cover to cover, I have read enough to prompt me to order both the paperback version and the Kindle version. I need both; one I can share, and the other I can take with me wherever I go. It's that good. I was given an Advance Reader's Copy by the publisher for review purposes. I have given my honest review and was under no obligation to do otherwise. I want to help those looking for a good devotional book to know that this is an excellent choice.

She writes in such a way that you feel like you are talking with her over tea. Deep insights, daily challenges, and grounded in the Word. Love her down-to-earth writing style and personal stories that add another element of understanding of the Scripture. I own all of her books and devotions! And she has another one coming out soon! Will definitely be purchasing that. Great for gifts too!

Refresh Your Prayers is like sitting down with a close friend over a cup of coffee. Lori gently encourages the reader to try out new ways to talk with God, but she doesn't simply tell us what to do; she draws us in through short personal stories that connect to the Bible verses and the main idea of each chapter. I often find written prayers to feel stiff and unnatural, but Praise Prompts are relaxed conversational prayers, the way I imagine talking to our Heavenly Father. And Lori's sweet spirit models the Father's tender heart, making talking with Him as comfortable as confiding in a best friend. I will savor reading this book many times as I take steps to enrich my own prayer life.

It’s hard for me to find devotional books that are warm and gentle enough to give to a new believer, yet deeply satisfying enough to give to a mature one. I was delighted with this one. It is brimming with interesting stories and enriching insights; great depth wrapped in a soft hug. This is a perfectly timed gift book for all ages and stages of maturity. I know so many people who seem to be returning to prayer after a long time away… though unfortunately, not attending church. So, I’ve ordered four copies as gifts. Expect a best-seller here. * I received an advance reader copy from Our Daily Bread Publishing in exchange for my honest review.Elizabeth Brickman, AuthorTHIN & BLESSED10 Wise Decisions for Love, Power & Joy

Author Lori Hatcher provides 60 devotions encouraging readers to daily pray and praise. I highly recommend this devotional book!

Why not pray more? What should I pray in this situation? How do I pray when this happens? When do I stop praying for...? Perhaps many of our questions can be answered in Chapter 10, "Growing in Relationship with God" where Lori reminds and corrects some of us that "God invites us to pray for many reasons, but the primary reason is to cultivate a relationship with us." Those pleasant and even difficult circumstances have great potential for believers when experienced in prayer. Lori, helps us answer some of the toughest questions about prayer, how and what should one pray, and encouragement to be steadfast in prayer.

What should we pray for? How should we pray? Why should we pray? Lori Hatcher answers these questions and more in her new devotional, Refresh Your Prayers.Divided into six sections, the book gives the reader a better understanding of prayer and boosts her confidence and effectiveness when praying.A bonus section for me was “Favorite Prayers from the Bible” where we examine the prayers of Moses, David, Peter and oyhrtd in easy-to-read storybook style.

Does not really engage the reader very well.