Prayers that Changed History by Tricia Goyer (book review)

I did not grow up praying. I still feel very awkward when I pray. I have read a lot about prayer because that's how I learn best. I still feel awkward. However, I have learned that God doesn't heard our awkwardness but our hearts. 

My desire for better prayers (if there really is such a thing) lead me to read "Prayers that Changed History" by Tricia Goyer. I thought this author was familiar to me and I believe she has written articles for the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) magazine. 

"Prayers that Changed History" is written for older elementary students, I think. I really like how it's written and arranged, though. You read a story about an historical character, then a question is posed based upon this story, a bit on how his or her story changed history, a Biblical account that is similar to this story, and finally how this can show in your life. Just a great explanation to really explain the relevance of this story in history and to the Bible. 

image via BookLook

What I liked: I said above, I like the organization. I myself am not an organizer but I greatly appreciate it. Who wants to come organize my home? 

I also liked that I was not familiar with each historical figure. I knew Mother Teresa, Deitrich Boenhoeffer, Christopher Columbus, Martin Luther, Susanna Wesley (Charles and John Wesley's mother), George Muller (he's been showing up a lot in my reading as of late). I had never heard of Amy Carmichael, Polycarp, Billy Sunday, David Livingstone, Catherine Booth (although I was familiar with the story), or Mary Jones. There are others in the book (a lot!), but I just loved the diversity - men, women, different races, poor folk, richer ones. It shows even more that our God is not a God of one type of person but for all. 

I loved most hearing about ordinary people like Mary Jones who lived in Ireland and saved up her money to buy a precious Bible. Susanna Wesley who was "just" a stay-at-home mom (did it say she had 9 children?). These women changed history. These ordinary women. Sometimes I feel very small in God's Kingdom, very insignificant. But I don't know the butterfly effect of my prayers and my faithfulnesss. This gives me hope and encouragement to continue on in the faith.

What I didn't like: nothing. I really loved this book. I wish it were longer. 

Pick up your copy today. This would make an excellent book for just about anyone. The reading is not too difficult so even my 6-year-old could probably read it. He wouldn't because there aren't enough pictures. Do they make this in graphic novel? 

Disclaimer: I received this copy in order to write an honest review. All opinions are my own and may not be the same as yours.