Review: Praying with Eyes Wide Open: A Life-Changing Way to Talk with God by Sherry Harney

Review: Praying with Eyes Wide Open: A Life-Changing Way to Talk with God

Sherry Harney

2017

Baker Books

Praying with eyes wide open? For some, I guess, that idea borders on scandalous. But fear not, this book has lots more than that in it. It might have been the day I read the first few chapters of this book, but they just did not speak to me. Nothing. I was ready to put it down. But, instead I picked it up again.

Sections 2, 3, and 4 of this book sang to me like the first section didn’t. I am glad now that I came back to it. So, what’s the deal with the first few chapters? I suspect since I have read so many books on prayer, that it was too familiar. Or maybe it was the weather or something. The rest touched on several areas from a fresh perspective and I found that very helpful, a joy to read. Uncle Seamus skipping by the lake which she borrowed from Brennan Manning filled my imagination. Her son offering a lady his ice cream dessert in a restaurant made me grin. Her prayer guide on page 164 will become a fixture on my frig after I make about 5000 copies. Ok, maybe a few less than that, but such a simple idea works.

So, after a rough start I can say I am glad I finished this book. What makes this book different than many I have read is the tone and the helpful ideas she provides at the end of each chapter. I may even give that first section another chance.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a review.

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