Prayers That Changed History by Tricia Goyer: A Book Review and a Giveaway

by Sally Matheny

Prayers That Changed History
by Tricia Goyer

Prayers That Changed History, by bestselling author, Tricia Goyer, is a unique blend of a history and a devotion book. Over the years, during her research of various historical figures, Goyer stumbled upon delightful information that isn’t typically found in textbooks. She compiled her research and shares about the prayer lives of twenty-five notable figures in history.

At the end of this review, be sure to read how you can win this book!

Beginning with Polycarp in 155 A.D. the book progresses through with various folks including Governor William Bradford, Sojourner Truth, George Muller, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. 

Each section covers a brief story from the life of the notable figure, followed by sections: “Something to Think About,”  “In His (or Her) Own Words,” and “How He (or She) Changed History.” Goyer goes further with a portion tying the historical account to a scripture passage in “It’s in the Bible.” She wraps each chapter up with how it can apply to “Your Life.”

There are several stories I've heard bits and pieces of over the years. It's nice having all the information bound in one book. Also, there are many stories I've never heard before such as the one about Helen Keller's spiritual training. While Anne Sullivan taught deaf and blind Helen many things, it was Bishop Phillips Brooks who told her about Jesus. Goyer includes several excerpts from letters between Helen and Bishop Brooks. Helen had many questions and Bishop Brooks was eager to guide her to the answers. 

One of Helen's quotes reminded me of a similar experience of the once-trapped, "Ghost Boy," Martin Pistorius. When she learned about Jesus, she said, "I always knew he was there, but I didn't know his name!"  

This book is full of fascinating reading such as this.

The paperback book is approximately 200 pages in length and includes one black-and-white illustration of each notable figure.

There’s a bibliography of 139 primary and secondary resources listed in the back of the book. While Wikipedia is mentioned several times, Goyer references other more reliable resources for each chapter as well.

Zonderkiz promotes the book for ages 8 -18. I agree with that age span and adults will find the material interesting as well. Goyer set out to share what happened when godly people prayed. She also desired for the reader to come away wondering what might happen if they prayed. Those goals were met when my family read the book and I recommend the book for your family.

In fact, I’m giving away my copy of the book to one of you. You can enter your name in the drawing two ways. (Do both and you get your name in twice.)

1. Subscribe to this blog, You can do that in various ways. One is by entering your email in the box provided to your right. You’ll receive one encouraging email from me each week containing the weekly blog post. Once you subscribe, or if you’re already a faithful subscriber (thank you!), just comment below and say so, and your name will be entered into the drawing.

2. Hop over to my facebook page and if you like what you see, simply click on the “Like” button at the top. This is one way to help others find their way to my blog for encouragement for Christian living. Once you’ve liked the page or if you’ve already “liked” the facebook page (thank you), then comment below and your name will be entered into the drawing.

I’ll announce the winner of the book on Friday, December 11. Also, since this is the time of year for surprises, there will be additional surprises!

                                              

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. 
The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”