Experiencing God's Presence is a bold and life-transforming book that will help readers develop a vibrant relationship with God. Linda Evans Shepherd tells readers that a fulfilling prayer life is more than just regularly talking to God or checking items off a prayer list. God loves us so much that he wants us to draw close enough not only to talk but also to listen.

With all that has been written on the subject of prayer and intimacy with God, my first thought was, What else needs to be said? But I am so glad that I took advantage of the opportunity to review this book, because I've discovered another great author when it comes to the spiritual discipline of prayer - an author who is almost unique in her approach. Linda writes in a very down-to-earth, conversational style and her voice is one of passion birthed out of personal experience - and that's a winning combination.

Whether you're a seasoned prayer warrior, a new Christian desiring to learn about prayer, or a committed follower too busy working for the Lord to take time to really know Him, Experiencing God's Presence will speak to you. Linda successfully blends Scripture, insightful telling of some Bible stories, personal accounts, and actual prayers as a guide. Each chapter also has a "listening prayer" exercise and reflective questions.

I liked Linda's idea of conversation starters, such as "prayer ABCs" . . .

1) Acknowledge him - Let him know you're thinking about him.

2) Bring it - Tell him your concerns or needs.

3) Chat - Tell God whatever is on your mind.

Experiencing God's Presence is packed with powerful quotes, and I like that because they often get to the heart of an issue and people tend to remember them. For example . . .

-- "Building intimacy with God is a choice we make."

-- "When we tempt the devil to tempt us, it's like we've left a ladder next to an open window with a sign that says, 'Come on in.'"

-- "Hope is a choice. It's something you can give up or something you can cling to."

-- "When you behold the risen Lord, or notice that he's with you in the darkest of circumstances, there's no force in the universe that can stop the joy that will flood your heart."

Though we're familiar with God's "be still" command, I suspect most of us struggle to put it into practice, but Experiencing God's Presence encourages growth in that area with practical ideas. I believe this book will increase your desire to listen as your prayer life grows, and I highly recommend it. This book works well for personal use, and discussion questions for a group setting are provided at the end.

This book was provided by BookFun.org and Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Whether you are a fairly new Christian or have been a Christian for many years, this book will help you grow closer to God and deepen your prayer life. It is insightful, inspirational, and practical. Linda Evans Shepherd digs into some deep topics, but does so in a way that makes sense to the reader. As she shares personal stories, prayers, and Bible verses, she encourages readers to make prayer time more meaningful. Prayer is a conversation with God, which means both speaking and listening. This book can be used alone or in a group. I like the way it is designed and arranged. Very reader friendly. Thanks Linda for this wonderful book that will bless many readers!

Experiencing God's Presence

By: Linda Evans Shepherd

I really liked this book. I believe it would make a wonderful study guide for a group study or one alone. I know it was a blessing to me. Linda is trying to show us how we can be better in our prayer life. We need to come to god boldly in our prayers and in our walk of life. We have not cause we ask not. Hebrews 4: 16

The book is set up in 12 Experiences each has the experience , discussion , prayers and Question and answering section. Linda is showing us how we need to be open to hear God. Are we listening to Him. I loved the part about blessings. She spoke of how people are hurt for being a Christian. Made fun of or sometimes even abused and killed for their belief. God will Bless you for all you do in His name. So many ways in this book to enrich your prayer life I recommend it to all.

Experiencing God's Presence by Linda Evans Shepherd is a precious book. It will touch your heart with the love in God's heart as you go through its pages, practice its prayers and learn to really listen for God's response to you. The book helps the reader to learn the many situations in which we can reach out to God. People tend to have blind spots and will reach out to God in certain scenarios but not in others. The book gives direction with prayers to reach God at various points of need in one's life.

The author has a nice way of topping off each chapter with a "Beholding Jesus in Prayer" time with fill in the blanks to make the prayers fit the needs of individual readers. Then a "Listening Prayer" section gives exercises to facilitate hearing what God wants to speak into your life. Finally the "Making It Personal" prayer encourages acknowledgement of a deepening relationship with God.

The book is fashioned much like a workbook to be written in. For my purposes, I believe the book may be used alongside a journal book to record thoughts so the book itself may be kept for use on an annual basis. The book is one that would be relevant and fresh for each new year's challenges and praises. Yes, it is that precious. I can see using it for many years.

I received this book from Bookfun.org in exchange for reading it and posting an honest review of the book.

Experiencing God's Presence, Learning to Listen While You Pray by Linda Evans Shepherd

This is a great book designed to teach you how to have a deeper relationship with God by conversation with Him, seeking Him and seeing Him at work in our lives. The author shows you how the scriptures can speak to you, I would say how it comes alive. I especially like the ABC's of a conversation with God, acknowledge Him, bring Him your concern, invite him in your day and chat with God about what is on your mind. You will also find examples of how God has worked in other peoples life and answered their prayer. The author also includes prayers and walks you through the steps. You will feel the presence of God after putting the steps into practice. This is a great book to use alone or as a group study. I have already put into practice some of the things I learned. Linda Evans Shepherd shows me how pray is a conversation with God just like a conversation with a trusted friend. I highly recommend this book. I want to thank the author and publisher for bringing Christian books like this one to readers like me. I would also like to thank The Book Club Network Inc. for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review.