Thursday, March 27, 2014

Praying for Boys {a Bethany House review}

Boys.  I was blessed with four of them.  They are all now in double digits, ranging from the just-turned-10-year-old to the still-16-year-old, and they are a handful at times.  I've read more than my share of parenting types of books that are either about general parenting, or about parenting boys in particular.  I've read a few books on praying for your kids.

I'm not sure why this title got my attention.  Praying for Boys.  It's direct and to the point, and maybe that intrigued me.  And it is written by Brooke McGlothlin, not that the name meant anything to me.  However, she's a co-founder of The MOB Society, and that is something that got my attention.  I've always been impressed with what I've seen there, especially since it seems like they live in the real world where boys make messes, exasperate their mothers, and the moms aren't perfect either.

So, assuming this was going to be just another one of those books that makes me feel inadequate, I requested to review it.

Surprise!  Brooke doesn't make me feel like a spiritual failure.

Here's what the publisher says about this book:
Instead of trying harder to change your boy's behavior or worrying about his future, enjoy the peace that comes when you pray specific prayers for him straight from the Bible. This encouraging book helps you target your prayers on what your son needs most--from patience and self-control to having a pure heart and making wise decisions.
Today you can start giving whatever concerns you have to God and
- learn to fight for your son's heart in prayer
- look at raising boys as a gift
- see how even quick prayers make a difference
- understand boys' deepest struggles, no matter their age
- rest in knowing that God is the only One who can change your son's heart

Written for moms but great for dads (and grandparents) too, this easy-to-use book is filled with uplifting stories and biblical wisdom that will equip you on your journey to raising a godly man.

Includes a 21-Day Prayer Guide for Small Groups, in Person or Online!
This is a no-nonsense book that doesn't patronize me, but actually encourages me.  And that's just the chapters before you get to the prayer part of it.  Brooke doesn't give any checklists of empty promises (do A, B, C and D and you are guaranteed to have a model-citizen son) and she does come across as real.

The prayer part of it -- and I worried a lot about this based on other materials about praying for your kids -- is easy and straightforward and doesn't make me feel like I'm putting on airs or trying to be something I'm not.

Great book.  I'm seriously considering it as a baby shower gift for a couple new mamas that I know.


Disclosure:  Bethany House provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes.  No other compensation was received, and all opinions are my own.

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