Bible-Smart™: Matthew is NOT Your Grandpappy’s Kind of Commentary!

April 10, 2023 — Get ready for a sea change in Bible reference publishing: On April 18, 2023, Rose Publishing (an imprint of Tyndale House), will release the first ever Bible-Smart™ commentary by bestselling and award-winning theologian, Mike Nappa.

“I wanted to create a coffee-shop conversation about the Bible, not a sermon,” says Nappa. “I’m really tired of how weird people get when talking about Scripture, and one day I thought, ‘Somebody should do something about that.’ Some weeks later it dawned on me, ‘Maybe I should do something about that.’ The result was Bible-Smart: Matthew.”

First, Nappa asked a group of Facebook friends to read chapters from the gospel of Matthew and send him any questions that came to mind. Next, he did the same himself, compiling and curating questions into a long list of chapter-by-chapter, passage-by-passage sections. Then came the fun part. Mike Nappa started digging for answers to the questions in this list, writing “coffee-shop theology” segments about them, and creating a new kind of commentary for our generation—Q&A for the Curious Soul.

Along the way he opened the doors to seminary scholarship for everyday pew-sitters. Bible-Smart: Matthew utilizes more than a dozen Bible-exposition styles including:

• Archaeological insights,
• Bible difficulties,
• Cross-reference comparisons,
• Cultural commentary,
• Factual info,
• Geographical backgrounds,
• Historical context,
• Inductive studies,
• Literary influences,
• Personality and character studies,
• Rhetorical influences,
• Symbolic meanings,
• Theological commentary, and
• Word studies.

Bible-Smart: Matthew also includes a heartfelt “Shoutout to Pastor Chuck,”—a thank-you to Nappa’s former pastor and ministry mentor, Dr. Charles R. Swindoll.

But be warned: “Bible-Smart: Matthew ain’t your grandpappy’s stuffy, old commentary book,” Nappa says. “This is a 21st-Century spiritual-growth experience created just for you and me—a relaxed conversation for everyday pew-sitters who just want to discover more of Jesus as revealed in God’s Word. No seminary degree necessary.”

Upon release on April 18, Bible-Smart™: Matthew will be available wherever books are sold. Advance copies are currently available to members of the media, and Mike Nappa is available for interviews upon request.

ABOUT MIKE NAPPA:  Mike Nappa is a practical theologian known for writing and “coffee-shop theology” and Christian Living books. He’s a bestselling and award-winning author with millions of copies of his works sold worldwide. An Arab-American, Mike is proud to be a person of color (BIPOC) active in Christian publishing. Visit the Bible-Smart blog at Bible-Smart.com.

ABOUT ROSE PUBLISHING:  Rose Publishing (an imprint of Tyndale House) specializes in Bible reference for everyone. Our resources help believers to love God by deepening their understanding of who God is. Packed with charts, time lines, and simple summaries, Rose Publishing products are designed to make the Bible and its teachings easy to understand. Visit Rose Publishing online at hendricksonrose.com.

FOR MORE, PLEASE CONTACT:

• Print Media Contact: Alec Smart, Nappaland Inc., alec@bible-smart.com
• General Media Contact: Krista Squibb, Tyndale House / Rose Publishing, ksquibb@hendrickson.com
• Radio & TV Media Contact: Don Otis, Veritas Inc. PR, don@veritasincorporated.com

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ADVANCE PRAISE for Bible-Smart: Matthew

“Truth: Mike is an excellent and engaging writer who knows the Bible and knows how to tell its story. The guy is gifted, and Bible-Smart: Matthew is a shred of the evidence.”—Stephen M. Miller (bestselling and award-winning author of The Complete Guide to the Bible and Casual English Bible)

“Some Bible commentaries are meant to be read. This one invites you into a conversation. Mike Nappa offers bite-sized answers that are clear, thoughtful, and engaging.” —Dr. John A. Beck (bestselling author of The Holy Land for Christian Travelers and The Baker Illustrated Guide to Everyday Life in Bible Times)

“Bible-Smart: Matthew is both wonderfully accessible and beautifully deep.”—Dr. Mary L. Vanden Berg (Professor of Systematic Theology at Calvin Theological Seminary)

“Finally! A book that helps the non-academic dig deep, wrestle with questions, and grow closer to God when reading the Bible.”—Marlo Schalesky (award-winning author of Beyond the Night and Women of the Bible Speak Out)

“Mike Nappa’s idea of “just hanging out, looking at Scripture together” is a worthy one, and well accomplished. Mike has done a great service to those of us who want to better know the Bible and the loving God behind it.”—Paul Kent (bestselling author of Know Your Bible (over 3 million copies sold))

(Nashville, Tenn.) April 3, 2023 – Bestselling author, speaker, and podcaster Carlos Whittaker has signed a two-book deal with Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson. The first book will focus on creating sustainable, meaningful rhythms of life in an age of distraction and a seemingly infinite stream of content choices. With Whittaker’s distinct energy, compassion, and heartfelt care for his readers, Whittaker will share the lessons he learned by living off the grid and the brain science that shapes his own habits of health and wholeness.

Whitaker’s first book of the deal is slated to release in the fall of 2024 and will be based on an experiment the social media guru conducted on himself and what he learned as a result. The subsequent project timeline has not yet been released, though expected to fall into the 2025 calendar year.

“Carlos Whittaker is creative, compassionate, and culturally influential. We are confident that these materials will inform and inspire countless readers looking to navigate the rhythms of work, family, community, and how all these areas of life share complex intersections with technology and public discourse,” said Publisher Andrew Stoddard. “We are thrilled to welcome Carlos to Nelson Books and are enthusiastically preparing to bring these publications to market.”

“I am honored to be working with Nelson Books, continuing to do what I love, helping people! I can’t wait to share what I have learned this past year in my own created experiment,” said Whittaker.

Alex Field of The Bindery Agency negotiated the book deal.

About Carlos Whittaker:  Carlos Whittaker is a storyteller, speaker, and author of several books, including Moment Maker, Kill the Spider, Enter Wild, and his latest release, How to Human. He continues to bring hope to humans all over the world. He frequently speaks at some of the nation’s largest churches, corporations, and culture-shaping conferences with a superpower in creating spaces—online and in-person—where people feel safe to engage in genuine dialogue and be themselves. Carlos is a People’s Choice Award winner and host of the popular Human Hope podcast. He lives in Nashville with his wife, Heather, and their three children. Learn more at Carlos Whittaker  https://www.instagram.com/loswhit/

About Thomas Nelson:  Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information visit ThomasNelson.com.

Contact: Lisa Beech, Director of Publicity, Lisa.beech@harpercollins.com, 719-439-9403

Franklin, Tenn. (April 10, 2023) – K-LOVE Books, an imprint of EMF Publishing, is proud to announce that two of its titles have been selected as finalists in Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA)’s Christian Book Awards: “On Our Knees” by Phil Wickham (September 2022) and “Behind the Lights” by Helen Smallbone (April 2022). ECPA announced the finalists in 12 categories for the 2023 Christian Book Award® program on April 6th. These are the first finalists for K-LOVE Books since the imprint began in 2021.

Inspired by his song “Battle Belongs,” Dove-award-winner and Grammy-nominated worship leader Phil Wickham, along with Matt Litton, aims to help readers rediscover the joy, power and intimacy of prayer in “On Our Knees: 40 Days to Living Boldly in Prayer.”

In her debut memoir “Behind the Lights: The Extraordinary Adventure of a Mum and Her Family,” Helen Smallbone, mother of seven creative children―including top Christian music artists for KING & COUNTRY and Rebecca St. James―chronicles the family’s journey of faith across the ocean to go where God was leading. Written from a mother’s perspective, Smallbone shares stories of peaks, valleys and a family trusting God for provision. Their family story will soon be told in a feature motion picture, releasing in theaters within the next year.

“Prayer and courageous faith–the themes of these beautiful books have impacted many and helped readers to have a deeper understanding of the heart of God and what He wants for His people,” said Dave Schroeder, Publisher of K-LOVE Books. “These books have been a powerful representation of how God uses story, music and prayer to change lives. It is an honor for ECPA to recognize what God has been doing through Phil and Helen.”

ECPA’s Christian Book Award® program recognizes the highest quality in Christian books and Bibles and is among the oldest and most prestigious awards programs in the religious publishing industry. Presented annually to the finest in Christian publishing since 1978, the Christian Book Award® program honors the “best of the year” in 12 categories. The winners in each category, along with the 2023 Christian Book of the Year®, will be announced at the ECPA Awards Celebration, held Tuesday evening May 9th in Nashville, during the ECPA Leadership Summit, amidst an audience of Christian publishing executives, managers, and industry guests.

ABOUT K-LOVE BOOKS:
K-LOVE Books, an imprint of EMF Publishing, has published bestselling books such as “The Way of the Father” by Michael W. Smith, “Out of the Dark” by Mandisa, and most recently “On Our Knees” by Phil Wickham and “Believe for It” by CeCe Winans. Educational Media Foundation (EMF) is the parent organization of K-LOVE and Air1 radio and the AccessMore podcast network.

Warrior Mother: Equipping Your Heart to Fight for Your Families Faith

“A precious, hard-won, battle-tested companion for Christian mothers who seek to stand in their God-given authority.”
-Quantrilla Ard, PhD, author, speaker, and podcaster

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—It’s not easy raising faithful kids in the world today— parents often don’t know what to do – so what if mothers started with their own hearts? In her new release Warrior Mother: Equipping Your Heart to Fight for Your Families Faith,  Victoria Riollano has written more than just another book on parenting, she has written the ultimate guidebook on being the warrior mother your children need. Riollano shows moms how to first seek their own spiritual transformation, then pass that along to their children. Moms will love her authentic examples,  and the sharing of her life, plus she has an educational background in child and adolescent psychology. Warrior Mother will quickly become the book they go back to time and time again at all stages of their kids’ lives— but more importantly, their own.

From the very first chapter, where she talks about an enemy that will stop at nothing to destroy, she starts to equip mothers with everything they need to be the first line of defense in the lives of their children. Warrior Mother, isn’t written to make moms feel good about their parenting, but it is the ultimate guide to challenge, motivate and  empower mothers who are out in the field every day.

“I could not be more excited about the release of Warrior Mother! I believe every mother should know that she is enough, and that God is with her as she faces the emotional and spiritual battles of parenting. My heart is that this book will equip mothers to show up to their parenting journey with confidence and complete reliance on Christ!.”

Warrior Mother is full of impactful and powerful information to equip mothers for the times we are in. Riollano ends each chapter with Victory Verses, Reflections, and a Power Prayer, so readers can take away a tool from every chapter. No matter what phase a mother in from infants to children all grown up, Warrior Mother is the tool that will help them go to their own source, Jesus, in order to guide and equip their children every day.

Victoria Riollano is a military mom of seven who holds an MA in child and adolescent psychology. She is professor of psychology at three universities, as well as co-pastor and church planter. Her writing has been featured on Crosswalk, iBelieve, the YouVersion Bible app, and Christianity Today. Learn more about Victoria at victoryspeaks.org.

Warrior Mother
Kregel Publications
ISBN13: 978-0825447686
April 2023, Softcover
256 pages, $18.99

Media Contact: Jeane Wynn, 918-630-9695, Jeane@TallOak.Media

 

Fiction Meets Real World Reality in Chilling Suspense

“Perfect title. Perfect setting. Perfectly crafted story. I could NOT put it down. This one goes on your keeper shelf because you’ll want to read it again and again. Can’t wait for the next one!”
-Lynette Eason, best-selling and award-winning author

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.— Faithful readers and soon-to-be fans of Kimberley Woodhouse will be excited to see her newest release 26 Below, the very first book in the Alaskan Cyber Hunters series. Woodhouse brings a personal element to 26 Below, because it is based in Alaska, her favorite state, where she once made her home. She did extensive research for this book, which puts main characters Darcie and Jason in the middle of a cyber security nightmare. Woodhouse’s  son-in-law, a West Point graduate, who has been on post at the Army Cyber Institute was also part of her extensive research. She credits him with helping her get a true working view of cyber security, and the many amazing people who work behind the scenes to keep the country safe.  While 26 Below is fiction, many of the details are chillingly real to the times we are living in today.

What would happen if temperatures fell to 26 below? Woodhouse wastes no time in taking readers on a wild ride of suspense, and adventure. Main characters Darcie Phillips and Jason Myers must work together and find answers quick. Woodhouse  ties in characters with a  flawless story of the modern world, and the reality of cyberthreats.

“The idea for this story has been in my heart and mind since 2009. Over the years it has grown as technology advanced and the need for cyber security increased. I can’t wait to get 26 Below into readers’ hands.” Says Woodhouse.

26 Below is the perfect novel to toss in a spring or summer getaway bag. Woodhouse has written a book that will fascinate and challenge  all at the same time. Readers  won’t want to miss her Note from the Author at the end of the book, where she also includes a sneak peak at 8 Down, the next book in the Alaskan Cyber Hunters series coming Fall 2023.

Kimberley Woodhouse is the best-selling author of more than thirty books and novellas, including A Deep Divide, Bridge of Gold, and The Mayflower Bride, as well as the coauthor of the Heart of Alaska series with Tracie Peterson. Kimberley’s writing has earned a Carol Award, the Christian Market Novel of the Year, the Holt Medallion, and many others. A proud former resident of Alaska, she now makes her home in the Pennsylvania Poconos. Visit her at kimberleywoodhouse.com.

26 Below
Kregel Publications
ISBN13: 9780825447723
April 2023
Softcover272 pages, $16.99

Media Contact: Jeane Wynn, 918-630-9695, Jeane@TallOak.MediaJeane@wynnwynnmedia.com

March 28, 2023–Writing for Your Life’s new director Kate Rademacher, former director Brian Allain, and Joyce Dinkins announce Joyce Dinkins Publishing, LLC will own and direct Publishing in Color (PIC), publishingincolor.com, effective April 1,  2023.

Brian Allain founded PIC in 2018 as part of Writing for Your Life, in order to increase the number of writers in Christian publishing who are Black and indigenous people of color (BIPOC). This also increases BIPOC representation among published works. PIC conferences encourage BIPOC writers, editors, and other content producers, and result in independent writing contracts, book deals, book contributions, literary agent / author relationships, magazine contributions, illustration contracts, diverse new resources, and flourishing publishing relationships. 

PIC provides scholarships for a select number of attendees to experience its conferences, and offers a stream of free publishing information and tools through regular email newsletters and social media content. Our Daily Bread Ministries, Judson Press, Guideposts, InterVarsity Press, HarperCollins, Tyndale House, Penguin Random House, Baker Publishing Group, Chicken Soup for the Soul, NavPress, P&R Publishing, and many other publishing experts have presented at PIC conferences. Literary agents Jevon Bolden, Barb Roose, Karen Neumair, Greg Johnson, Rachelle Gardner, and Sharon Norris Elliott are among those who have invested in conference workshops and appointments to open access to publishing to attendees.

Joyce Dinkins says, “In my role as an executive editor at Our Daily Bread Ministries 2015–2023, I have had the privilege of acquiring diverse writers, and developing resources by Black content creators and some Hispanic writers through VOICES. I’ve acquired Black Americans, AfroCanadian, Hispanic, and Asian writers for Our Daily Bread Ministries through PIC gatherings in New Brunswick, New Jersey; Los Angeles; Chicago; and through PIC’s virtual conferences. I hope to build on Brian Allain’s leadership and hard work, to carry PIC forward, and I am trusting in God’s grace as He works through our publishing community.” 

“I am thrilled that Joyce Dinkins will now lead Publishing in Color,” Brian Allain said. “It has been an honor to start the program and lead it through its first ten conferences. I have greatly appreciated the outstanding contributions from our publishing industry experts and conference attendees.” Kate Rademacher adds, “We are blessed to have Joyce Dinkins own and lead Publishing in Color. I look forward to continued collaboration with Joyce to help advance Publishing in Color’s goals.”

Joyce Dinkins is a member of the Evangelical Christian Publishing Association (ECPA) subcommittee on diversity, equity, and inclusion; an ECPA Emerging Leader mentor; and associate director of the board of the Academy of Christian Editors. The American Writers and Speakers Association awarded Joyce as the fiction editor of the year and non-fiction editor of merit in 2014 and 2015, respectively. She has thirty-six years of experience in Christian publishing.

You can learn more at www.publishingincolor.com. The PIC Conference March 13-17 included more than 80 participants. The next conference will take place fall 2023 and registration will become available at the site. 

Contact: JoyceDinkinsPublishing@gmail.com

Frankfurt am Main, March 30, 2023 – Bookwire GmbH, the leading digital publishing company, is kicking off 2023 with a major expansion of its international business by establishing a new subsidiary in the United States. As a response to the increasing demand for their services from US publishers, Bookwire is excited to announce the formation of a dedicated US market team. As of the beginning of this year, the company has appointed digital publishing expert Brittyne Lewis as the Country Manager of the US, who will be responsible for driving the company’s growth and success in the market. This move is a clear indication of Bookwire’s ambitious goal to establish a strong presence in the US market and provide specialized services tailored to the unique needs of US publishers. This new US team serves as the foundation for the company’s future growth in the market.

Bookwire fully commits itself to a long-term growth strategy in the US, with the goal of sustainably establishing the German-born international company in the American market. With the creation of its US subsidiary, Bookwire will now offer an extensive portfolio of services in digital publishing, differentiating itself as a seamless full-service provider for publishing customers of all sizes. The company’s comprehensive software, Bookwire OS – One Solution, intelligently links production, distribution, marketing and analytics features in one user-friendly platform. This platform is designed to help publishers of all sizes with their digital book publishing needs.

Brittyne Lewis brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. With over 15 years of experience in the digital publishing industry, she has a proven track record of pioneering new digital solutions and has held various high-level management positions. Brittyne has a strong focus on exceptional customer service and has built a reputation for developing lasting customer relationships. Brittyne will play a crucial role in helping Bookwire deliver on its mission to provide the American market with its full range of services and expertise.

“I am very excited to lead Bookwire’s audio and ebook business in the US. Bookwire is the perfect option for new customers looking for a one-stop-shop for their digital publishing needs and for anyone who wants to take advantage of the company’s industry-leading expertise in audiobook production and distribution. Our software, Bookwire OS – One Solution, will be a strong distributor in the US market, meeting the needs of publishers of all sizes, and helping them to enhance their reach and increase their revenue,” Brittyne Lewis says.

Jens Klingelhöfer, CEO and Co-Founder of Bookwire explaines Bookwire’s strategy: “Bookwire is known internationally as a comprehensive distributor of ebooks and audiobooks, and now our company brings that expertise to the US market. With our solution Bookwire OS and our team, we offer a unique combination of technology and expertise, allowing them to provide their customers with a full range of services, from digitizing and formatting ebooks to distribution and analytics, as well as audiobook production.”

With the new subsidiary, the digital publishing company Bookwire grows to seven international locations in Europe, South America and the USA with a total of 150 employees.

About Bookwire & “Bookwire OS – One Solution”
Bookwire GmbH was founded in Frankfurt in 2010 as a service provider for publisher distribution of eBooks and digital content. It has since become one of the leading international businesses in digital publishing technology. Bookwire currently employs 150 people in Germany, the UK, Spain, France, Brazil, Mexico and the USA, who take care of more than 2,500 publishers in the fields of eBooks, audiobooks, podcasts and Print-on-Demand. The pioneering software “Bookwire OS – One Solution”, launched in 2019, has delivered, analysed and marketed around 800,000 eBooks and 200,000 audiobooks in all relevant distribution channels. In addition to the latest customer analytics and pricing technology, publishing clients of Bookwire GmbH also have access to individual support from account & marketing managers who look after the clients from end to end. In 2019, the audiobook production solution “We Audiobook You” (WAY) bagged the business the first “Digital Publishing Award” in the field of B2B solutions. Bookwire GmbH is managed by its founders Jens Klingelhöfer and John Ruhrmann, and has branches in Barcelona, London, Mexico City, São Paulo, New York and Paris, in addition to the company headquarters in Frankfurt am Main and the “Digital Hub” in Dortmund.

Lucinda Secrest McDowell, longtime Iron Stream Media author, passed away amid friends and family on Saturday, March 25, 2023.

Lucinda Secrest McDowell, MTS, was passionate about embracing life—both through deep soul care as well as living courageously to touch a needy world. A storyteller who engaged both heart and mind, she delighted in helping you choose a life of serenity and strength. A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Furman University, McDowell was the author of thirteen books and contributor to more than thirty books. Her award-winning books include Soul Strong (2020) and Life-Giving Choices (2019), She was a member of the Redbud Writers Guild and Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.

Lucinda received the Mount Hermon “Writer of the Year” award and wrote guest blogs for The Write Conversation, Blue Ridge Mountains Writers Blog, and (in)courage. Whether codirecting reNEW—retreat for New England Writing, pouring into young mamas, or leading a restorative day of prayer, she was energized by investing in people of all ages.

Lucinda’s favorites included tea parties, good books, laughing friends, ancient prayers, country music, cozy quilts, musical theatre, and especially her family scattered around the world doing amazing things. Known for her ability to convey deep truth in practical and winsome ways, she wrote from her home, affectionately known as Sunnyside Cottage, in New England and blogged weekly at EncouragingWords.net.

“My mission is to glorify God and live in His grace and freedom, and through the power of the Holy Spirit to use my gifts to communicate God’s faithfulness, extend His grace, and encourage others to trust Him fully.” ~ Lucinda Secrest McDowell

CHARLOTTE, NC– The Good Book Company announces that Wherever You Go, I Want You to Know, written by Melissa Kruger and illustrated by Isobel Lundie, has surpassed 100,000 units in print sales (The Good Book Company, August 2020).

Wherever You Go, I Want You to Know is an illustrated children’s book that expresses every Christian parent’s dream for their children—that they love Jesus with all of their hearts. Board book and coloring book formats have also been published, and in recognition of the sentimental value of the title, a keepsake edition will be published in April.

James Burstow, TGBC President, reflects, “We’re thrilled to be celebrating such a great milestone for this beautiful book and its message that wherever life takes us, loving and being loved by Jesus is always the most important thing. It’s been so exciting to see it resonating with people all around the world; and our prayer is that every reader will carry that truth with them, wherever they go and whatever they do!”

For media inquiries and access to promotional assets, contact: publicity@thegoodbook.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Melissa Kruger is the author of Wherever You Go, I Want You to Know as well as His Grace is Enough and several books for adults. She is the Director of Women’s Initiatives at The Gospel Coalition and blogs at Wit’s End. Her husband of 25 years, Mike, is the president of Reformed Theological Seminary, and they have three children.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Isobel Lundie is an illustrator and animator specializing in children’s books. She loves using artwork to help children lose themselves in a narrative. She is based in Brighton, UK.

ABOUT THE GOOD BOOK COMPANY
Founded in 1991, The Good Book Company (TGBC) is an international Christian publisher. Their Bible studies, books, devotionals, videos, tracts, evangelistic courses, and training materials are used throughout the English-speaking world, and in translation in over 35 languages worldwide. Everyone at TGBC is passionate about the Lord Jesus, His word, His church, and His gospel of grace. They create and publish biblical, relevant, and accessible resources that will encourage Christians to keep going, keep growing, and keep sharing their faith.

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Prayer is a gift—an invitation to talk with God. But prayer can also be a challenge. How do believers experience the joy and fullness of prayer when it is so often accompanied by questions and mysteries?

This spring, Lifeway Women is releasing the Bible study “When You Pray: A Study of Six Prayers in the Bible” to equip women with a better understanding of prayer and to offer an invitation to nearness with God through prayer.

“The prayers modeled for us in Scripture come from different voices. We see different ways of praying and expressing ourselves, our needs, our praise, our lament to God,” said Tina Boesch, manager of the Lifeway Women Bible study team. “So, we thought it would be interesting to hear different authors unpack different prayers in Scripture.”

In this seven-session study, releasing April 3, 2023, Bible teachers Kelly Minter, Jackie Hill Perry, Jen Wilkin, Jennifer Rothschild, Jada Edwards and Kristi McLelland help readers study prayers in the Bible that can inspire their own—whether they’re prayers of petition, thanksgiving, praise, lament or intercession.

“I hope that from the variety of prayers in Scripture, women understand there is nothing off limits for them to bring before the Lord,” said Lifeway Women content editor Laura Magness.

Beginning and ending with prayers of Jesus, this study walks women through six prayers in Scripture that serve as models for our prayers today. “May Jesus Himself teach us to pray,” Minter said.

Teach us to pray

As each author brought her own Bible study method into the work, Magness worked to weave each of the sessions together seamlessly. Magness said the authors saw themselves as a team in bringing this message together and had an amazing amount of camaraderie around the project.

“With the multi-contributor approach, it was fun to watch how the Lord raised up these threads throughout every woman’s study unbeknownst to the rest of them,” Magness said. “There are these amazing threads that evidence the way the Lord was working in a season for a purpose.”

Becky Loyd, director of Lifeway Women, said they filmed the video sessions for the study during a Lifeway Women Live event in August 2022. While the authors were together, Lifeway Women also videoed an interview with the authors talking about their relationship with prayer and their relationship to the Lord through prayer, Magness said.

“We hope women will draw near to the Lord, draw near to each other, and pray for unity within their churches in a way they never have before because of this study,” Boesch said.

While exploring different types of prayer modeled in Scripture, women will learn how to pray when they’re alone and when they’re gathered with other believers. Journeying through each session, women will come to an understanding that there is no one right way to pray. Instead, prayer is an opportunity to draw near to God, allowing Him to strengthen faith and unify hearts to Himself.

“This world needs women who follow Jesus’s example and pray through their pain so their healing can be a balm that comforts others,” Rothschild said.

Group experience

Alongside this study, Lifeway Women created a group experience kit that includes not only the typical Bible study book and DVD set but also an expanded leader guide that gives leaders a range of ideas about how to use this study—whether in a traditional seven-week format or a weekend retreat. The kit also includes five prayer journals that complement the study, a highlighter set, a tote bag, and a tassel banner. Magness said this kit was designed to help leaders find a rhythm for their group and facilitate a more robust group experience.

“I hope this study will inspire women to pray—to pray more, feel comfortable praying prayers of lament and remember to pray prayers of thanksgiving,” Loyd said. “I hope it inspires women to pray because they know who God is, they know it will change them and they know God allows us to enter this relationship with Him that will shape who we are but also can change circumstances.”

In this fallen world, there are many struggles that hinder believers in their prayer lives. But as women studying “When You Pray” consider how Scripture teaches believers to pray, they will learn disciplines for overcoming struggles that keep them from talking to God.

“Prayer isn’t about saying what we think the Lord wants to hear from us,” McLelland said. “Prayer is an honest, intimate and intentional reaching for the Lord in truth, in reality, in the actuality of our lives as they are.”

During the month of April, each of the authors for this study will be on the Lifeway Women “MARKED” Podcast discussing the study.

“It’s fun to hear their interactions and hear them talk to each other about the experience,” Loyd said. “This is a great way to get a feel for the study.”

To learn more about the Bible study and additional product offerings, visit lifeway.com/whenyoupray.

Marissa Postell Sullivan is a writer for Lifeway Christian Resources.

About Lifeway Christian Resources
In operation since 1891, Lifeway Christian Resources is one of the leading providers of Christian resources, including Bibles, books, Bible studies, Christian music and movies, Vacation Bible School, and church supplies, as well as camps and events for all ages. Lifeway is the world’s largest provider of Spanish Bibles. Based in Brentwood, Tennessee, Lifeway operates as a self-supporting nonprofit.

MEDIA CONTACT: Carol Pipes, carol.pipes@lifeway.com