As I watched a presentation by Janet Holm McHenry, I so appreciated her practical and step-by-step approach to formulating an idea and creating a book that I purchased her audiobook, PrayerWalk: Becoming a Woman of Prayer, Strength, and Discipline, and her book, Praying Personalities: Finding Your Natural Prayer Style.
Usually, I don’t read self-help books. However, the combination of essential spiritual practices for everyday life—prayer, walking, discipline, and strength—captured my attention. Who doesn’t need all those attributes? I listened to the audiobook and thought it would have benefited from a professional narrator. McHenry did a good job reading her work, but numerous times I found myself missing the drama and vocal inflection as I devoured her concept of multi-tasking for the Lord.
My favorite part of the book was meeting Janet Holm McHenry. She is a full-time English teacher with loads of homework to correct. Nevertheless, she wakes at 5 am to PrayWalk, still in her jammies beneath a heavy coat that she said made her look like the Michelin man. I appreciated her invitation to join her on a morning walk and enter the sanctuary of her prayer life.
For those who want to incorporate a walk and worship into their day, McHenry encourages walking at a consistent time and beginning with prayers for themselves and their families. She eventually broadened her scope of worship to include neighbors and businesses she passed along her walk, then expanded to praying for her students. I don’t have any high-school students to pray for, but I have a circle of ladies in my Bible Study, and others I can pray for, like my husband. Little by little, I’ve figured out a time that works best for my lifestyle. Not only am I becoming better at dealing with distractions, but I feel encouraged and energized by McHenry’s PrayerWalk approach.
If you enjoy learning helpful and practical skills for everyday life, this might be the book for you. If you enjoy The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts by Gary Chapman and Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend, I think you will enjoy PrayerWalk: Becoming a Woman of Prayer, Strength and Discipline by Janet Holm McHenry.
