Praising God builds strong families.

The 30 Day Praise Challenge for Parents by Becky Harling

About this book: (from the publisher) One of the most powerful ways to love your kids may surprise you: develop a habit of praising God. In The 30 Day Praise Challenge for Parents, Becky Harling invites you to praise God for twenty minutes a day for one month. You’ll be amazed at how praising God:

• Quiets your anxiety about your kids
• Provides a shelter of protection over your family
• Breaks the chains of generational sin
• Deepens your children’s faith
• Strengthens your own spiritual life

Arranged topically, this book includes a list of selected songs and creative ideas for continuing the habit of praise throughout your parenting journey.

About the author: Becky Harling is a sought-after speaker and the author of several books. She has a degree in biblical literature, and her experience as a missionary, women’s ministries director, and breast cancer survivor bring depth to her message. Becky’s husband, Steve, is a pastor at Foothills Community Church in Arvada, Colorado. Becky and Steve have four grown children and five grandchildren. She can be found online at BeckyHarling.com.

Genre: Non-fiction/Religion/Christian Life/Family

Why I read this book: As a Blog Spot reviewer

Will especially appeal to… parents who want more for both their children and their prayer life–perhaps especially those who feel anxious or discouraged for their children.

This book matters because…(as the author says) “praising God isn’t just some glib hallelujah when finances are prospering, your health is flourishing, and your family is thriving. Praising God is an intentional declaration of faith that exalts God above your life circumstances.” All of which is, ultimately, tremendously liberating.

My take: There aren’t many books that have made my heart sing in quite the same way this one did…does. What is laid out here is, quite simply, a fantastic idea.

Who doesn’t need praise? Everyone appreciates it, I think, if they’re honest–and that includes God Himself, strange as that may seem. And while I’m sure there are amazing theological reasons to explain why He desires our praise, the truth is–praising God changes us.

And that’s a beautiful thing.

Parenting, however…well, much of parenting is not very beautiful. Not always, anyway. It’s often in-the-trenches, messy, complicated. Our kids make mistakes–many of them. So do we–possibly more. Which is why we so need forgiveness and grace. But it’s also why we need to spend time reading God’s Word, learning from Him, seeking His guidance–and why above all else, we need to praise Him. No matter what.

I was first introduced to the concept of praising God as an intentional form of prayer when I joined Moms in Prayer International (formerly Moms in Touch) for a season. There I learned how freeing and soul-filling the act of praise can become. Because it so reminds us of Who God is and what He can do. That His power is unbounded. It takes our eyes off ourselves, our kids, our problems, and places them on the One in control. Everything looks different when seen through the lens of praise. Problems appear smaller. Answers seem likely. Hope abounds.

I loved this little book for all its practical and transforming ideas. If you too are looking for encouragement in parenting, I urge you to give The 30 Day Praise Challenge for Parents a try.

[Tweet “Parents, need encouragement? I recommend The 30 Day Praise Challenge for Parents @TheBlogSpotCom @BeckyHarling”]

Thanks to the Blythe Daniels Agency and David C. Cook for providing me a free copy to review. All opinions are mine.

After words: Just in time for Father’s Day! Thanks to the Blythe Daniels Agency, I’m happy to be able to offer a print copy of The 30 Day Praise Challenge to one of my readers. Enter here:  a Rafflecopter giveaway