Answered Prayers: Love Letters from the Divine

This book is simple, yet meaningful and worthy of contemplation or meditation. I have given this book as a gift to about 20 people and every person has called me to tell me how much they love the book and the thoughtfulness to give something that is a little different than flowers or chocolate to someone going through another phase in their life. There is also something I think about when I hit a spiritual roadblock.

This book was one of the top selling religious books in 2004. Why is it called "Answered Prayer"? Let us say that you are dealing with any of a number of personal challenges, and in the middle of them, you are hoping to hear some word from the Lord. Perhaps you are worried about diminished income, or you are wondering if you are a loveable person. You may have concerns about life being dull and humorless. You are weary. You are afraid to reach out to someone in friendship. You are afraid to take the risk of trusting another. Cameron addresses these and many more concerns, in her book. The book is like a journal of prayer, but most prayer journals record the voice of the one who prays. Not this book. Instead of prayers that are addressed to God, these prayers are presented as responses to the one who prays, in other words, as if one is hearing back, from God. It sounds like this: "I am the peace that passes understanding." Or, "Open the door just a foothold. I can work with you as you are. You are not the first disillusioned one I have encountered." (Page 149). Every chapter is a prayer. Every prayer is deeply steeped in Scripture. You will find these prayers to be in accord with God's many promises we find there. These "love letters from the Divine" allow us to hear what God longs to say to us, when we find ourselves in deep and troubled waters.

My husband and I lost our daughter to stillbirth recently. I didn't feel anger towards God but I felt like I lost a trust with Him that I'd had before. I found this book and as I read it I cried and it changed my life. It bridged the gap and restored the trust that I had in God. I believe God gave Julia Cameron the words that He knew I'd need following this tragedy. I have since tried to put a copy of this book in the hands of everyone that I love to help them through any hard times they might face in life. It has been such a blessing to me.

I just love this book. It's for anyone who practices no particular "religion". The prayers are simple, in every day language, easily understood like God is speaking right to me. I find it inspiring every day and look forward to reading one prayer per day. None are more than a few paragraphs and all speak straight to the heart.

I gave this book to a very sick friend who was facing surgery. She said reading it gave her peace of mind while she felt closer to God. The prayers are beautifully written. I highly highly recommend this book to anyone who is facing major changes in life, death, divorce, health crisis, middle age crisis or job loss. I was a big fan of the "Artist's Way" by Julia before, but now I am eternally grateful to her book for comforting my dear friend in a way I couldn't do myself. The best money I ever spent on a book!!!