Praying for Boys by Brooke McGlothlin Book Review (Bethany House)

Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links. I was provided a paperback copy of the book for review. All opinions are my own.


I read Praying for Boys: Asking God for the Things They Need Most, in exchange for honest review from Bethany House.

I wanted to read the book because I have boys--two special needs boys---and I need a lot of prayer. Prayer for patience, guidance, self-control, and support.

For new readers, I have two boys. My oldest, Brad is 13 years old, with Autism and ADHD. He has a history of seizures, but has not had one in years. Brad also has high cholesterol. Finally, Brad is mostly non-verbal and not fully potty trained.
Mental age: 3 to 4 years.

Kalen is 2 years old, with a global development disorder, which means 3 or more major life functions are impaired. Kalen just started walking around 29 months. He also has delays in talking and fine motor. Kalen also has a potential heart condition. Mental age: 12 months.

Raising SPED boys is no picnic. Each has their own unique needs and skill sets. Some days, I'm at my wits end. I have read books and taken a classes at church on parenting and special needs. I have a whole folder on both dropbox and google drive with special needs resources, I found online. My Kindle Keyboard has a lot of books from Amazon and Audible about special needs. You think, with all the
knowledge, I would be more experienced and prepared. Nope.


While the book does not focus on special needs parenting, it does focus on what I need to give my boys: Prayer, lots of prayer.

I liked how the book started out. "I asked God to give me boys.....What was I thinking?....I have no clue how to be a mom of boys". I wanted boys too. We have a family full of girls and I am not too girly. I hate hair. I don't like always doing fingers and toes. I don't wear a lot of make-up. I would shoot myself, if I have to do those microbraids, seen on little girls.

McGlothlin, then provides a list, comparing herself to her boys. I felt some of the same similarities.

• I prefer to read a good book, whether physical or online. The boys, can sit still only for a few minutes for me to read to them, only to bolt off to the TV, game room, or their tablet.
• I prefer peace and quiet. Sometimes, my only solace is the bathroom, taking a long shower, once they are sleep. The boys are also noisy, with their minimal words, grunts, points, and pieces of sign language (Brad).
• I like to go places WITHOUT the kids. When I was in Atlanta, I used to go to the parks, comedy clubs, plays, out to eat more. My oldest stayed with his father at the time and Kalen was not thought of yet.  Luckily, no one wants to watch the SPED kids, so I always have Brad or Kalen or both with me. 

The book starts talking about PRAYER: What is it and Why we should do it?

Prayer allows us to talk with God about our problems and concerns. Even though God knows all and sees all, he still wants us to talk to him and vice versa. Of course, this means, we have to listen for God's voice (something I struggle with).  McGlothlin also said God is with us, not above us. He is watching, listening, loving, (p. 23). 

Once you get further into the book, there are prayers and exercises to participate in. The first exercise is on page 59, which discusses prayers for heart change. The exercise requires access to a bible. The book also contains reflection and discussion questions. 

Other things I Liked:

• McGlothlin discussed setting aside time each day to talk to God. 
• Read a little Bible each day, whether physical, audio, or electronic. 
• Do whatever it takes to protect your kids. 

I definitely will be using this book as a reference for days, like today :-)