Deb Hvass

An active member of a microcosm of the global prayer movement, Deb Hvass often finds her days organized around prayer: devotional prayer, prayer with others, prayer for the world and for her neighborhood.

For months she considered writing about her local prayer movement, but it took months to narrow the topic of prayer to five ways of praying, which she calls heart positions, and then years to write the book. There are, of course, countless ways to pray, but these are some of the basic modes believers often use to focus on and grow in their walk with God: Worship, Wait, Bless, Intercede, Stand.

Realizing the immensity of the subject, she enlisted mentors young and old to help her. Their stories and their practical wisdom will encourage you to go deeper in each mode of prayer, whether your life of faith is just beginning or well advanced.

One outcome of the writing process is that Deb has deepened in her commitment to practicing a faith that honors both head and heart, word and Spirit.

When she's not reading or writing, you may find Deb hiking, improvising new recipes or dreaming up something creative to do with her gregarious and hilarious grandchildren. She also loves hanging out with her husband, Gary, whose sound theological perspective has helped her stay grounded as deep questions have surfaced.