Lord, Save Me!: Prayers and Encouragement When Life Feels Hard by Gary Zimak is an uplifting resource, especially for anyone grappling with the weight of life’s challenges. The author’s honest approach resonates deeply, offering both comfort and practical guidance. The book is carefully structured around ten common worries, such as doubt, fear, discouragement, loneliness, and feeling overwhelmed, making it easy to find relevant scriptures and reflections when needed. Each chapter includes a powerful scripture verse, a thoughtful reflection, and an original prayer that feels personal and accessible.

Through his own experiences with anxiety and his journey toward peace in relationship with Jesus, the author offers authentic and reassuring wisdom. His writing and suggestions encourage readers to reach out to God without hesitation, and remind us that we are never alone in our struggles. I’ve found comfort in its pages, and the prayers have helped me articulate my thoughts and anxieties when I struggle to find the right words.

This book is a good companion to have on hand to help guide you back to a sense of peace. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for solace and support in their spiritual journey.

#LordSaveMe #NetGalley @avemariapress

Lord, Save Me by Gary Zimak is a treasure. Whether you choose to read it all in one setting, or select chapters at a time as needed, this book is pure encouragement. Gary writes from the heart, sharing his own struggles and thoughts, totally and completely backed by Scripture. There is recognition for your current situation, whether it be loneliness, discouragement, fear, hopelessness, helplessness, or a variety of other emotionally heavy states. Scripture is provided, along with some examples of how that emotion may be affecting you, and then beautiful samples of what to pray. I didn’t always relate to his experiences with certain situations and then others hit me smack in the middle of the chest. I hope you have that same experience and know the enduring quality of this book as we will all face difficult times with different emotions and reactions. I am thankful for this resource and know it is one I will be coming back to often.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley, and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

A very nicely set out book which I hope to purchase as gifts. Many thanks for my copy. I will look out for further work by this author.

Helpful. Inspiring. Good read.
Thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.

*Lord, Save Me!* is a book offering consolation and encouragement for both everyday struggles and those more difficult times in life.

Each chapter covers a different difficulty: doubt or uncertainty, fear, weakness, discouragement, loneliness, confusion, suffering, hopelessness, feeling overwhelmed or burdened, and helplessness. There are several Bible quotes related to the difficulty, each followed by a reflection and a prayer. The reflections and prayers are written in an accessible way that feels candid and relatable.

This book isn’t really meant to be read sequentially as I did, as not all of the topics will be relevant. However it would be useful to have this book on hand to read specific chapters as needed.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Ave Maria Press, for making this book available to me to review.

The book, Lord Save Me! by Gary Zimak came to me at a critical time. Waves of fear were flooding my soul and worry had overtaken my brain. Through his eloquent words, Gary brought me comfort and a sense of peace. I highly recommend this work to anyone struggling with anxiety.

Another incredible book by Gary Zimak! This one offers different issues you may be struggling with and mixes Bible verses, prayers, and practical advice. This is a really powerful book! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC!

This one was not what I initially thought it was. It is essentially a book designed, I think, to be read as a series of prayers for a series of situations one might find themselves in. I am much more interested in guided prayers that set the one for one’s own prayers. More along the lines of John Eldridge’s book Resilience.

This book hit me right where I live—the relentless, gnawing anxiety I’ve carried since I was a child. Gary Zimak doesn’t just offer prayers; he reaches deep into those dark places of hopelessness, despair, weariness, and fear that feel all too familiar. What moved me most was how he weaves Scripture through every page, linking God’s Word directly to those raw emotions that can otherwise feel so overwhelming and lonely.

For years, anxiety has been a shadow I couldn’t shake. But lately, with the help of my Bible study and devotional books like this one, I’ve started to reclaim my peace. Lord, Save Me! became a powerful companion on that journey—not because it promises quick fixes, but because it meets you exactly where you are, even in the middle of the storm.

I will be honest: a few devotionals felt a little light on faith—maybe because they’re written for those whose faith is fragile or distant. That’s not my place. My faith is strong, growing every day. And for me, this book reinforced that strength, reminding me again and again that Jesus is real, present, and ready to carry me through when the weight feels too heavy.

If you’re struggling with fear or anxiety, whether your faith is shaky or solid, Lord, Save Me! offers prayers and reflections that feel like a hand reaching out—steady, warm, and unwavering. It’s not just a book; it’s a lifeline. For me, it’s a reminder that even in the darkest moments, I’m not alone, and that peace is waiting when I lean into Jesus with everything I have.

Many thanks to Ave Maria Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I think this book is clearly well though out and deeply inspiring. I admire the way that the author crafts his messages and prayers with intent and scriptural foundation. Each prayer and section is crafted to benefit a person for each specific struggle he or she may have, and it was rooted in Scripture, which was the most important factor to me.

I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to read this one in advance!. The format, however, was not personally for me as I think it's more of a devotional format and not a book that would be read for lengthier periods of time, but I will probably find myself drawn back to it depending on what I struggle with in the future. The format was incredibly helpful to move around sections of the book with ease.

I would recommend this one to Christians going through hard times that need a good devotional and prayer for each morning or evening.

Thank you so much for the ARC. The book reminds me to stand on the promises of God when I am fearful, anxious or worried. It reminds myself as a Christian who I am in Christ. Often life's struggles and storms makes a person feel overwhelmed and hopeless. The book has words of encouragement based on the Word of God that one can refer to, no matter what you are facing. The book fills me with hope and helps renew my faith.

I liked the concept of the devotional overall. It provides prayers and devotionals about various subjects like doubt, fear, loneliness etc. I liked that organization. However I wish the verses and study of the scripture was a bit more in depth. Most discussions were basic for a mature Christian although it’s always worth it to revisit.