Recommended Books and Bible Studies for Women

The Old Testament offers us “shadows” of Christ, but too often we miss those references because we don’t understand the Old Testament worship forms. This book offers the reader a path to better understanding of the yearly cycle of sacrifices and festivals that God commanded to his people through Moses. It explains the various offerings and feasts in an easily understood manner. The authors also offer brief historical fiction scenarios to give the reader a sense of what life was like in Old Testament families living under God’s laws. Authors: Daniel and Sarah Habben. Available: NPH, Barnes & Noble & Amazon

Public worship forms generate a lot of discussion and debate. Few other topics can generate as much passion as a new hymnal or new worship form. In Christian Worship, Pastor Strey takes the reader through the history of public worship. He starts with the basics – what is the purpose of worship, what is the Gospel in worship, and what are principles for worship. Then he walks the reader through the liturgy, the church year, symbolism, and music in worship. He closes by addressing some common misconceptions about Lutheran worship and provides a helpful glossary of worship terms. Author: Johnold J. Strey. Available: NPH 

Sometimes we find that the Old Testament is just hard to understand – the culture, the physical environment, the worship styles can seem so foreign to us. Connecting Sinai to Calvary takes us through the daily life of God’s Old Testament people. It then shows us how God promised the Messiah and, despite repeated unfaithfulness of his people, preserved his people until that promise was fulfilled. The author emphasizes that the Old Testament isn’t only about recalcitrant sinners and Sunday School storybook characters. The Old Testament is, as Jesus proclaimed in John 5:39, the Scriptures that “testify about me!” A free discussion guide to use with this book is also available Author: John C. Jeske. Available: NPH, Barnes & Noble & Amazon

How does a Christian live in the joy of Christ while going through this world of sin and sorrow? This book written in Bible study format delves into God’s truths from Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Paul leads us away from relying on our feelings and back to where we belong – firmly rooted in the rock of Jesus Christ our Savior. This book offers several methods for use – as personal Bible study; as an in-depth group Bible study with all members reading through the book (questions and answers provided in the back of the book); or as 8 one-hour group Bible study lessons (free PDF download of the lessons available). It also gives suggestions for using the book of Philippians as the theme for a workshop or retreat. Author: Naomi Schmidt. Available: NPH & Amazon

This book’s unexpected title is explained at the beginning of Chapter 1. Charles Dickens supposedly said that Americans are backward in our thought about giving thanks. He said we should be thankful to God 364 days of the year for all his many blessings and then spend just 1 day for complaining and griping. This book is not much reading – only about 20 pages. The rest is devoted to space for the reader to keep a daily Thanksgiving Journal. The text, however, points out why we should be overwhelmingly grateful and generous in our thanks to God. The book also lends itself well to use as a group Bible study of 2 or 3 one-hour lessons Author: Andrew C. Schroer. Available: NPH, Barnes & Noble & Amazon

This tiny book (90 pages) from NPH’s Certainty Series is not written as a Bible study but I hope to use it as such in the 2026-2027 church year (I will add my study guide to this website after it is completed). This book addresses ageless questions - “How do I know that I believe? What if my faith isn’t strong enough to get me to heaven? What must I do to be saved?” Using God’s Word, the author peels away layer after layer of uncertainty to reveal a Savior who will never let go of you. Author: Jacob Behnken. Available: NPH, Barnes & Noble & Amazon

In 2023, the US Surgeon General issued an advisory on the “Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.” He talked about the increase in feelings of isolation, invisibility, and insignificance in our society and provided secular steps to overcome these issues. This Bible study looks at the issue, adding the vital pieces of our relationship with God and how that affects our relationship with those around us. This Bible study explores biblical hospitality, looking at what God tells us about it. The format, which includes participants and facilitators guides is turnkey – it includes Opening Discussion Prompts, Scripture Readings, Discussion Questions, Call to Action, and Closing Prayer. As such, both experienced and novice study group facilitators will find this a useful study series. Available from WELS Women’s Ministry website: Participant Guide, Leader Guide, Cover Page, Hospitality Definitions

Not a Bible study but a valuable resource for the Bible study leader/facilitator. As Christian women, we aren’t often called on to lead public prayer. So, in those women-only settings we can feel a bit overwhelmed when asked to say opening/closing prayers. This book (I have it in e-book format on my phone) will guide you through these prayers. It has 494 (!) prayers, organized by subject matter so it is easy to locate a prayer applicable to the situation. Various authors. Available: NPH, Barnes & Noble & Amazon

This short (1-2 one-hour sessions) Bible study is a gem. I used this to kick off a new season of our Women’s Bible studies and all (from young mothers in their 20’s to the 80 yr. old widows) found it applicable and instructive. Women, perhaps even more than men, can find themselves worn down – spiritually, emotionally, and physically – from all the expectations we, our families, our church, and our society place on us. This Bible study applies Isaiah 40 and Psalm 121 to our “overburdened” lives and puts our focus away from ourselves and to our God who gives us strength and renewal. Available from WELS Women’s Ministry website: Participant Guide, Leader Guide