Get to Know… Sherry Harney
Whether you recognize her name or not, chances are you’ve encountered a Bible study she’s been part of… Sherry Harney has contributed to more than 100 studies over the years! And, no matter what study you pick up, one thing is abundantly clear about Sherry: she brings a deep love for Scripture, a passion for prayer, and a heartfelt desire to draw people closer to Jesus. Her wisdom and humility shine through every page of her writing.
We invite you to get to know our good friend Sherry Harney.
Who is Sherry Harney?
Sherry Harney is the Spiritual Development Director at Shoreline Church in Monterey, California, and the co-founder of Organic Outreach International.
For more than three decades, she has spoken on prayer, spiritual formation, leadership, and outreach for local, national, and international organizations.
Alongside her husband Kevin, Sherry has co-authored three books, including her most recent book, Organic Prayer: Discover the Presence and Power of God in the Everyday, and over a hundred small group studies in partnership with authors such as Max Lucado, Ann Voskamp, Jim Cymbala, Christine Caine, Gary Thomas, Rebekah Lyons, and others. Kevin and Sherry have been married for 41 years and have three adult sons, three daughters-in-law, and five grandchildren.
In her new Bible study, Praying with Women of the Bible for 30 Days, Sherry Harney invites readers to learn from the biblical accounts of women who met God in real and personal ways with prayers of all forms. This study is flexible and easy to use, making it perfect for small groups, women’s ministry gatherings, or one-on-one discipleship.
Ready to get to know Sherry Harney a little better? We asked her a few fun and thoughtful questions about herself, her writing career, and what she’s learning right now.
How would your friends describe you in a few words?
I would hope they would say, “Kind. Sincere. Prayerful. And a lover of God and people.”
What’s one small thing that’s helping you stay rooted in Scripture right now?
I always live with a deep sense of need. I need to hear from God. I need wisdom in the complexity of life. I need encouragement when the storms of life keep beating on the shores of my heart. I need examples of faithful people who have walked ahead of me and stayed strong in their faith. I find all of these and more in the truth of Scripture.
You’ve written quite a few Bible studies, but what inspired you to start writing them in the first place?
I love the Bible and believe, with all my heart, that it was breathed by the very Spirit of God. I believe that all the truth we need is captured in the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments. I am confident that every time we read (or listen) to the words of the Bible, God is speaking to us.
My heart’s desire is to help people grow closer to Jesus and mature spiritually. The hunger of my soul and heartbeat of my calling is to see people encounter our perfect and powerful God. One of the best ways for this to happen is helping people learn, love, and live the Word of God.
Because of this calling and passion, my husband and I have been writing three to four Bible Studies (group or individual) every year for the last three decades.
What drew you to focus on prayer and women of the Bible in this new study?
My passion for prayer started at an early age. The simple idea that we can talk with God anytime, anywhere, and in any situation captured my heart in my childhood. This interest in moment-by-moment prayer has only grown through the years. I have written on prayer and spoken on prayer for many years and in settings around the world. I have also written two studies on women of the Bible. Their faith has inspired me and their stories have guided me.
When I had a chance to bring these two powerful biblical themes together (women in the Bible and prayer), the combination fired me up. It is hard to put into words the privilege it has been to labor in studying the prayers of women of the Bible.
Which of the women featured in Praying with Women of the Bible for 30 Days do you resonate with the most, and why?
So many of the lives of these women have impacted me. But, if I have to identify one woman I resonate with, it is Hannah. Her journey of prayer reaches the depths of pain and sorrow that moved her to wordless groanings in prayer. Her prayer life also moved her to praise and celebration of God’s goodness and miraculous provision. Hannah’s prayer life teaches us that prayer is for the highest highs, the lowest lows, and everywhere in-between.
What does your dream day off look like?
Unhurried time at the feet of Jesus. Some time with my husband, Kevin, who continues to be my best friend. Connection with my three sons and their wives who are each precious to me. Laughter and learning with my five beautiful grandchildren. Some kind of outdoor activity where I can be physically active and breathe deeply of fresh air while looking at any body of water. Eating fresh and juicy fruit … preferably fresh-picked blueberries. A little piece of heaven for me.
What’s a fun fact or a hidden talent most people don’t know about you?
I played drums for four years in school. I still love the drums, and when I worship, if there is a strong drum presence, I experience a different level of delight.
What do you hope participants walk away with after going through Praying with Women of the Bible for 30 Days?
If a person goes through this study and prays more, loves God more deeply, and feels inspired to go deeper into the Scriptures, I will be overjoyed!
Praying with Women of the Bible for 30 Days
Deepen your prayer life with women from Scripture.
The thirty lessons on prayer in this book are each as unique as the women whose stories they tell. This is neither an academic nor a traditional Bible study, but author and prayer leader Sherry Harney will help you learn from the biblical accounts of women who met God in real and personal ways with prayers of all forms.
As you learn about each woman in Scripture, you will see how they brought their needs to God in prayer, how intimately you are connected to their stories, and how to bring your own needs to God alongside them. Be encouraged by the examples we are given in Scripture of women who went before us and share in our common needs for prayer and communion with a holy and gracious God.
This Bible study includes:
- A woman’s biblical story and related Scripture
- Reflections on connecting to each woman’s circumstances
- Learning to take your needs to God in prayer
- Prayer exercises and echoes
If you’re looking to reignite your prayer life and connect with women in the Bible in a new way, Praying with Women of the Bible for 30 Days is for you. Start your journey today with Sherry Harney and learn how, like the women in the Bible, to take your needs to God in prayer every day.
