Claire Cloninger (August 12, 1942 – August 15, 2019) was an American songwriter of contemporary Christian music, author and speaker. She (co-)wrote hundreds of songs, including "You Gave Me Love When Nobody Gave Me A Prayer" with Archie Jordan for B. J. Thomas, "Friend of a Wounded Heart" for Wayne Watson (who was also a co-writer), and songs for Sandi Patty and Paul Overstreet. She authored 18 books, including Making ‘I Do’ Last a Lifetime, Dear Abba: Finding the Father’s Heart Through Prayer, and Postcards for People Who Hurt. She won six Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association.
