Customer Reviews

In Conversation with God: Meditations for Each Day of the Year (7 Volume Set)

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This is an amazing Catholic meditation and daily reflection series. The seven volumes have daily readings for each day of the church year as well as volume 6 & 7 being special Feast Days. The readings draw heavily upon the writings of Josemaria Escriva the founder of Opus Dei, Pope John Paul II, and the daily readings from the common liturgy for that day. The Sundays have three sets of readings depending on if we are in year A, B, or C in the church readings. These devotions are all about 6 pages long and divided into 3 sections. They can be read all as a lump or part in the morning, midday and evening. I find that with every day there is so much meat in these devotions that I am already planning on reading them again next year.

"We have a duty to rest. Resting in order to serve God and other people better.
We should learn to rest. If we can avoid becoming totally exhausted we should not fail to do so. God wants us to look after our health, and to know how to recover our strength. It is part of the fifth commandment. We need to rest in order to be fit, to restore lost energy, and so that our work may be all the more effective. Above all, we need it so as to serve God and other people better."
Francis Fernandez
In Conversation With God Volume #3 p.217

"For this reason asking advice about reading is an important part of the virtue of prudence, very especially if it is a question of theological or philosophical books, which can radically affect our formation and even our faith itself. How important it is to be right about books! It is still more important to consult our spiritual director about books specifically destined to aid the formation of our soul."
Francis Fernandez
In Conversation With God - Volume #3 p.117

Are but two samplings of what I have already copied out into my journal this year. There is a complete subject, and biblical reference index in volume 7, unfortunately the earlier volumes indexes only go as far as that volume #. The indexes are subject, and reference quoted by church Fathers, Popes and Saints. These books will draw anyone deeper into a faith and a life of action based upon that faith.

I have been an avid reader of Catholic literature for the past twenty years, and have easily read hundreds of Catholic books. In the early years of this period I tended to focus on books about devotional practices (e.g. rosary), Mary, apparitions and the saints. Over time, I found myself not so much interested in abandoning these topics but wanting to build upon them with readings that also dealt with progress in the spiritual life, particularly those that seemed to understand human psychology and the various aspects of virtues required for advancement in the spiritual life. So few writers seemed to be able to provide such a comprehensive range of themes - Garrigou Lagrange's Three Ages of the Interior Life is an exception. I must confess that over this entire time I have been attracted to finding a single book or single multi-volume work that could meet all of my needs. I must say that the 7 volume In Conversation with God series has meet and exceeded this need.

Never before have I encountered a work such as this - in fact I am only aware of one other work (Divine Intimacy new and old versions) that attempted to provide readings matched to liturgical three year cycle at this depth. Over 3300 pages long, at least 6 pages devoted to each day of the year, this work far exceeds Divine Intimacy, is easy to read, contains about every aspect of the faith you could possible consider (sacraments, virtues, Catholic teachings, four last things, spiritual progression, pursuing perfection in the ordinary state of life, Most Blessed Trinity, life of Christ, Mary, prayer, the Church, rosary, the lives of the saints, angels, apparitions, etc...), repeats themes over the entire series (for example, the Most Holy Eucharist or Mary are not treated just in one chapter - but has dozens of chapters devoted to these themes plus they appear in many other chapters), has two volumes that deal with special feast days, is entirely faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church (does not water down in the slightest) yet written in the most gentle and encouraging tone reminiscent of St. Francies de Sales, Alphonsus de Ligouri or Garrigou Lagrange, and pecularily able to appeal to both the beginner and the advanced or the perfect, to those who are Catholic to the core to those distant from the Church. Additionally these books are filled with passages from the bible (matching the liturgical readings of the day), each pages is laced with the hundreds of quotes found throughout the book from beloved saints, popes and other popular Catholic figures.

Never has the gospels been explained so beautifully. This is a work you will treasure each day of your life - and given the size and power of the texts, you will never tire of dipping into this work each day of your life. This work is destined to be a masterpiece of the Catholic Church, and a powerful instrument in encouraging souls in renewing their relationship with God, continuing in the daily struggle of life, responding to the grace of God and attaining perfection in the spiritual life.

You will simply never find such a series of books again - rich in quotations from saints and popes, you will find within these pages the beauty of God.

This set is a timeless classic. I'd hate to begin to describe it in words. The meditations are based on the Daily Readings from the Mass. It offers excellent insights for anyone who's serious about deepening their faith and tranforming everyday life into prayer and growing in holiness. You'll be in sync with the Church's liturgical year and you'll gain an in-depth knowlegde of Church's teaching and virtue. I've used it for 3 years now and I HIGHLY recommend it.

This book is one volume of seven books titled "In Conversation with God". Their contents follow the complete liturgical year, that contain daily readings following the daily (and Sunday) Masses, plus solemnities and feasts of the saints. They are updated for today's culture, still full of writings from our favorite saints, quotes from the bible, Church documents, also quotes by Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II. I don't believe another series can be this good. I have been reading them for six years. They are very fruitful for anyone's spiritual life, no matter what their vocation. Priests have been known to use theses to help them with their homilies. I find them useful for answering questions people ask me or that I seek out myself, as they have a great index of both subjects and quotations. They are put out by Opus Dei and Publ. by Scepter. Buy the whole set. They are a spiritual treasure!

This series of books has been my daily companion for many years. Through meditating on the wisdom expressed in each day's entry, I have attempted to grow in holiness in my daily life. The guidance offered is pure and solid for any serious Christian. Those with a humble spirit who wish to truly listen to God will learn much from these books. Each day's entry includes references to scripture and to works of religious leaders and saints. I would highly recommend this series to those who are serious about progressing in their spirituality.

In Conversation With God by Francis Fernandez (published by Scepter Press) is an excellent devotional book I've been reading for many years now and highly recommend to all. It's published by Opus Dei folks and will challenge you in your faith, I guarantee it. If you've ever read spiritual works that are full of "And I learned from Mother Superior that when in the refrectory, I mustn't ..." and wondered if there was something that would speak to you in your state of life, whether at work or in school, this is the devotional for you. Unabashedly orthodox, it gives practical tips on living the Christian life in the world. It follows the liturgical calendar and readings (naturally), and each day is divided into three sections you can read morning, noon, and night or afternoon. He quotes the Scriptures, the Fathers, the Saints, the Popes (especially John Paul), and St. Escriva. Occasionally it gets a bit heavy on the sentimentalism - sometimes I have to gag at how he speculates on what this or that saint would have done (my favorite is how Jesus and St. Joseph would have always carefully cleaned and put their tools away whenever they were done with them) - but it is a flaw that can easily be overlooked.

The headings, for example, for the first Monday in Lent are as follows. The topic says, "The existence of the devil and his activity." The sections were "The devil exists and acts in people and society. His activity is mysterious, but real and effective.", "Who the devil is. His power is limited. We need divine help in order to conquer.", "Jesus Christ vanquishes the devil. Trust in Christ. Means that we have to use. Holy Water." He quotes Scripture 12 times, church councils four times (three are SVC), St. Irenaeus, Ven. Cdl. Newman, Cassian, St. Jean Vianny, St. John of the Cross, St. Escriva, and four times quotes John Paul II.

All and all an excellent, edifying book.

This series follows the gospel for the daily mass. If you don't have much time to read every day or attend daily mass this is for you! Just 15 minutes each morning will fill your mind and soul! You don't really need to read any other books if you faithfully read this. It's perpetual too so it'll last you many years! God Bless You!

When I converted from Protestantism to Catholicism I looked for a devotional to replace "My Utmost For His Highest." This is it and it is rich and satisfying.

Seven pocket sized volumes. Well worth the cost.

This series is one of the greatest sets of books I have come across. Each Meditation is only about 6 pages long but the it contains words of wisdom that draws you closer to God and really helps you in your day-to-day life.It is certainly for the ordinary person trying to be more like Jesus. I normally start reading a book and then never keep up but this one is definately a keeper....I actually look forward to reading it.It is clear, concise and to the point. BUY IT......

The best meditation series I have read. Will help you grow closer to God in your day-to-day living.