God, I Have Issues: 50 Ways To Pray No Matter How You Feel [Paperback]

Mark E. Thibodeaux (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2005

Human lives and human issues run the gamut from addiction and anger to weariness and worries. God, I Have Issues is a gentle call to prayer in the midst of our good and bad times, trusting our problems and joys to a God who wishes to share them all with us. Each issue opens with a Scripture passage (and lists others that are related) and contains a reflection, prayer pointers and words to take with you.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

MARK E. THIBODEAUX, S.J., is a spiritual director, retreat director, high school teacher and Jesuit priest. He holds a Master of Divinity from Weston Jesuit School of Theology in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He is the author of Armchair Mystic: Easing Into Contemplative Prayer (St. Anthony Messenger Press).

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: St. Anthony Messenger Press (February 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0867165367
• ISBN-13: 978-0867165364
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #237,110 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Prayer Starters for Dealing with the Stuff of Life, May 29, 2005

By 

Carol Blank (USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: God, I Have Issues: 50 Ways To Pray No Matter How You Feel (Paperback)

"50 Ways" is Fr. Thibodeaux's response to a need of his own that is certain to resonate with others. Over time he has wished in vain for a resource that would help him incorporate his current mood or a common situation into his conversations with God, who seems to be inviting him to do so. Thus, he decided to write that resource himself. The table of contents lists a series of situations and emotions. The body of the book contains a reflection on each topic, always introduced by a scripture passage and followed by a list of passages for further reading, prayer pointers, related entries, and "words to take with you." The value-added segment comes in the last few pages, which contain an index of themes and extensive listing of alternative emotions and situations in an "If you're feeling"/"Look up" format.

Thibodeaux's book, which he describes as a reference manual, includes a generous introduction with suggestions for praying with "God I Have Issues," praying with scripture, and praying with emotions.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book for the psychologically healthy, September 19, 2006

By 

Diana H C Tan "dianat the book lover" (Singapore) - See all my reviews

This review is from: God, I Have Issues: 50 Ways To Pray No Matter How You Feel (Paperback)

As the Introduction warns, this book is not intended to be read from cover to cover. However, as spiritual director and prayer guide, I find the topics relevant and the author's sharing interesting. I actually did read cover to cover. I feel this is a wonderful book for spiritual directors who journey with others in prayer. The questions formulated by the author help to take the discussion of spiritual issues with a directee further. Besides, the author has put together a list of Scripture passages and this is one part of the research done for me (in terms of using Scripture for prayer and reflection).

For personal prayer and reflection, this book could serve somewhat as a spiritual guide, albeit there is the absence of contact with another God-listening person. However, barring the availability of a spiritual director who is able to guide your inner movements, the writing here provides something to reflect on.

Each chapter in themselves are not long and each is easy reading. Topics range from addiction to being too busy, having doubts, being grateful, feeling guilty, hurt, jealous, judgmental, lonely, parenting and singlehood issues to being weary and worried. At the end of each chapter are "Prayer Pointers" that take the reflection one step further. Sure, there are other such books with Scripture and reflection but I find God, I have Issues very down-to-earth and relevant.

For example, in the chapter, "God, I'm in awe of your creation", it begins with St. Francis of Assisi's "Praise be you, my Lord, with your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun..." Then the author shares one of his journal entries in the year January 2000. He shares how he was running on a cold morning and later became awestruck at his body's ability to regulate its own temperature even in freezing weather. Scripture passages for reflection and prayer pointers follow. "Related Entries" afterwards provide a referral to other topics which might be more relevant to describe your feelings. Then the "Words to Take with You" section provides quotes to take the journey further.

The Introduction also warns that this book is for the psychologically healthy. For people with serious emotional or pscyhological problems, such as depression, the author suggests that professional help be sought.

Ignatian Contemplation calls for an awareness of feelings that arises out of contemplation and meditation and for those people who lack the ability to name the feelings they have, Thibodeaux's "God, I have Issues" could be the starter to get in touch with those feelings.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing, April 12, 2006

By 

Michael P. (Houston, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: God, I Have Issues: 50 Ways To Pray No Matter How You Feel (Paperback)

Father Thibs is a teacher at my school. He is an amazing man who is truely devoted to God. This book reflects that devotion and shows people how to pray. There is no right or wrong way, only variations. This is a great book and you should read it if you need help praying or want to try to start.