Customer Reviews

Running Into the Arms of God: Stories of Prayer/Prayer as Story

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You don't normally think of spirituality as a "fun read" but this small book can put a whole new spin on the concept of relating to God and when is it, exactly, that we are praying. It is engaging, poignant, thought-provoking (in a positive, non-troubling way) and conveys an optimism about how to live and experience life. I recommend this book to everyone who believes that life has a larger purpose --- if you take its meaning to heart it can make every day of your life a fair bit richer. I received this book as a Christmas present and, in turn, have now given it out as a gift to many of my closest friends and family members --- getting unanimously positive comments in return. This one is really worth it.

Fr. Hannon has written a truly remarkable book. The collection of stories he has included in this work range experiences with his family straight up through the high school he was principal for winning the state championship in baseball. Regardless of the story, however, Fr. Hannon includes a wonderful narrative, one that draws you in and thus allows you to feel the same emotions as the author did in the same situation.

Many of these stories are humorous and leave you wanting to pick up the phone and call your family members to relive some of your own humorous happenings. Others are sad and will perhaps echo with some previous experiences of the reader. Regardless of the tone of the story, the author's powerful command of the English language and engaging style helps the reader show that no situation, no matter how seemingly small or not important, is in fact a blessing and an opportunity to prayer.

I would recommend this book for anyone. If you are looking for a fun book to read, this will be extremely enjoyable and will leave you wanting to read more from Fr. Hannon. Or perhaps you are looking for a book to help rediscover or reinforce your spiritual life. This book will definitely do that as well. It will help you discover that at anytime of day and in any situation, God and prayer are right there.

Anyone who likes a good story should like this book. It is a delightful and enlightening work that I have been recommending to my friends. Patrick Hannon, a young Holy Cross priest, generously shares with us tales of his family and his life. They are warm and engaging stories in themselves and Hannon is a great storyteller. And in his faith he reveals to us another dimension of reality -- that of prayer which is laced through the fabric of ordinary life, usually not recognized or recognizable as prayer until a book like this points it out. You will enjoy the book, you will want to pass it on.

Patrick Hannon, CSC, is a Holy Cross priest from Oakland, California, who draws on his roots in a large, boisterous family and years of teaching in a Catholic high school to illustrate his belief that prayer is present in every aspect of life. And he suggests that frequently this prayer is accomplished without words. He envisions his mother "speaking to God as a fellow parent" on the countless occasions she waited for the last teenager to come home safely at night. He sees prayer in the Sunday mornings when his father drove him and his three older brothers on their paper routes, then edged into a booth with them at the donut shop "over maple bars, cups of hot chocolate, and the box scores from the sports page." As high school teacher, Hannon has discovered the sacramental aspects of sports, in which elements of nature "become a conduit for divine grace and we celebrate the awesome, ineffable, tangible presence of God in our midst." As a priest sitting vigil with a woman dying of cancer, Hannon found prayer not only in Tessa's reaching for his hand, but also in the setting: "the encompassing darkness, the Van Morrison music, the fluorescent light over the bed..." The best prayers, he has discovered, reconnect us to God and thus to each other and our true selves.

An epilogue following the 21 stories contains an activity appropriate for individuals or faith sharing groups. In it, students are asked to define prayer using metaphors. The range of answers fits perfectly with what Hannon expresses throughout his book.

Father Pat has a unique way of allowing the reader to experience the love of God in everyday, human lives. I laughed, I cried, I marveled, I prayed during my reading of this book. Father Pat also allows us insight into how to accept all of God's beings with dignity, humor and grace, no matter how challenging the situation. I liked how each story was in itself an encounter with God's mercy and love. This book is worth several reads!!

Great read. A book you JUST CAN'T put down. The stories are fun and very spiritual.

Father Patrick Hannon is an individual I would love to meet. This book was inspiring.

A very accessible read, full of great personal stories that highlight the experiential discovery of God in our lives. Fr. Kevin, OSA

This book is an easy read with a common down -to- earth simplicity that strikes at the very root of your heart. The authors Irish wit and love of his fellow man (in whatever background they may be from) is so very apparent that it will make you think twice before judging another human being. The stories are short, diverse and sweet. This is a must read for anyone that needs a lift and a different perspective on the every day comings and goings of life. This little book of gems left such an impression on me that I ordered 3 more copies of it and sent them for Christmas presents. Thank you Patrick Hannon for your humor and wit and keep on writing!!