11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An Excellent Introduction to a Franciscan Prayer Life, February 22, 2010
This attractive prayer book begins with an introduction and biographical chapter that commends the life and witness of Clare of Assisi before moving into the short daily offices (prayer services). The offices can each be prayed slowly and meditatively in ten to fifteen minutes. There is one separate morning prayer and one evening prayer office for each of seven days, and a quick compline (night prayer) that's the same for each night. Each day includes collects (set prayers) quotations, and Scripture readings that enlarge upon a particular theme in the spiritual life. The St. Francis volume explores these themes: Following Christ / Disregard for possessions / Peace and care in human relationships / Love for all creatures / Preaching the Good News / Passion more important than learning / Joyful simplicity.
What I Like. It's important that a breviary (book of short prayers) be accessible and easy to use. While a paperback, it is well bound and attractively designed. The type is reasonably large and the different sections are easy to read. Finding one's place requires only to know what day of the week it is, and the prayer offices require no flipping back and forth.
What I Don't Like. It is a common poetic device of Franciscans to thank God in all circumstances by offering prayer of praise to Lady Poverty, et al. You know, like Brother Sun, Sister Moon, and all of that. I don't imagine that Francis, Clare, or any of the Order's members suppose there to be an actual heavenly persona named Poverty, whom we would care to address in real terms. I understand the poetic device and find it pleasant. Christian prayer, however, is addressed to the Father, with the Son, through the Holy Spirit (leaving aside the question of intercessions to departed Saints). The Psalms seem to entreat Creation to praise God along with the worshippers, but when I'm teaching beginning disciples to prayer, I don't want to have to go through the trouble of explaining/defending that particular literary device.
Bottom line: The introductory material provides an excellent popular account of this Christian saint and his contributions to the spiritual life of the wider Church. The book itself is easy to use for prayers, aesthetically attractive, and well-priced. If you don't mind the aforementioned literary device, these volumes are an excellent gateway to the practice of regular structured prayer as well as Franciscan Christian spirituality.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent everyday prayer book, December 8, 2010
I really like this little prayer book. It begins with some information about the life of St. Francis and about the order that he established. It then sets up a weekly liturgy based on thematic elements of Francis' theology. Each day reflects a different theme and the prayers, psalms, and gospel readings are reflective of that theme. I find the prayers to be both spiritual and touching. Using this book, especially for morning prayer, has changed the way that I communicate with God for the better. I am inspired by the collects and by the prayers themselves and truly enjoy the way that times of silence are worked into the liturgy for personal reflection. This is an excellent resource for those interested in experimenting with new approaches to their prayer life.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fransican Prayer, April 20, 2011
The book was highly recommended to me and I understand why. It has provided me with a greater understanding and appreciation of Franciscan spirituality. It has enriched my prayer life.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
