Customer Reviews

Surrendering Our Stress: Prayers to Calm the Soul and Strengthen the Spirit

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Great short morning meditations. I read one each day and paused to reflect on what was said. It is a great way to start out the day, especially if you can keep the thoughts in mind throughout the day.
The only part that I found a little weak was the pronouns in the fixed format of each day. Joan's reflections were always with a "We", never an I. That sometimes struck me as impersonal, especially on some very personal topics. Conversely, her prayers each day were always with an "I", which I found sometimes too personal -- somethings I have to face alone, and feel it, but somethings I believe I face in community with others, and want to express my feelings (and prayers) in that manner.

To quote Joan Guntzelman, in the Introduction of this beautiful little book, "Surrendering Our Stress: Prayers to Calm the Soul and Strengthen the Spirit is meant to help us examine our own lives and discern how we may be stumbling blocks to ourselves, even when we are not aware of it."

With each meditation you will be drawing closer to God, the source all peace. The short reflections begin with a verse of two of Scripture, move into a short meditation, and end with prayer.

I lead a large Bible study in my church and we've been using Joan's reflections and prayers to end our Bible study each week in meditative prayer(Lectio Divina)-- the powerful, transforming and healing grace of the Holy Spirit working in us and through us.

Excellent book written to restore and build faith within the reader. Very down-to-earth and well written. A good read for anyone needing assistance in their prayer life.