The Essential Catholic Prayer Book: A Collection of Private and Community Prayers (Redemptorist Pastoral Publication) (Paperback)

~ Judy Bauer (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Religious journalist Tickle's commodious volume is the first in a series of three aimed at renewing and reinvigorating the Benedictine tradition of fixed-hour prayer. Tickle draws from the Book of Common Prayer and the New Jerusalem Bible as well as a smattering of more contemporary hymns and poems; her great labor is imaginative and thoughtful and should be well received. For most collections. Not wholly unlike it, but rather more conservative in approach, is the Redemptorist Essential Catholic Prayer Book, which draws together translations of many familiar and indispensable prayers and devotions--the Stations of the Cross, the Rosary, the Scapular. For collections where there is a strong Catholic readership.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

Bringing together more than 250 prayers and devotions that cover every aspect of the Catholic heritage, "The Essential Catholic Prayer Book" is a comprehensive, easy to use resource for those seeking a more satisfying and varied prayer life.

Product Details

• Paperback: 285 pages
• Publisher: Liguori Publications; 1st edition (November 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 076480488X
• ISBN-13: 978-0764804885
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #252,687 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

83 of 84 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential Indeed!, February 22, 2001

By	NYJ (Atlantic Coast, USA) - See all my reviews

This book is a lovely compendium of centuries of Catholic tradition in the form of prayer. The book starts off with an introduction to prayer, why we pray, why we should pray, how prayer is found in both the Old and New Testaments and how we can overcome difficulties to prayer. The book ends with a brief "manual" of ways to pray; whether it be praying at a certain time of day, reflective prayer while studying an aspect of life (be it physical or spiritual), different types of prayer (thanksgiving, intercession, contritiion, etc etc).

Between these two chapters are 250 prayers that are steeped in Catholic tradition. Prayers range from everyday prayers known to every Catholic (Our Father, Glory Be, Hail Mary, Apostles Creed), to prayers to Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, prayers to Mary and the Saints and prayers for specific intentions (for the sick, confessional, before/during/after the Mass). There are a number of devotionals and litanies in the book which I found especially spiritual, as well as some of the more well-known chaplets (prayers using rosary-beads as a structure for the prayer) and novenas.

Overall, this is one of the most complete books I've ever read on the topic of prayer. It was well worth the ... I paid for it, and I've spiritually recouped my expense with the first week of use of this book. For someone who relies on structured prayer, this book will be invaluable and will offer some nice tips and guides to help nurture your prayer life. I would (and do) highly recommend this book for anyone who wishes to deepen their prayer life. I think this book would also make a great gift.

81 of 82 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Concise Pleasure, December 16, 1999

By	WM (Kentucky, USA) - See all my reviews

This is a wonderful summarized book of Catholic Prayers. The author has attempted to really include biblical quotes, as well as quotes from Saints and Doctors of the Church. The author uses a wonderful use of ideas on how to pray, and different ways to pray, while stating that it is the reader's preference of prayer that is best. The chapters discuss the following:

Basic Prayers, Morning Prayers, Daily Prayers, Evening Prayers, Prayers Before Mass, the Order of Mass, Prayers Before Communion, After Communion, After Mass, Before Confession, After Confession, to Jesus Christ Crucified, to the Sacred Heart, to the Holy Name, to the Child Jesus, for Divine Mercy, to the Holy Eucharist, to the Holy Spirit, the Blessed Trinity, Prayers to the Mary, Saints Prayers to Mary, Prayers to Mary Under Special Titles, Devotions, Prayers for Personal Needs, for Particular Groups, for Holidays, Prayers for the Sick, Dying, and Deceased, Prayers for Saintly Intercession, to the Holy Angels, for Friends and Family, for Special Intentions, and lastly the brief manual of ways to pray.

I highly recommend this book!

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing prayer book, December 27, 2004

By	Glutton for books - See all my reviews

It is difficult for me decide if this is the best prayer book ever. "Queen of the Apostles Prayerbook" is in a close tie with it.

The "Essential Catholic Prayer Book" is the best prayer book to give some one as a gift or to purchase for yourself if you are seeking gudiance in your prayer life, or are looking for new ways to pray, or returning to prayer after a long absence. It includes many traditional staple prayers and devotions, and those that are less well known, such as the Divine Mercy prayers, the Chaplet for the Infant of Prague, and the most recent set of mysteries that were added to the rosary.

"The Essential Prayer Book's" advantage over the "Queen of the Apostles Prayerbook" is its inclusion of essays on methods of prayers, which provide helpful guidelines. This section encompasses such topics as: how scripture can complement prayer life, how meditatively praying with chaplets differs from basic vocal prayers, and the use of meditation as a source of prayer. Great information for some one who does not have the time or familiarity with writings of people like Theresa of Avila, John of the Crosss or other inspired authors who have written books on approaches of prayer. It also has a great dictionary of terms. This would be a wonderful gift for parishes to give to their faith formation classes.