One of my intentions this year is to schedule more time for prayer and devotion. If I don't plan ahead and set aside time, I go through my busy day doing dishes, laundry, (then more dishes and laundry!), cooking, cleaning, errands, and helping the kids with homework without a prayer pause. You know--all the usual Mom stuff ends up consuming my day and before I know it it's midnight and I'm tired. Although I'd LIKE to have a quiet hour to myself for prayer and reflection, I have realized it is just not going to happen in a small house with four kids. I'm just too exhausted to stay up and read at night. I read a paragraph or two then doze off. In theory, I COULD get up extra early and have some quiet time, but I usually end up hitting snooze a couple of times because I am so tired.
I decided the best way to get in my prayer time is in little bits and pieces, not in one large chunk that never seems to happen. To that end, I have been using Saint of the Day (sixth revised edition), published by St. Anthony Messenger Press, and available at The Catholic Company.
Saint of the Day is just as the title says--a book filled with short summaries of the lives of the saints.
I was surprised that the book does not actually contain 365 saints--there are about 240, but nonetheless it is still a very valuable asset for my daily prayer. Perhaps a larger book would be unwieldy. The sixth revised edition has been updated to include Louis Martin and Zelie Guerin (St. Therese's parents), Charles de Foucauld, Gianna Beretta Molla, Damien of Molokai, Camillus de Lellis and several others.
Each Saint of the Day entry features a short biography of the life and accomplishments of a particular Saint, and is followed by a comment, then a quote from the Saint, about the Saint, or that encapsulates that Saint's spirituality. Each day's text is a very manageable 1-2 pages that I can read and reflect on in just a couple of minutes while eating breakfast. It helps to start off my day on a good note. As I read about a different Saint each day, I'm reminded that these holy men and women, in the midst of their own busy-ness, gave their lives to God, and I am called to nothing less.
I was provided a review copy of this book at no cost to me in order to obtain my honest opinion.
Saint Of The Day is a wonderful way to reflect and connect with your Spiritual center. I begin my day before I even get out of bed. My heartfelt personal prayer for the day and others. Once up I too can't seem to find the time to actually pray and center my thoughts. I am saddened by my Church and how it has changed in my Catholic life. I pray for guidance daily. Thank you for your site I would be lost w3hen I need a lift.
ReplyDeleteNancy