God, I Have Issues: 50 Ways to Pray No Matter How You Feel
By Father Mark E. Thibodeaux, SJ. St. Anthony Messenger Press (Cincinnati, 2005). 192 pp., $12.95.
Lent and Easter: Wisdom From Pope John Paul II
Compiled by John V. Kruse. Liguori (Liguori, Mo., 2005). 116 pp., $9.95.
First Fruits of Prayer: A 40-Day Journey Through the Canon of St. Andrew
By Frederica Mathewes-Green. Paraclete Press (Brewster, Mass., 2006). 196 pp., $19.95.
These three books contain daily readings suitable for the season of Lent.
In "God, I Have Issues: 50 Ways to Pray No Matter How You Feel," Jesuit Father Mark E. Thibodeaux provides 50 readings that fit particular emotions or situations --- entries he describes as "prayer starters." Each begins with a related scriptural passage, followed by a reflection that is personal and pertinent, and a list of suggested scriptural references.
The author then supplies "prayer pointers," suggestions on how to meditate on the entry. Each section ends with lines of quotations or poetry to keep in mind during the day.
Topics include joy, pride, anger, fear, despair, doubt, loneliness, sadness, indecision, stress, worry, hurt, gratitude and contentment. The situations are listed in alphabetical order, with a cross-referenced index at the end. Father Thibodeaux shares helpful personal stories in addition to giving solid spiritual and psychological insights.
Entries are engaging and fresh, approaching each emotion from several dimensions, employing humor, beautiful poetry, and quotations worth pondering. Some examples: "I know that God won't give me anything I can't handle. I just wish he didn't trust me so much (Mother Teresa)," "It's your church, Lord, I'm going to bed (Pope John XXIII)," and "Blessed are they who laugh at themselves. They shall never cease to be entertained (Chinese proverb)."
"Lent and Easter: Wisdom From Pope John Paul II" is a practical book for those who have difficulty finding time to pray regularly. It offers readings for each day from Ash Wednesday to the Second Sunday of Easter. Each reflection includes a passage from one of Pope John Paul's writings or addresses, a related scriptural reading, an appropriate prayer and a suggested practice for the day.
The daily themes include trust, love, listening, steadfastness, temptation, suffering and hope. Suggested responses range from spending time with someone, to praying during cooking or driving, to writing a letter for the cause of justice. Each reflection is approximately two pages long, so as to be easily fit into a busy schedule.
"First Fruits of Prayer: A 40-Day Journey Through the Canon of St. Andrew" contains 40 readings from the Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete. This epic-long hymn is sung during Lent in the Orthodox tradition. The author of several books on Eastern Orthodoxy, Frederica Mathewes-Green provides an excellent introduction on the nature of Eastern practices and monasticism. For each page of the book there is a facing page of annotations, giving exact scriptural references, quotations, comments and a reflection.
The verses by St. Andrew are mainly personal reflections on Scripture in which he compares himself to sinful figures with whom he identifies, asking God's mercy after each verse. Although Mathewes-Green offers good theology and insights, the original text seems quite harsh, punitive and acerbic for contemporary readers. Quotations such as "There is no sinner I have not surpassed," "I have sinned as the harlot never sinned," and "Heaven is closed to thee, my soul" appear throughout.
Women, in particular, may not resonate with the subject of the major reading inserted into the text in two parts. It is the story of St. Mary of Egypt, who after years of sexual depravity repented in the wilderness for 47 years without normal food and entirely without clothing, her body burned black by the sun. The Canon may be of interest to students of Eastern Orthodoxy, but seems too overly self-deprecating for daily prayers to a loving God. Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet Mona Castelazo has taught English for many years in Los Angeles. She is the author of "Under the Skyflower Tree: Reflections of a Nun-Entity," published by iUniverse in 2005.
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