The St. Francis Prayer Book: A Guide to Deepen Your Spiritual Life


Book Description

This warm-hearted little book is a window into the soul of St. Francis, one of the most passionate and inspiring followers of Jesus. "Prayer was to Francis as play is to a child: natural, easy, creative, and joyful," author Jon Sweeney tells us. "Before it became common to speak in personal terms of a relationship with God, Francis did so and made it seem natural." With this guide, readers will: Pray the words that Francis taught his spiritual brothers and sisters to pray. Explore Francis's time and place and feel the joy and earnestness of the first Franciscans. Experience how it is possible to live a contemplative and active life, at the same time.




The Saint Francis Prayer Book


Book Description

This warm-hearted little book is a window into the soul of St. Francis, one of the most passionate and inspiring followers of Jesus. "Prayer was to Francis as play is to a child: natural, easy, creative, and joyful," author Jon Sweeney tells us. "Before it became common to speak in personal terms of a relationship with God, Francis did so and made it seem natural." With this guide, readers will: - Pray the words that Francis taught his spiritual brothers and sisters to pray. - Explore Francis's time and place and feel the joy and earnestness of the first Franciscans. - Experience how it is possible to live a contemplative and active life, at the same time. Visit Jon Sweeney's blog at www.jonmsweeney.wordpress.com.




St. Francis Prayer Book


Book Description

St. Francis of Assisi, born in the twelfth century, was a man who lived his faith with an uncommon passion. Renouncing a life of luxury, he chose a path of simplicity, humility, and poverty. Known for his profound respect for all creatures, he is often depicted in communion with animals, a symbol of his understanding of their place in God's creation. Today, he is revered as the patron saint of animals, nature, and Italy, and his life and teachings continue to inspire millions around the world. In this comprehensive guide, readers will delve into the depth of St. Francis' devotion to God and His creations through the medium of prayer. Starting with his life and journey of faith, the book introduces readers to the rich tradition of intercessory prayers and specifically those by and for St. Francis. These prayers serve as powerful intercessions for divine intervention and as a profound source of comfort, strength, and guidance in times of hardship. Key features include: Detailed accounts of St. Francis' life and his spiritual journey. A rich collection of intercessory prayers, including prayers for humility, understanding, love of all creatures, guidance, healing, and compassion. An extensive section devoted to prayers for the appreciation of nature, embodying St. Francis' deep reverence for the environment. A complete nine-day Novena offering a structured prayer routine for spiritual growth and reflection. This book serves as more than just a collection of prayers. It offers a unique and enriching insight into the heart of St. Francis of Assisi, his profound spirituality, and his timeless wisdom. The prayers within these pages extend an invitation to the reader to cultivate a deeper relationship with God, nature, and their inner self, fostering a sense of peace and unity with the divine. Whether you are familiar with St. Francis or are just beginning to explore his teachings, this book will offer a pathway to understanding his spiritual wisdom and applying it in your life. Join the journey with St. Francis of Assisi and explore the depth and breadth of his prayers in this meticulously curated collection.




The Lessons of Saint Francis


Book Description

The life of St. Francis of Assisi was a paradigm of simplicity, humanity, and love. In today's busy world, his practices have enormous appeal, described in this inspiring work by John Michael Talbot, the founder of The Brothers and Sisters of Charity, a lay order based on the Franciscan principles of simplicity and self-sufficiency. In The Lessons Of St. Francis, Talbot and co-author Steve Rabey demonstrate the enduring significance of Franciscan wisdom. Organized by topic, such as Simplicity, Humility, Compassion, Solitude, Service, and Prayer, each chapter includes excerpts from the writings of St. Francis, as well as those of his followers and biographers. Combining deep spiritual insights with the offer of a saner, less chaotic way of living, The Lessons Of St. Francis offers wise advice on how to incorporate these virtues into our own lives today.




Saint Francis and the Way of Lent


Book Description

The Francis of Assisi Spiritual Practices series utilizes New City’s groundbreaking and now complete Francis of Assisi: Early Documents, Volumes 1-4 to offer readers of all backgrounds inspiring, encouraging, and challenging entry-points to the essential issues of a Christian life. Each book in the series should appeal to readers who desire to walk the Way of Saint Francis with relevance to his life, writings, and legacy. Saint Francis and the Way of Lent offers a four-week format designed for both individual and group use. Each week, or chapter, focuses on a Lenten theme: Week 1: Lent as a Balanced Way of Life Week 2: The Lost Art of Compunction Week 3: Spending Time Alone Week 4: Imitating Christ Short introductions are written by the editor and designed to preface selections from the primary texts, and these are followed by questions for discussion or reflection. There are six readings for each week, followed by prayers of intention and spiritual practice suggestions practice suggestions to deepen your Lenten journey as you follow Christ in the Way of Saint Francis.




Passage Meditation


Book Description

Pioneered by spiritual master Eknath Easwaran, passage meditation consists of memorizing an inspirational spiritual passage and then sending it deep into consciousness through slow, sustained attention. It keeps meditation fresh and varied because readers can select the passages - from one tradition or many - that embody their chosen ideals. Many readers also enjoy the passages for their poetic and intellectual appeal. This form of meditation offers all the richness and depth of traditional wisdom, together with a practical method for bringing that wisdom into daily life. The book situates passage meditation as part of Easwaran's eight-point program that, based on traditional spiritual practices but adjusted for modern lifestyles, shows readers how to stay calm and focused at work and home. This edition includes a new preface of previously unpublished material by Easwaran and an epilogue that explains the story behind the book and invites new readers to join the author on this adventure in the ''world within.''




The Complete Works of Saint Francis of Assisi


Book Description

Saint Francis is considered the first Italian poet by some literary critics. He believed commoners should be able to pray to God in their own language, and he often wrote in the dialect of Umbria instead of Latin. Francis' writing fully reflects his personality and spirituality, making them at once formidably mystic and exquisitely human. They combine great elevation of thought with much picturesqueness of expression. Through his prayers, correspondence and regulas readers will connect and unite with one of the most beloved saints of the Catholic Church.




The St. Teresa of Avila Prayer Book


Book Description

Teresa of Avila articulated for all of us the wondrous interior landscape of prayer. Journey with her through a week of prayer and meditation. Pray the psalms and confessions Teresa prayed. Use her words for meditation, and become acquainted with the wisdom of the saints who made such an impact on Teresa's spiritual growth and practice. Each day of the week includes morning and evening prayer, and there is a topic for every day, based on themes that emerge from Teresa's life and work. "It is love alone that gives worth to all things." —Teresa of Avila




Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace


Book Description

Kent Nerburn's Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace, immerses us in the spirit of one of the most universally inspiring figures in history: St. Francis of Assisi. The Prayer of St. Francis boldly but gently challenges us to resist the forces of evil and negativity with the spirit of goodwill and generosity. And Nerburn shows, in his wonderfully personal and humble way, how we each can live out the prayer's prescription for living in our everyday and less-than-saintly lives. "Where there is hatred, let me sow love...Where there is injury, let me sow pardon..." Expanding upon each line of the St. Francis Prayer, Nerburn shares touching, inspiring stories from his own experience and that of others and reveals how each of us can make a difference for good in ordinary ways without being heroes or saints. Struggling to help a young son comfort his best friend when his mother dies, moved by the courage of war enemies who reconcile, being wrenched out of self-absorbed depression by responding to someone else's tragedy, taking a spirited old lady on a farewell taxi ride through her town-these are the kinds of everyday moments in which Nerburn finds we can live out the spirit of St. Francis. By incorporating the power and grace of these few lines of practical idealism into our thoughts and deeds, we can begin to ease our own suffering-and the suffering of those with whom we share our lives. And, remarkably, find a way to true peace and happiness by tapping into our basic human goodness. As we open our hearts and embrace his words, St. Francis "touches our deepest humanity and ignites the spark of our divinity." Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred let me sow love, Where there is injury let me sow pardon, Where there is doubt, faith, Where there is despair, hope, Where there is darkness, light, And where there is sadness, joy... In this beautifully written book, Kent Nerburn leads us into the heart of the St. Francis Prayer and line by line demonstrates how St. Francis's words can resonate in our lives today.




The Living Church


Book Description