The Catholic Youth Prayer Book, Second Edition
Mary Shrader
Laure L. Krupp
Robert Feduccia Jr.
Matthew J. Miller
ISBN 9781599823331
eISBN 9781599826479
ASIN B00FK8ML7C
Over the last year my son took part if the Frassati Leadership Program in the Diocese of Hamilton. One of their graduation gifts was a physical copy of this book. It looked really good so I picked up the eBook edition and worked my way though it over a few months. It is a great resource, while researching for this review I discovered there is also a “Teaching Activities Manual for The Catholic Youth Prayer Book” that could take this book to the next level in the church or school setting.
The description of this volume states:
“Help youth understand the meaning of Christian prayer. Introduce them to traditional and devotional prayers of the Church, as well as to contemporary styles and methods. Assist youth in developing the habit of daily prayer. This all-in-one resource for prayer forms was specially written for teens, in the PRAY IT! STUDY IT! LIVE IT!® model, like The Catholic Youth Bible® and The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth. It is the most expansive prayer book for teens. But The Catholic Youth Prayer Book does more than teach about prayer. It helps teens become prayerful people.
Here's what's new!
• An easy-to-use index and improved navigational features have been added to enable young people to find prayers quickly and easily.
• Many additional prayers have been added to address any situation young people may encounter in their day-to-day lives.
• Additional chapters were added that include prayers that can be used for special occasions such as Confirmation preparation and celebration, and prayers to open or close meetings.”
The chapters and sections in this book are:
Introduction
Part I
Chapter 1: Prayers through the Day
Chapter 2: Prayers for Life Events
Chapter 3: Opening and Closing Prayers
Chapter 4: Blessing Prayers
Part II
Chapter 5: Prayers and Devotions to Mary
Chapter 6: Prayers about the Holy Spirit
Chapter 7: Prayers from the Saints
Chapter 8: Creeds and Devotions
Chapter 9: Prayers That Express Our Love for God
Chapter 10: Prayers from around the World
Part III
Chapter 11: Praying the Lord’s Prayer
Chapter 12: Praying with Scripture: Lectio Divina
Chapter 13: Praying with Guided Meditation
Chapter 14: Prayer and Journaling
Part IV
Chapter 15: Liturgical Prayer
Chapter 16: A Four-Week Psalter
Acknowledgments
It has both:
Nihil Obstat: Rev. Timothy J. Hall, STL
Censor Librorum
December 20, 2012
Imprimatur: † Most Rev. John M. Quinn
Bishop of Winona
December 20, 2012
The introduction begins with a prayer:
Why We Pray
I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health, that I might do great things;
I was given sickness, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy;
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need for God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life;
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I received nothing I asked for—but everything I hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayer was answered;
I am, among all men, most richly blessed.
—Unknown Confederate Soldier
The introduction ends with these words:
“This book’s table of contents gives an overview of the prayers and prayer forms in this book. In addition to the prayers in each chapter, you will also find sidebar notes called Study It!, Pray It!, and Live It!
Study It!
Prayer has a deep history in our Catholic faith and is a rich part of our Tradition. The Study It! sidebar notes help you learn about prayer in general or describe the origins of certain prayers.
Pray It!
Look for ways to be inspired in your own prayer life. Maybe you will discover new ways to pray either individually or with your family, friends, and community.
Live It!
Read about the prayer lives of the saints. People’s stories can help us learn more about the value of prayer and can inspire us to live a prayerful life focused on God’s will for us. Listen to the lives of others. Think about how you incorporate prayer into your own life. If you have so much as uttered the words “But I don’t know how to pray,” then you are already on the way to learning how to pray. At the very least, prayer is talking to God, and there is no right or wrong way to do that. This book will introduce you to many great ways to pray. Just ask God to guide you, and God will plant the seeds of deeper prayer in your heart.”
One of the chapters I was most impress with was the section on Liturgical Prayer. It is about a quarter of the book and teaches Liturgy of the hours I would have loved to have learned this when in my teens or as a young adult.
Overall this is an excellent prayer book. It is written for youth but could benefit any Catholic. There is a good mix of teaching sections, and actual prayers. Some of the side notes are wonderful as well. It is a great volume I can easily recommend.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan!
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