Reflections for Ragamuffins: Daily Devotions from the Writings of Brennan Manning

by Brennan Manning

Brennan Manning shares his joyful message in a powerful new way with his first-ever collection of daily devotions. For every day of the year the beloved author of Ragamuffin Gospel and The Boy Who Cried Abba offers a verse of scripture, and each day's mediation is completed with a complementary reading from his own writings. Whether your life has already changed by Brennan Manning's dynamic version of the good news or you are meeting him here for the first time, Reflections for Ragamuffins will open your mind and heart to a profound new experience of God's unconditional love.

Genres: Christian, Devotional, Spirituality, Religion, Faith, Christianity, Christian Living

384 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1998

About the author

Richard Francis Xavier Manning, known as Brennan Manning (April 27, 1934 – April 12, 2013) was an American author, friar, priest, contemplative and speaker.Born and raised in Depression-era New York City, Manning finished high school, enlisted in the US Marine Corps, and fought in the Korean War. After returning to the United States, he enrolled at Saint Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania. Upon his graduation from the seminary in 1963, Manning was ordained a Franciscan priest.[2]

In the late 1960s, Manning joined the Little Brothers of Jesus of Charles de Foucauld, a religious institute committed to an uncloistered, contemplative life among the poor. Manning transported water via donkey, worked as a mason's assistant and a dishwasher in France, was imprisoned (by choice) in Switzerland, and spent six months in a remote cave somewhere in the Zaragoza desert. In the 1970s, Manning returned to the United States and began writing after confronting his alcoholism.

Reviews

[Brenda Remis · Rating 5 out of 5]

My take on Brennan's writings are 1) that it's OK to be a raggamuffin, and 2) that God's love is unconditional. It took me a good while to finish this book, but I needed to focus instead of just get through it. Without intending to, I found that I would have spontaneous tears along the way, as I discovered these truths. I am so glad to have discovered this book. I think I might have given a couple as gifts when I first started reading it. I'll be holding on to this one.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although some of the devotionals in this book are really short, they pack a punch. Manning had a lot of good things to say in his life, and he put many of them in this book. I read it through in 2014 and was inspired and encouraged many days, and often convicted by what I read. I highly recommend it.

[D.A. Cairns · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding daily devotional which is sure to build your relationship with God. Go deeper with this man of God. Short devotionals, Single scriptures. One devotional a day will change your life.

Please note. I'm reviewing this even though I haven't finished reading it. It will take a year to read and I'll probably read it again. It's a special type of book only of interest to thse who wish to have a stronger, closer relationship with Jesus Christ.

[Tom Mobley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monica was/is a Rich Mullins fan and we were fortunate to see him in concert several times. Having seen the moving on Rich's life I had be intrigued by Brennan Manning and found his yearly devotional book.

It was a good part of my morning reads last year.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those devotionals that you'll read over and over again. Each day Manning manages to encourage, challenge and/or invite you deeper into your relationship with God.

[Joshua Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome devotional! I have read through it at least 10 times.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE the insights, challenges, and personal stories!

[Lauren Thibodeaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful devotional. So many things to underline. So many new insights into the Christian life, following Jesus, and the Bible.

[Catrina Berka · Rating 2 out of 5]

The short, one-page, devotions include a short bible verse and Manning's reflections on living the Christian life. It was a bit too much fluff for my preference in a daily devotional.

[Corbin Hillam · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been 25 years. Still great!

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reflections for Ragamuffins is definitely one of those devotional books that I will keep. It will have a place on the shelf right next to My Utmost For His Highest, one that I return to ever four or five years.

Brennan Manning was a broken person. And he knew it. That's what made his writings on grace so poignant and effective. Day after day, I was amazed at the fresh insight this devotional book brought to my life. My favorite thing, though, about this book, is that the entire month of December is devoted to readings about Christmas, and how God's breakthrough in to human history affects our everyday lives. I've never seen a devotional that did that.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who is in the habit of reading daily devotions.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pithy meditation that hits my soul. A great gift for a friend and one worth passing on. I'm sure it will come back around another year if you share your year-long daily devotionals with friends~

[sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a devotional book-a page a day...was recommended to me by my friend mike hong. each lesson was short yet profound...not to be taken lightly. loved this book. i still read it.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I use this devotional over and over again through out my days and it always speaks to me of God's infinite love for ragamuffins such as myself.

[Kathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liann gave this to me several years ago. Whenever I pick it up again, I am amazed at how honest and pithy Manning is. Great for a gal who is short on her ability to be both meaningful AND brief.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

great devotional

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Brennan Manning and this devotional just makes me want to read all of his books!

[Bryan Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best devotionals I have ever used. Each day I can't wait to read (sometimes I will read tomorrows, its that good.

[writer... · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing into 2014 with this daily reading of excellent reflections on various short segments collected from Brennan Manning's writings. Great index closes out the book for further references.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid, not in-your-face reflections on faith.

[Andy Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my all time favorite books. Beautifully written and points that revolutionized my understanding of God and myself. A Must READ!

[Clint]

Great daily devotional.

[Mandi]

I still read this quite often!

[Brad · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best "devotional" books I've ever read.