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The St. Francis Prayer Book: A Guide to Deepen Your Spiritual Life
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:
155 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
23 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Jon M. Sweeney
111 books85 followersJon M. Sweeney is an independent scholar and writer of popular history. He is married, the father of three, and lives in Montpelier, Vermont. He has worked in book publishing for 25 years: after co-founding SkyLight Paths Publishing, he was the editor in chief and publisher at Paraclete Press, and in August 2015 became editorial director at Franciscan Media Books.
He has written more than 20 books, seven about Francis of Assisi, including "When Saint Francis Saved the Church" and "The Complete Francis of Assisi." HBO has optioned the film rights to "The Pope Who Quit."
Jon's first 20 years were spent as an involved evangelical (a story told in the memoir "Born Again and Again"); he then spent 22 years as an active Episcopalian (see "Almost Catholic," among others); and on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi in 2009 he was received into the Catholic Church. Today, Jon is a practicing Catholic who also prays regularly with his wife, a rabbi. He loves the church, the synagogue, and other aspects of organized religion. He would never say that he's "spiritual but not religious."
In all of his writing, Jon is drawn to the ancient and medieval (see "The Road to Assisi," and "Inventing Hell"). Many of his books have been selections of the History Book Club, Book-of-the-Month Club, and Quality Paperback Book Club.
He has written more than 20 books, seven about Francis of Assisi, including "When Saint Francis Saved the Church" and "The Complete Francis of Assisi." HBO has optioned the film rights to "The Pope Who Quit."
Jon's first 20 years were spent as an involved evangelical (a story told in the memoir "Born Again and Again"); he then spent 22 years as an active Episcopalian (see "Almost Catholic," among others); and on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi in 2009 he was received into the Catholic Church. Today, Jon is a practicing Catholic who also prays regularly with his wife, a rabbi. He loves the church, the synagogue, and other aspects of organized religion. He would never say that he's "spiritual but not religious."
In all of his writing, Jon is drawn to the ancient and medieval (see "The Road to Assisi," and "Inventing Hell"). Many of his books have been selections of the History Book Club, Book-of-the-Month Club, and Quality Paperback Book Club.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 13, 2020
I am not sure where I got this book or how I found out about this book. I suspect I've had it for quite some time. I suspect at one point I started part of it, but never finished it. That is typical for me -- I have difficulty finishing what I start. Perhaps that's why I love running so much. You can certainly NOT finish a run or a race, but it's more of a pain to try and drop out most times than it is to just suck it up and finish.
I digress.
I used this prayer book during Holy Week 2020 -- the time of the great COVID-19 global pandemic. I felt it was a way to bring a focus to the week that I certainly was lacking. A way to bring structure. Every morning, I started my day with the morning prayers. Every evening after dinner, I went up to my room and said my evening prayers. The morning prayers were easy to do -- I usually meditate or journal in the mornings before anyone else gets up. But the evening ones were hard to remember as I got swept up in the day -- even if that day was spent finishing the series "Mad Men" on Netflix.
I quite liked this collection of prayers with its mix of readings, psalms, collects, and prayers from various saints. It gave a great anchor to an otherwise drifting Holy Week.
I digress.
I used this prayer book during Holy Week 2020 -- the time of the great COVID-19 global pandemic. I felt it was a way to bring a focus to the week that I certainly was lacking. A way to bring structure. Every morning, I started my day with the morning prayers. Every evening after dinner, I went up to my room and said my evening prayers. The morning prayers were easy to do -- I usually meditate or journal in the mornings before anyone else gets up. But the evening ones were hard to remember as I got swept up in the day -- even if that day was spent finishing the series "Mad Men" on Netflix.
I quite liked this collection of prayers with its mix of readings, psalms, collects, and prayers from various saints. It gave a great anchor to an otherwise drifting Holy Week.
June 13, 2017
It's a good reference; however, most if not all of it is contained in other sources.
July 31, 2018
A start
A deep book however one that starts us on a journey . The direction is lead by Francis but he lets
God pick the path
A deep book however one that starts us on a journey . The direction is lead by Francis but he lets
God pick the path
January 12, 2020
St. Francis is one of my favorite saints. Wonderful book.
June 15, 2011
This attractive prayer book begins with an introduction and biographical chapter that commends the life and witness of Clare of Assisi before moving into the short daily offices (prayer services). The offices can each be prayed slowly and meditatively in ten to fifteen minutes. There is one separate morning prayer and one evening prayer office for each of seven days, and a quick compline (night prayer) that's the same for each night. Each day includes collects (set prayers) quotations, and Scripture readings that enlarge upon a particular theme in the spiritual life. The St. Francis volume explores these themes: Following Christ / Disregard for possessions / Peace and care in human relationships / Love for all creatures / Preaching the Good News / Passion more important than learning / Joyful simplicity.
What I Like. It's important that a breviary (book of short prayers) be accessible and easy to use. While a paperback, it is well bound and attractively designed. The type is reasonably large and the different sections are easy to read. Finding one's place requires only to know what day of the week it is, and the prayer offices require no flipping back and forth.
What I Don't Like. It is a common poetic device of Franciscans to thank God in all circumstances by offering prayer of praise to Lady Poverty, et al. You know, like Brother Sun, Sister Moon, and all of that. I don't imagine that Francis, Clare, or any of the Order's members suppose there to be an actual heavenly persona named Poverty, whom we would care to address in real terms. I understand the poetic device and find it pleasant. Christian prayer, however, is addressed to the Father, with the Son, through the Holy Spirit (leaving aside the question of intercessions to departed Saints). The Psalms seem to entreat Creation to praise God along with the worshippers, but when I'm teaching beginning disciples to prayer, I don't want to have to go through the trouble of explaining/defending that particular literary device.
Bottom line: The introductory material provides an excellent popular account of this Christian saint and his contributions to the spiritual life of the wider Church. The book itself is easy to use for prayers, aesthetically attractive, and well-priced. If you don't mind the aforementioned literary device, these volumes are an excellent gateway to the practice of regular structured prayer as well as Franciscan Christian spirituality.
What I Like. It's important that a breviary (book of short prayers) be accessible and easy to use. While a paperback, it is well bound and attractively designed. The type is reasonably large and the different sections are easy to read. Finding one's place requires only to know what day of the week it is, and the prayer offices require no flipping back and forth.
What I Don't Like. It is a common poetic device of Franciscans to thank God in all circumstances by offering prayer of praise to Lady Poverty, et al. You know, like Brother Sun, Sister Moon, and all of that. I don't imagine that Francis, Clare, or any of the Order's members suppose there to be an actual heavenly persona named Poverty, whom we would care to address in real terms. I understand the poetic device and find it pleasant. Christian prayer, however, is addressed to the Father, with the Son, through the Holy Spirit (leaving aside the question of intercessions to departed Saints). The Psalms seem to entreat Creation to praise God along with the worshippers, but when I'm teaching beginning disciples to prayer, I don't want to have to go through the trouble of explaining/defending that particular literary device.
Bottom line: The introductory material provides an excellent popular account of this Christian saint and his contributions to the spiritual life of the wider Church. The book itself is easy to use for prayers, aesthetically attractive, and well-priced. If you don't mind the aforementioned literary device, these volumes are an excellent gateway to the practice of regular structured prayer as well as Franciscan Christian spirituality.
February 19, 2017
Nice little book that mixes history and prayers.
July 29, 2011
This little devotional was a great way of beginning and ending my days for 7 days. The prayers, psalms, scripture readings and added times for silence and reflection worked together well and helped to shape my thoughts for the each day. I think I will continue using this in order to get into a rhythm of discipline. In addition, the brief introduction to St. Francis was helpful as well as inspiring in and of itself. Truly a delightful read!
April 10, 2022
I guess I don't really know what I was looking for in this but whatever it was, I didn't find it. This just felt very hollow.
February 27, 2012
An interesting and rather fast-paced look at the life and prayers of St. Francis of Assisi.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews