I have a bit of a “thing” for prayer books, it’s true. For one thing, they make great gifts. For another, they help if you’re stuck in a corner with your prayer life (which, ahem, I may or may not be quite often). These new books are perfect for teens…and for the rest of us too!
Prayers for Young Catholics
(Pauline Books and Media)
This is a beautiful hardcover book, with full-color semi-gloss pages. It includes basic prayers (the ones you’d expect), as well as prayers to Mary and the saints (with pictures of the saints too!), prayers from the Bible, and prayers for various needs. It has a section on the rosary and the Stations of the Cross, as well as a section that tells about highlights about the Catholic faith. It also includes some seasonal prayers for Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Time.
I added it to my Gifts for Godchildren list and tucked it into my memory for other kids in my life, too. And my copy will stay on my special shelf until I find myself stuck and needing some inspiration.
Teens Share the Mission
(Pauline Books and Media)
This isn’t a straight-up prayer book. It’s a collection of short reflections (500-700 words max) written about teens, followed by a few reflection questions. It’s the sort of thing that would have me rolling my eyes if it wasn’t done so well.
I can see this being great for those who work with youth, but also as a good little stocking stuff type of gift for the teens in your life. It’s honest and almost raw in some places, focused on mission and the call young people have to serve.
Go ahead, read it for yourself. See if you don’t get chills and some inspiration. And then you’ll want to share it.
Prayers to the Holy Spirit: Power and Light for Your Life
By Bert Ghezzi (Word Among Us Press)
In our parish, Confirmation is a fall sacrament, which means I’m looking for Confirmation gifts NOW, just as this book showed up on my review pile. The Holy Spirit’s been called the forgotten member of the Trinity, and Ghezzi has done his work to put together a prayer book that will guide you. There are 75 chapters, each with a Bible verse, a short reflection, an application, and a prayer.
This book is immensely practical for all of us. It’s small enough to tuck in your computer bag or your backpack, but big enough that you won’t go blind squinting to read each day’s reflections.
I think it will be quite a handy little addition to my prayer time. I encourage you to check it out for yourself!
