Wednesday, April 01, 2020

Book Review -Lord, Teach Us to Pray, An Anthology, by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

by Rosa M. Sautner, Catholic homeschooling mom of two.

This is a beautiful collection of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen's reflections on prayer.  His lessons on prayers are carefully ordered and arranged to help the reader understand what it means to pray, how best to do so, and what means we may use to foster a deeper relationship with God.

The first chapter gives the Archbishop's sermons on the Seven Last Words of Christ from the Cross.  The mediations are profound thoughts from someone who has deeply pondered the Passion of our Lord.

The second chapter explains the relationship between Calvary and the Mass.  It is a Missal Companion that offers meditations on the main parts of the Mass.

The third chapter explains the importance of the daily Holy Hour, offering seven meditations and reflections that can be used during a Holy Hour.

The fourth chapter includes the Archbishop's beautiful thoughts on each Station of the Cross.

The fifth chapter offers various reflections on different aspects of the spiritual life, such as faith, prayer and sacrifice, the Holy Eucharist and the Blessed Mother.

The sixth and final chapter includes various prayers taken from different saints to be used as starting points for personal prayer and meditation.

This is a lovely and comprehensive selection of Archbishop Sheen's thoughts and counsels on prayer.  It will make a fitting companion to any collection of the Archbishop's books as well as an excellent source of meditation during Lent and Holy Week.