Sacred Reading is a daily gospel reflection book put out by the Apostleship of Prayer and published by Ave Maria Press. This particular book is focused on Advent and Christmas for this year. There are many things I like about this book.
It encourages us to read the day’s gospel, which is so important if we want to know Jesus. It also introduces us to Lectio Divina, a prayerful way to read scripture. Each day contains prayer prompts, the gospel, and questions to ponder.
There are six steps each day: know that God is present with you and ready to converse, read the gospel, notice what you think and feel as you read the gospel, pray as you are led for yourself and others, listen to Jesus, and ask God to show you how to live today. Each section, except the gospel, has a prompt to get you started thinking about the gospel or what is happening in your life or around you that needs attention.
What I like about this book is that the questions posed are not lofty theological ones but rather, practical ones. What am I to do today? How am I to live doing God’s will? Each day you ask that question you are reminding yourself that God is in charge and that his will for your life is the best course of action.
Especially during the Advent and Christmas season when our culture is hyper-focused on doing and buying and rushing it is necessary for us to pause, ponder and recall what this season is about. This book will guide you in your daily life through the prayer and meditation to focus on the Incarnation.
I use the year long version of this book for my daily prayer time and find it to be very much on-point and thought provoking. This shorter book is a great way to introduce people to this style of prayer and reflection.
Sacred Reading would be a great gift to catechists and families. I highly recommend it as a way to prepare for our Savior’s birth for everyone who wants to pray with the scriptures.
The book is available at Ave Maria Press.
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