Catholic Prayer Book for Mothers

by Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

Book Overview

A Glimpse Into the FutureIf a woman could ever get a glimpse at what her world would be when she becomes a mother, she would be presented with the realilty that her innermost desires and life plans... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1592761615
• ISBN13: 9781592761616
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: Our Sunday Visitor
• Length: 64 Pages
• Weight: 0.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 4.3" x 6.1"

Customer Reviews

Aimed at a mother's heart

This beautiful little book is deceptively slim yet bursting with wisdom, original prayers, advice and the encouragement of one who knows. Donna, a writer and mother of five, also seems to have peeked into my life. How does she know what a transforming vocation motherhood has been for me? In a reflection entitled "A Glimpse into the Future" she writes: If a woman could get a glimpse at What her world would be When she becomes a mother, She would be presented with the reality That her innermost desires and life plans would be altered or put on hold because she would be inundated with the care of others. If she was also allowed to glimpse the unending joy she would receive as a mother, There would be no pause to consider, No hesitation, as she embraced the whole package, Knowing in her heart that her children will become her life's desires. And, in "The Rosary, One Decade at a Time" I see my life reflected: the ways in which our children change our prayer lives are to be celebrated, not bemoaned, and God understands when we do such things as say a halting Rosary and sprinkle bits of prayer throughout our days and our duties. With quotations from Blessed Teresa of Calcutta (who personally encouraged the author), John Paul the Great (who gave Donna his apostolic blessing), Scripture, and a variety of saints, this book is exactly the sort to keep by the bedside, on the prayer table, or in one's purse for the many times we, as mothers, need a boost, a bit of solace or an inspirational lift. Finally, the book itself is lovely, with pages of pastels and florals that are calming and beautiful. Donna Cooper O'Boyle speaks straight to a mother's heart, as she embraces her fellow moms with her uplifting and hopeful message of the salvific beauty of our vocation.

An Inspirational Tool for Any Mother

A mother's daily list of "to do" items is seemingly endless, but there is one essential item that should top the others when a mother prioritizes her day: making time for prayer. To this end, author and mother of five Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle has given both a gift and a "secret weapon" to mothers of every age with her new Catholic Prayer Book for Mothers (Our Sunday Visitor, September 2005, hardcover, 64 pages). In our ever busier world, many mothers feel stressed out, overwhelmed, and at times separated from God. Cooper O'Boyle understands - and for this reason she took the time to write and compile a book for any woman looking to embrace and blossom in her role as "heart of the home". "Feeling compelled to help all mothers, drawing from my own spiritual experiences during my vocation of motherhood and spiritual lessons learned from Mother Teresa, I decided to write this book," shares Donna-Marie. She recognizes prayer both as a tool mothers need to embrace in order to have success and be fruitful in their vocation, and as a gift they will ultimately teach and pass along to their families. Catholic Prayer Book for Mothers is diminutive enough in size to fit into a small handbag but superior enough in substance to change a mother's life. Every facet of the book, from its lovely design to its unique combination of both original and traditional prayer, combines to provide a book that is both inspirational and heartwarming.

Offers a Spiritual Uplift for Mothers

As mothers, it is often hard to find time to pray, yet prayer is so essential to our lives. Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle, a mother of five children, understands this and wrote "Catholic Prayer Book for Mothers" as a way to help meet that challenge. The first thing that strikes you when you meet this book is its size and design. It is small, meant to tuck neatly into a purse or diaper bag, an on-the-go reminder that God comes first and is there to help us in our daily lives. The pages are also beautifully designed with soft background images. One can't help but feel calmer and more centered just appreciating the pages. The true value of this book, however, are the words on the pages. Cooper O'Boyle has combined classic prayers (for example, one will find the Memorare of St. Bernard and the Prayer to St. Michael) with quotes from the Bible and spiritual giants such as St. Thomas Aquinas and Blessed Teresa of Calcutta with her own original prayers and reflections. In Chapter Nine "Prayerful Days" Cooper O'Boyle writes of the need to make our everyday life a prayer. "Jesus was known to retreat from the crowds often to pray in solitude, usually on a mountain or in a desert, preferably at night. As mothers, most times we don't have the opportunity to sneak away or retreat to solitude. We know that the care of our family is pretty much all-consuming, and while we cannot go off to the mountain or the desert, we can strive to find the mountain and desert moments in our lives, even in the midst of the busyness. Capture these moments and use them prayerfully." Cooper O'Boyle's prayers and reflections are moving and honest. She understands the pressures that mothers are under as well as the joys and sorrows they face. Her words tug at the heart and raise the mind to focus on God. "Catholic Prayer Book for Mothers" is designed for mothers at all stages of the journey. It would be a wonderful gift for any Catholic mother in need of spiritual uplift. Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur is editor of http://www.spiritualwoman.net

A Very Holy Woman

Thank you for giving me a book small enough to fit in my purse. I love to read it in thos seconds that I am waiting in the car between car pools. It is inspirational and draws me closer to Our Lord with each turn of the page. It is practical in that it shows me how to make everyday tasks into opportunities for grace. Spiritual Communion, Patience and Prayer in the Laundry Room are among my favorites! Please continue to write to edify your public!

Inspiring works

With several situations that were on my plate and being the holiday season with all the hussle and bussle. I decided to take time out of my hectic schedule to visit the blessed sacrament at my local Adoration chapel. I brought along Mom's prayer book by Donna Cooper-Boyle as I thumbed through the inspirational quotes and prayers I found such peace that only is found I believe in Heaven. My situations were lightened as I read thru the pages of this beautiful book. The quotes from Mother Teresa made me see how being a mother is such a gift and also such a responsiblity in being the foundation of the family. Thank you Donna for bringing this beautiful book to me and inspiring me to continue to shape the existance of my family.