Thursday, March 13, 2008

My Perfect Mother's Prayerbook

After the birth of my little girl in January, I posted a lovely picture of her and mentioned briefly that I had a new prayerbook, Catholic Prayer Book for Mothers, that was really 'feeding' my soul - and it was. And I still feel that, so much so that I want to write more about it. I understand that the mother who wrote this book, Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle was very much encouraged by Mother Teresa to write and publish it. Here are a few encouraging words from Mother Teresa inside the book:

"My gratitude is my prayer for you that you may grow in the love of God throgh your beautiful thoughts of prayer you write and thus share with others."

"Your books on mothers and expectant mothers are much needed. Yes, you may use some of the things I said on motherhood and family...I pray that God may bless your endeavors."

"I pray that it does much good."

I had alot of physical suffering after the birth of my little girl and it had the good effect of scouring my soul and softening it. It was time (I believe through the blessing of St Anne) for a greater renewal of my motherhood, a deepening of it. This book has been the perfect prayer manual companion to keep my heart soft and continually directed to my children and my eternal destination. And I know that it is only through daily prayer that it is possible. The prayers a written in such a way to speak to my heart as well as directing my petitions for my children's heart and soul.

The book is artistically delightful, a little hardback book that can weather my handling of it and the occasional 'pouncing upon' by little chubby fingers and small enough to carry in the handbag.

You can click on any of these photos to have a better look at the layout of the pages. The pages are filled with heart touching informal prayers, poems, quotes from the saints, lovely motherly thoughts, formal prayers we all know (The Memorare, St Michael prayer, prayer to St Therese etc.) Another important addition to this book is a 'Spiritual Communion' often mothers cannot get to daily Mass but they can unite themselves spiritually with the Lord. Finally, there is a reflection at the end of each chapter, good for meditation if you wish to add a 'mini retreat' to the end of your day's or week's prayers (whenever you have time to add it in.)

To start with, when I was confinded to the bed, I read it from cover to cover but as I became more mobile and had to pick up my daily chores and activity again, I read just the prayers. To enable to me to pinpoint those chosen prayers quickly, I bought some very small heart-shaped stickers and stuck them next to the prayers I wanted to say everyday. They look sweet and blend in with the book nicely. There will be times when I will have the time to re-read everything or there will be times when I will go searching for the particular poem or refection because I know it is just what I need to read.

I have always had my 'daily prayers' ~you know, those treasured and well-loved prayers I've garnered and collected over the years from different places and books and made them 'mine.' So I put them on file on the computer and printed them up on nice lavendar paper and cut them up in such a way to make a mini-booklet that sits nicely at the back.


I do recommend this book, it is not expensive and I have now decided to have a few on hand as they make beautiful gifts for mothers who have just had a baby (whether it is a new mother or a mother of ten.)
There has been alot of talk recently on attachment parenting and a new Catholic mother's attachment parenting e-group has just started Hold Onto Your Catholic Kids, and I really think this is the perfect 'attachment parenting' prayer book for mothers!

6 comments:

Maria said...

I really enjoy visiting your blog. Yes, I'm Catholic with a devotion to the Blessed Mother and the Rosary. I am learning so much from you, about our beautiful Catholic faith, more about the Blessed Mother and St. Anne. I just feel so encouraged when I visit your blog.

If it's God's will for my husband and I to be blessed with children, I am hoping and praying that I can be a good Catholic mother like you. I too, desire to raise up children to love Jesus, our Blessed Mother, and the faith.

And if I am blessed with children, I will most certainly be purchasing this wonderful prayer book. I also heard this author has a wonderful book for expectant mothers. I am hoping to be able to become pregnant soon (if it's God's will for us) and if I do, I will be purchasing these books.

Thank you so much for your wonderful blog AND the kindness you have shown me. It really does mean a lot to me.

P.S. Do you pray the rosary with your family? The rosary is my favorite devotion. I try to pray it everyday. I'd love to be able to pray the rosary every day with my husband, but he doesn't pray it with me. I'd really like us to cut down on our computer time and pray more. Any tips??

Thank you so much again!

May God Bless you and your family.

Maria Therese in Mass USA

Jenny of Elefantz said...

Have you read Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle's "The Heart of Motherhood"? It is truly a source of 'life', Anne. If you love the prayer book (which I also love!) then you will gain much from this one as well.
You are a fount of great teaching yourself, dear friend. May you continue to be enriched by the Lord as you share your morsels of truth through your lovely blog.
Hugs,
Jenny

Anne (aussieannie) said...

Thank you so much for the recommendation Jenny, I will get hold of it as I love this prayer book so much.

Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle said...

Anne in Australia, thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings about how my book has helped you. You did it so beautifully and even showed off the beautiful colorful pages. It warms my heart and I am so thankful to Jesus and His Blessed Mother that the inspiration has touched you and now you are passing it further along to others!

Anne, interestingly, you posted your beautiful thoughts on March 13th, the anniversary of my mother's and my grandmother's death.

Because you said you like to have extra copies on hand to give out, please send me your address and I will send you another copy to have on hand along with a copy of my newest book, Catholic Saints Prayer Book and a blessed Miraculous medal that I brought to Rome recently when I was at the Vatican that was blessed by Pope Benedict XVI! You can send your address to DMCooper OBoyle(at)aol(dot)com.

God bless you and your beautiful family!

Donna-Marie

Erin said...

Anne
I'd forgotten this post, so tempting and I LOVE# your prayer booklet idea:)

Erin said...

Anne
I'd forgotten this post, so tempting and I LOVE# your prayer booklet idea:)