Cover of The Catholic Prayer Book

The Catholic Prayer Book

By: Michael Buckley, Tony Castle

Publisher: Servant Books
Published: 2003-04
Language: Unknown
Format: BOOK
Pages: N/A
ISBN: 9781569553657

About This Book

The Catholic Prayer Book is an excellent resource for personal prayer. It gathers a diverse selection of prayers and devotions from the rich traditions of the Church, both ancient and contemporary. This treasury of Catholic worship includes personal, family, and liturgical prayers. Tens of thousands of Catholics who use The Catholic Prayer Book testify that it is the best collection of prayers available. This handsome leatherette edition makes an ideal gift for any occasion, especially sacramental events such as baptism, First Communion, and confirmation.

AI Overview

"The Catholic Prayer Book" by Michael Buckley and Tony Castle is a comprehensive collection of prayers and devotional resources designed to enhance personal and communal Catholic worship. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

  1. Personal Devotion: The book is intended to help Catholics deepen their personal prayer life, even in a busy world where time for prayer may be limited.
  2. Catholic Worship: It serves as a treasury of Catholic worship, covering prayers from ancient times to the present day.
  3. Sacraments and Liturgy: The book includes prayers and liturgy related to Baptism, the Eucharist, and Reconciliation, making it a valuable resource for understanding and participating in these sacraments.
  4. Prayers for Various Occasions: It contains a variety of prayers for different occasions, including daily prayers, family prayers, prayers for peace, and prayers to Mary and the Saints.

Plot Summary

The book is divided into three main sections:

  1. The Christian Vocation: This part includes prayers addressed to the Trinity, such as the Jesus Psalter, the Litany of the Sacred Heart, the Way of the Cross, and the Devotion to the Five Sacred Wounds. It also includes various Psalms and other prayers.
  2. The Sacraments: This section focuses on prayers and liturgy related to Baptism, the Eucharist, and Reconciliation. It is particularly useful for personal devotion, as it contains excerpts from the penitential Psalms.
  3. Prayer: This is the longest section and includes daily prayers, family prayers (such as grace before meals), the Jesus prayer, and prayers for special occasions. It also features prayers to Mary and the Saints.

Critical Reception

The book has received positive reviews for its comprehensive and diverse collection of prayers. Here are some excerpts from reviews:

  • ThriftBooks Review: "This prayer book is excellent for personal devotion and for a glimpse into the life of the Church. It includes a variety of prayers for many different occasions... I would recommend this book to everyone, Catholic or non-Catholic, who wants to enrich his/her prayer life."
  • Belleville Books Description: The book is described as a "treasury of Catholic worship from ancient times up to the present day," indicating its historical and contemporary relevance.

Additional Information

  • Authors and Editors: The book is compiled by Michael Buckley and edited by Tony Castle. Michael Buckley is a well-known figure in Catholic publishing, and Tony Castle is an editor with a background in compiling devotional materials.
  • Editions: There are multiple editions available, including a revised edition that contains the new translation of prayers.

Overall, "The Catholic Prayer Book" by Michael Buckley and Tony Castle is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their prayer life and understand the rich tradition of Catholic worship.