Book Reviews and More: HandyLittleGuideOSV

A Pocket Guide to Catholic Apologetics - Patrick Madrid

The Handy Little Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours - Barb Szyszkiewicz

…

Books in the OSV Pocket Guide Series:

A Pocket Guide to Living the Divine Mercy - George W. Kosicki

A Pocket Guide to the Meaning of Life - Peter J. Kreeft

...

Books in the OSV Companion in Faith Series:

For Those Who Grieve - Jeannie Ewing

Living in Peace - Father Jeffrey Kirby

The Beatitudes - Kathleen M Basi

The Handy Little Guide to Adoration - Michelle Jones Schroeder

The Power of Forgiveness - Patrice Fagnant-Macarthur

…

Handy Little Guides - Our Sunday Visitor

Companion in Faith Series Our Sunday Visitor

Saturday, 13 December 2025

The Handy Little Guide to Novenas - Allison Gingras - OSV Handy Little Guides

The Handy Little Guide to Novenas

Allison Gingras

Our Sunday Visitor

ISBN 9781639661800

eISBN 9781639661817

ASIN B0CWMB61DQ

The Handy Little Guide to Novenas - Allison Gingras - OSV Handy Litte Guides

This is the fourth of the ‘Handy Little Guide’ books from Our Sunday Visitor that I have read, it is available in eBook format and I believe it is one of 4 available digitally from the 9 in the series, though one of them is not available digitally in Canada. This is a pity. I want to state that this is a wonderful little book or booklet. It was a great little read, and one that could read repeatedly, and with new benefits each time. Second, I really wish this that others in the ‘Handy Little’ series were available as eBooks. After having read four in the series I want to read the others but almost never pick up physical books anymore, or if I do I scan them to make digital copies if I am very desperate to read them. Mainly due to my dyslexia.

The chapters in this booklet are:

1. Discovering Novenas

2. History of the Novena

3. Biblical Connections

4. The Novena Prayer Mindset

5. Novena Fundamentals

6. Indulge Me for a Minute

7. Flexible and Joyful

8. Remembering to Pray

9. What Novena Should I Pray?

10. Gather Your Saint Posse

11. Make Friends with the Poor Souls

12. Novenas to Add to Your Repertoire

13. Novenas with Extra-Special Blessings

14. Miracles Happen

The description of this volume is:

“The Blessed Mother and the twelve apostles remained in the Upper Room in prayer for nine days after the Lord's Ascension. From those nine days of prayer, the tradition of novenas — praying for a specific period of time for a special intention — was born. The word "novena" is derived from the Latin novem, meaning nine.

The Handy Little Guide to Novenas is your easy-to-read, down-to-earth introduction to this beautiful devotion. In this brief booklet, author and novena enthusiast Allison Gingras helps you understand and practice this ancient, yet totally relevant, form of prayer. You'll learn:

The fundamentals of novenas — when to pray them, for how long, and to whom
The biblical connections of novenas
The proper mindset for praying a novena, including what not to do
Recommendations for tried-and-true novenas”

I only highlighted a few sections while reading this volume, they are:

“The effect of that first foray into praying a novena? I learned prayer’s most significant outcome: the change it brought about in me.”

“Fr. William Saunders defines a novena: A nine-day period of private or public prayer to obtain special graces, to implore special favors, or make special petitions. (Novena is derived from the Latin novem, meaning nine.) As the definition suggests, the novena has always had more of a sense of urgency and neediness.”

“Whether the novena lasts nine minutes, nine hours, five days, forty days, or fifty-four days, all are valid ways of praying for intercession in your time of need.”

“All prayer is good, all have merit, and I guarantee all will have some positive outcome, though most of the merit and grace will be found in what prayer does to the one who prays. He may not change our circumstances, but God will certainly touch and change our hearts.”

“As with all things, the growing popularity of something good can lead to abuses and misconceptions, and novena devotions are no exception. As so wisely explained by the Marian Fathers: “There are no absolute guarantees. Prayer must always be made according to the will of God. Even Christ himself prayed, ‘Not my will, Father, but Yours be done.’ We pray with trust that God will give us what he knows is best for us.”*”

“The plan God has for our lives is perfect, and we could spend a lifetime contemplating his mind, ways, and thoughts and not make a dent in uncovering their depth. Additionally, at least for me, tremendous solace can be acquired in this famous quote attributed to Saint Teresa of Ávila: “There are more tears shed over answered prayers than over unanswered prayers.””

“All prayer should begin with the Sign of the Cross, as it invokes the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”

“Father Mitch Pacwa, SJ, a respected Scripture scholar, recommends three essential elements for the use of novenas: First, the prayers are specific, which helps us make our needs before God specific without telling God how to answer our prayer. Second, the prayers include an expression of trust and confidence in God’s ability to answer them. “Often we have some doubts, so we pray like the man with the epileptic son,” he said. “‘ Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.’ Prayers that rouse our trust in God are aids to the graces of faith and hope.” Third, repeating prayers and repeating them over time is helpful because we often need that length of time to move beyond merely making a request to learning to listen to God as he speaks to us in prayer.”

“In his book The Church’s Most Powerful Novenas, the late Michael Dubruiel lists three main benefits of praying a novena: It helps develop the habit of daily prayer. It reinforces a sense that God is our Father and that he loves us. It teaches us the benefits of praying with others to God.”

“Devotions help us give order and structure to prayer, and they come with blessings and graces. Some offer additional benefits in the form of an indulgence, either plenary (full) or partial.”

“The Rosary, for me, is an act of waging war against all the obstacles that fight to keep me from the peace Jesus has for me as I await his answer or the resolution of a situation or circumstance.”

I hope those quotes give you a feel for the wisdom and instruction contained within this volume. When I was in university, I was involved with Campus Crusade for Christ, there was a series of booklets by the founder Bill Bright, called Transferable Concepts, and by reading them many times you could almost memorize them and the message so that you could share it. This volume and series remind me a lot of those books.

This book and series would be excellent for High School Students, College or University Students and older adults. It is easy to engage with. Can be read in a brief time. Allison writes in an engaging manner and offers a lot of personal examples and includes a good serving of humour. An excellent little volume.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books in the Handy Little Series from OSV:

The Handy Little Guide to Confession - Michelle Jones Schroeder

The Handy Little Guide to Prayer - Barb Szyszkiewicz

The Handy Little Guide to Spiritual Communion – Michael R. Heinlien

The Handy Little Guide to the Holy Spirit - Michelle Schroeder

The Handy Little Guide to the Lent - Michelle Schroeder

The Handy Little Guide to Novenas - Allison Gingras

A Pocket Guide to Catholic Apologetics - Patrick Madrid

The Handy Little Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours - Barb Szyszkiewicz

…

Books in the OSV Pocket Guide Series:

A Pocket Guide to Living the Divine Mercy - George W. Kosicki

A Pocket Guide to the Meaning of Life - Peter J. Kreeft

...

Books in the OSV Companion in Faith Series:

For Those Who Grieve - Jeannie Ewing

Living in Peace - Father Jeffrey Kirby

The Beatitudes - Kathleen M Basi

The Handy Little Guide to Adoration - Michelle Jones Schroeder

The Power of Forgiveness - Patrice Fagnant-Macarthur

…

Books by Allison Gingras:

The Gift of Invitation: 7 Ways That Jesus Invites You to a Life of Grace

Seeking Peace: A Spiritual Journey from Worry to Trust

The Handy Little Guide to Novenas

Jesus Heals: Finding Hope, Wholeness, and Peace

Three Persons, One God

…

Contributed to:

Called by Name: 365 Daily Devotions for Catholic Women

Encountering Signs of Faith: My Unexpected Journey with Sacramentals, the Saints, and the Abundant Grace of God

The Ave Prayer Book for Catholic Mothers

Living the Word Catholic Women's Study Bible RSV2CE

…

Tuesday, 15 October 2024

The Handy Little Guide to Fasting - Deacon Greg Kandra

The Handy Little Guide Fasting

Michael R. Heinlein

Our Sunday Visitor

ISBN 9781639661732

eISBN 978639661749

ASIN B0D42K1LDQ

The Handy Little Guide to Fasting - Deacon Greg Kandra

This is the third of the ‘Handy Little Guide’ books from Our Sunday Visitor that I have read, it is available in eBook format and I believe it is one of 4 available digitally from the 9 in the series. This is a pity. I want to state that this is a wonderful little book or booklet. It is a great little read, and one that could read repeatedly, and with new benefits each time. Second, I really wish this that others in the ‘Handy Little’ series were available as eBooks. After having read three in the series I want to read the others but almost never pick up physical books anymore. Mainly due to my dyslexia.

The chapters and sections in this booklet are:

Introduction:

What This Book Is and Isn’t

A Prayer Before Beginning a Fast

A Brief (or Fast) History of Fasting

Reflect

A Prayer of Humility

How Fast Is Too Fast? Some Practical Pointers

1. Ease into it.

2. Drink lots of water.

3. Slow down.

4. If you take medications, take care.

5. Just as you eased into a fast, you need to ease out

of it, too.

Reflect

A Prayer for Patience

Not So Fast: Hold On! Do I Really Have to Do This?

Reflect

A Prayer for Those Who Must Do Without

Getting Started: It’s Been an Hour; Give Me a Cookie!

Fasting Pro Tip

Prayer at the Beginning of a Fast

Reflect

A Prayer in Time of Temptation

The Hunger Games

1. Make your fast a prayer.

2. Don’t think so much about what you’re missing,

but about what you’re gaining.

3. Take the time you would normally spend having lunch

(or even dinner) and spend it with some holy reading.

4. Got the time? Go to confession.

5. As the day winds on, never fail to give thanks. Often.

Reflect

A Prayer of Thanksgiving During a Fast

Food for Thought: Fasting from Other Temptations

Fast from Social Media

Fast from Television

Fast from Gossip

Fast from Despair

Reflect

Prayer for Fasting in the Twenty-first Century

Fast Friends: Fasting as a Group

1. Identify a cause.

2. Form a group of like-minded people.

3. Determine the specifics of your fast.

4. Form a prayer circle for the fast.

5. Conclude your fast with another liturgy —

and a modest meal!

Reflect

Prayer for a Group Fast

One Last Bite: Some Final Thoughts

Prayer of Thanksgiving after a Fast

The description of this volume is:

“Many Catholics view fasting as hard, burdensome, weird, or only for Lent. This little book demonstrates that fasting can be so much more than that! It's an opportunity for prayer, reflection, and solidarity with the suffering of the world.

The Handy Little Guide to Fasting is your easy-to-read, down-to-earth introduction to this ancient practice. Author, speaker, and award-winning journalist Deacon Greg Kandra presents a way to blend faith and fortitude to make fasting more spiritually fulfilling. You'll learn:

Some practical pointers when fasting

The difference between fasting and abstinence

What the Church teaches about fasting

The various options for fasting (hint: It's not just about food!)

Each brief chapter concludes with reflection questions and a prayer for your fasting journey.”

I only highlighted a few sections while reading this volume, they are:

“If we’re honest, most of us struggle to eat well, eat sensibly, and eat healthy. For Catholics, the struggle can take on another dimension when we try to give up eating altogether and undertake one of the most venerable religious traditions in the world: a fast. Fasting can be mysterious and intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. This little book, I hope, will help make this practice understandable and doable. Fasting isn’t just for the extremely pious or for ascetics who subsist on water and air while living in a cave. Anyone can do it.”

“This book offers an approach to see fasting not as a chore or a duty—or a painful discipline that looms over us during Lent—but rather to see this age-old practice as an opportunity to give something up and, in the process, just give.”

“Jewish educator Aliza Bulow writes, “The purpose of fasting is to bring one to repent, and true repentance brings about a change in actions.””

“A fast can be a powerful and unifying force in a local community. What causes or concerns would a group of people want to pray about in a corporate fast?”

I hope those quotes give you a feel for the wisdom contained within this small volume. When I was in university, I was involved with Campus Crusade for Christ, there was a series of booklets by the founder Bill Bright, called Transferable Concepts, and by reading them many times you could almost memorize them and the message so that you could share it. This volume and series remind me a lot of those books.

This book and series would be excellent for High School Students, College or University Students and older adults. It is easy to engage with. Can be read in a brief time. Can be worked through chapter by chapter ahead of time or during a planned fast. Deacon Greg writes in an engaging manner and offers a lot of personal examples and includes a good serving of humour. An excellent little volume.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books in the Handy Little Series from OSV:

The Handy Little Guide to Confession - Michelle Jones Schroeder

The Handy Little Guide to Prayer - Barb Szyszkiewicz

The Handy Little Guide to Spiritual Communion – Michael R. Heinlien

The Handy Little Guide to the Holy Spirit - Michelle Schroeder

The Handy Little Guide to the Lent - Michelle Schroeder

The Handy Little Guide to Novenas - Allison Gingras

A Pocket Guide to Catholic Apologetics - Patrick Madrid

The Handy Little Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours - Barb Szyszkiewicz

…

Books in the OSV Pocket Guide Series:

A Pocket Guide to Living the Divine Mercy - George W. Kosicki

A Pocket Guide to the Meaning of Life - Peter J. Kreeft

...

Books in the OSV Companion in Faith Series:

For Those Who Grieve - Jeannie Ewing

Living in Peace - Father Jeffrey Kirby

The Beatitudes - Kathleen M Basi

The Handy Little Guide to Adoration - Michelle Jones Schroeder

The Power of Forgiveness - Patrice Fagnant-Macarthur

…

Books by Deacon Greg Kandra:

The Busy Person's Guide to Prayer

A Deacon Prays: Prayers and Devotions for Liturgy and Life

Befriending St. Joseph: Finding Faith, Hope, and Courage in the Seven Sorrows Devotion

The Busy Person's Guide to an Extraordinary Life

The Handy Little Guide to Fasting

…

Monday, 13 September 2021

The Handy Little Guide to Spiritual Communion - Michael R. Heinlein

The Handy Little Guide to Spiritual Communion

Michael R. Heinlein

Our Sunday Visitor

ISBN 9781681927138

eISBN 9781681927145

ASIN B086TZSMN3

This is the second of the ‘Handy Little Guide’ books from Our Sunday Visitor that I have read, it is the first in eBook format and I believe the only one available digitally. This is a pity. I want to state that this is a wonderful little book or booklet. It is a great little read, and one that could read repeatedly, and with new benefits each time. Second, I really wish this that others in the ‘Handy Little’ series were available as eBooks. After having read two in the series I want to read the others but almost never pick up physical books anymore. Mainly due to my dyslexia. The chapters in this booklet are:

Introduction

1 What Makes Spiritual Communion Possible?

2 Living in Communion

3 Communion When We Can’t Receive Communion

4 Spiritual Communion for Spiritual Growth

5 When We Cannot Attend Mass

6 Communion with Christ through Scripture

7 Acts of Spiritual Communion and Other Prayers

The book begins with these words:

“Catholics believe the holy Eucharist is the “source and summit” of our faith. When we receive holy Communion, we believe that we receive Jesus Christ himself, body, blood, soul, and divinity. Through the Eucharist we can be united to him in the closest way possible in this life. The innumerable gifts we receive in Communion draw us even more closely to Christ.

Yet sometimes we are not able to receive sacramental holy Communion.”

The introduction then goes on to outline some reasons why we night not be able to take communion. Michael states:

“At times this is because of our own actions or by our own choice. When we are in the state of mortal sin, by which we turn ourselves away from God, only sacramental confession can repair the relationship. Or perhaps the regulation to fast one hour prior to receiving Communion was not observed. Sometimes people choose to fast from Communion for the purposes of spiritual growth or out of a general sense of unworthiness.

Other times, we cannot receive holy Communion through no (or little) fault of our own. For instance, we might be restricted from access to the sacraments by sickness, handicap, or food allergy, or we might live in a remote area where sacraments are celebrated intermittently. Imprisonment, emergency travel, or other outstanding complications might also limit our access to the Eucharist. Finally, in dire circumstances, such as times of war or pestilence, Catholics could be prohibited from attending Mass and unable to receive Communion even outside of Mass unless as viaticum (in danger of death).”

And the introduction ends with:

“Despite all of this, people of faith know that God does not abandon his people. Even when we cannot access the sacrament, God’s grace is not closed off. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, God “himself is not bound by his sacraments” (No. 1257). When situations prevent the reception of Communion, the Church offers remedies — one of which is making an act of spiritual communion.

Spiritual communion is a devotion for those who are unable, for whatever reason, to receive sacramental holy Communion. Any baptized Catholic can make an act of spiritual communion. There are no prescribed rituals; instead, this act of prayer has only two requirements: One must express belief in Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist, and one must have a real desire for communion with him. (For more information on how to make an act of spiritual communion, see chapter 7.)”

Some of the passages I highlighted in this volume my first read through were:

“The Eucharist provides the foundation and nourishment for each disciple’s transformation in Christ. “So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come” (2 Cor 5:17). This transformation is a continual, lifelong process. Each day we take up the call to holiness and go about doing the work of Christ in the world. The Church, therefore, encourages regular reception of holy Communion to strengthen and sustain us.”

“Communion draws me out of myself towards him, and thus also towards unity with all Christians. We become “one body,” completely joined in a single existence. Love of God and love of neighbor are now truly united: God incarnate draws us all to himself. ” (Quoting Pope Benedic XVI)

“Saint Augustine explains that our “Amen” at the time of holy Communion is our way of acknowledging our identity in Christ. We can say that same “Amen” by our lives, through our spiritual worship and spiritual communion with Christ. “You are saying ‘Amen’ to what you are: your response is a personal signature, affirming your faith. … Be a member of Christ’s body, then, so that your ‘Amen’ may ring true!” (Sermon 272).”

“Making an act of spiritual communion allows us to express our heart’s longing for the Lord and our belief in his eucharistic presence, even when we are unable to receive holy Communion.”

“It is important to remember, especially for those unable to receive holy Communion through no fault of their own, that God is always active and at work in our lives. Although he established the sacraments as the ordinary means to give us his grace, God is not bound by his sacraments (see CCC 1257). In the end, God does not expect the impossible, nor does he hold such circumstances against us.””

““Do we not often take the reception of the Blessed Sacrament too lightly?” Pope Benedict XVI pondered. “Might not this kind of spiritual fasting be of service, or even necessary, to deepen and renew our relationship to the Body of Christ?””

And most importantly:

“To make an act of spiritual communion, it is important to meet three criteria:

1. We must express our faith, particularly belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

2. We must express our desire to be united sacramentally with Christ in the Eucharist.

3. We must express our desire to stay united with Christ and enjoy the fruits made available through sacramental reception of holy Communion.

These fundamental aspects are included in a variety of prayers that have become part of the tradition for use when making an act of spiritual communion.”

This is an excellent little volume. Especially after more than a year of lockdowns, closed churches, and restricted attendance. Any Catholic would benefit from reading this book. I have prayed a spiritual communion at least daily for a few years now. It is not the one that my church has instituted during the pandemic. Nor is it Saint Josemaria Escriva’s, whom I first heard about spiritual communions through. I pray the one from Saint Alphonsus Liguori. This book ends with a collection of prayers 5 different options for spiritual communion. And a few other prayers.

This is a little booklet of great value. This book can serve as an excellent reminder of the value of Spiritual Communion. Or as a starting place. I believe anyone who picks up this book and reads it will be blessed by the time and effort. It is a great booklet a wonderful series. And as stated previously, I just wish there were eBook editions for each of them. You could have them all with you all the time. For as Mike Aquilina stated, "Now we can travel with more books stored in our telephones than the ancient Egyptians kept in their vast library at Alexandria.". I strongly encourage you to give this a read.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books in the Handy Little Series from OSV:

The Handy Little Guide to Confession - Michelle Jones Schroeder

The Handy Little Guide to Prayer - Barb Szyszkiewicz

The Handy Little Guide to Spiritual Communion – Michael R. Heinlien

The Handy Little Guide to the Holy Spirit - Michelle Schroeder

The Handy Little Guide to the Lent - Michelle Schroeder

The Handy Little Guide to Novenas - Allison Gingras

A Pocket Guide to Catholic Apologetics - Patrick Madrid

The Handy Little Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours - Barb Szyszkiewicz

…

Books in the OSV Pocket Guide Series:

A Pocket Guide to Living the Divine Mercy - George W. Kosicki

A Pocket Guide to the Meaning of Life - Peter J. Kreeft

...

Books in the OSV Companion in Faith Series:

For Those Who Grieve - Jeannie Ewing

Living in Peace - Father Jeffrey Kirby

The Beatitudes - Kathleen M Basi

The Handy Little Guide to Spiritual Communion

The Power of Forgiveness - Patrice Fagnant-Macarthur

…

Books by Michael R. Heinlein:

Black Catholics on the Road to Sainthood

Finding Christ in the Crisis: What the Pandemic Can Teach Us

…

Picture books:

Teeny Tiny Theology Series:

Sacred Scripture

Christology

Salvation History

The Trinity

…

Monday, 21 June 2021

The Handy Little Guide to Prayer - Barb Szyszkiewicz

The Handy Little Guide to Prayer

Barb Szyszkiewicz

Our Sunday Visitor

ISBN 9781681926940

First, I want to state that this is a wonderful little book or booklet. It was a great little read, and one that could read repeatedly, and with new benefits each time. Second, I really wish this book and the others in the ‘Handy Little’ series were available as eBooks. After reading this one I want to read the others but almost never pick up physical books anymore. The chapters in this booklet are:

Introduction: Why Pray?

Who Should Pray?

What Is Prayer?

How Do I Pray?

How Do I Pray on My Own?

What Do the Scriptures and the Saints Tell Us about Prayer?

When Should I Pray?

Where Should I Pray?

What If … ?

Final Thoughts

The book begins with these words:

“God knows what’s in our minds and on our hearts, as we learn in Psalm 44:21, but we have a very human need to verbalize that. Sharing our hearts and our feelings with others we trust deepens our relationship with them. Similarly, when we’re angry, happy, confused, sad, grateful, hurt, or worried, expressing our needs and emotions to God bonds us to him more closely.”

And from there the book goes on to outline several ways and methods of doing just that. I highlighted several passages during my first read through of this booklet. Some of them are:

“As we explore the who, what, where, when, how, and what ifs of praying, my

prayer for you is that the connection you are working to build with God will be strong and deep. May you be as open to what he has to say to you as he is to hearing what you express to him.”

“In our private supplication and intercessory prayer, we can also ask the angels and saints to bring our prayers before God. We can use our own words, formal prayers of the Church, or a combination. Just as we ask our family and friends to pray for us in times of crisis or trouble, we can and should enlist the aid of those in heaven who are already close to God.”

“The Church offers quite a few formal methods of prayer: these follow a particular format and structure. Informal methods of prayer are also encouraged as private prayer methods. Of all the methods of prayer, though, only one is required by the Church: participation in the Mass.”

“The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains that the Mass is “a participation in Christ’s own prayer addressed to the Father in the Holy Spirit. In the liturgy, all Christian prayer finds its source and goal” (1073). Participation in Mass is not optional; Mass is not a private devotion but a community prayer, in which all who are assembled are united in praise and thanksgiving to God. While we are encouraged to pray privately before and after Mass, during the liturgy our role is to participate by listening to the readings and homily, proclaiming (or singing, when this is the custom) the responses, and joining our hearts to the intentions of the Church and all assembled for prayer at that time.”

The above two quotes about the mass are very important for us as Catholics, Specifically as Catholics today. And Catholics living in a Pandemic or post pandemic world. It is important to remember that:

“You will always get an answer. It will not always be the answer you want, but God knows what you need.”

Barb reminds us that:

“During the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, churches canceled public Masses in favor of livestreamed liturgy, and adoration chapels closed. In many locations around the world, church buildings closed to the public entirely for several weeks.”

Barb concludes the book with this section:

“Final Thoughts:

Saint Josemaría Escrivá wrote: “To pray is to talk with God. But about what? … About him, and yourself: joys, sorrows, successes and failures, great ambitions, daily worries — even your weaknesses! And acts of thanksgiving and petitions — and love and reparation. In short, to get to know him and

to get to know yourself.”

Prayer doesn’t have to be complicated. Ask, seek, and knock. Give glory to God and share what’s in your heart.”

This little booklet is of great value. I truly believe that no matter how good your prayer life is, while here on earth it can always use improvement. This volume coves a lot of topics and styles of prayers devotional practices. It can serve as an excellent reminder. Or as a starting place. I believe anyone who picks up this book and reads it will be blessed by the time and effort. A great booklet in what looks to be a wonderful series. And as stated previously, I just wish there were eBook editions. You could have them all with you all the time. For as Mike Aquilina stated, "Now we can travel with more books stored in our telephones than the ancient Egyptians kept in their vast library at Alexandria.", but only if they are available. I strongly encourage you to give this a read.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books in the Handy Little Series from OSV:

The Handy Little Guide to Adoration - Michelle Jones Schroeder

The Handy Little Guide to Confession - Michelle Jones Schroeder

The Handy Little Guide to Prayer - Barb Szyszkiewicz

The Handy Little Guide to Spiritual Communion – Michael R. Heinlien

The Handy Little Guide to the Holy Spirit - Michelle Schroeder

The Handy Little Guide to the Lent - Michelle Schroeder

The Handy Little Guide to Novenas - Allison Gingras