Is it OK to read spiritual books before Mass?

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graceandglory

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Often times I read from a small prayer book, but I find the prayers in that booklet kind of boring, rote, juvenile. Can I do meditative reading instead, before Mass? Can I pull out my copy of Intro to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales,
or read from one of the Pope’s encyclicals? I have seen seminary students carry their breviary to Mass and read from it, only mine is too big.

For many years I brought my Bible to my protestant church with me, so I could read if I got there early.

Thanks for responding to my question!
Have a great Lord’s Day everyone!
 
graceandglory said:
Often times I read from a small prayer book, but I find the prayers in that booklet kind of boring, rote, juvenile. Can I do meditative reading instead, before Mass? Can I pull out my copy of Intro to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales,
or read from one of the Pope’s encyclicals? I have seen seminary students carry their breviary to Mass and read from it, only mine is too big.

For many years I brought my Bible to my protestant church with me, so I could read if I got there early.

Thanks for responding to my question!
Have a great Lord’s Day everyone!
Click to expand...
**Oh come on.
Not even one person knows the answer to this question???
**:rolleyes:
 
When I was in RCIA, I used to to do prayerful readings from the Psalms, not sure how wholesome Christian readings booth in the Scripture and stuff written by divines would hurt if it puts you in the “zone”.:twocents:
 
graceandglory said:
Often times I read from a small prayer book, but I find the prayers in that booklet kind of boring, rote, juvenile. Can I do meditative reading instead, before Mass? Can I pull out my copy of Intro to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales,
or read from one of the Pope’s encyclicals? I have seen seminary students carry their breviary to Mass and read from it, only mine is too big.

For many years I brought my Bible to my protestant church with me, so I could read if I got there early.

Thanks for responding to my question!
Have a great Lord’s Day everyone!
Click to expand...
Yes, of course it is!
 
Of course- Its a wonderful idea to read infront of our Lord in a prayerful manner. I have read parts of The Imitation of Christ infront of Him, and stopped every now and then to pray about it in the Presence, which really does add to your understanding.

Pax Christi Tecum
 
Here are some of the things I did:
  1. Pray the rosary.
  2. Read my Bible.
  3. Read devotional literature.
  4. Pray for intentions that I would capture on index cards.
  5. Make a mental “round” of the stations of the cross.
Note that I say, “did”. Now that I’m married to my dear, sweet, wonderful, kind, beautiful, loving, pious, and delightful wife, I’m lucky to arrive five minutes early. Why do women take so long to get ready?? Just kidding, if ever read this, Claire! 🙂

Paul
 
I often use the time before mass to write in my journal. I do that during adoration as well.
 
T700 said:
Here are some of the things I did:

…

Note that I say, “did”. Now that I’m married to my dear, sweet, wonderful, kind, beautiful, loving, pious, and delightful wife, I’m lucky to arrive five minutes early. Why do women take so long to get ready?? Just kidding, if ever read this, Claire! 🙂

Paul
Click to expand...
Paul,
You forgot “punctual” 🙂
 
T700 said:
  1. Pray for intentions that I would capture on index cards.
Click to expand...
See T700,
My notecards are getting all ratty and dog-eared.

I did bring a spiritual book today. I read about 10 lines. Nearly a paragraph. It was about growing the divine life within. It was wonderful to read just a teensy bit, which helped draw me in to prayer.

Thanks friends!
 
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