First have you read any of these? Own any?
Benedictus
Day by Day With Pope Benedict XVI
Published by Magnificat
This is a hard backed, too large for a normal purse book. I have carried these in the store since they were published, they are so popular that I haven’t sold even one.
Love is the Explanation of Everything: 365 Meditations with the Pope
Pope John Paul II
This handsome gift book features a daily one-page meditation drawn from the writings of Pope John Paul II on questions of faith and conscience. Each reflection is illustrated with a classic religious painting, photograph, or inspiring image from the Pope’s life and ministry. Use it for personal devotions or give as a gift to commemorate a special occasion. Jacketed hardcover with ribbon marker.
So what is it about devotional books from popes? Are they all shaped to sit on a coffee table? Again, another book that never sells. In fact, checking Amazon, there isn’t one review.
The Personal Prayers and Devotions of Mother Angelica
Raymond Arroyo
In The Prayers & Personal Devotions of Mother Angelica you will find a companion along the road to holiness. This precious collection includes Mother’s prayer journal, meditations offered to her sisters, two moving versions of the Stations of the Cross composed for her community, and devotions and petitions from her early religious life. Introduction and Editing by Raymond Arroyo, host of The World Over on EWTN. Jacketed Hardcover.
Beep, not a daily devotional. This is simply a prayer book.
The Better Part: A Christ-Centered Resource for Personal Prayer
John Bartunek
Excerpt
The Better Part: A Christ-Centered Resource for Personal Prayer is a Bible study on the four Gospels, a survey of saints’ writings, a guide to prayer, and a fresh introduction to Jesus rolled into one. If we desire to become saints, we must spend time daily in meditation. This unique prayer and devotional book enables readers to read, meditate, absorb, and apply the Gospels to their lives. The text of the Gospels is contained within and in each section of reading are sections on Christ as Lord, Christ as Teacher, Christ as Friend, and Christ in my Life. Let this be a catalyst for the Holy Spirit to intervene in your life. Paperback.
We may have a winner here. Good sized, easy to carry and a daily devotional.
A Prayer Book of Catholic Devotions
William G. Storey
Excerpt
Best-selling author William G. Storey compiles some of the best traditional devotions to assist in daily prayer throughout the liturgical year. Strongly Biblical in tone and content, A Prayer Book of Catholic Devotions was written to carry out a Vatican mandate which promotes the revival of traditional Catholic devotions. In the first devotional prayer book based on the liturgical year, this gorgeous leatherette devotional uses psalms, canticles, Scripture readings, and traditional prayers to celebrate the holy seasons of the year, from Advent and Christmas to Lent and Easter. Concentrating specifically on Jesus and Mary, Storey presents devotions from throughout the ages, both official and unofficial, that have found a special place in the lives of Catholics.
Beep. Not a daily devotional.
Okay, you got three, because you listed five. Two of them are not daily devotionals. Although they may be great books, they are not what someone is looking for when they ask for a daily devotional.
Two are smaller coffee table books, not something you can carry in your purse or keep in the car.
Only one is something I might pick up to carry in the store. It used to be people would buy anything with Pope John Paul II on it, but now they page through the book, and with the one listed above, they put it back down. Same thing with Day by Day With Pope Benedict XVI, no one seems interested.
As I said before, I have sold in a Catholic Gift store. over 100 copies of Jesus Calling. People love it.
