Peace in the Storm - by Maureen Pratt (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

For nearly 20 years, Peace in the Storm: Meditations on Chronic Pain and Illness has brought encouragement and inspiration to thousands of faithful who live with the serious, ongoing health conditions. In its 110 scripture-based meditations, readers will find examples of how they can find God's grace in some of the toughest situations with illness, and how Jesus' support and tenderness are a comfort in the midst of pain. The prayers at the end of each meditation provide expression to the deep yearning, joy, and gratitude that come with journeying through a life of illness and pain with true, abiding faith. Now in a new publishing home, Peace in the Storm... is the only devotional focused on chronic pain and illness that holds the nihil obstat and imprimatur - ecclesial designations signifying that the book is free from any error in Catholic teaching. This version contains exactly the same text as the original version and is the basis for the national ministry of pastoral accompaniment for persons with chronic pain and illness, The Peace in the Storm Project.

Review Quotes

Praise for Peace in the Storm...

Maureen Pratt in Peace in the Storm: Meditations on Chronic Pain and Illness has given us a very practical, meditative, encouraging, faith-filled, edifying guide to the harrowing, yet deepening, journey through suffering. Speaking from her own experience and medical research, she skillfully weaves together important practical and spiritual wisdom for dealing with the healthcare system, personal expectations and disappointments, changes in attitudes of others, physical pain, change in appearance, emptiness and loneliness, and many other challenges of chronic illness. Each meditation provides a conduit to the Lord, a note of realistic encouragement, tested solutions, and a basis on which to choose peace amidst the storm. I highly recommend this book to everyone who faces chronic illness with faith.

Fr. Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D.

Author of The Light Shines on in the Darkness: Transforming Suffering Through Faith

As a spiritual director, I keep Peace in the Storm...Meditations on Chronic Pain and Illness on my desk and refer to it when individuals are struggling with chronic illness. Maureen Pratt has walked this journey and shares her deep spirituality, writing in a beautiful way as she speaks to the heart of people's pain and suffering. Her writing is relatable and can be applied to many situations one experiences in a chronic illness. Her faith and hope are palpable and contagious as you read Peace in the Storm. With the help of the Holy Spirit, Maureen invites the reader to find peace and meaning in the chaos of illness and cling to the Lord with beautiful reflections and use of scripture. In the midst of illness, finding peace and calm is not easy but with Peace in the Storm..., there is a meditative guide that assists our contemplation and its application to our personal journeys.

Ann Sanders, BSN, MAPS. Liaison Healthcare Ministry, Archdiocese of Los Angeles

As a newly ordained priest I came to quickly realize the very real pastoral need to build community among those in my parish who are suffering with chronic illnesses (albeit from cancer to physical and emotional difficulties)...We found the answer in Peace in the Storm...

Rev. David Roman, Pastor, Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish

If you are searching for a Catholic, faith-inspired book on chronic illness, Peace in the Storm... is for you. In each short chapter, Maureen Pratt tackles every emotion and question a sufferer carries, never dodging the realities, but offering true inspiration and actionable hope through the lens of her own health challenges. Real, accessible and ultimately joyful, Peace in the Storm... will walk with you in faith as you confront the forces upending your own peace.

Pat Calanca, cancer survivor and Leader, St. Aloysius Wellness Ministry