Song of the Saints - by Catherine Gotschall (Paperback)

About the Book

Weekly Anglican prayer bead meditations to deepen your relationship with saintly Christians.

Book Synopsis

Weekly Anglican prayer bead meditations to deepen your relationship with saintly Christians.

Have you ever wondered what the saints would say if they could speak to you? Saints have long been a source of inspiration and solace for Christians--from Ambrose of Milan of the early Church, to Hildegard of Bingen of the medieval period, to Frederick Douglass of nineteenth-century abolitionist renown--but few would say they truly know these sources of timeless wisdom. The prayers in Song of the Saints, intended for use in conjunction with Anglican prayer beads, offer a remedy: a tried and tested prayer practice designed to bring readers into a deeper communion with the saints throughout the liturgical year.

Selected from various Christian liturgical calendars, the featured saints are accompanied by an icon-like image, an original prayer, and a brief spiritual biography, which offers readers a window into the context in which the saint lived. Ultimately, readers aren't just learning about the saints--they're engaging with them, actively exploring their lives, their teachings, and most of all, their heart.

Review Quotes

"Hallelujah! What a unique and wonderful way to learn about our saints! By praying the Anglican Rosary using their words, I have learned so much more about the saints. Plus, I am participating in the growing tradition of the Anglican rosary! I will keep this book with my Bible and BCP to lift up my daily devotions!"
-- "The Reverend Andrea Rose Hayden, Priest-in-charge, Saint Nathaniel's Episcopal Church, North Port, FL"

"I have been a parish priest for 33 years. This book has found its way into my heart and my ministry.
"When I began to read about Saints Pauli Murray, Oscar Romero, Frederick Douglass, and Edith Stein...just to name a few, I thought, 'This is what I have been waiting for!' A book of Saints that we can bring into our prayers, discussions, and sermons, that speaks to where we are in the present moment and what we, as people of faith, are struggling with.
"In today's tumultuous times, it is so important to remember those who went before us, who broke ground and glass ceilings. When I find those times when I can't figure out what to do, this book brings me back to a Saint who has paved the way. The author has brilliantly woven in prayer using Anglican prayer beads, including a step-by-step instruction on 'how to use Anglican prayer beads!' There are beautiful illustrations, prayers, and concise descriptions of Saints that help us not only learn more about them but also bring them into our own personal prayer life. Bravo, Cathy Gotschall, thank you for this 'Song of the Saints'."
-- "The Reverend Suzanne M. Post, Associate Rector for Pastoral Care, Christ Episcopal Church, Greenwich, CT, Former Assisting Priest, St. Michael and All Angels, Venice, FL"

"If you wish to deepen your devotional practice, and are curious about how the saintly people of God through out the centuries, could be your spiritual companions, this is a book for you. Song of the Saints, provides history and background about how saints as 'holy exemplars' can lead us more deeply into our relationship with the Holy One, and how one actually uses prayer beads. Whether or not prayer beads have been a ritual that you use to increase your faith, you will find this book is unique, as the prayers offered use the writings and words of the saints themselves. This gives us a first hand view into the spiritual wisdom and faith of those who have shown the light of God in their lives, and can illuminate our lives with insights and revelations of God. What an inspired way to expand your community of spiritual friends as well as enhance your own faith!"
-- "The Reverend Susan E. Bentley, Episcopal Priest, Diocese of Southwestern Virginia, Chaplain Daughters of the King, Diocese of Southwestern Virginia"

"This book is for someone reaching out to people on the margins, like a deacon; a bridge--showing that the Saints were people who faced real struggles, just like many in the world today. Their journeys weren't perfect, but they showed perseverance, faith, and the power of prayer. Offering this connection can make the Saints feel more approachable and relevant to people's everyday lives. And the experience of using prayer beads, especially when paired with the Saints' stories, can really enhance one's spiritual practice. For those unfamiliar with the beads, it's like a new tool for focusing prayer and building a deeper connection with God. This book helps demystify that, making it a wonderful resource for both personal growth and ministry.
"It's amazing how connecting with the lives of the Saints can open up new dimensions of prayer and devotion. Each Saint has such a unique story and spiritual journey, and this book offers a beautiful way for anyone, regardless of where they are in their faith, to explore those stories and find inspiration."-- "The Rev Ken McCaslin, MAR, FHL7, Deacon St. Monica's Episcopal Church, Naples, FL, Chaplain Retired Clergy Naples, FL, Chaplain Daughters of the King, St. Monica's Chapter, Naples, FL"

"What a wonderful contribution to prayer! As I prayed with the words of the saints, I felt a deep peace in my soul. The additional materials - introductions, illustrations, and biographies--are profoundly helpful. This offering is an extraordinarily lovely way to encounter the liturgical year anew. Truly, we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses to the love of God!"
-- "The Reverend Susanne Methven, Episcopal Priest, Diocese of Oklahoma"