Reflections For Ragamuffins

by Brennan Manning

A daily meditation for every day of the year, drawn from Brennan Manning's writings. In biblical terms, ragamuffins are 'the poor in spirit, those who were little in their own sight, those who were conscious of their nakedness and poverty before God and who thus cast themselves without reservation on his mercy.' Manning believes 'this is the spirit that God looks for in his people . . . It compounds a sense of personal powerlessness with unfailing confidence in the love of God and total surrender to the guidance of his will.

Genres: Christian, Devotional, Spirituality, Faith, Christianity, Christian Living, Nonfiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1998

About the author

Richard Francis Xavier Manning, known as Brennan Manning (April 27, 1934 – April 12, 2013) was an American author, friar, priest, contemplative and speaker.Born and raised in Depression-era New York City, Manning finished high school, enlisted in the US Marine Corps, and fought in the Korean War. After returning to the United States, he enrolled at Saint Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania. Upon his graduation from the seminary in 1963, Manning was ordained a Franciscan priest.[2]

In the late 1960s, Manning joined the Little Brothers of Jesus of Charles de Foucauld, a religious institute committed to an uncloistered, contemplative life among the poor. Manning transported water via donkey, worked as a mason's assistant and a dishwasher in France, was imprisoned (by choice) in Switzerland, and spent six months in a remote cave somewhere in the Zaragoza desert. In the 1970s, Manning returned to the United States and began writing after confronting his alcoholism.

Reviews

[Brenda Remis]

My take on Brennan's writings are 1) that it's OK to be a raggamuffin, and 2) that God's love is unconditional. It took me a good while to finish this book, but I needed to focus instead of just get through it. Without intending to, I found that I would have spontaneous tears along the way, as I discovered these truths. I am so glad to have discovered this book. I think I might have given a couple as gifts when I first started reading it. I'll be holding on to this one.

[Mark]

Although some of the devotionals in this book are really short, they pack a punch. Manning had a lot of good things to say in his life, and he put many of them in this book. I read it through in 2014 and was inspired and encouraged many days, and often convicted by what I read. I highly recommend it.

[D.A. Cairns]

An outstanding daily devotional which is sure to build your relationship with God. Go deeper with this man of God. Short devotionals, Single scriptures. One devotional a day will change your life.

Please note. I'm reviewing this even though I haven't finished reading it. It will take a year to read and I'll probably read it again. It's a special type of book only of interest to thse who wish to have a stronger, closer relationship with Jesus Christ.

[Tom Mobley]

Monica was/is a Rich Mullins fan and we were fortunate to see him in concert several times. Having seen the moving on Rich's life I had be intrigued by Brennan Manning and found his yearly devotional book.

It was a good part of my morning reads last year.

[Michelle]

This is one of those devotionals that you'll read over and over again. Each day Manning manages to encourage, challenge and/or invite you deeper into your relationship with God.

[Joshua Boyd]

This is an awesome devotional! I have read through it at least 10 times.

[Cathy]

I LOVE the insights, challenges, and personal stories!

[Lauren Thibodeaux]

This was a wonderful devotional. So many things to underline. So many new insights into the Christian life, following Jesus, and the Bible.

[Catrina Berka]

The short, one-page, devotions include a short bible verse and Manning's reflections on living the Christian life. It was a bit too much fluff for my preference in a daily devotional.

[Corbin Hillam]

It’s been 25 years. Still great!

[Jeff]

Reflections for Ragamuffins is definitely one of those devotional books that I will keep. It will have a place on the shelf right next to My Utmost For His Highest, one that I return to ever four or five years.

Brennan Manning was a broken person. And he knew it. That's what made his writings on grace so poignant and effective. Day after day, I was amazed at the fresh insight this devotional book brought to my life. My favorite thing, though, about this book, is that the entire month of December is devoted to readings about Christmas, and how God's breakthrough in to human history affects our everyday lives. I've never seen a devotional that did that.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who is in the habit of reading daily devotions.

[Glen Hill]

I’m a big fan of Brennan Manning’s work, so I naturally gave a high rating. This book is a yearly devotional, one read a day, which I did through 2025, and I liked it very much. The honesty in which manning writes of his walk with God, warts and all, is just great reading, and very encouraging to those of us who stuff up from time to time, yet live to know and walk with God. 5 Stars all the way on this one.

[Wendy]

A pithy meditation that hits my soul. A great gift for a friend and one worth passing on. I'm sure it will come back around another year if you share your year-long daily devotionals with friends~

[sarah]

this is a devotional book-a page a day...was recommended to me by my friend mike hong. each lesson was short yet profound...not to be taken lightly. loved this book. i still read it.

[Katie]

I use this devotional over and over again through out my days and it always speaks to me of God's infinite love for ragamuffins such as myself.

[Kathie]

Liann gave this to me several years ago. Whenever I pick it up again, I am amazed at how honest and pithy Manning is. Great for a gal who is short on her ability to be both meaningful AND brief.

[Kelly]

great devotional

[Jen]

I love Brennan Manning and this devotional just makes me want to read all of his books!

[Bryan Lowe]

One of the best devotionals I have ever used. Each day I can't wait to read (sometimes I will read tomorrows, its that good.

[writer...]

Continuing into 2014 with this daily reading of excellent reflections on various short segments collected from Brennan Manning's writings. Great index closes out the book for further references.

[Charlotte]

Solid, not in-your-face reflections on faith.

[Andy Vaughn]

This is one of my all time favorite books. Beautifully written and points that revolutionized my understanding of God and myself. A Must READ!

[Clint]

Great daily devotional.

[Mandi]

I still read this quite often!

[Brad]

One of the best "devotional" books I've ever read.