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Handbook of Prayers, Student Edition
Every Catholic student should have access to this compact, student edition of Handbook of Prayers. Features: Basic prayers such as the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Morning Offering, and Apostles' Creed; Prayers before and after Mass; Guide for a good Confession; Devotions to the Blessed Trinity, Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Virgin Mary, and St. Joseph; Scores of prayers in all. This is an ideal book for every student to keep in his or her pocket. It makes a great gift, especially for a group of students.
254 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1995
118 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
James Socías
69 books5 followersRev. James Socias, a priest of the Prelature of Opus Dei, was born in Barcelona, Spain, in 1939. He received a doctorate in naval engineering from the University of Madrid.
After having worked as an engineer for thirteen years, he was ordained a priest in Spain in 1978 and obtained his doctorate in canon law from the University of Navarre. As a priest, he has developed his pastoral work among professionals, university faculty, campus ministry, seminarians, and priests.
After having worked as an engineer for thirteen years, he was ordained a priest in Spain in 1978 and obtained his doctorate in canon law from the University of Navarre. As a priest, he has developed his pastoral work among professionals, university faculty, campus ministry, seminarians, and priests.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 26, 2019
My boyfriend gave me this handbook for my birthday; he has the student edition. We both carry our copies with us to every Mass and always find something new and valuable in them. The reflections on the mysteries of the rosary have been especially helpful to me in trying to go deeper with this beautiful prayer, and I feel that I make a better confession when I use the examination of conscience included here. I highly recommend the handbook to any Catholic, whether a recent convert like me or an older cradle Catholic, who wishes to grow in the faith.
August 14, 2008
I have a different version (plastic cover w/ dustcover, mostly off-white), which I got here in the Philippines.
Real handy to have, especially on trips.
Real handy to have, especially on trips.
December 6, 2018
The copy of Handbook of Prayers Student Edition, published by Midwest Theological Forum that I am reviewing today was bought at Steubenville Toronto Conference in 2017. I have never seen this edition of the Handbook of Prayers sold in Toronto. I have only seen the full, unabridged version of the book. Therefore, I bought immediately bought this edition when I saw it.
Handbook of Prayers Student Edition, even though it is an abridged version of the popular Handbook of Prayers, is a very handy prayerbook to slip into a backpack, briefcase or purse. I don’t think it is a necessarily a prayer book not only for students, but convenient for students to bring around with them with the many heavy textbooks.
I have reviewed two titles from Midwest Theological Forum, including the Manual of Prayer and the Daily Roman Missal. Midwest Theological Forum in my opinion, provides the best quality devotional tools for Catholics. Like those two books I have reviewed on here, the text have been printed in both black and red ink, a feature that I love (being a Liturgy fanatic).
The contents seem to be very similar to that of the Prayers and Devotions section of the Daily Roman Missal, containing the How to be a Better Catholic, Basic Prayers, Preparation for Mas, Prayers After Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Guide for a Good Confession, Devotions to the blessed Trinity, Devotions to Our Lord Jesus Christ, Devotions to the Holy Spirit, Devotions to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Devotions to St. Joseph, Various Prayers, Prayers for the Dead, and even a section for Baptism of a Person in Danger of Death. The main difference between the Student Edition and the unabridged edition is probably the absence of the Order of Mass. Personally, I wish the Student Edition would have the people’s responses in there, without all the rubrics as in the Daily Roman Missal and the unabridged edition.
Another critique I have is the Stations of the Cross meditation used, not only in this edition, but also in the unabridged edition and also the Daily Roman Missal. I question who was the author of these specific reflections. I would prefer if they used the meditations of St. Alphonsus Liguori because that is well known. Besides, I like how the images of the stations are depicted, as well as in the Mysteries of the Rosary.
There are a couple blank pages at the back which I like, so I can perhaps jot down my own prayers and attach other prayer cards.
The cover seems to be made of a vinyl material with gold ink, I assume. Unfortunately, the first day I bought it, I used it during the Adoration session that night. My hands were sweaty. When I went back to my room, I saw that the spine where the text, “Handbook of Prayers” were stamped on were faded, which was disappointing. I didn’t ask for an exchange, knowing that this prayer book would be worn out, and it sure did, after so many conferences, retreats and camps since then. It has been my prayer companion along with my breviary.
Handbook of Prayers Student Edition, even though it is an abridged version of the popular Handbook of Prayers, is a very handy prayerbook to slip into a backpack, briefcase or purse. I don’t think it is a necessarily a prayer book not only for students, but convenient for students to bring around with them with the many heavy textbooks.
I have reviewed two titles from Midwest Theological Forum, including the Manual of Prayer and the Daily Roman Missal. Midwest Theological Forum in my opinion, provides the best quality devotional tools for Catholics. Like those two books I have reviewed on here, the text have been printed in both black and red ink, a feature that I love (being a Liturgy fanatic).
The contents seem to be very similar to that of the Prayers and Devotions section of the Daily Roman Missal, containing the How to be a Better Catholic, Basic Prayers, Preparation for Mas, Prayers After Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Guide for a Good Confession, Devotions to the blessed Trinity, Devotions to Our Lord Jesus Christ, Devotions to the Holy Spirit, Devotions to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Devotions to St. Joseph, Various Prayers, Prayers for the Dead, and even a section for Baptism of a Person in Danger of Death. The main difference between the Student Edition and the unabridged edition is probably the absence of the Order of Mass. Personally, I wish the Student Edition would have the people’s responses in there, without all the rubrics as in the Daily Roman Missal and the unabridged edition.
Another critique I have is the Stations of the Cross meditation used, not only in this edition, but also in the unabridged edition and also the Daily Roman Missal. I question who was the author of these specific reflections. I would prefer if they used the meditations of St. Alphonsus Liguori because that is well known. Besides, I like how the images of the stations are depicted, as well as in the Mysteries of the Rosary.
There are a couple blank pages at the back which I like, so I can perhaps jot down my own prayers and attach other prayer cards.
The cover seems to be made of a vinyl material with gold ink, I assume. Unfortunately, the first day I bought it, I used it during the Adoration session that night. My hands were sweaty. When I went back to my room, I saw that the spine where the text, “Handbook of Prayers” were stamped on were faded, which was disappointing. I didn’t ask for an exchange, knowing that this prayer book would be worn out, and it sure did, after so many conferences, retreats and camps since then. It has been my prayer companion along with my breviary.
January 5, 2023
I was introduced to this great little book on a retreat last winter with Opus Dei. A number of the men there had it and I borrowed one for a while on the retreat. This is a little treasure that should be in every Catholic home.
A number of features make this one such a nice prayer book. It is compact and fits in a breast pocket. Also it contains great pen and ink sketches and illustrations, especially for the Stations of the Cross. It has such a variety of prayers if you only had this prayer book it would be sufficient for a wide and varied prayer life.
The first section of the book is a series of articles on How to Be a Better Catholic. The next section is a collect of basic prayers, the Sign of the Cross, Hail Mary, Our Father … then the sections become more specific:
Midday Prayers
Evening Prayers
Preparation for Mass
The Eucharistic Sacrifice
Prayers after Mass
Communion Outside Mass
Eucharistic Adoration
Guide for a Good Confession
Devotions to the Blessed Trinity
Devotions to Our Lord Jesus Christ
Devotions to the Holy Spirit
Devotions to the Blessed Virgin Mary
Devotions to St. Joseph
Various Prayers
Prayers at the Time of Death
Prayers for the Dead
Blessings
Sacraments When in Dander of Death
I guarantee that if you pick up this little book, you will find yourself referring to it time and time again. It will become one of your most valued books, for help in developing your spiritual life.
(Note: an eBook edition has been released now.)
A number of features make this one such a nice prayer book. It is compact and fits in a breast pocket. Also it contains great pen and ink sketches and illustrations, especially for the Stations of the Cross. It has such a variety of prayers if you only had this prayer book it would be sufficient for a wide and varied prayer life.
The first section of the book is a series of articles on How to Be a Better Catholic. The next section is a collect of basic prayers, the Sign of the Cross, Hail Mary, Our Father … then the sections become more specific:
Midday Prayers
Evening Prayers
Preparation for Mass
The Eucharistic Sacrifice
Prayers after Mass
Communion Outside Mass
Eucharistic Adoration
Guide for a Good Confession
Devotions to the Blessed Trinity
Devotions to Our Lord Jesus Christ
Devotions to the Holy Spirit
Devotions to the Blessed Virgin Mary
Devotions to St. Joseph
Various Prayers
Prayers at the Time of Death
Prayers for the Dead
Blessings
Sacraments When in Dander of Death
I guarantee that if you pick up this little book, you will find yourself referring to it time and time again. It will become one of your most valued books, for help in developing your spiritual life.
(Note: an eBook edition has been released now.)
May 21, 2023
Feeds my spirit!
January 1, 2022
Discovered this prayer book years ago when I came back into the Church. I've only used it partially so I decided to read it from cover to cover and review.
The book contains the most basic prayers and devotions in the Roman Rite with its corresponding Latin on the opposite side of the page. It has a guide to praying the rosary and stations of the cross with meditations, but it does not contain an abbreviated office. The order of the mass is the Novus Ordo, with corresponding Latin. That section seems more oriented towards priests and religious since it contains variations of eucharistic prayers, prefaces, etc. There are also useful guides for examination of conscience and being a better Catholic. Its advice is very traditional, especially for a prayer book geared towards the Novus Ordo. For example, it stipulates every Friday as a meat fast and condemns using NFP to avoid pregnancy as a sin. It also condemns refusing your spouse marital privileges without good reason. 5 stars on faithfulness.
This prayer book also contains some very beautiful woodcut prints in several sections, notably the rosary and stations of the cross. The author, Rev. James Socías, is a Spanish Opus Dei priest so you can expect to find many of its reflections from St. Josemaría Escrivá as well. I keep this book by my bedstand as it continues to be an invaluable resource in my prayer life.
The book contains the most basic prayers and devotions in the Roman Rite with its corresponding Latin on the opposite side of the page. It has a guide to praying the rosary and stations of the cross with meditations, but it does not contain an abbreviated office. The order of the mass is the Novus Ordo, with corresponding Latin. That section seems more oriented towards priests and religious since it contains variations of eucharistic prayers, prefaces, etc. There are also useful guides for examination of conscience and being a better Catholic. Its advice is very traditional, especially for a prayer book geared towards the Novus Ordo. For example, it stipulates every Friday as a meat fast and condemns using NFP to avoid pregnancy as a sin. It also condemns refusing your spouse marital privileges without good reason. 5 stars on faithfulness.
This prayer book also contains some very beautiful woodcut prints in several sections, notably the rosary and stations of the cross. The author, Rev. James Socías, is a Spanish Opus Dei priest so you can expect to find many of its reflections from St. Josemaría Escrivá as well. I keep this book by my bedstand as it continues to be an invaluable resource in my prayer life.
July 6, 2011
I have been looking for a good prayer book like this for a while. It is a good comprehensive collection, and is a great little companion both in the home and out.
April 24, 2024
A must have for any serious Catholic. Indispensable.
September 26, 2012
Tiny little book that's useful to carry around.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews