Joseph's Way: The Call to Fatherly Greatness: Prayer of Faith: 80 Days to Unlocking Your Power As a Father

by Devin Schadt

Become the Father You're Called to Be. Society goes by way of the family and the family goes by way of the father. If you want to change the world, change the human father. Joseph's Prayer of Faith is the first release of a two volume series which transmits the biblical vision of fatherhood, its necessity, its glory, and its irreplaceable effect on families and society. Joseph's Way is a tough, bold, game-changing challenge to men of our age to pursue fatherly greatness. By comparing St. Joseph -Light of Patriarchs -with the great patriarchs of old-Abraham and Jacob - Joseph's Way provides fathers with invaluable practical tools and profound spiritual insights to help them become the great father that God has created them to be. In Prayer of 80 Days to Unlocking Your Power as a Father you will The three foundational characteristics of a great father How to unlock the hidden power that all fathers possess How crises are essential in the making of a man, and how to overcome them St. Joseph's secret weapons of effective fatherhood

Genres: Religion, Parenting

343 pages, Paperback

First published February 10, 2014

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed Devin Schadt's writing and reflections in his book Show Us the Father, and so when I saw this one I picked it up. I liked the reflections and connections made, such as the comparisons with the patriarchs and St. Joseph. It was the first I'd heard of St. Joseph being compared to the patriarchs, and it was thought provoking.

My lower rating has more to do with the format and structure, which perhaps flows from a different expectation of what the book would offer. The 80 days seems a bit arbitrary, and there are a lack of practical steps or action items to take. The reflections are thought provoking, but the work of what those look like in your own life isn't explored, even in a guided way (such as through questions in how the father can implement and imitate St Joseph). The book also ends abruptly on the 80th day, with no conclusion or next steps. Given that, enjoy these as a series of essays and reflections, not as a how to guide.

[Ale Jandro · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book that extracts and shares deep meditations on the mysterious and humble figure of Saint Joseph. I was surprised on how just a few passages from the Holy Scriptures referring to him cover such unending sources of wisdom, particularly for fathers.
Additionally, I was amazed with the analysis of other father figures such as Abraham and Jacob realizing just now a lot of parallelisms with Saint Joseph.
The author speaks in such accesible language and takes you through 80 days of really short chapters.
I recommend this book, particularly, to fathers that want to persevere in their vocation; but it is really a worthwhile reading for anybody.

[Daniel Miller]

The hidden victories accomplished in familial life > conquest and honor among men.

Prayer removes obstacles though the person praying appears not to be moving. Prayer is active though the man praying appears to be passive.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the book was inconsistent. Some days had some really good material (thus why I gave this three stars) worth reflecting on, especially in the first 1/2 to 2/3 of the book, on humility, obedience, silence, etc. Other days, the readings seemed to be devoid of content other than "we'll be looking at this topic over the next day or two" that really seemed to be throwaway readings. I felt the last section of the book on building a domestic church, while an important concept in Catholic fatherhood, was rather convoluted.

[Jaime Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. For the positives, it shed a different aspect on St. Joseph's fatherly attributes. Most references were biblical, however, there was some genuine original thought that made a strong case on the foster father of Jesus.

I liked the ties to the Old Testament fathers, Abraham and Jacob, as well. I will recommend this book to many of my fellow fathers, as the pillars the author uses are viable.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had some good reflections. Worth reading just for those good lessons I think, but can get bogged down easily with some reflections that are just simply difficult to follow either in how it was written or just reaching too far with the spirituality/theology. Some connections were so loose it really detracted from the lesson. Also, the author address the reader as “my brother” excessively throughout the book - it actually becomes irritating after a while.

[Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for fathers, present and future. It outlines the way to grow in your faith while setting an example of leadership for your family. I wish I had read it as a newlywed husband, or even before, since the meaningful and faithful relationship with your wife is covered here as well. I Highly recommend!

[AFlamme · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice reflections on the lives of Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph as models for fatherhood.