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The Father: 30 Meditions to Draw You into the Heart of God
Embark On a Transformative 30-Dday Retreat Deep Into the Heart Of God the Father.
In The 30 Meditations to Draw You into the Heart of God, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, leads readers through a 30-day journey that unveils the boundless love of God the Father, who has “a plan of sheer goodness” (CCC 1) for each of us.
The Father presents thirty inspiring stories of exemplary fathers who reflect God’s paternal love, along with relevant quotes from Scripture, reflections, and prayers. Space is also provided for you to write down your responses to what you have read.
Begin this adventure and claim your dignity as a cherished child of God and as “heir of his blessed life” (CCC 1).
In The 30 Meditations to Draw You into the Heart of God, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, leads readers through a 30-day journey that unveils the boundless love of God the Father, who has “a plan of sheer goodness” (CCC 1) for each of us.
The Father presents thirty inspiring stories of exemplary fathers who reflect God’s paternal love, along with relevant quotes from Scripture, reflections, and prayers. Space is also provided for you to write down your responses to what you have read.
Begin this adventure and claim your dignity as a cherished child of God and as “heir of his blessed life” (CCC 1).
131 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2024
50 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Mark-Mary Ames
4 books22 followersFr. Mark-Mary Ames is the Director of Communications and the Director of Priestly Studies of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR). The primary mission of the CFR community is a wholehearted embracing of Jesus Christ and their Holy Father, St. Francis of Assisi. Through their commitment to prayer and contemplation, the study of Sacred Scripture, fidelity to the Church and the sacraments, their fraternal life, and their generous service to others especially the poor, the CFRs receive the nourishment necessary to live out their lives as sons of St. Francis in the Capuchin tradition.
Fr. Mark-Mary is the host of the Ascension Presents video series The CFRs and the host of the 2025 podcast The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR). He was also the executive producer of the Poco a Poco music album featuring Br. Isaiah, CFR, and is the author of both Habits for Holiness: Small Steps for Making Big Spiritual Progress and The Father: 30 Meditations to Draw You Into the Heart of God.
His favorite work, however, is not nearly as public. Near and dear to Fr. Mark-Mary’s heart is his work walking one-on-one with the suffering, hearing confessions, and offering service as a regular chaplain to the Sisters of Life formation convents.
Fr. Mark-Mary is the host of the Ascension Presents video series The CFRs and the host of the 2025 podcast The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR). He was also the executive producer of the Poco a Poco music album featuring Br. Isaiah, CFR, and is the author of both Habits for Holiness: Small Steps for Making Big Spiritual Progress and The Father: 30 Meditations to Draw You Into the Heart of God.
His favorite work, however, is not nearly as public. Near and dear to Fr. Mark-Mary’s heart is his work walking one-on-one with the suffering, hearing confessions, and offering service as a regular chaplain to the Sisters of Life formation convents.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 3, 2024
Read it
October 23, 2024
Loved it but I was expecting it to be deeper? Maybe this is my own fault because I guess most depth comes from personal reflection. Butttt great prayer prompts.
March 6, 2025
This was so, so good. I would recommend it to anyone who wants something that will help them slow down & reflect.
June 27, 2024
“… nothing is more significant to our loving Father than his children. He knows you, loves you, and desires you to be with him forever. In the end, this is the most important truth you could ever wrestle with and the most important gift you could ever receive: your Father’s love.”
Thankful for the Holy Spirit working through Fr. Mark-Mary in this book! Will definitely need to read it again (probably multiple times) to be reminded of the love of the Father & how He shows me He loves me! God is so good!
Thankful for the Holy Spirit working through Fr. Mark-Mary in this book! Will definitely need to read it again (probably multiple times) to be reminded of the love of the Father & how He shows me He loves me! God is so good!
April 5, 2025
One of the best books I’ve read! Really helped me see the love of God as my Father and how He truly is a God of love and goodness. Everyday there is an example of both spiritual and paternal fathers and how their human love for their children relates to God’s infinite love for His children. Could not recommend enough!!
March 13, 2025
Exactly what is needed for short reflection; the balance of depth and personalization make it accessible and perfect for continued individual prayer.
June 19, 2024
It was supposed to be a 30 day meditation book. There were several days, I could not put it down. I am learning what it means to have a loving Father that embraces all his children. A father that never ceases to pursue us.
He desires us to spend time with Him and cast all of our cares onto Him. Many of the meditations spoke to me. I wrote many down in my journal, but the one that spoke to me was: God comes to where you are and surrounds you with His love and mercy.
He is always ready with open arms to welcome us to his mighty embrace, forgiveness, love, and mercy.
He desires us to spend time with Him and cast all of our cares onto Him. Many of the meditations spoke to me. I wrote many down in my journal, but the one that spoke to me was: God comes to where you are and surrounds you with His love and mercy.
He is always ready with open arms to welcome us to his mighty embrace, forgiveness, love, and mercy.
April 10, 2025
solid 4 stars. this is a wonderful book of meditations. read it in 30 days read it all in a day. revisit the stories time and again. it's broken up nicely from a story to scripture to prayer to reflection with space to write as well. if you've listened to Fr Mark-Marys podcasts at all you can hear his voice through the writing. the book opens your heart to the love of our father and to loving our neighbors. recommend for sure.
July 21, 2024
Profoundly Moving!
In these 30 short chapters, Fr Mark Mary captures and illuminates the heart of our good, good Father. He invites us first to see more deeply from an example in every day life, and then to personal reflection on the day’s theme.
Profoundly moving!
In these 30 short chapters, Fr Mark Mary captures and illuminates the heart of our good, good Father. He invites us first to see more deeply from an example in every day life, and then to personal reflection on the day’s theme.
Profoundly moving!
August 21, 2024
Simple but moving meditations on our relationship with God, especially the final meditation. My only quibble is that the meditations on not specifically all about God the Father; I think a better title for this book would be something like "Beloved Child."
March 28, 2024
Grow closer to the Heavenly Father
Wonderful book filled with heart warming and heart breaking stories that uplift and draw the reader closer to God. One to read again and again.
Wonderful book filled with heart warming and heart breaking stories that uplift and draw the reader closer to God. One to read again and again.
June 19, 2024
amazing book and thoughtful meditations
Treat this book as with any book of meditations. Read and reflect upon one meditation per day/week (thanks Fr Mark Mary for that guidance!)
Treat this book as with any book of meditations. Read and reflect upon one meditation per day/week (thanks Fr Mark Mary for that guidance!)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews