Ask Me for a Blessing You Know You Need One

by Adrian Dannhauser, Michael Curry (Contributor), Sarah Zimmerman (Reader)

What is a blessing? Do you have to believe to receive one? Can you doubt while you pray? And can you extend grace to others while still desperately in need of it yourself? Once a week Episcopal priest Adrian Dannhauser stands outside her Manhattan church beside a chalkboard sign that reads "Ask me for a blessing (because God knows you need one)." Passersby stop, chat, and ask for for a sick friend, an addicted son, an upcoming job interview, the state of our nation, or the grief of our world. Bus drivers sometimes open their doors for a quick prayer before the light turns green, and someone once took her to meet their doorman so she could bless him too. Half of those who stop are in crisis. Someone always cries. A few are simply curious. Through the heartfelt, frank, and sincere stories of her unique ministry, Dannhauser offers glimpses into the tender, holy, and sometimes hilarious moments of sidewalk prayers. With a potent blend of reverence and irreverence, as well as insights from Christian scriptures, she delves into the power that ancient ideas--blessing, forgiveness, miracles, and prayer--hold in a disenchanted world. For people of Christian faith, other faiths, or no faith at all, having spiritual conversations, even awkward ones with strangers on the street, can help us face our vulnerability, where we may discover a grace sufficient for all.

Genres: Religion, Spirituality, Nonfiction

Audio CD

Published October 4, 2022

Reviews

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was perfect for Christmas week. Her conceptual motives and also order of actions! Both are priceless and truly worthy of being imitated.

Anyone who needs some inspiration and positivity could use a couple reads of this book.

Christmas time still is rife with conflict and traded reality of bad news. As there are more people seeking contact, there can always be increased conflict. This made me see the best regardless of having sadness and suffering still solid in the world.

There is so much evil that I pray she has continued safety to do her Tuesdays with concentrated personal blessings. Good work to spread the grace!

[Mark Del · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very inspirational and thought provoking book. If one desires to be a blessing and make a difference in their world then this is a must read. We need more people like Adrian.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the stories and the concept -- standing on the street corner offering a blessing to anyone in need. Some of the stories reminded me of the times when we would offer prayers after church -- and there would be such a long line of people -- but what is also remarkable about the experience is that these prayers do not take place in church.

She begins by connecting the idea to Ashes to Go, offering ashes on Ash Wednesday on street corners to those who are not in our buildings. She noticed how much people long to be heard, and touched, and of course, there is the idea of naming the presence of God in a time and place where God goes unrecognized most of the time.

The book did get a little repetitive for me, but I also liked the message the giving blessings is not just for the ordained, and her encouragement for all of us to learn to share blessings.

[Kristen Schwark · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book. I went into the book thinking the author would share more of her encounters with the people and less of her beliefs and pontification (which for me, do not all line up biblically. Which was tough knowing she is an Episcopalian Priest). I also felt leaving God out of the title rather than the title be what her sign states, was curious... sell more books? Offend someone who doesn't believe? Difficult to know or understand why the author chose to omit God from the title of her book.

There were some good points in the book, but in the end, this is one book that I wouldn't recommend, nor share with others as there were statements made that do not align with what I believe from a biblical standpoint. Many statements contradict what God say in scripture. It might make some feel good, and that is wonderful, but this book is just not for me.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book. The author, a priest, set up a sign in NYC offering blessings for passersby and this book tells stories about her experience. I loved the author's voice, it is easy to tell she is a warm, funny and humble person. This was an easy read with so many great lines of wisdom for living and loving others well.

[Sophfronia Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adrian Dannhauser removes the hashtag from the word “blessing” and returns all the grace, vulnerability, and love that a true blessing conveys. A nourishing book for everyone hungering for spiritual connection.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A first-person account of distributing blessings, and what the author's ministry has meant to her. A thoughtful and enjoyable read.

[Laurie]

3.5 🌟 🌟🌟

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely book to read during Lent. Became a little redundant but I loved the positive spirit of the message

[Diener · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you read a book and want to buy as many copies of it as you can afford so you can share the book and how it made you feel with the most important people in your life. That is this book.

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really 3.5