Word by Word: Slowing Down with the Hail Mary

by Sarah A. Reinhard (Editor)

In Word by Word, popular Catholic author Sarah Reinhard compiled an accessible, profound, and unique meditation on each word of the Hail Mary, one of the most important prayer traditions in Catholic life. Each of the forty reflections encourages readers to “slow down” with the Hail Mary and experience previously unseen dimension in the popular devotion, making it come to life in a new way. This unique, formative, and informative exploration of the beloved prayer is a gift to anyone who wants to be continually changed through it—learning to slow down and examine things more closely.

The book is based on a blog series Reinhard facilitated with popular Catholic writers and social media experts, including Lisa M. Hendey, Brandon Vogt, Paula Huston, Kate Wicker, Pat Gohn, Kevin Lowry, Lisa Mladinich, Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle, Fr. Patrick Toner, and Jeff Young.

Genres: Religion, Catholic, Nonfiction

161 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 16, 2015

About the author

Catholic wife, mom, word nerd, and coffee addict living in Ohio in the midst of family, village, and lovely chaos. Always reading at least a stack of books simultaneously and always looking for recs.

Author in the past, reader in the present. Who knows what the future may hold? ;)

Reviews

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words. We use them so frequently we forget the power they hold in conveying meaning; right down to the smallest word in a sentence. Sarah's unique approach to reflecting on the Hail Mary did not only included breaking down the prayer, literally word by word; but also encompassed the voices of MANY others gifted authors. I found a renewed zeal for praying with this adored Marian prayer I have known by heart since 2nd grade. Familiarity can cause one to forget what they are saying - after so many years of saying the words of the Hail Mary; I had forgotten to pay attention to the WORDS OF THE Hail Mary. Until Now. It is not so much about what each words means; but how they can word by word, open one's heart - that was just one of the MANY insightful take-aways for me in this brilliantly collaboration of some of the best Catholic authors.

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an email asking me if I would be interested in reviewing this book. Knowing Sarah I jumped at the opportunity without even asking any questions. Once I got the book I realized it was an anthology of sorts. This amazing books takes the prayer of the Hail Mary and breaks it down word by word. I must say it was an amazing journey and one I plan on taking again. I know I will reread this book likely a number of times!

There are 42 contributors to this project, some I knew about before and had read their words and was greatly excited to read their contributions. A few I had heard of but had yet to read and some I had never heard of. I can say I have already got books by three of the contributors just from how powerful their pieces in this volume were. The contributors in the order they appear are:

Fr. Patrick Toner
Deacon Tom Fox
Jaymie Stuart Wolfe
Carol Ann Chybowski
Kate Wicker
Mary C. Gildersleeve
Brandon Vogt
Mark Szewczak
Nancy Carpentier Brown
Jeff Young
Maria Morera Johnson
Fr. James Tucker
Julie Davis
Jeffrey Miller
Jennifer Fitz
Ginny Kubitz Moyer
Michelle Reitemeyer
Christine Johnson
Jaymie Stuart Wolfe
Pat Gohn
Lisa M. Hendey
Dorian Speed
Kevin Lowry
Walt Staples
Karina Fabian
Barb Szyszkiewicz
Michelle Buckman
Val J. Bianco
Arwen Mosher
Miriel Thomas Reneau
Lisa Mladinich
Sarah Vabulas
Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle
Ellen Gable Hrkach
Peggy Bowes
Daria Sockey
Susie Lloyd
Karen Edmisten
Shelly Henley Kelly
Cat Hodge
Paula Huston
Fr. Patrick Toner
and an amazing Appendix Titles for Mary by Deacon Tom Fox

The contributions are an amazing mix, from clergy, laity, men and women, married, single with and without children. As I was reading numerous times I took quotes and emailed them to friends thinking how perfect the quote would be for a person at that point in time. I highlighted almost 50 passages during my first read through and will use some of those in the rest of this review to highlight how excellent this book really is.

Sarah in the introduction states: "You might say it's become my blankie prayer. Just as my children cling to their worn-soft, faded blankies, so I cling to my Blessed Mother's skirt through this prayer. When my heart aches, I cry out a Hail Mary. When I need to be held in my sorrow, it's a Hail Mary that comes out. When I'm worried or troubled, the words I can't find on my own shape up as a Hail Mary." This echoes with me so much. She goes on to say "I pray it unconsciously, the way my children grab my hand without even knowing it when we're walking side by side. It's a comfort to me, and I'm so blessed to have it. When I don't have words for the desires of my heart, I always have the Hail Mary. When I'm lonely or sad or just at odds with the world, I have the Hail Mary. In the Hail Mary, I find so very many spiritual delights, not the least of which is how it leads me, irrevocably, closer to Mary's Son." I find that I am the same way, it is my default prayer, my first in the morning and my last at night. Next Sarah exclaims: "Of course, I couldn't resist considering my favorite prayer in light of this word-by-word approach. What would it be like to pray the Hail Mary deliberately, carefully weighing the importance and significance of every one of the forty-two words?"

I have found from the time I have read the introduction to this book my prayers especially The Hail Mary and The Our Father my prayers have slowed down. Sometimes even pausing with every word. I have also slowed down my three children as they pray their nightly prayers. Sarah says: "There's a new message for me each time I approach the Hail Mary slowly. A calmness is cultivated that forces me to live in the present moment in a way so few things in my modern life of gadgets and responsibilities require." I am finding this also as I slow my prayers down, and this book has been a great tool for that. Finally She states: "We'll take a journey together through the Hail Mary, word by word. The prayer will expand as we work our way from Hail to Amen. You may find yourself uncomfortable, inspired, confused, or even overwhelmed. Embrace that experience and let Mary guide you to her Son through it." So come along see what else really hit me from the book and hopefully from these samples you will find that deeper connection to Mary and through her to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Carol Ann Chybowski in the first chapter on 'of' asks us to reflect on these questions: "As you pray, ask yourself: What am I of? Where do I come from? And to whom do I belong?" Do you relflect upon these questions.

Jennifer Fitz in her chapter on 'women' stated "And if some of us women are called to biological motherhood-the business of bringing forth newly created bodies and souls-all of us are called to spiritual motherhood. Grandmother, aunt, sister, daughter, colleague-whatever our title, we have a lifelong mission. An eternal mission, as the intercession of the saintly women in heaven attests." To me this was one of the most powerful passages in the book. I have shared it with a few friends and family and all the women I shared it with were touched.

Later in the book it says "As Catholics, we have been raised to understand Mary in that endearing way. We embrace her not only because of the important role she played but also because we know she can sympathize with our family problems." Michelle Buckman in penning these words might know how many mothers and fathers these words will impact but they have greatly impacted me.

Recalling a story Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle says this "Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, whom I knew personally for about ten years, had a very close relationship with Mary and taught me a simple yet profound prayer that I pray often: "Mary, Mother of Jesus, be a Mother to me now." Mother Teresa stressed that Mother Mary wants to mother us sinners and wants us to call upon her often. She wants to be our Mother. Mary, Mother of Jesus, be a Mother to me now!" This chapter on 'sinners' was amazing and what I really needed to read that day.

"The Hail Mary is a beautiful and powerful prayer. In the first part, we recite the words of the archangel Gabriel and then those of Elizabeth. In the second part, we ask Mary to pray for us. And to pray for us now." Ellen Gable Hrkach in her chapter on 'now' pens these words. How many of us pray in the now, or even live in the now. This was one of my favorite chapters in the book. (Not that there was a bad one, but some impacted me more now than others.) Ellen goes on and later says "Now is a good time to take stock in our spiritual life. Now is a good time to take care of our bodies, our minds, and, most importantly, our souls." Will you do so?

Susie Lloyd in her chapters on the last 'the' uses a number of examples from Winnie the Pooh I am looking forward to reading her chapter with my children and seeing if they get it. It is a splendid little chapter.

Fr. Patrick Toner writing on 'amen' says: "The Church teaches lex orandi lex credendi, or "what you pray is what you believe." The Amen at the end of any prayer is like signing your name to the Declaration of Independence: you've put your life on the line. Live all of your Amens." What do you believe, what do you pray, how do you pray?

This book was wonderful. Unlike most books I read it slowly over a few weeks and have already gone back and started it again. It is an excellent read and I highly recommend it!

Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who would have guessed at the depth of meaning packed into each word of a prayer many Catholics have recited thousands upon thousands of times? Even such common words as "of, "the," and "and."

Not me.

Sarah Reinhard has employed writers of varying age, gender, and vocation to expound on the meaning and context of each word in the familiar Hail Mary so often rattled off without care or thought.

The short, easy-to-read, and relatable reflections and prayers are perfect for daily reading and are sure to enhance your prayer as well as your relationship with Mary and Jesus.

This book is the perfect remedy for a prayer life that has become rote or dry.

(I received an advance copy for my honest review. The editor and several of the authors are fellow members of the Catholic Writers Guild)

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a dear little book, something I've given as gifts many times. I recommend it for Lent, I recommended it for spiritual refreshment. I recommend it.

One warning. You will be made through the process of reading this book, to slow down how you pray, and to really immerse yourself into the prayer the "Hail Mary," itself. Perfect if you're feeling you need to have your soul rekindled for Christmas, or for someone you know, who needs to know, Mary walks with us on this journey and is always willing to hold our hand.

[Maygon Brack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow… where to begin??!! At first I thought I’d read this little book in a day or two because it’s short and easy to read. But after I started it I saw that I wanted to take it slow to really reflect on each and every word!! It truly is word by word… every single “of”, “and”, “the” and etc is reflected on in the Hail Mary. This little book was a life changing reflection of how I think while praying the Hail Mary now!! I know I’ll be rereading this for years to come!!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book to appreciate the prayer of The Hail Mary more & I never thought possible. I especially enjoyed reading it in the month of December. Every word had a specific pause of reflection throughout your day to give pause & meaning to the prayer in depth.

[elizabeth phillippo · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK CHANGED MY LIFE!!!! This author seems so awesome, funny, cool, and amazing. I wish I could meet THE SARAH REINHARD. 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍🦶🥺😈😈😈🤭🤭

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a perfect book, but the concept (and many of the individual reflections) will stay with me for a very long time.

[Margaret Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever picked up a spiritual book, opened it, and said, "I ought to read this"? I have; but this is notthat book. There was no ought about it. As soon as I started, I didn't want to stop…except that I wanted to write this review on the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary so - for that reason only - I took a break.

Even though each part is written by a different person, each part that I've read so far has been equally engaging. As the title indicates, each of many authors takes one word from the Hail Mary to write about. Who would have thought that reading about the word "of" or the word "the", for example, would be inspiring? And yet it is! These are highly accessible, very real, short spiritual essays.

I look forward to reading each essay again and again. I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to preview this book, and although I thought I was getting to read a book for free, I am now looking forward to buying the paper copy to add to my little library. Thank you to the writers and especially the editor, Sarah Reinhard, for making this book happen.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read constantly and I often read fast, too fast. Because I want to get to the good part or the better part of the book. Not this book. I'd read one reflection and think, "this is my favorite" or "can't get any better" and then wham! I have another favorite that was even better than the last one. I read it slowly, but really, it's not meant to be read, it's meant to be prayed. The reflections were personal and interesting and informative. The prayers though, the ideas for slowing down that day's Hail Mary were outstanding and ones I will turn to again and again. This book is a devotional many can enjoy.

[Bernadette Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of the book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The author takes an in-depth look at one of the most popular Catholic prayers, the Hail Mary. The meaning of the prayer is broken down word by word and reflected upon by forty different Catholic voices.

I found the reflections to be meaningful and gave me new insights into a prayer that has a lot of personal meaning. I will likely refer to these meditations again in the future.

[Erin Cupp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Break out the highlighter! Slowing down is not my favorite thing to do, which makes a book like this so vital. Filled with valuable reflections and fresh but faithful takes on some of the most repeated words in all of Catholicism, Word by Word filled me with hope, made me smile, and, yes, slowed me down so that I could learn something. It's a versatile book that's worth reading straight through and worth keeping handy for quick prayer times.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Reinhard's Word by Word unites the work of over 40 authors as they honor Mary, the Mother of Jesus--one word of the "Hail Mary" at a time. Meditations, challenges and memories come together in a chorus of short meditations. Learn about Mary and the role she plays in the lives of everyday Catholics--you'll come away inspired!

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a First Read. I highly recommend it to any Catholic. A collection of 40 short essays breaking the Hail Mary into smaller parts to examine the deeper meaning. It's a quick read that will provide a lot of food for thought about one of the most common prayers.

[Suzette · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book wasn't what I thought it was. There were a few pearls of wisdom but overall, not a favorite.

[Janka H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

42 words in one prayer. Do we ever realize that?
One of the most famous prayers step by step and through and through by the thoughts and meditations of various authors and bloggers.

What an interesting concept! I myself pray the Hail Mary as a whole, more feeling and imagining than thinking. If even I pray the Hail Mary, because I struggle a bit with the Marian aspect of my faith. So I decided to go through this book as a source of daily neditations, the short moment in which I hope to gain the "fuel" to go through my day. And it paid well. It might be just a word or concept or a feeling of the reading material what has stayed with me, but I found myself more than often to live these ideas. Some more thoroughly than others - which is quite understandable, as I have connected with some of the texts and/or authors than the others. But I have been able to gain some wisdom from every one of the meditations. And, hopefully, I made some steps walking with Mary and working on the relationship.

Among the meditations I liked the best are "Lord", "Women", "Womb", "Death" and "Amen", but every one of them is an interesting product of their author's thoughts and prayers.

Give this book a go. It is more than worth of trying!

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!! Great for daily reading and reflection. My heart is on fire for prayer