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Prayers and Devotions: 365 Daily Meditations; from John Paul II
The leader of the world's Catholics presents a year's worth of meditations on the life of Jesus, the Church, the family, and the place of faith in daily life, in this handsomely crafted, best-selling volume. BOMC selection.
480 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 1982
36 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Pope John Paul II
1,046 books634 followersSaint Pope John Paul II (Latin: Ioannes Paulus II), born Karol Józef Wojtyła was elected Pope at the Conclave of 16 October 1978, and he took the name of John Paul II. On 22 October, the Lord's Day, he solemnly inaugurated his Petrine ministry as the 263rd successor to the Apostle. His pontificate, one of the longest in the history of the Church, lasted nearly 27 years.
Driven by his pastoral solicitude for all Churches and by a sense of openness and charity to the entire human race, John Paul II exercised the Petrine ministry with a tireless missionary spirit, dedicating it all his energy. He made 104 pastoral visits outside Italy and 146 within Italy. As bishop of Rome he visited 317 of the city's 333 parishes.
He had more meetings than any of his predecessors with the People of God and the leaders of Nations. More than 17,600,000 pilgrims participated in the General Audiences held on Wednesdays (more than 1160), not counting other special audiences and religious ceremonies [more than 8 million pilgrims during the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 alone], and the millions of faithful he met during pastoral visits in Italy and throughout the world. We must also remember the numerous government personalities he encountered during 38 official visits, 738 audiences and meetings held with Heads of State, and 246 audiences and meetings with Prime Ministers.
His love for young people brought him to establish the World Youth Days. The 19 WYDs celebrated during his pontificate brought together millions of young people from all over the world. At the same time his care for the family was expressed in the World Meetings of Families, which he initiated in 1994. John Paul II successfully encouraged dialogue with the Jews and with the representatives of other religions, whom he several times invited to prayer meetings for peace, especially in Assisi.
Under his guidance the Church prepared herself for the third millennium and celebrated the Great Jubilee of the year 2000 in accordance with the instructions given in the Apostolic Letter Tertio Millennio adveniente. The Church then faced the new epoch, receiving his instructions in the Apostolic Letter Novo Millennio ineunte, in which he indicated to the faithful their future path.
With the Year of the Redemption, the Marian Year and the Year of the Eucharist, he promoted the spiritual renewal of the Church. He gave an extraordinary impetus to Canonizations and Beatifications, focusing on countless examples of holiness as an incentive for the people of our time. He celebrated 147 beatification ceremonies during which he proclaimed 1,338 Blesseds; and 51 canonizations for a total of 482 saints. He made Thérèse of the Child Jesus a Doctor of the Church.
He considerably expanded the College of Cardinals, creating 231 Cardinals (plus one in pectore) in 9 consistories. He also called six full meetings of the College of Cardinals. His most important Documents include 14 Encyclicals, 15 Apostolic Exhortations, 11 Apostolic Constitutions, 45 Apostolic Letters. He promulgated the Catechism of the Catholic Church in the light of Tradition as authoritatively interpreted by the Second Vatican Council. He also reformed the Eastern and Western Codes of Canon Law, created new Institutions and reorganized the Roman Curia.
In the light of Christ risen from the dead, on 2 April 2005 at 9.37 p.m., while Saturday was drawing to a close and the Lord's Day was already beginning, the Octave of Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday, the Church's beloved Pastor, John Paul II, departed this world for the Father. On April 1, 2011, he was raised to the glory of the altars and on April 27, 2014 canonized.
Driven by his pastoral solicitude for all Churches and by a sense of openness and charity to the entire human race, John Paul II exercised the Petrine ministry with a tireless missionary spirit, dedicating it all his energy. He made 104 pastoral visits outside Italy and 146 within Italy. As bishop of Rome he visited 317 of the city's 333 parishes.
He had more meetings than any of his predecessors with the People of God and the leaders of Nations. More than 17,600,000 pilgrims participated in the General Audiences held on Wednesdays (more than 1160), not counting other special audiences and religious ceremonies [more than 8 million pilgrims during the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 alone], and the millions of faithful he met during pastoral visits in Italy and throughout the world. We must also remember the numerous government personalities he encountered during 38 official visits, 738 audiences and meetings held with Heads of State, and 246 audiences and meetings with Prime Ministers.
His love for young people brought him to establish the World Youth Days. The 19 WYDs celebrated during his pontificate brought together millions of young people from all over the world. At the same time his care for the family was expressed in the World Meetings of Families, which he initiated in 1994. John Paul II successfully encouraged dialogue with the Jews and with the representatives of other religions, whom he several times invited to prayer meetings for peace, especially in Assisi.
Under his guidance the Church prepared herself for the third millennium and celebrated the Great Jubilee of the year 2000 in accordance with the instructions given in the Apostolic Letter Tertio Millennio adveniente. The Church then faced the new epoch, receiving his instructions in the Apostolic Letter Novo Millennio ineunte, in which he indicated to the faithful their future path.
With the Year of the Redemption, the Marian Year and the Year of the Eucharist, he promoted the spiritual renewal of the Church. He gave an extraordinary impetus to Canonizations and Beatifications, focusing on countless examples of holiness as an incentive for the people of our time. He celebrated 147 beatification ceremonies during which he proclaimed 1,338 Blesseds; and 51 canonizations for a total of 482 saints. He made Thérèse of the Child Jesus a Doctor of the Church.
He considerably expanded the College of Cardinals, creating 231 Cardinals (plus one in pectore) in 9 consistories. He also called six full meetings of the College of Cardinals. His most important Documents include 14 Encyclicals, 15 Apostolic Exhortations, 11 Apostolic Constitutions, 45 Apostolic Letters. He promulgated the Catechism of the Catholic Church in the light of Tradition as authoritatively interpreted by the Second Vatican Council. He also reformed the Eastern and Western Codes of Canon Law, created new Institutions and reorganized the Roman Curia.
In the light of Christ risen from the dead, on 2 April 2005 at 9.37 p.m., while Saturday was drawing to a close and the Lord's Day was already beginning, the Octave of Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday, the Church's beloved Pastor, John Paul II, departed this world for the Father. On April 1, 2011, he was raised to the glory of the altars and on April 27, 2014 canonized.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 9, 2021
Outstanding reflections on family, Love, Religion and prayer.
April 25, 2024
I will read this book daily for the next year. I will try to add comments from time to time.
June 26, 2020
Short book - a quick view into the prayer giant that was JPII!
December 31, 2025
This is a devotional based on the liturgical year with a lot of wisdom of John Paul II. I really enjoy reading this devotional this year.
Wednesday December 31st, 2025
Wednesday December 31st, 2025
April 29, 2024
"Prayers and Devotions" by Pope John Paul II is compiled from the writings and speeches of this influential pope. It offers a year's worth of daily meditations. Each day features a passage reflecting on themes like faith, family, social justice, and the challenges of the modern world.
The book's strength lies in its personal touch. Readers get a glimpse into the mind and heart of John Paul II. His words are thoughtful, often poetic, and grapple with weighty issues with a nuanced understanding. Whether discussing the importance of prayer or the dangers of consumerism, John Paul II's voice comes through with a sincerity that resonates.
The daily format makes this book particularly valuable. Brief readings allow for a quick moment of reflection amidst the busy routines of life. Thematic organization ensures a variety of topics throughout the year, keeping readers engaged.
It's important to note that "Prayers and Devotions" is rooted in Catholic theology and practices. While the core messages of faith, hope, and love hold universal appeal, readers from other religious backgrounds may find some terminology or concepts unfamiliar.
For Catholics seeking to deepen their faith, "Prayers and Devotions" serves as a valuable resource for daily prayer and reflection. John Paul II's words offer solace, inspiration, and a renewed connection with the divine. Even those from outside the Catholic tradition may find his meditations on faith, purpose, and the human condition thought-provoking and uplifting.
The book's strength lies in its personal touch. Readers get a glimpse into the mind and heart of John Paul II. His words are thoughtful, often poetic, and grapple with weighty issues with a nuanced understanding. Whether discussing the importance of prayer or the dangers of consumerism, John Paul II's voice comes through with a sincerity that resonates.
The daily format makes this book particularly valuable. Brief readings allow for a quick moment of reflection amidst the busy routines of life. Thematic organization ensures a variety of topics throughout the year, keeping readers engaged.
It's important to note that "Prayers and Devotions" is rooted in Catholic theology and practices. While the core messages of faith, hope, and love hold universal appeal, readers from other religious backgrounds may find some terminology or concepts unfamiliar.
For Catholics seeking to deepen their faith, "Prayers and Devotions" serves as a valuable resource for daily prayer and reflection. John Paul II's words offer solace, inspiration, and a renewed connection with the divine. Even those from outside the Catholic tradition may find his meditations on faith, purpose, and the human condition thought-provoking and uplifting.
December 3, 2011
The devotions are made up from things that JP II said throughout his pontificate. Sometimes they are a little random, since they weren't written as devotionals, but rather are selected quotes. Some provide information about a saint, some are prayers, and some are his teachings on particular topics.
July 8, 2011
Just finished my daily reading in this book of Pope John Paul’s meditations. Although he occasionally went ‘over my head,’ for the most part I found his words inspirational and a lovely guide to begin my day.
November 3, 2012
I bought this book many, many years ago. As a daily devotions it seems random at times, as the readings were taken from his writings thoughout his potificate. I have read writings thoughout the years and always find it inspiring.
Currently reading
October 12, 2008This is my favorite devotional.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews