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Bathed in Prayer: Father Tim's Prayers, Sermons, and Reflections from the Mitford Series
A new must-have collection for fans of the New York Times bestselling Mitford series, featuring the prayers, sermons, and inspiration from beloved Father Tim, as well as new essays and reflections on faith from author Jan Karon.Over the course of fourteen novels, millions of readers have fallen in love with the faith, encouragement, and wisdom that are at the very heart of Jan Karon's Mitford series. Now, for the first time, readers will have the chance to walk with Father Tim through a collection of prayers, sermons, and inspirational passages that incorporates material from each of the novels. In addition, fans will get to hear directly from author Jan Karon, in a brand-new essay about her own personal journey in faith and the ways that the Mitford novels have impacted her. Full of advice and inspiration from the characters that fans have followed for years, this beautifully designed compilation will soon become a staple for any Mitford reader.
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2018
333 people are currently reading
1543 people want to read
About the author
Jan Karon
142 books2,793 followersBorn Janice Meredith Wilson in 1937, Jan Karon was raised on a farm near Lenoir, North Carolina. Karon knew at a very early age that she wanted to be a writer. She penned her first novel when she was 10 years old, the same year she won a short-story contest organized by the local high school. Karon married as a teenager and had a daughter, Candace.
At 18, Karon began working as a receptionist for a Charlotte, N.C. advertising agency. She advanced in the company after leaving samples of her writing on the desk of her boss, who eventually noticed her talent. Karon went on to have a highly successful career in the field, winning awards for ad agencies from Charlotte to San Francisco. In time, she became a creative vice president at the high-profile McKinney & Silver, in Raleigh. While there, she won the prestigious Stephen Kelly Award, with which the Magazine Publishers of America honor the year's best print campaign.
During her years in advertising, Karon kept alive her childhood ambition to be an author. At the age of 50, she left her career in advertising and moved to Blowing Rock, North Carolina, to pursue that dream. After struggling—and failing—to get a novel underway, Karon awoke one night with a mental image of an Episcopal priest walking down a village street. She grew curious about him, and started writing. Soon, Karon was publishing weekly installments about Father Tim in her local newspaper, The Blowing Rocket, which saw its circulation double as a result. "It certainly worked for Mr. Dickens", says Karon.
The Father Tim stories became Karon's first Mitford novel, At Home in Mitford. That book has since been nominated three times (1996, 1997, and 1998) for an ABBY (American Booksellers Book of the Year Award), which honors titles that bookstore owners most enjoy recommending to customers, and the only book ever nominated for three consecutive years. The fourth Mitford novel, A New Song, won both the Christy and Gold Medallion awards for outstanding contemporary fiction in 2000. A Common Life, In This Mountain, and Shepherds Abiding have also won Gold Medallion awards. Out to Canaan was the first Mitford novel to hit the New York Times bestseller list; subsequent novels have debuted on the New York Times list, often landing the #1 spot.
Karon has also published two Christmas-themed books based on the Mitford series, The Mitford Snowmen and Esther's Gift, as well as Jan Karon's Mitford Cookbook and Kitchen Reader. Other Mitford books include Patches of Godlight: Father Tim's Favorite Quotes, a compilation of wit and wisdom, and A Continual Feast: Words of Comfort and Celebration, Collected by Father Tim. In addition, Karon has written two children's books, Miss Fannie's Hat and Jeremy: The Tale of an Honest Bunny, and an illustrated book for all ages, The Trellis and the Seed.
Karon says her character-driven work seeks to give readers a large, extended family they can call their own. Though Light From Heaven is officially the final novel in the series, there's yet another Mitford book in this prolific author. Karon urges her millions of ardent fans to look for the Mitford Bedside Companion, releasing in the Fall of 2006. "It has everything in it but the kitchen sink", says Karon.
At 18, Karon began working as a receptionist for a Charlotte, N.C. advertising agency. She advanced in the company after leaving samples of her writing on the desk of her boss, who eventually noticed her talent. Karon went on to have a highly successful career in the field, winning awards for ad agencies from Charlotte to San Francisco. In time, she became a creative vice president at the high-profile McKinney & Silver, in Raleigh. While there, she won the prestigious Stephen Kelly Award, with which the Magazine Publishers of America honor the year's best print campaign.
During her years in advertising, Karon kept alive her childhood ambition to be an author. At the age of 50, she left her career in advertising and moved to Blowing Rock, North Carolina, to pursue that dream. After struggling—and failing—to get a novel underway, Karon awoke one night with a mental image of an Episcopal priest walking down a village street. She grew curious about him, and started writing. Soon, Karon was publishing weekly installments about Father Tim in her local newspaper, The Blowing Rocket, which saw its circulation double as a result. "It certainly worked for Mr. Dickens", says Karon.
The Father Tim stories became Karon's first Mitford novel, At Home in Mitford. That book has since been nominated three times (1996, 1997, and 1998) for an ABBY (American Booksellers Book of the Year Award), which honors titles that bookstore owners most enjoy recommending to customers, and the only book ever nominated for three consecutive years. The fourth Mitford novel, A New Song, won both the Christy and Gold Medallion awards for outstanding contemporary fiction in 2000. A Common Life, In This Mountain, and Shepherds Abiding have also won Gold Medallion awards. Out to Canaan was the first Mitford novel to hit the New York Times bestseller list; subsequent novels have debuted on the New York Times list, often landing the #1 spot.
Karon has also published two Christmas-themed books based on the Mitford series, The Mitford Snowmen and Esther's Gift, as well as Jan Karon's Mitford Cookbook and Kitchen Reader. Other Mitford books include Patches of Godlight: Father Tim's Favorite Quotes, a compilation of wit and wisdom, and A Continual Feast: Words of Comfort and Celebration, Collected by Father Tim. In addition, Karon has written two children's books, Miss Fannie's Hat and Jeremy: The Tale of an Honest Bunny, and an illustrated book for all ages, The Trellis and the Seed.
Karon says her character-driven work seeks to give readers a large, extended family they can call their own. Though Light From Heaven is officially the final novel in the series, there's yet another Mitford book in this prolific author. Karon urges her millions of ardent fans to look for the Mitford Bedside Companion, releasing in the Fall of 2006. "It has everything in it but the kitchen sink", says Karon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
November 5, 2018
This book will be a welcome addition to the shelves of die-hard Mitford fans, of which I am one, but be warned: 95% of this book is material, quoted verbatim, from previous Mitford books. Outside of Karon's foreword and a brief sentence of two introduction of each chapter, it's all material from the other books. Now, I love Mitford, but this bothered me a teeny bit. Essentially, you are paying for a hardcover book that you've already read. Karon is leaving Mitford, a fact for which I am deeply saddened, so I suppose this is her going out, so to speak. I still wished I'd known this before I purchased the book. It still garners 4 stars cause it's ….well, MITFORD!
September 1, 2021
I listened to this on CD and it was wonderful to listen to one prayer or uplifting conversation after another! And it made me want to start at the beginning of the series and reread every book. This book takes all the prayers and mini sermons from the books and puts them all together! The author also gives a little back ground to her writing career and how Father Tim and the Mitford Series came about.
If you haven't tried the Mitford Series and want to be uplifted and have your heart warmed read this series! Start at book one and read because they build on each other!!
I listened to this again and loved it as much as the first time. Hearing one prayer after another and all the good writing is very nice!!
If you haven't tried the Mitford Series and want to be uplifted and have your heart warmed read this series! Start at book one and read because they build on each other!!
I listened to this again and loved it as much as the first time. Hearing one prayer after another and all the good writing is very nice!!
March 24, 2021
The series this book is based on, may be my favorite fictional series besides Anne of Green Gables. I love the people of Mitford.❤️
December 5, 2018
Over the top five stars for this beautiful and touching review of the some of our favorite moments in the Mitford series. With an Episcopal priest as the main character we are treated to many of his prayers and moments of reflection, many of them quotes from "The Common Book of Prayer." Could even be used in ones' quiet time as it is that rich with theological gems. Read this jewel of a book and be blessed all over through the gift of Mitford.
October 17, 2018
BATHED IN PRAYER is a collection of prayers, sermons and inspiration from Ms. Karon's bestselling Mitford series. It also includes and overview of each book that it's quoted from as well as Ms. Karon's personal insights on the sections shared. Ms. Mitford also shares the story behind the Mitford series.
BATHED IN PRAYER is a collector's copy for fans of Mitford as this is closing that fiction line. It is also an introduction to the series in case a reader gets their hands on it and is intrigued by some of the selections.
My husband and I were introduced to Mitford when they first came out by a leader in a Mom's Time Out or Mothers of Preschoolers group I attended. The leader raved about the book and being an avid bookworm I had to check it out. Back then they had Christian bookstores around every corner just about and online wasn't a thing. Now you don't even have to get dressed to find your favorite bookseller online, type in BATHED IN PRAYER and buy a copy for the serious Mitford fan on your Christmas gift. They will be all squeally happy as my teen daughter would say.
Truly a book that needs to be added to the Mitford shelf in a fan's library. Or the public library.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
BATHED IN PRAYER is a collector's copy for fans of Mitford as this is closing that fiction line. It is also an introduction to the series in case a reader gets their hands on it and is intrigued by some of the selections.
My husband and I were introduced to Mitford when they first came out by a leader in a Mom's Time Out or Mothers of Preschoolers group I attended. The leader raved about the book and being an avid bookworm I had to check it out. Back then they had Christian bookstores around every corner just about and online wasn't a thing. Now you don't even have to get dressed to find your favorite bookseller online, type in BATHED IN PRAYER and buy a copy for the serious Mitford fan on your Christmas gift. They will be all squeally happy as my teen daughter would say.
Truly a book that needs to be added to the Mitford shelf in a fan's library. Or the public library.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
January 27, 2019
There are fourteen Mitford books and I've only read one -- #13 -- and I remember feeling totally lost because this is definitely a series to read in order. But that's a lot of catch up to do so I haven't gotten around to it yet. Anyway, I've been intrigued by the series for awhile now so when I saw Bathed in Prayer in my public library I scooped it up. And guess what? It's actually the perfect introduction to the series!
Karon sets up each scene from her books perfectly, so it was easy for me to get the most out of them without feeling lost or confused (as I felt when trying to read that 13th book!) I got a real feel for what the series is all about and understand now why Mitford has so many fans! Stunning, touching, sweet and tender and poignant -- this book touched my heart. I can only imagine how much more of an impact it would make on Mitford fans. A revisiting with old friends at pivotal points in their lives.
Inspirational quotes and Karon's new essay on her faith journey bring an extra depth and I could totally see using this book as a daily devotional. An ingenuous celebration of a much-loved series.
Karon sets up each scene from her books perfectly, so it was easy for me to get the most out of them without feeling lost or confused (as I felt when trying to read that 13th book!) I got a real feel for what the series is all about and understand now why Mitford has so many fans! Stunning, touching, sweet and tender and poignant -- this book touched my heart. I can only imagine how much more of an impact it would make on Mitford fans. A revisiting with old friends at pivotal points in their lives.
Inspirational quotes and Karon's new essay on her faith journey bring an extra depth and I could totally see using this book as a daily devotional. An ingenuous celebration of a much-loved series.
January 17, 2021
Although this book presents no new content aside from the introductions to the book and various prayers (to provide context), it makes a great devotional. Many of Father Tim's prayers are filled with Scripture and thoughts on Christian living. Enough context was usually shared to understand why he prayed as he did. Fans of the series will appreciate the volume whose cover bears the subtitle "Father Tim's Prayers, Sermons, and Reflections from the Mitford Series." (It does not appear on the title page.) The book contains a ribbon marker to mark one's place.
November 14, 2022
Similar to the Bedside Companion, but it includes excerpts from the later books that the Companion doesn't.
November 20, 2018
An absolutely beautiful trip down memory lane with my favorite series of all time. This book features excerpts from each book in the series, which focus on the spiritual aspects from each book with a bit of narration by the author.
I was given this as an ARC and will definitely buy a hardcover copy for my collection.
I was given this as an ARC and will definitely buy a hardcover copy for my collection.
October 31, 2018
I so enjoyed reading Jan Karon’s newest book, Bathed in Prayer: Father Tim’s Prayers, Sermons, and Reflections from the Mitford Series by Jan Karon. However, reading it was poignant.
The book highlights Father Tim Kavanagh’s and Jan Karon’s favorite verses and excerpts. The compilation will bring you to laughter, tears and to your knees, as you reminisce, reflect and ponder over the selections.
Karon’s Forward gives us a brief glimpse into her life. In addition, there are insights into how Father Kavanagh and the wonderful town of Mitford came into being.
I also enjoyed the rich weaving of Bible verses, prayers and famous quotes woven throughout the book. I particularly liked one quote. I was reminded to pray for those who seem to be cantankerous and nasty, as Matthew 5:44 (KJV) commands, “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you…” The quotation in the book was by William Law. It reads, “There is nothing that makes us love someone so much as praying for them.”
A more fitting commemorative and celebratory memorial could not have been written, and thankfully, Karon is the one who wrote it.
There are two sections titled acknowledgments. Be sure to read both, as one has interesting tidbits about how a character came into being.
Thank you so very much to G.P. Putnam’s Sons/ Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read and review this beautiful, albeit bittersweet, mosaic of stories. I was not required to write a review. However, I was happy to write one.
If I could, I would give it more than 5 Stars!!
“Thanks for the free/gifted book, @Putnambooks”
The book highlights Father Tim Kavanagh’s and Jan Karon’s favorite verses and excerpts. The compilation will bring you to laughter, tears and to your knees, as you reminisce, reflect and ponder over the selections.
Karon’s Forward gives us a brief glimpse into her life. In addition, there are insights into how Father Kavanagh and the wonderful town of Mitford came into being.
I also enjoyed the rich weaving of Bible verses, prayers and famous quotes woven throughout the book. I particularly liked one quote. I was reminded to pray for those who seem to be cantankerous and nasty, as Matthew 5:44 (KJV) commands, “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you…” The quotation in the book was by William Law. It reads, “There is nothing that makes us love someone so much as praying for them.”
A more fitting commemorative and celebratory memorial could not have been written, and thankfully, Karon is the one who wrote it.
There are two sections titled acknowledgments. Be sure to read both, as one has interesting tidbits about how a character came into being.
Thank you so very much to G.P. Putnam’s Sons/ Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read and review this beautiful, albeit bittersweet, mosaic of stories. I was not required to write a review. However, I was happy to write one.
If I could, I would give it more than 5 Stars!!
“Thanks for the free/gifted book, @Putnambooks”
April 23, 2021
This has been such an encouraging book to read! I savored it and took months to read through, stopping often to ponder over the poignant prayers, sermons and Mitford moments. It also whetted my appetite reread the series!
November 22, 2018
Loved this peek back at some of the spiritual gems from each of the books in the Mitford series. It was not only inspiring and encouraging but also fun to recall parts of the stories of the beloved characters of Mitford. Absolutely recommend to Mitford fans and even those not familiar with the books will be blessed by reading this special compilation of outtakes.
*Note - One disappointment that was the publisher's fault and not the author's - the Acknowledgements page appeared in the middle of the last chapter. It really puzzled me until I realized what had happened. Messed up the flow of the ending of the book as I had to stop and figure out why it seemed to end in such an odd place. And then a slightly different Acknowledgements page appeared at the true end of the book. Very strange and I feel in poor taste of the publisher to go ahead and sell books that had such a major mistake in them. (I won this book in a giveaway, but the book was mailed directly from the publisher and was not in any way marked as an ARC so I don't think that's the explanation. Not sure.)
*Note - One disappointment that was the publisher's fault and not the author's - the Acknowledgements page appeared in the middle of the last chapter. It really puzzled me until I realized what had happened. Messed up the flow of the ending of the book as I had to stop and figure out why it seemed to end in such an odd place. And then a slightly different Acknowledgements page appeared at the true end of the book. Very strange and I feel in poor taste of the publisher to go ahead and sell books that had such a major mistake in them. (I won this book in a giveaway, but the book was mailed directly from the publisher and was not in any way marked as an ARC so I don't think that's the explanation. Not sure.)
June 9, 2019
Jan Karon is the best writer in America today as far as I'm concerned. I once read that she likes to write books that people can live in and her Mitford series has been exactly that. I'm a bit of a dork and maintain my personal top 20 list of favorite books. I could not put a single Karon book in my top 20, but the series taken as a whole would rank very high indeed. Bathed in Prayer offers snippets from the entire Mitford series, as well as insights from Karon herself and the usually wonderful quotes and prayers that make her books so real and engaging. If you're a Mitford fan, you will love this. If you're not, start with her first book "At Home in Mitford" and keep on plugging. I hope there's more to come from this wonderful author.
January 6, 2019
When I first started reading the Mitford books, I was an Episcopalian. I found them old-fashioned and sweetly charming. I asked my priest if he’d read any of them. You mean the books by that woman who’s obviously in love with her priest, he asked?
Well. In spite of the unremitting goodness of the people in these books, I still find them charming. This volume contains prayers and sermons and liturgical talismans from the Book of Common Prayer. Still sweet. Still charming. A quick, spiritually lovely review of some of the crisis moments and high points of some 14 volumes. Nice.
Well. In spite of the unremitting goodness of the people in these books, I still find them charming. This volume contains prayers and sermons and liturgical talismans from the Book of Common Prayer. Still sweet. Still charming. A quick, spiritually lovely review of some of the crisis moments and high points of some 14 volumes. Nice.
April 11, 2019
Looking for some inspirational words? Bathed in Prayer by Jan Karon is a collection of the prayerful moments and service moments from Mitford. All of the Mitford books are included. Lots of spoilers so this should not be your first visit to Mitford. Lots of the best, emotional moments from the series. The story of forgiveness, redemption and the messy lives we all lead. Great collection from Karon.
January 8, 2020
I really enjoyed this book of inspirational excerpts, prayers, and sermons from the Mitford Series by Author Jan Karon.
I rediscovered many beautiful Bible scriptures from the Old and New Testaments along with rereading some of the excerpts and lessons about the treasured characters and events from the series.
I borrowed this book from the local public library.
*This book is completely clean in language and content. :0}
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I rediscovered many beautiful Bible scriptures from the Old and New Testaments along with rereading some of the excerpts and lessons about the treasured characters and events from the series.
I borrowed this book from the local public library.
*This book is completely clean in language and content. :0}
################
February 8, 2024
I put this book next to my bed because it is a positive and hopeful way to end the day. I used it as a devotional, although the circumstances are purely fictional. But Father Tim’s prayers and sermons are based on Christian values and the Bible. This is also a nice way to review the Mitford series. Loved this! It’s going to stay on my nightstand for a while.
March 18, 2019
Sometimes you just need the wholesome wit and wisdom of Father Tim from the Mitford Series. This is delightful to read. If you loved the Mitford series, you will enjoy these kernels from those books.
March 11, 2022
What a delightful little book. A must read for Mitford/Father Tim fans. Brought many smiles and maybe a tear. Loved it 💕
June 23, 2019
What a lovely compilation. Not for those who have not read the books.
February 5, 2019
This was a strange book for me. I have read all of the Mitford series and I expected this to be much like earlier compilations, like Father Tim's quotes. It is not. It is selected bits and pieces from the various books. I understood all of them. They are in no order. I do not think someone new to Mitford books will understand much from this. We get a bit of Dooley, then Sadie, then Dooley's family, then their wedding. It is just a hodge-podge. I read it, enjoying memories of the books but I can not see how an unfamiliar reader could get anything from this. A lot of the prayer that never fails; a lot from the Book of Common Prayer. Just a jumble. I cannot recommend it to anyone. I do not know the purpose of this book.
October 9, 2019
If you've read the Mitford series, this is like a little visit back into each book, savoring some of the most encouraging passages.
If you haven't read the series, it might just be the book that gets you started.
This book is full of humanity, humor, and hope.
If you haven't read the series, it might just be the book that gets you started.
This book is full of humanity, humor, and hope.
September 25, 2023
Excellent!
January 14, 2019
Loved it!
November 19, 2024
Uplifting excerpts from the Mitford series.
A delight to pick up and read a page or two daily...
A delight to pick up and read a page or two daily...
July 23, 2019
Jan Karon is back, but not with a new book about everyone’s favorite small mountain town Mitford. Bathed in Prayer is a compilation of 30 years of laughter, tears, sermons, prayers, stories, Barnabas, Dooley, Cynthia, Father Tim, and everyone else who has come to make Mitford a town as real as most of the places we readers live.
Anyone who is a fan of Jan Karon’s books will appreciate this walk down the lane of memories, as she starts with At Home in Mitford and goes through the original Mitford series, on to the two novels that focus on Father Tim (Home to Holly Springs and In the Company of Others, not originally considered part of the series but they have since been folded in), and finishing with the last three Mitford novels that see a wedding for some of the most-loved characters in the series.
Anyone wanting an overview before committing to reading a series of 14 books can use this as a gauge of whether they’ll like Mitford or not. But if this is you, know that the shorter format leaves our a lot of the humor, love, and spirit of the town and its denizens. There is so much more to these novels than the handful of stories that you get here.
Bathed in Prayer takes us back through each story from the perspective of Father Tim’s prayers and sermons. These moments focus on many of the most emotional points in these novels, so you get a chance to revisit all the celebrations. The down side to this is that you also revisit the funerals, so if you listen to audiobooks in your car like I do, be prepare to find yourself crying as you drive home from work. Losing Miss Sadie all over again is heart-breaking, and then it’s Uncle Billy’s time. For this reason, there are times this book is painful. But even then, it’s so worth it to get a chance to head back to Mitford for a while.
I listened to this on audio, and not only do you get the iconic voice of John McDonough as Father Tim, you get to hear Jan Karon herself as she introduces each novel and reads an essay she wrote about her decision to start this series in the first place. The two voices together make this a truly beautiful experience, richer and more life-affirming than simply reading the words on the page. For me, it’s become the only way to experience a new Jan Karon book.
Anyone who is a fan of Jan Karon’s books will appreciate this walk down the lane of memories, as she starts with At Home in Mitford and goes through the original Mitford series, on to the two novels that focus on Father Tim (Home to Holly Springs and In the Company of Others, not originally considered part of the series but they have since been folded in), and finishing with the last three Mitford novels that see a wedding for some of the most-loved characters in the series.
Anyone wanting an overview before committing to reading a series of 14 books can use this as a gauge of whether they’ll like Mitford or not. But if this is you, know that the shorter format leaves our a lot of the humor, love, and spirit of the town and its denizens. There is so much more to these novels than the handful of stories that you get here.
Bathed in Prayer takes us back through each story from the perspective of Father Tim’s prayers and sermons. These moments focus on many of the most emotional points in these novels, so you get a chance to revisit all the celebrations. The down side to this is that you also revisit the funerals, so if you listen to audiobooks in your car like I do, be prepare to find yourself crying as you drive home from work. Losing Miss Sadie all over again is heart-breaking, and then it’s Uncle Billy’s time. For this reason, there are times this book is painful. But even then, it’s so worth it to get a chance to head back to Mitford for a while.
I listened to this on audio, and not only do you get the iconic voice of John McDonough as Father Tim, you get to hear Jan Karon herself as she introduces each novel and reads an essay she wrote about her decision to start this series in the first place. The two voices together make this a truly beautiful experience, richer and more life-affirming than simply reading the words on the page. For me, it’s become the only way to experience a new Jan Karon book.
November 3, 2019
I loved this book. It is more like a devotional than the other Jan Karon novels. Here the author gives us one thing new and that is a very touching personal biographical essay. She tells about her growing up years and how she wanted to write from her earliest years. Then she tells of how life took her in a different direction than she imagined as a child. She became a successful advertising executive. But in her late forties and early fifties, she knew she had to leave her "nets" and follow Christ in her calling to write for Him. She then relates moving to Blowing Rock, North Carolina and at first trying to write about a lady who moves from the big city to a small town in North Carolina to become B and B owner/operator. She just could not get the Muse to inspire her. Finally when she turns her writing over to the Lord, He helps her and shows her Father Timothy Kavanaugh in a mental image. So she starts to tell the story of the bachelor priest of the local Lord's Chapel an Episcopal church full of quirky and delightful folks. After the essay, Jan chooses one of Father Tim's prayers from each of her many Mitford novels and includes them in this best of the best collection. I loved it/
May 6, 2023
This was a very enjoyable books for a couple of reasons. Since I have read the Mitford series, this was a trip back to think about the saga of Father Tim and the cast of characters that came into his life through the years. I was reminded of the ways that I could relate to a pastor approaching retirement because I was in the same position. This book touches on the major themes in each of the books in the series by looking at the prayers and sermons that Father Tim employed to touch the lives of the people under his spiritual care. This brings me to the second reason that I liked this little collection. Aside from the Reformed theology of the Episcopal Church, this book could serve as a basis for a class in Pastoral Theology and Practice. Drawing on many years of experience Father Tim demonstrates a humble, servant attitude that acknowledges his weaknesses and the importance of relying on God’s strength in difficult circumstances. I would recommend this book to anyone who has read the Mitford books and anyone who seeks to serve the Lord by serving His people in any capacity.
March 16, 2019
A beautiful compilation of some scenes of all of Jan Karon’s Mitford novels that hone in on the prayers of Father Tim. For those who have not read her books - this would be a sweet introduction. For others, such as myself, who have savored these stories and their characters like dear old friends - this book was a precious and savored review of Father Tim to when we first were introduced to his beautiful and impactful life from ages 60-80+. Such a delight. Sparked a desire to begin again this beloved series that has so much to share in its beauty, simplicity and overarching grace!
Thank you Jan Karon for sharing your gift of writing about real life, real people and the spectrum of joy and sorrow and it’s mysterious co-mingling. Your characters are beloved literary companions who I have laughed and cried with and who have taught me so much.
Thank you Jan Karon for sharing your gift of writing about real life, real people and the spectrum of joy and sorrow and it’s mysterious co-mingling. Your characters are beloved literary companions who I have laughed and cried with and who have taught me so much.
March 31, 2019
I'm so glad I picked up this book. If you’ve never read the series, this is a good introduction. If you have and loved it, this is a lovely revisit. I love Jan Karon's series about Father Tim and Mitford. This book made me want to go back and read them again, perhaps even listen to the audio books again. Each section has excerpts from the stories that highlight Father Tim's prayers for himself, for family, and for friends old and new. Because of the excerpts, we're shown the reasons prayers were needed. They show us his thinking as well as his prayers ... and encouraged some of my own. This would be a marvelous gift for anyone who enjoyed the series ... a good one to keep on the shelf to read again and again. The excerpts, as the books themselves, are entertaining but they're also encouraging and comforting ... like a long visit from a dear friend and a good hug.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews