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Be Not Troubled: A 6-Day Personal Retreat with Fr. Jean-Pierre de Caussade
For more than 250 years, Abandonment to Divine Providence by Fr. Jean-Pierre de Caussade has offered inspiration and spiritual balm for those plagued with doubt, anxiety, and fear. Motivated by his own life-changing encounter with this spiritual classic and the popular resurgence in practicing Christian mindfulness, bestselling author and retreat leader Rev. Jeffrey Kirby serves up six meditations, rooted in Caussade’s work, for today’s reader and presents them as a personal retreat. Perfect for anyone looking to renew their trust in God and live freely in the present moment, Be Not Troubled invites you to let go of what you can’t control and discover a place of deep serenity in God.
How does the contemporary person who is constantly forced to multitask, is fragmented and torn in different directions, and feels more connection through technology than through face-to-face interaction come to know and experience God’s presence?
In Be Not Troubled, Kirby draws on his decades of experience as a popular retreat leader and speaker to offer you the wisdom of Caussade distilled into a six-day personal retreat that equips you to embrace the present moment and shake fear from your mind—all by recognizing the power of God.
This process begins with time-tested tools drawn from the renowned spiritual classic Abandonment to Divine Providence, which presents a series of influential spiritual reflections from Caussade, a beloved eighteenth-century French Jesuit.
In popularizing this classic for today’s readers, Be Not Troubled
rejects a spirituality of fear and shame by introducing you to God as a loving provider who knows you and wills your happiness;guides you in personally surrendering your will to God—an essential step in developing deep faith;helps you see God in the details as you recognize ordinary moments as opportunities to experience God and his love for you; andinstructs you in embracing the sacrament of the present moment, dispelling doubt and anxiety from your life.Practical steps, invitations to practice presence, and reflective prayers guide you through these spiritual habits, which are broken out into six days of brief, accessible meditations that can be completed in the midst of your daily life.
Rather than the future or the past, and rather than in cyberspace or somewhere else, God is found in this moment and in this place. The present moment can be lived and cherished as a sacrament, a visible sign of invisible graces. And it’s in this sacrament that we can most know ourselves and encounter the living God.
How does the contemporary person who is constantly forced to multitask, is fragmented and torn in different directions, and feels more connection through technology than through face-to-face interaction come to know and experience God’s presence?
In Be Not Troubled, Kirby draws on his decades of experience as a popular retreat leader and speaker to offer you the wisdom of Caussade distilled into a six-day personal retreat that equips you to embrace the present moment and shake fear from your mind—all by recognizing the power of God.
This process begins with time-tested tools drawn from the renowned spiritual classic Abandonment to Divine Providence, which presents a series of influential spiritual reflections from Caussade, a beloved eighteenth-century French Jesuit.
In popularizing this classic for today’s readers, Be Not Troubled
rejects a spirituality of fear and shame by introducing you to God as a loving provider who knows you and wills your happiness;guides you in personally surrendering your will to God—an essential step in developing deep faith;helps you see God in the details as you recognize ordinary moments as opportunities to experience God and his love for you; andinstructs you in embracing the sacrament of the present moment, dispelling doubt and anxiety from your life.Practical steps, invitations to practice presence, and reflective prayers guide you through these spiritual habits, which are broken out into six days of brief, accessible meditations that can be completed in the midst of your daily life.
Rather than the future or the past, and rather than in cyberspace or somewhere else, God is found in this moment and in this place. The present moment can be lived and cherished as a sacrament, a visible sign of invisible graces. And it’s in this sacrament that we can most know ourselves and encounter the living God.
- GenresReligion
80 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2019
26 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Jeffrey Kirby
31 books20 followersFather Jeff Kirby is the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Indian Land, South Carolina (gracewepray.org). He holds a doctorate in moral theology from the Holy Cross University in Rome and a Master of Arts in Philosophy from the Franciscan University of Steubenville. Father Kirby serves as an Adjunct Professor of Theology at Belmont Abbey College and Pontifex University. He has authored several books, including "Lord, Teach Us to Pray," "Kingdom of Happiness: Living the Beatitudes in Everyday Life," "God's Search for Us," and most recently, "Be Not Troubled: A 6-Day Personal Retreat with Fr. Jean-Pierre DeCaussade."
In 2016, Father Kirby was recognized by Governor Nikki Haley and granted the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, for his service to local communities and young adults throughout the state.
Working with St. Benedict Press and Catholic Scripture Study International, Father Kirby was the Host of the award-winning program "Doors of Mercy" and was one of the co-instructors of the programs, "Luke: The Gospel of Mercy" and "Jesus Revealed."
Father Kirby is a weekly Senior Contributor for the news site Crux: Taking the Catholic Pulse.
In 2016, Father Kirby was recognized by Governor Nikki Haley and granted the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, for his service to local communities and young adults throughout the state.
Working with St. Benedict Press and Catholic Scripture Study International, Father Kirby was the Host of the award-winning program "Doors of Mercy" and was one of the co-instructors of the programs, "Luke: The Gospel of Mercy" and "Jesus Revealed."
Father Kirby is a weekly Senior Contributor for the news site Crux: Taking the Catholic Pulse.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 8, 2019
‘Be not troubled’ are words all of us wish to hear at various times in our lives. I certainly do.
In this slim book, Jeffrey Kirby wrote six-day reflections that were distilled from the masterpiece, ‘Abandonment to Divine Providence,’ attributed to Fr. Jeanne-Pierre de Caussade, a French Jesuit priest and writer. Soul food offered in simple language.
I read this meditatively over six days and found some of the key ideas encouraging. The reflections invite the reader to rest in the sovereignty and wisdom of divine providence. ‘Be not troubled’ is a frame of mind that comes from directing our hearts to God’s love and care for us. Trusting in divine providence is harder than it sounds perhaps because of the human need to be in control of all things. And yet, it is perhaps the way to peace in each of our own troubled world.
A few key thoughts: 1. God has so arranged all things so that the present moment is our best moment. 2. Faith enables unconditional surrender to divine providence that yields freedom and joy. Let go! Do our part and leave the rest to God. 3. Divine grace is found in every situation; we can participate in this grace and share it with others.
All the above sound rather abstract and I was glad Kirby shared some stories that made them real. I was touched by how Kirby shared his father’s journey with dementia and the witness of the latter’s humor, patience, and acceptance. Redemptive suffering takes on a compassionate human face. It is an encouragement to folks who are struggling to see God’s goodness in the midst of darkness and uncertainty, and to surrender to his divine providence.
At the end of each chapter is an invitation for the reader to reflect on spiritual steps forward. Each day’s reflections close with a beautifully written prayer.
I cannot say I fully understood the spiritual truths contained in this book. The annex contains excerpts from ‘Abandonment to Divine Providence’ which were very elegantly written. I may read this treatise one day.
Special thanks to Celia whose review drew me to this book. The greater treat is discussing some of the spiritual steps with her. Thank you, my friend.
In this slim book, Jeffrey Kirby wrote six-day reflections that were distilled from the masterpiece, ‘Abandonment to Divine Providence,’ attributed to Fr. Jeanne-Pierre de Caussade, a French Jesuit priest and writer. Soul food offered in simple language.
I read this meditatively over six days and found some of the key ideas encouraging. The reflections invite the reader to rest in the sovereignty and wisdom of divine providence. ‘Be not troubled’ is a frame of mind that comes from directing our hearts to God’s love and care for us. Trusting in divine providence is harder than it sounds perhaps because of the human need to be in control of all things. And yet, it is perhaps the way to peace in each of our own troubled world.
A few key thoughts: 1. God has so arranged all things so that the present moment is our best moment. 2. Faith enables unconditional surrender to divine providence that yields freedom and joy. Let go! Do our part and leave the rest to God. 3. Divine grace is found in every situation; we can participate in this grace and share it with others.
All the above sound rather abstract and I was glad Kirby shared some stories that made them real. I was touched by how Kirby shared his father’s journey with dementia and the witness of the latter’s humor, patience, and acceptance. Redemptive suffering takes on a compassionate human face. It is an encouragement to folks who are struggling to see God’s goodness in the midst of darkness and uncertainty, and to surrender to his divine providence.
At the end of each chapter is an invitation for the reader to reflect on spiritual steps forward. Each day’s reflections close with a beautifully written prayer.
I cannot say I fully understood the spiritual truths contained in this book. The annex contains excerpts from ‘Abandonment to Divine Providence’ which were very elegantly written. I may read this treatise one day.
Special thanks to Celia whose review drew me to this book. The greater treat is discussing some of the spiritual steps with her. Thank you, my friend.
August 16, 2024
Fr Jean-Pierre de Caussade wrote the book Abandonment to Divine Providence. Fr Kirby says this in his introduction:
"The holy priest gives the hopeful message that submission to God’s will can change all occupations, troubles, and sufferings into divine gold."
Fr Kirby in the conclusion recaps the six days:
On day 1 we looked at doing our part and then leaving the rest to God.
On day 2 we explored the opportunity to embrace the present moment as an ever-flowing source of holiness.
On day 3 we dissected the power of the present moment and elaborated on how surrendering to God is a call to practice every virtue.
On day 4 we dove into the intricacies of the present moment and discovered how a complete surrender to the will of God is the essence of spirituality.
On day 5 we underwent a surgery of the soul.
On day 6 we moved from the interior life of the purgative way to the active call to serve, promote, and defend goodness in the world.
Fr Kirby describes this as a practical book and I agree.
Each day asks us, in preparation for the reading, to forget our worries and be with God. This followed by the reading, spiritual step/questions and a Closing Prayer.
I know I will read this book again because in reading it once, it has helped me to stay grounded and trust in the Lord.
I read a little of Fr de Caussade's book and will review that separately. There is no need to read the original before reading this. But I am glad that I read it too.
This book - 5 stars
"The holy priest gives the hopeful message that submission to God’s will can change all occupations, troubles, and sufferings into divine gold."
Fr Kirby in the conclusion recaps the six days:
On day 1 we looked at doing our part and then leaving the rest to God.
On day 2 we explored the opportunity to embrace the present moment as an ever-flowing source of holiness.
On day 3 we dissected the power of the present moment and elaborated on how surrendering to God is a call to practice every virtue.
On day 4 we dove into the intricacies of the present moment and discovered how a complete surrender to the will of God is the essence of spirituality.
On day 5 we underwent a surgery of the soul.
On day 6 we moved from the interior life of the purgative way to the active call to serve, promote, and defend goodness in the world.
Fr Kirby describes this as a practical book and I agree.
Each day asks us, in preparation for the reading, to forget our worries and be with God. This followed by the reading, spiritual step/questions and a Closing Prayer.
I know I will read this book again because in reading it once, it has helped me to stay grounded and trust in the Lord.
I read a little of Fr de Caussade's book and will review that separately. There is no need to read the original before reading this. But I am glad that I read it too.
This book - 5 stars
March 20, 2019
BE NOT TROUBLED
A 6-DAY PERSONAL RETREAT WITH FR. JEAN-PIERRE DE CAUSSADE
BY JEFFREY KIRBY
AVE MARIA PRESS
CHRISTIAN
PUB DATE 26 APR 2019
I am reviewing a copy of Be Not Troubled through Ava Maria Press and Netgalley:
Jefferey Kirby motivated by his life changing encounter with the 250 plus your old classic book Abandonment to Divine Providence by Jean-Pierre de Caussade has created a spiritual balm and inspiration for those who have been plagued with doubt, anxiety and fear. In this sixth day devotional we are encouraged to let go of what we can’t control and to give it to God, thus discovering a deep serenity in the Lord God.
In this book Kirby tackles the question how does a contemporary person who is often forced to multitask and feels fragmented and torn in many different directions , who feels more connection through technology than with face to face interaction is supposed to feel closer to God.
In Be Not Troubled Jefferey Kirby draws on his years as a popular retreat leader and speaker to offer the reader the wisdom of Caussade distilled into a six-day personal retreat that equips you to embrace the present moment and shake fear from your min by recognizing the power of God.
Be Not Troubled is a perfect little devotional for those who are dealing with doubt, fear or anxiety.
Five out of five stars!
A 6-DAY PERSONAL RETREAT WITH FR. JEAN-PIERRE DE CAUSSADE
BY JEFFREY KIRBY
AVE MARIA PRESS
CHRISTIAN
PUB DATE 26 APR 2019
I am reviewing a copy of Be Not Troubled through Ava Maria Press and Netgalley:
Jefferey Kirby motivated by his life changing encounter with the 250 plus your old classic book Abandonment to Divine Providence by Jean-Pierre de Caussade has created a spiritual balm and inspiration for those who have been plagued with doubt, anxiety and fear. In this sixth day devotional we are encouraged to let go of what we can’t control and to give it to God, thus discovering a deep serenity in the Lord God.
In this book Kirby tackles the question how does a contemporary person who is often forced to multitask and feels fragmented and torn in many different directions , who feels more connection through technology than with face to face interaction is supposed to feel closer to God.
In Be Not Troubled Jefferey Kirby draws on his years as a popular retreat leader and speaker to offer the reader the wisdom of Caussade distilled into a six-day personal retreat that equips you to embrace the present moment and shake fear from your min by recognizing the power of God.
Be Not Troubled is a perfect little devotional for those who are dealing with doubt, fear or anxiety.
Five out of five stars!
January 30, 2020
The book came across to me as lightweight. I was looking for something of value since the book uses Caussade's famous Retreat notes as a basis. Unfortunately, even when extracts from these notes are printed out in the appendix, they seem to be lacking something.
Kirby is a good writer, but somehow the material here just doesn't grab your attention; too often I found myself skimming.
Kirby is a good writer, but somehow the material here just doesn't grab your attention; too often I found myself skimming.
March 5, 2020
Wise words about complete abandonment to divine providence.
March 13, 2024
Another tough one to get much out of based on last one that i didn't like. Onto something new!
April 27, 2019
Only rarely, when reviewing a pre-published book, I find that it speaks to issues I’m dealing with right at that moment. So, when I received a digital copy of this book through Netgalley for a review, I did not expect it would become a daily companion on my road. But ‘Be Not Troubled’ somehow arrived on my Kindle right on the moment I needed it… and as I started reading it over 6 days it really spoke to me and comforted me. A little testimony of Gods providence!
Divine Providence - Gods perfect care for you and me - is the theme of this small book (just over 100 pages). Surrendering to God is a challenging subject for many of us as we try to find our way in the midst of the perplexities of our world. The author, Jeffrey Kirby, draws on an ancient spiritual master to guide his 21st century readers through a 6 day personal retreat. Jean-Pierre de Caussade was a Jesuit priest in 18th century France. His writings only reached a wider audience after his death but are relevant to a wide Christian audience to this very day – particularly when it comes to “maintaining a supernatural worldview in the midst of hurt and doubt”, writes Kirby, himself a catholic priest. He did a great job in making him accessible in a new way.
Surrendering to divine providence includes, writes Kirby,
- Drawing close to God,
- Cooperating with his will
- Living in the present moment
- Fulfilling the duties of our lives
- Finding God’s peace in this world
All of these steps need our active participation and can be challenging… By inviting his readers to devote themselves for one full week to the subject of trusting God and his provisions, Kirby helps us to not just skim the surface. Each of the small chapters are accompanied by a set of questions that invite to reflect further on the theme of that day. He illustrates the with stories from his own life, which I found helpful.
The author probably wrote this book with members of his own denomination in mind, but even as to me, a non-Catholic, it was really insightful. At times I would have loved to receive more information on De Caussade and his writings. Only at the very end I discovered that Kirby had included excerpts of the original book in an appendix. Anyway, this little devotional deepened my walk with the Lord, as I try to rely on Him more fully, and made me hungry to go deeper on the theme of Gods Providence.
Divine Providence - Gods perfect care for you and me - is the theme of this small book (just over 100 pages). Surrendering to God is a challenging subject for many of us as we try to find our way in the midst of the perplexities of our world. The author, Jeffrey Kirby, draws on an ancient spiritual master to guide his 21st century readers through a 6 day personal retreat. Jean-Pierre de Caussade was a Jesuit priest in 18th century France. His writings only reached a wider audience after his death but are relevant to a wide Christian audience to this very day – particularly when it comes to “maintaining a supernatural worldview in the midst of hurt and doubt”, writes Kirby, himself a catholic priest. He did a great job in making him accessible in a new way.
Surrendering to divine providence includes, writes Kirby,
- Drawing close to God,
- Cooperating with his will
- Living in the present moment
- Fulfilling the duties of our lives
- Finding God’s peace in this world
All of these steps need our active participation and can be challenging… By inviting his readers to devote themselves for one full week to the subject of trusting God and his provisions, Kirby helps us to not just skim the surface. Each of the small chapters are accompanied by a set of questions that invite to reflect further on the theme of that day. He illustrates the with stories from his own life, which I found helpful.
The author probably wrote this book with members of his own denomination in mind, but even as to me, a non-Catholic, it was really insightful. At times I would have loved to receive more information on De Caussade and his writings. Only at the very end I discovered that Kirby had included excerpts of the original book in an appendix. Anyway, this little devotional deepened my walk with the Lord, as I try to rely on Him more fully, and made me hungry to go deeper on the theme of Gods Providence.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews