by Brennan Manning with John Blasé
Wm. B. Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, Mich. 125 pages
Before Brennan Manning died he composed this set of daily prayers modeled after the Book of Common Prayer. His friend John Blasé arranged them in the current order. The format is simple: a paragraph of Scripture, followed by an excerpt from one of Manning’s many books, and concluding with a prayer for morning and evening. There is nothing complicated or dense with Brennan Manning; his entire message is about coming into a deeper and more personal relationship with the God who in Jesus Christ overflows with love, grace and mercy for everyone. Throughout his life as a priest, retreat leader and writer, Manning welcomed what he called the “ragamuffins” of the world into an experience of grace. It’s a simple message and the prayers reflect that simplicity. One who reads these daily devotions with the eyes of the heart open will perceive the depth of a Christian who honestly embraces brokenness in the sheer confidence that God embraces all in love. In the preface, Manning describes this as a book for personal use rather than groups. His intent is same as his life: to encourage his readers to risk opening their hearts in prayer. One who sits with these readings and prayers for 31 days will know the love of God in a fresh way.
