Everyday Meditations by Saint John Henry Newman

Suzanne Beck reviews a book of brief but powerful meditations by a popular nineteenth-century saint.

Everyday Meditations

By Saint John Henry Newman

Published by Sophia Institute Press

Approximately a year ago, I visited an Adoration chapel while vacationing in another state. The chapel is large, lovely, and very well appointed. Each chair had a small library of wonderful books for the adorer to peruse during their prayer time. One of these was Everyday Meditations by Saint John Henry Newman. I was struck by this amazing little book! I immediately ordered myself a copy and have since sent it to several friends as well. I hope you will indulge me in reviewing this book, which has become an integral part of my daily prayer time!    

A Helpful Introduction 

The book opens with an introduction by Bishop Conley. His introduction to this work is invaluable as he gives a brief biography of Newman, which helps the reader to understand the depth of his writings. Newman questioned Christianity from an early age but eventually had a powerful conversion and was ordained an Anglican minister. His questioning continued, however, and he converted to Catholicism in 1845 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1846. He saw his conversion as an undeserved gift of God’s grace: 

I adore you almighty Lord...because you in your infinite compassion, have brought me into this Church, the work of your supernatural power....you, in your inscrutable love for me, have chosen me and brought me into your fold.   

In this review, I want to cover three specific chapters (there are 50 in this little book; each is approximately two pages, enough for a thoughtful reading a couple of times and then a praying over.) All of them are tough reading in that Saint John Henry Newman, as was the custom in his day and for his status in life, writes in a very intellectual manner (I mean, lots of big words!). This is great for a meditation type reading, I think, because it forces you to read a lot slower and to really chew on the words to digest their meaning. He is a powerful writer, and I will acknowledge that in this review, I will end up quoting him more than using my own words, simply because what he says is so powerful.  

Essays That Bring Hope

First, my favorite essay of Newman, one with which you might be familiar, is entitled “Hope in God the Creator,” presented here somewhat abbreviated: 

I am created to do something or to be something for which no one else is created. I have a place ...which no one else has.  God has created me to do him some definite service; he has committed some work to me which he has not committed to another. I have my mission....Somehow I am necessary for his purposes....Yet I have a part in this great work, I am a link in a chain, a bond of  connection between persons. He has not created me for naught.....Therefore I will trust him. Whatever, wherever I am, I can never be thrown away....He does nothing in vain. 

This is one I read and pray in its entirety almost every morning before starting my workday. I am humbled and in awe, knowing that God has a plan and a purpose for my life and it will be accomplished! How amazingly cool is that? 

Inspired by God's Love

Second, Newman’s “Hope Inspired by God’s Love” explores the concept of God loving us. Of course, we know that God loves us — sometimes we might believe it or feel it more than others. But reading this essay stopped me in my tracks.  Newman is describing the love between the Father and the Son, which we know is so infinite that it has a name, the Holy Spirit. Newman goes on to say: 

Yet reflect, O my soul ... as the Father loves the Son, so does the Son love you, if you are one of his elect, for he says expressly, ‘As the Father has loved me, I also have loved you (John 15:9) ... What mystery in in the whole circle of revealed truths is greater than this? 

What?! The infinite love the Father has for the Son is the same love that the Son feels for me? Think about that. I was rendered speechless and in awe.  

Meditations for Times When It's Difficult to Pray

Third is “God, the Blessedness of My Soul” where Newman explores the time when all of our worldly distractions will be stripped away, and we will be left only with God. He says so eloquently:  

At present I might amuse and sustain myself with the vanities of sense and time, but they will not last forever. We shall be stripped of them when we pass out of this world....And what shall I do then? Ther will be nothing left to me but the almighty God....What a strait I shall be in if I do not love him, and there is nothing else to love; if I feel averse to him, and he is then ever looking upon me! 

And his (and my) prayer at the end of this meditation: 

Often, I find it difficult to even say my prayers.  There is hardly any amusement I would not rather take up then set myself to think of you. Give me, grace, O my Father, to be utterly ashamed of my own reluctance!...Teach me to love that which must engage my mind for all eternity. 

Oh, how this chapter resonated with me. I am SO easily distracted, would sometimes much rather do anything except sacred reading or prayer. Newman’s prayer becomes my own, that I may know and love God more fully, more purely, so as to want to spend eternity with Him. 

I cannot recommend this little book enough. Each chapter is filled with depth that speaks to my heart as I read and re-read during my prayer time. I pray that it will lead you into closer communion with the Lord. 

Is this a book you'd like to read? Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2025 Suzanne Beck
Images: Canva