Praying with the Saints: An Inspired Collection of Holy Wisdom

Rosemary Bogdan discusses the wealth of information available in Woodeene Koenig-Bricker’s new book.

Praying with the Saints: An Inspired Collection of Holy Wisdom  

by Woodeene Koenig-Bricker 

Published by Ave Maria Press 2025 

What a comfort it is to remember that there are saints in heaven whose example we can follow in our own lives. In Woodeene Koenig-Bricker’s new book Praying with the Saints: An inspired Collection of Holy Wisdom, we learn of saints from many time periods, different cultures, and different races. The author sought a collection of saints that represents the universality of the Church. 

One Hundred Saints 

Woodeene Koenig-Bricker chose 100 saints who touched her in some way and whose prayers she liked. Each section starts with some brief biographical information followed by prayers spoken, written, or attributed to that saint. Many are saints whose lives you are familiar with, and many will be brand new. 

 I was happy to learn more about saints I already love: Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Saint Anthony of Padua, Saint John Bosco, Saint Francis de Sales, Saint Faustina, Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, and many others. 

And then there are the less familiar new names who lived lives of heroic virtue such as Saint Gabriel Possenti, Blessed Leonella Scorbati, Saint Columba of Jona, Saint Catherine de’Ricci, or Saint Julie Billiart. Heaven is full of saints! 

Brief Bios Together with Prayers 

In  Woodeen Koenig-Bricker’s book Praying with the Saints: An Inspired Collection of Holy Wisdom the reader is given little bit of information about each saint’s life followed by their prayers or writings. We see an example of their holiness and hear their words as they express their wisdom and address God. The reader is inspired by each saint’s life but also given a glimpse of the saints' relationships with God. 

I thought there might be more mention of what each saint is the patron of, but that information is only occasionally mentioned. The focus of the book is not asking the saints for their intercession, but rather to see and be inspired by how each one prayed. 

Examples of Saints’ Prayers 

Koenig-Bricker shares in the Introduction what she finds is the best definition of prayer: It is a prayer of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux: 

Prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy. (Story of a Soul, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux)  

The Canticle of Brother Sun and Sister Moon by Saint Francis of Assisi is included.  

Saint John Eudes wrote in a difficult time:

I realize and confess, O my God, before heaven and earth, that you are just, and that I observe (text uses this word) this suffering, and a thousand times more, for the least of my sins. That is the reason I will embrace this affliction with all my heart to the glory of your divine justice, in submission to your sacred will, in honor of the terrible sufferings you endured on earth, in satisfaction for my sins, in fulfillment of your plans that you have made about me, and as something that comes from your most amiable hands and from your heart full of love for me.

We read the words of Saint Maria Soledad Torres y Acosta: “Blessed be God in everything” and “Heart of Jesus, protect me.” 

For Your Family Library 

I wish the saints' prayers and words were a little more clearly delineated in the text, but the context does makes it clear. 

I would recommend Praying with the Saints: An Inspired Collection of Holy Wisdom to adults and teens, especially those preparing for Confirmation. It could provide some valuable information and perhaps even some more unusual possibilities too choose as Confirmation saints. 

Praying With the Saints could be a very nice addition for your family library and a lovely Christmas gift. 

Ask for Praying with the Saints at your local Catholic bookseller, or order online from Amazon.com or the publisher, Ave Maria Press.

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 Rosemary Bogdan
Images: Canva