The Prayer Book for Tired Parents

Alexis Dallara-Marsh reviews David and Debbie Cowden's book about the most important task parents will undertake: care of our children's souls.

The Prayer Book for Tired Parents: Practical Ways to Grow in Love of God and Get your Family to Heaven
by David and Debbie Cowden

Whether a first-time parent or already with many children, anyone knows that parenting doesn't come with a textbook. But it definitely should! What more important than to do all we can to take care of those little ones God has entrusted to us? Perhaps the most critical way to do this, however, is to first take a step back and be sure to nourish our own spiritual lives, especially as being a parent has been probably the most tiring feat at least I know I have ever faced (both physically and emotionally).

The Prayer Book for Tired Parents opens with a quote from Saint John Paul II on the responsibility parents have to teach their children to pray. The goal of this manual is to "make it more fruitful, not necessarily easier." I like how this book helps re-establish our priorities. It's intended to be used daily for guidance. High-yield resources include the Litany of Humility and how to pray the Rosary with kids. Other ideas are having a Sacred Heart blessing of your home, family consecration to Mary and/or Joseph, or keeping a crucifix in each room.

The last part of the book provides reference to more than25 saints, including quotes from their lives, Bible references, brief biographies, and prayers. There is also a list of saints who were parents themselves. There are also about 20 blank pages after this for a family prayer journal, sprinkled with quotes from Mother Angelica. At the end, a picture of her is included with her reminder,

Heaven is your real home. This is our testing ground, that’s all. We were created by God to be with Him. That’s why it’s so important to say yes to God in everything. Let Him guide you. Ask Him to give you all you need to accept your way of life and to live it well.

Whether you've resolved to read more and more on liturgical living, or be more intentional with your activities, this rich reference manual by David and Debbie Cowden will be a lifesaver on being intentional with daily tasks. So excited for this reference for a fruitful journey, always praying for sainthood for all! God Bless!

Ask for The Prayer Book for Tired Parents at your local Catholic bookseller, or order online from Amazon.com or the publisher, Sophia Institute Press.

Copyright 2023 Alexis Dallara-Marsh
Images: Canva