Sacred Reading: The 2017 Guide to Daily Prayer

This powerful and inspiring prayer book from the Apostleship of Prayer—“the pope's worldwide prayer network”—engages readers with the Church's daily scripture readings and introduces Catholics and other Christians to the traditional spiritual devotion known as lectio divina, or “sacred reading,” in a new way. Led in your daily journey by the Apostleship of Prayer—an international Jesuit prayer ministry—you’ll use an accessible, six-step process inspired by Ignatian spirituality that will enhance your reading of scripture and provide you with practical applications that will change your heart and enrich your prayer life. Sacred Reading: The 2017 Guide to Daily Prayer guides you through the Church’s daily gospel readings, as well as readings for solemnities and feast days, asking you to

• know that God is present;
• read the gospel;
• notice what you think and feel;
• pray for yourself and others;
• listen to Jesus; and
• ask God to show you how to live today.

Beginning with Advent and following the entire Church year, this book is a catalyst for an intimate encounter with Christ by reading, reflecting, praying, and responding to the Word of God in a way that is both familiar and fresh.

The Apostleship of Prayer (The Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network) is an international Jesuit prayer ministry that reaches more than 35 million members worldwide through its popular website, ApostleshipofPrayer.org, and through talks, conferences, publications, and retreats such as Hearts on Fire. The Apostleship's mission is to encourage Christians to make a daily offering of themselves to the Lord in union with the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Douglas Leonard, who compiles Sacred Reading, served as the executive director of the Apostleship of Prayer in the United States from 2006 to 2016. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English in 1976, a master’s degree in English in 1977, and a PhD in English in 1981, all from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Leonard also has served in higher education, professional development, publishing, and instructional design as an executive, writer, editor, educator, and consultant.