BOOK REVIEW: Sacred Space

March 9, 2006

EDITOR'S NOTE: This book review is sponsored by the Religious Education Media Center as a service to those interested in developing their own spirituality. Books featured in this column can be borrowed from the diocesan media center.

You may request this or other books by writing Deacon Larry Sitzman, Religious Education Media Center, 1821 Jackson St., Sioux City, IA 51102, e-mail him at larrys@scdiocese.org or phone (712) 255-7933.

Father Jim Bruch, pastor at St. Boniface Church in Sioux City, reviewed the book titled "Sacred Space", published by Ave Maria Press and inspired by a popular interactive Web site, www.sacredspace.ie. It was inaugurated by Alan McGuckian, S.J. and Peter Scaly, S.J. of the Jesuit Communication Centre in Ireland.

The book, "Sacred Space" is a prayer book. As such it returns us to some very basic prayer principles and practices. Even though we may be doing these exercises almost unconsciously, it is refreshing to see it in print and re-inforce the wonderful world of prayer.

With a very simple outline, the authors present the basic format for prayer.

1. Putting oneself in the presence of God. As I sit here, I remind myself that God is looking at me with love and holding me in being.

2. Freedom - I make the decision to free myself from whatever I am pre-occupied with so that I can be open to what the Lord wishes to communicate to me. 3. Raising my level of consciousness: What is going on in my life? in my heart? Where am I with God, with others? Am I grateful for anthing? If so, I thank God. Am I sorry for something? If so, as for forgiveness.

4. The Word: Using the Scriptures, listen to what God is saying to me. Each day is organized and the scriptures for that day are reflected on.

5. Conversation: Enter into a real conversation with Jesus. Imagine Him standing or sitting beside you. Tell Him whatever is on you mind or in your heart. 6. Conclusion. End with a prayer - the Glory Be to the Father for e.g.

This book is set up so that each day of the year there is a reflection on the Scripture passage of the day, with questions at the end to encourage a continued conversion in our lives, and especially an awareness of God's pesence and His love for each one of us.

The Sacred space in our day is wherever we find ourselves able to take some time for ourselves. God is everywhere and present in every situation. It is necessary for us to recognize His presence and spend time with the greatest lover the world has ever known.