Life Everlasting

January 8, 2018
Jansen (Station to Station), director of Image Books, calls readers to prayer in this well-argued book. He posits that human beings are plagued by a deep anxiety caused by terrorism, political divisions, and economic uncertainty, and advocates for prayer as a simple alleviation for suffering. He begins his argument by explaining why prayer is vital for health, then lays out seven steps for the prayer journey (among the steps, he implores readers to be childlike, focus the mind, “make the sign” of the Lord, and cultivate silence) finally presenting traditional devotions and insights on how to develop a prayer practice. Jansen is a devotion practitioner, not just an observer, so his insights on the devotions he includes to the angels, saints, Mary, and Jesus are all imbued with an authentic piety. “We should not approach prayer as if it’s an intellectual exercise,” he declares. “Prayer should come from the heart.” Accordingly, the devotions he collects in the last part call out to the heart, inviting readers to accept God’s grace and mercy: “All devotions... should ultimately lead us to Christ, who then leads us to the Father.” Christians who would like to know more about classic devotions will welcome Jansen’s commentary and selections.

February 1, 2018

Jansen, director of Image Books at Penguin Random House and author of Station to Station: An Ignatian Journey Through the Stations of the Cross, has provided what he calls a "spiritual first aid kit." This spiritual bandage is first and foremost Roman Catholic; personal and devotional rather than dogmatic or institutional. Jansen's effort is to fill the void of "holy yearning" with a practical piety that aims to focus personal spiritual discipline: praying to stains, making the sign of the cross a preparatory rite, and centering the role of items such as novenas and miraculous medals. A 20-page appendix of devotions is titled "Spiritual 911"; a set of petitions to be prayed during spiritual crises, when words do not immediately present themselves. Helpfully, the book can be read sequentially or according to an individual's spiritual needs without harm to its overall thrust. However, while Jansen asserts that the prayerful piety he offers holds power for all faith traditions, it seems unlikely that non-Catholics will find comfort in some of the more mystical and miraculous elements here. VERDICT A worthy guide to Catholic piety.--Sandra Collins, Byzantine Catholic Seminary Lib., Pittsburgh

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