I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

It’s not every day you read a Biblical commentary that makes you view its subject manner in a completely new and paradigm-shifting way. In this conversational book, Fr. Lawrence Farley, explores the theme of relying on God’s faithfulness despite the most monstrous of circumstances. Fr. Farley frequently reminds readers to look at the Book of Daniel with fresh eyes, the eyes of a child, seeing wonders unfold before them. I particularly like the fact that the author sets aside all questions related to the authorship and date of Daniel until the conclusion. Nevertheless, he doesn’t shy away from including pertinent details in the footnotes. I think this allows the reader to focus on his main point—looking at the stories anew—without getting bogged down by the academic arguments for different positions. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has been daunted by the apocalyptic nature of Daniel’s visions and those who would like to reexamine the narratives in Daniel from a new perspective. If you are looking for a book that is going to argue over the multitude of different positions regarding details surrounding the Book of Daniel, you’ll be sorely disappointed. However, you will find yourself looking at the stories contained in a new way that will be immensely applicable for your own life.

I’ve never been very good at keeping up with a daily gratitude journal. While the concept seems doable, I often find that I am thankful for the same few things each day and whatever notebook I’m writing in sits on my nightstand until I admit to myself it’s just not going to happen. The practice somehow seems slightly boring to me, especially when trying to write at the end of the day when I am tired.

This book is different.

What intrigued me about Nicole M. Roccas’ journaling guide was the subtitle: “Record Three Years of Gratitude in a Sentence a Day.” I could definitely commit to just one sentence each day! I was also excited because I’d read the author’s previous work, “Time and Despondency” and found it to be both enjoyable and useful. So, keeping an open mind, I have started working through the pages of this beautiful three year journal.

What makes this book such a helpful guide toward developing a practice of thanksgiving is that the author reminds us that a Christian understanding of giving thanks is quite a different thing than the advice in popular culture, which emphasizes focusing only on the positive as a path to personal happiness. The difference, she points out, is that the Bible calls us not to be thankful but to give thanks—to give thanks to our Creator for all things in our lives, both good and bad, which all have a part in God’s providential plan for us. She even suggests that when struggling about what to write, we begin with “Glory to You, O God for . . ." as a jumping off point.

The book follows a calendar year. Each day begins with a quote from either Scripture or patristic writing with space to reflect on that quote for three consecutive years. When my own words fail me, the 33 Thanksgiving Prompts included at the end of the book provide timely questions that can be answered again and again, each with different results. Keeping track of our daily gratitude for three years gives us an insight into the mercy God shows us every day, the big and the small. I’ve only been working through this journal for a few weeks now, but as the daily writing and reflection begins to become part of my daily routine, I realize that I am beginning to ponder the blessings that even small irritations can bring, as well as the joys of more obvious events in my life.

I have really enjoyed using this journal so far! It's simple but so practical, and the idea of setting time aside for thanksgiving every day is wonderful. I appreciate that this journal gives you the space to do so.
It has a brief introduction on how to use the journal (and why) as well as an appendix of questions to help give you ideas if you're finding it hard to write. There's space on each day to write a sentence or two of thankfulness, and each day is divided into three parts so that you can use it for three years, which I think is a great idea because it will encourage us to also look back and remember what God has done for us in the past. Each day includes a thoughtful quote which is also a nice touch.
The thing I like most about it is how gender-neutral it is. Many journals tend to be designed and geared toward women (overly floral with bright, feminine colours and designs), but this journal keeps things simple and versatile enough that anyone could feel comfortable with it. It's dense and looks like just a normal book which is also nice.
Overall, the make, design, organization, and concept are really well thought-out. I've used it for two weeks so far, and I look forward to continuing to use it in the years ahead!

Excellent reading filled with wisdom. The book describes the state of Christianity now in terms we can easily relate. Father Freeman is intellectual, yet brings a powerful message. His understanding of "communion" is just one valuable takeaway. I am reading it a second time and will return to it as I do the writings of Watchman Nee and Andrew Murray. I am not Orthodox, but we share too much as a body to draw lines. Thank you, Father.

Very didactic and relevant to all who want to improve their spiritual life and to be the person that god made them to be. God has given us the resources to follow this blessed father’s teaching. A must read for all Orthodox Christians and of course other Christians searching for truth and meaning in their lives.

A beautiful book! Great for grown-ups too!

A wonderful book. Can't recommend it highly enough!

Very nice

Very poor English, and full of speeches rather than a biography. Disliked the book.

This is much more complete than I expected! It is loaded with relatively short thoughts on the prayer and how to live and practice it. I have found it truly helpful and recommend it for anyone trying to live the prayer daily. It's less a theological treatise and more of a collection of bite-size chunks of practical encouragement.

Best prayer book I own and I use it everyday.

Beautiful

Great little cookbook! I'm not the best chef, so when the book is vague on seasonings, I struggle there a little bit. There are also a lot more recipes than I expected, that contain oil, which we abstain from during the week of the fast for Lent. But things have tasted good taking the oil out of some of the recipes, so far. Glad we bought it!

This Psalter looks good, is sturdy and easy to read.

This is a marvelous book! The writing is beautiful, and it's wonderful to have the patristic wisdom about dealing with something as pernicious as despondency presented in an accessible, pragmatic way. What is perhaps best about the book is that it's written by someone who has struggled with despondency herself. The writing is honest and vulnerable, and thus it's easy to relate to'and that's really valuable when dealing with a habit of mind that can usher in feelings of shame. I've struggled with despondency and its aftereffects for years and am really grateful to have found a book that's so helpful in getting me out of the bog. Many thanks to Nicole Roccas for this encouraging volume!

This Book explains what it is to be a Orthodox Christian. Welcome to the body of Our Savior Jesus Christ.

A most inspiring prayer book, not only for children, but for us adults!!!
The prayers are simple and complete and the illustrations bring you to a spirit of prayer . . . so touching! Thank you for publishing an Orthodox Gem for all of us!!!

This book enlarged my understanding of Orthodoxy in a cogent explanation of how the New Testament fulfills the Old and how the East compares with Western Christian doctrines. As a convert who has been both Catholic and Protestant, I have found new clarity. Father's honest stories of his Jewish life experiences cause me to appreciate and value Jews.

Great modern Orthodox Church classic. Helped me a lot.

I absolutely love A Child’s Guide to Prayer! I bought two: one to keep and one to give away. The prayers are wonderful and I would actually recommend this for both adults and children. The illustrations are just beautiful and exude a sense of happiness and peace. Well done!