Spiritual Reading + Prayers in a Time of Quarantine

In today's uncertain health climate, many of us find ourselves with more time to read than we've had in a long time. Looking around at what to pick up from the library or order online during this time of quarantine? We have you covered. Here are eight books for spiritual reading and seven prayers to bring you peace!

Spiritual Books to Read During the Quarantine

He and I by Gabrielle Bossis

This book by Gabrielle Bossis recounts her dialogue as a mystic speaking with Jesus. She was a lay woman in the 20th century in France. The beautiful and intimate language she shares with the Lord brings a joyful dynamic to our own prayer lives.

Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis

Each chapter is brief and focuses on how to build a life of virtue and deepen our prayer lives.

Introduction to the Devout Life by Saint Francis de Sales

This provides an overarching plan, approach, and means to live a deep spiritual life even for those living in the world.

The Spiritual Combat by Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

Dom Scupoli guides the reader through brief chapters that hone in on different aspects of the spiritual life, particular pitfalls, and assistance in spiritual growth. He acknowledges we are never at rest and encourages us not to be complacent.

Divine Mercy in My Soul: Diary of Saint Faustina

Saint Faustina suffered greatly but was accompanied by Our Lord in her suffering. She shares the story of her mystical experience with the Lord and provides great support for those of us suffering at this time.

Story of a Soul by Saint Therese of Lisieux

This holy Doctor of the Church wrote her autobiography in the late 19th century, and her wisdom of the "Little Way" offers so much depth for us today. Make your way through her words and stories. Let them soak into your everyday life.

Ignatius Catholic Study Bible (New Testament) with notes by Dr. Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch

This Catholic translation of the New Testament has thorough and helpful footnotes by renown scholars, Dr. Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch.

Rise Up by Blessed is She

If your kids are now at home for the foreseeable future, read through this book on the virtues. It will be edifying for adults and kids alike!

WRITE + PRAY

We invite you to sit with the Word and unpack it in a uniquely personal way, finding your own story.

Discover your story within His.

GET WRITE AND PRAY

Prayers for a Time of Quarantine

Christian Prayer // Liturgy of the Hours

As lay people, we are called to holiness and invited to pray the same prayers of the Universal Church as our religious pray. It's a beautiful combination of the Psalms and readings of Scripture.

Saint Alphonsus Liguori Stations of the Cross

These traditional Stations of the Cross prayers are lyrical and pair beautifully with the Stabat Mater. These can be easily prayed at home with your roommates or family.

Divine Mercy Chaplet

This prayer given to Saint Faustina is a brief reflection on Jesus' Divine Mercy and easy to learn! It takes about six minutes to do an entire chaplet using your Rosary beads.

Handbook of Indulgences

These powerful prayers are for times such as these. Offer them for the Church Suffering.

Fatima Prayers

Our Lady and the Angel of Fatima gave these prayers to the children of Fatima. What a gift they are for us, too!

12 year Saint Bridget Novena

This papally-approved novena provides us with reflections on seven times Jesus spilled His Precious Blood. They're beautiful and poignant.

Saint Michael Chaplet

This is a very powerful prayer invoking the protection of Saint Michael and the nine choirs of Angels. There are particular promises made by Saint Michael linked to praying this chaplet, including being accompanied by angels to Holy Communion.

Litany of the Precious Blood

Nothing is more efficacious than Christ shedding His Blood for all of mankind! This prayer is beautiful and gives honor and glory to Jesus.

Praying with and for you this Lent and, in a special way, throughout this time of health challenges.

What are you reading during this time? Share with us in the comments below!

See you in prayer, sister!

Looking for more good books to read?

Nell O'Leary is a recovering lawyer-turned-writer and speaker who loves sewing baby goods while tending to her husband and four kiddos in the great city of Saint Paul, Minnesota. She serves as Managing Editor for Blessed is She and can down a hot cocoa in no time flat. Find out more about her here. She is the editor of our Blessed Conversations Series and guide for the Gift of You course.

About Nell O'Leary

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Nell O’Leary is the Managing Editor for Blessed is She, an attorney turned writer, speaker, and editor while tending to her husband and five kiddos. She also facilitates our community groups as she loves helping women find sisterhood. Her undergrad is in English from University of Minnesota and her J.D. from Ave Maria School of Law. Notably, she can down a hot cocoa in two seconds. Find out more about her here.