Preparing Yourself for the Mass, formerly Meditations Before Mass, by Romano Guardini, is a book discussing the meaning, symbolism and spirituality of the Mass. He talks about the proper way to approach the Mass, its significance, the difference between the arena of the Mass and the "marketplace" of the world, the symbolism of the words spoken, artifacts used, etc. He also discusses, interwoven in this, the significance of appearance, deportment and "external symbolism" in the body of a man - spiritual vs "worldly" man - in other words, how our outer appearance affects our inner state, and vice versa. It is a very beautiful meditation on the importance of atmosphere, appearance, dignity and respect, and the importance of being able to discern chaos, bad taste, noise, affliction and those things which mitigate against right relationship with God. This is very important for the age we live in, in which things spiritual are often under severe attack. Highly recommended.

This book was originally written in 1918 or thereabouts, but has stood the test of time. Guardino's short (100 page or thereabouts) exposition on Liturgy is profound and on par with Alexander Schmeman's "For the Life of the World" (an overview of sacrament).If you loved Fr. Schmeman's book (and viewpoint) of sacraments, you will love Guardino's view of Liturgy.

I am really surprised this book ever made it to print. Guardini's Roman Catholic's worldview is an unfortunate confirmation of many Protestant caricatures. Guardini wrongly sees the heart of this prayer as praying for God's will to be accomplished (Thy will be done) and that God's will is "endangered" and "frail." He fails to see that this prayer is addressed to a sovereign God. What is worse about this book is the fact that he uses pious, flowery language without an ounce of content. A good and insightful Roman Catholic perspective on the Lord's Prayer is A. J. Cardinal Simonis' book _Our Father_. An even better and Protestant commentary is Thomas Watson's _The Lord's Prayer_. A lot is at stake: may your prayers prosper in the Gospel.

This is a good little common-sensical book to stimulate some thought about the individual petitions in the Lord's Prayer. We learn some truths about how Our Lord Jesus Christ wants us to pray; what should we acknowledge, and what should we petition.

We acknowledge who God is (He is our Father, He is in heaven, and His name is hallowed).

We acknowledge His providence (we pray for His kingdom, which only He can give us; we pray for His will do be done on earth, just like it is in heaven).

We ask for the things we need (our daily bread, forgiveness of our trespasses).

We ask that we may be like Him (when we forgive those who trespass against us).

And finally, we ask for the grace of final perseverance (to be not led into temptation and to be delivered from evil, things that only He can do).

A good little book.

Guardini is masterful as usual. For a short book, the insights and help were terrific.