The Source of Miracles: 7 Steps to Transforming Your Life through the Lord's Prayer

by Kathleen McGowan

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Expected One and The Book of Love comes a transformative book that unlocks the hidden power of the Lord's Prayer -- the prayer that can be recited by every Christian in the world.

The real secret to creating and sustaining an abundant, joyous, and fulfilled life has been hiding in plain sight -- in the power of the prayer that unites two billion Christians worldwide, the prayer that each one of them knows by heart.

True happiness and success can't just be wished for. The real secret to fulfillment lies in using the Lord's Prayer as part of an ongoing spiritual practice that leads to real and lasting change in the soul -- change that will manifest itself in earthly, tangible ways. Each chapter in The Source of Miracles is a guide to one of seven steps in that process, corresponding to a primary teaching of the faith, surrender, service, abundance, forgiveness, obstacles, and love. Each chapter also includes meditations, affirmations, and other activities designed to help readers work through life's challenges.

In her bestselling fiction, Kathleen McGowan has popularized the world of Christian esoterica, a unique place where New Age and Christianity meet, making ancient teachings new and powerful. The Source of Miracles harnesses the wisdom of those traditions at a time of great material and spiritual uncertainty, when the need for signposts on the road to success has never been more acute.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Religion, Christian, Prayer

224 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2009

About the author

Kathleen McGowan is an internationally published writer whose work has appeared on five continents and in at least fifteen languages. She is notable for her claim to be the descendant of Jesus of Nazareth and Mary Magdalene

Reviews

[Sienna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oddly, I became interested in Christianity through historical fiction. When I saw that one of the authors I've enjoyed had written a how-to-pray book I had to check it out. Few in this country & time can escape the influence of Christianity but I was not raised in it. I've always thought the Church has lost a lot of the teachings of Jesus so I love McGowan's method of going back to his own words. I am old enough now to admit that I do pray, though I never thought my method had much to do with anything more than my own spirit & connection to Nature. Now, at 45, I'm pleased & grateful to add the Lord's Prayer to my repertoire.

[Ioana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always wanted to know more

About the rose in the middle of the labyrinth, I always felt there was more to it than the basic explanation.

This book took it and put it into a new frame, a new perspective that offered me so much.

It is a journey through the 6 petals of the rose, used as a frame for the 6, actually 7 aspects of the prayer.

After reading this book I will never think and recite this prayer as I used to, it changed everything.

[Theresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really excited to be asked to review this book, as it is something I'm really interested in. I really wanted to like this book, but sadly, it was not at all what I desire in a Christian Self Help book.

Kathleen McGowan is a great writer and she can easily pull you in with her prose. She has a wonderful way with words, and I was pulled in until she started to tell about her visions of Mary Magdalene and a man with long hair, as well as some strange experiences with the Chartres labyrinth that she had. I continued reading hoping that this was just a little bit of oddness that could be ignored, but what I found was when I'd begin to agree with things she'd say, she'd then seem to turn around and correct herself.

Sadly, I cannot give this book any endorsement as I find it certainly doesn't "rightly divide the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15) nor does it appear to be all Christian, but a mixture of beliefs that cross over into different religions. If one is looking for a good Christian self-help book, this isn't it, but if one is just looking for a new age type of guidance, you may enjoy it and would probably find some useful information. Sadly, this book had a lot of potential, but was a huge letdown.

[Alys · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few sentences in 'The Book of Love' set me on my own way forward with the Lord's prayer in quite a new way, thinking about what I personally meant at this moment by each part of the prayer. While I waited for the book to reach me I practised. Which meant that when it came it was a surprise. Simple, matter of fact, and laid out in orderly fashion, it contained a whole set of presuppositions which I had not tackled before. The book is memorable, of course! It is based on something most of us know by heart. But it puts a whole new attentiveness into that heart, and then stands back, out of our way, so that we can begin, every day again, every moment, to relate to our Lord, and to ourselves, and to the world around us in a sensitive, practical and hopeful way. I recommend this book thoroughly. The journey it took me on has not finished yet. And look, if you don't like her theology, us that dissonance to start a conversation with your Lord. The results will be unique to you, but square with the narrow path we are all asked to walk. And if you just don't like Kathleen McGowan, pray for her. That too is part of the 'Our Father'

[Eliza Fayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a firm believer that we can all create miracles through the power of thought. Kathleen uses the Lord’s Prayer to focus her thought on a daily basis, creating miracles small and large in her life. Since reading The Source of Miracles I have started and ended each day adding the Lord’s Prayer to my regular meditations and affirmations.

Has it made a difference?

It is a little too early to know about miracles, but I do know that I feel way more serene and positive and focused. And that in and of itself is truly wonderful.

To read the full review visit http://silverandgrace.com/book-review...

[Spiritmovesme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathleen's latest book is a wonderful insight about the true meaning of prayer without all the pomp and circumstance. Her other novels, The Expected One and the Book of Love were two of my most favorite reads!!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read. I read this as an ebook and found it frustrating not to be able to highlight sections and make margin notes that I just ordered a print version. I plan to reread and review often

[Susy Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with this author and her non-fiction works, which is what made me buy this book a few years ago. It's been on my "to read" pile on my nightstand ever since. This year I made it my Lenten read, and I'm thankful I finally did. It was beautiful! I wish everyone would read it and apply it to their life. The world would be a happier place.

This was the perfect Lenten read. I will be referencing it daily I'm sure, and re-reading it many times in my life. I am also looking forward to reading some of the Gnostic Gospels she references Philip, Thomas and Mary Magdalene.

Our father who art in heaven....

[Meg Boone · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tool for deep change for me. I bought this book 4 years ago when my best friend died and it sat by my bed for 4 yrs until this spring when my life was upended yet again and it was exactly what I needed when I needed it. I've worked through it for the past 4 months and seen miraculous changes in my life as I've reintroduced prayer as a daily practice. Not the prayer of my childhood but something new and old at the same time. For me personally it has been life and attitude changing.

[Mark Holencik · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was hoping for a gem to glean from her book. I could not finish the book. I tried. Got 3/4 of the way through and just could not finish it. Kathleen spends 1/3 of the time telling us what is wrong with everyone else. Then tells us how she has the real way. Then tells us of her minor defect of looking down on the others who do not see the world as she does.

The gem may be at the very end. I will never know.

[Patricia Meier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. Kathleen McGowan’s books have brought back my faith in a new, expanded, and beautiful way.

I lost interest in the church and bible because of the closed minded approach those in charge had to questions. Questions were seen as a lack of faith.

All my questions have been answered in these books and many additional questions arose.

I am extremely grateful for the Magdalene line series and especially The Source of Miracles. 🙏

[Heidi McIntyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was inspiring to read. It gave me a new perspective on the Lord’s prayer as a spiritual practice along with the power of miracles. I loved the connection to the 6-petal rose of the labyrinth-style in the Chartres Cathedral in France. I highly recommend this book!

[Debbie Hoskins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. I always like when the author reads her own book, which is done in this edition. I took a lot of notes. Daily, I have incorporated her prayer with the concepts and words she recommends for each of the 6 parts of the rosette in the labyrinth.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should have a copy of this book it's inspirational.

[Judith the Book Gobbler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just began my third reading.

[Robert Conder · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is always good to hear about how others pray using the Lord’s Prayer. Prayer will and does change lives. It is our way of communicating with God. Well written and easy to read and understand.

[Grace Augustine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 3rd time through this book. I need to commit it to memory!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. I will read it again and again.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heavy on the Jesus (obviously) but I found this helpful nonetheless.

[Reagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has changed my life. The book's message is one that seems so obvious, so generic, but Kathleen McGowan successfully explained the message in a way that made me, as a reader, want to change my life (not tomorrow, not next week, but now). This book inspired me to depths that no other book that I've read has. This book made me want to become a better person and try harder to do what was necessary.

At times the message was daunting and overwhelming. I felt as though there was so much I needed to do, so many lists to make, so many exercises to complete to make myself better. But in time, I realized that growth is growth, and growth is one step at a time. So I put made use of my "nerdy English major/teacher sticky tabs" and strategically placed them throughout this book with every intention of returning to them and studying the pages more thoroughly.

I will definitely be rereading this book in the future to further instill it's awesome message.

[Kaylee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked up this book simply because I thoroughly enjoy her novels. Despite not being into self-help books or Christianity since about 9th grade, I thought I'd give this a shot.

And... it really was just "okay". Most religions have the same core beliefs and stories when you strip them down from all of their layers of translations and reteachings, and there are mantras and prayers that are similar in all. The Lord's Prayer is something I grew up reciting and can still rattle off in 15 seconds (including the doxology that Lutherans tend to use). I was happy to examine her interpretation of the phrases I'd been saying for decades, and the thought exercises have redeeming value for anyone. But, on the whole, this book wasn't life-changing for me... merely thought-provoking.

[Martha Healy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I bought this book with good intentions to sit down and enjoy, and possibly learn some new things, then I came across the negative information online- about the author herself. There are so many accusations made by others ranging from lies, deceits to outright fraud ( she is not really an ordained minister as she claims and her books never sold a million copies) that I can no longer trust this author or anything she says. I have come away with the impression that she needs to be reading and understanding more about spirituality and honesty before she writes any more on these topics. How can anyone believe what she has to say in print if she cannot practice what she preaches in real life? Very disappointed with her and cannot in clear conscience recommend this book to anyone.

[Martha Healy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I bought this book with good intentions to sit down and enjoy, and possibly learn some new things, then I came across the negative information online- about the author herself. There are so many accusations made by others ranging from lies, deceits to outright fraud ( she is not really an ordained minister as she claims and her books never sold a million copies) that I can no longer trust this author or anything she says. I have come away with the impression that she needs to be reading and understanding more about spirituality and honesty before she writes any more on these topics. How can anyone believe what she has to say in print if she cannot practice what she preaches in real life? Very disappointed with her and cannot in clear conscience recommend this book to anyone.

[SUSAN · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am trying to get through this book. Truth be told I stopped and started several times, and more than once I got this kind of sacreligious feeling from her. Most Christians don't say here is a book on how to pray to the Lord that you can use with any religion! I'm sorry, but if you don't believe in God, what good is praying the Lord's prayer? She even brought up the get rich quick gospels that pastors preach and rightfully shunned them. But I feel like she is kind of doing the same thing, maybe just biblically?
Truth be told, she lost me at 'Gospel of Philip'.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kathleen McGowan teaches us how to truly understand and implement the Lord's Prayer in our daily lives. This is a transformative book. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants more peace, enlightment, and joy in their lives.

[Sarah Pangloss · Rating 1 out of 5]

New-age pap for those who desire magic in their lives. Sort of "The Secret" with a New Testament spin. If this was indeed the "source of miracles", Ms. McGowan would have miraculously salvaged the most recent books she has written, and they would have been best-sellers.

[Jane Dugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good, I just went out and bought the book. I cannot wait to begin highlighting the whole bloomin' thing.

I am so surprise how much comfort it brings me to recite the Lord's Prayer. And how much I ponder about it. It has brought me great comfort already.

[Tracy Dunning · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the writing is not stellar, the questions and processes she poses are very useful. I appreciate the simplicity of using the Lord's Prayer to address so many aspects of spiritual direction and growth.

[Kathy Maher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. She gave you questions to ask yourself so you could reflect on the reading. This is a book to help you understand your own spirituality. I personally did not agree with everything in the book but I did find it very useful.

[Sue Klasing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely need to reread this for retreat material. Good questions for discussion times.