With God: A Book of Prayers and Reflections by Father Lasance

Recently, while visiting my grandmother’s house, I came across a small, worn book tucked away on a table. Its faded spine read With God (affiliate) by Father Lasance. Curious, I opened it and discovered it had once belonged to her mother—my great-grandmother. The delicate font and aged pages made it feel as if I had stepped back in time:

As I began to read, I was struck by how timeless the words were:

To PRAY means to commune with God — to converse with God. This is why we have chosen for the present work the main title, ”With God.”

The meditations echoed truths I’ve heard and read throughout my life—especially the emphasis on interior life and detachment from the world. It felt as if the wisdom of the Church, passed down through generations, had found its way into my hands.

Who Was Father Lasance?

Father Francis Xavier Lasance was a diocesan priest from Cincinnati, Ohio, who lived from 1860 to 1946. Though not widely known today, his spiritual writings have deeply impacted generations of Catholics. His books—especially My Prayer Book and With God—were popular throughout the early 20th century and often given as gifts for Confirmations, First Communions, and ordinations.

Father Lasance had a gift for gathering together the riches of Catholic tradition—prayers of the saints, reflections from Scripture, meditations on the life of Christ—and presenting them in a format that’s accessible and deeply nourishing for the soul.

What Makes With God Special?

With God: A Book of Prayers and Reflections is not just a prayer book. It’s a spiritual companion that invites you to live each day in the presence of God.

The book is structured around daily themes and meditations that guide you through the liturgical year, helping you to grow in virtue, deepen your interior life, and walk more closely with Christ. It includes:

• Morning and evening prayers
• Meditations for every day of the year
• Reflections on the virtues
• Prayers to the Blessed Mother and saints
• Litanies, novenas, and indulgenced prayers
• Encouragement for the weary, the suffering, and the searching

It’s rich, reverent, and deeply Catholic.

Walking with the Saints

One of the most beautiful aspects of With God is how it immerses you in the Communion of Saints. Father Lasance shares the words and prayers of saints like St. Alphonsus Liguori, St. Francis de Sales, and St. Teresa of Avila, blending their insights with his own pastoral wisdom.

In a world that often feels loud and restless, these pages offer peace—a steady rhythm of daily prayer and trust in God’s Providence.

Why With God Still Matters Today

In our fast-paced digital age, many Catholics are searching for ways to slow down and reconnect with the heart of their faith. With God reminds us that holiness isn’t about doing more—it’s about being with God.

This book teaches you how to pray in the quiet of your heart, how to offer your daily duties as a sacrifice of love, and how to see every moment—joyful or sorrowful—as a step closer to heaven.

It’s especially meaningful for those who are:

• Seeking structure in their prayer life
• Struggling with anxiety or discouragement
• Longing for a deeper interior life
• Trying to bring more reverence into the ordinary

A Few Favorite Passages

Here are a few quotes that capture the beauty of With God:

“If you would enjoy peace, keep yourself in the presence of God. Keep your eyes always fixed on Him.”

“Every morning say: ‘I want to serve God faithfully today.’ Every night say: ‘Thank You, Lord, for helping me today.’”

“God is never outdone in generosity. The more you give Him your heart, the more He fills it with His love.”

How to Use With God

There’s no single “right” way to use With God. Keep it by your bedside for morning and evening prayers. Use it during Eucharistic Adoration or quiet time after Mass. You can read the daily meditations, or simply turn to the section that speaks to your need that day—hope, patience, suffering, or gratitude.

It’s a book you can grow old with, returning to again and again.

Where to Find It

Though it was first published in the early 1900s, With God is still available today through the public domain. You might be able to find vintage copies in used bookstores or online.

If you’re building a home prayer library, this is a must-have. It’s the kind of book that becomes a spiritual heirloom—something you’ll want to pass down to your children or grandchildren.

Final Thoughts

There are some books that are more than books—they are companions for the soul. With God by Father Francis Xavier Lasance is one of those rare treasures. For over a century, this little volume has guided countless Catholics in prayer, meditation, and a deeper walk with Christ. Whether you’re just beginning your spiritual journey or have been walking with the Lord for years, With God offers timeless wisdom and quiet encouragement to stay faithful, hopeful, and rooted in God’s love.

With God by Father Lasance is a beautiful reminder that we are never alone. No matter what trials we face, God is with us—guiding, comforting, and calling us to Himself.

If your heart longs for peace and your soul thirsts for the living God, let this book lead you gently to His feet.

With God: A 7-Day Devotional Journey

A Spiritual Treasury Adapted from With God by Fr. Lasance

Day 1: In the Silence, God Speaks

Meditation

“It is in silence that God speaks to the heart. Withdraw from the noise of the world and find rest in My presence.”

Reflection Prompt
Where can I create space today for stillness with God?

Scripture

“Be still and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10

Prayer
Lord, quiet the noise in my soul. Help me listen for Your voice and trust in Your love.

Day 2: The Gift of Morning

Meditation

“The morning is the most sacred part of the day. Give your first thoughts to God and He will bless the rest.”

Reflection Prompt
How can I make my mornings more prayerful and intentional?

Scripture

“O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice.” — Psalm 5:3

Prayer
Jesus, I offer You the first moments of my day. Be with me in every thought, word, and action.

Day 3: The Heart of Jesus

Meditation

“Place your heart within the Heart of Jesus, and you will find peace beyond all fear.”

Reflection Prompt
What fear or burden can I place in the Heart of Christ today?

Scripture

“Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.” — Matthew 11:29

Prayer
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You. Take what weighs me down and fill me with Your peace.

Day 4: The Power of a Hidden Life

Meditation

“It is not the great deeds but the hidden sacrifices that sanctify a soul.”

Reflection Prompt
What hidden offering can I make today for love of God?

Scripture

“Your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” — Matthew 6:6

Prayer
Lord, may my quiet sacrifices be a gift of love to You today.

Day 5: Mary, My Mother

Meditation

“Turn to Mary in every need. She is the refuge of sinners and the comfort of the sorrowful.”

Reflection Prompt
How can I grow closer to Our Lady and entrust my life to her care?

Scripture

“Behold your mother.” — John 19:27

Prayer
Mother Mary, lead me to Jesus. Wrap me in your mantle and keep me safe under your care.

Day 6: Trusting Divine Providence

Meditation

“Do not be anxious. All things are permitted by God, who loves you.”

Reflection Prompt
Where am I struggling to trust God’s plan?

Scripture

“All things work together for good for those who love God.” — Romans 8:28

Prayer
Jesus, I surrender my plans and fears to You. Let me rest in Your Divine Providence.

Day 7: Heaven is Our Home

Meditation

“Do not seek your joy in this world. Your true homeland is above.”

Reflection Prompt
What am I clinging to here that keeps my eyes off heaven?

Scripture

“Our citizenship is in heaven.” — Philippians 3:20

Prayer
Lord, remind me that I am only passing through. Help me to live with eternity in mind.