Becoming Prayer​

Author Simon Cocksedge & Nicholas Alan Worssam
Publisher Canterbury Press £13.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9781786226198

Described as A Franciscan Guide, readers will discover that there is far more to the saint than a lover of the natural world. Each chapter introduces a different perspective on contemplative prayer and helpful guidance is given to those who are new to the practice. We learn much about St Francis himself and about his followers for whom prayer is a way of life. The saint encourages us to pray at all times and to be ready to act in accordance with the promptings of divine wisdom. Simplicity and humility are fundamental to our willingness to be changed. We are encouraged to spend time in silence and solitude: this in turn will be reflected in our preaching and lead to social action. Always interesting, the narrative is sometimes disjointed but we are continually challenged to follow in the footsteps of the saint as so many have done throughout the centuries.

Reviewed by LAURA HILLMAN

Prayer

A Prayer Book of Days

Author Gregory Cameron
Publisher Canterbury £12.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9781786225955

Looking for something to stimulate your devotional life? Interested in the development and diversity of Christian prayer? Why not try A Prayer Book of Days? Thirty-one short chapters, beautifully illustrated with icon-like portraits, explore significant figures in the history of Christianity, each focussing on one signature prayer. Beginning with David, Jesus and early Christian saints, we are led through continents and ages to the present, meeting many who feature as ‘Lesser Festivals’ in Common Worship. Some, like Augustine of Hippo, St Patrick, or Ignatius Loyola, are well known, others, like John Climacus or Edith Stein perhaps less so. The stories of these ‘saints’ are interesting, accessible and sometimes moving, reminding us that prayer can take many forms, from prose to song, from words to silence. The material could prove invaluable for incorporation into sermons, reflections or group discussions.

Yet, primarily, this is a book to use day by day as a springboard into our own prayer times, for experimenting with new insights and patterns and making some of the famous prayers our own. It is a book to treasure
and re-visit.

Reviewed by Prayer

Advent, Nativity