Prayers, Devotions, Blessings and Reflections on How We Pray
Published by: Saint Andrew Press
Price: £9.99
Sharing again the theme of Heart and Soul(the Sunday centrepiece of General Assembly week), which was ‘Word of Life’, the popular annualprayer book of the Church of Scotland has this year undergone a transformation.
Rather than simply being a collection of prayers, readings and reflections around a particular theme – arranged either by month, day or week – and compiled by a writing group pulled together to complete the task, the publication this year has drawn from a wide range of writers from across the board and not only offers devotions, blessings and reflections centring around the ‘Word of Life ‘theme, but, for the first time, an important section on ‘how to pray’.
The book guides readers through 52 stages of life – from conception to death, including sections on growing, maturing and ageing. Each of the 52 areas comprises a meditation, two prayers (for evening and morning), a scripture reading and a blessing.
The finalpart of the book offers helpfulguidance on ‘how to pray’ with 12 sections examining areas such as praying through doubt, praying through silence’and praying through arts.
This is not just aimed at those who may lead or take prayers within a church context, but for anyone who prays, and offers insights, reflections, inspiration – and hope.