Celtic and Christian Seasonal
Prayers
by Tess Ward (O Books, 2007), £10.85
Review by Bobcat
Tess Ward is an Anglican priest whose work very much feels to be in service to the community and the sacred, and this book exudes a real sense of that giving. It is not a celebration of the author's wit, knowledge or poetry, but an offering to all those seeking a language of prayer. It provides that language beautifully. In her own words,she intertwines the two strands of Celtic Christian and Celtic pre-Christian traditions in a single pattern of prayer.
Laid out in the months of the year, there are prayers to make for each day of the week, and for each moment through that day: On Rising/Resting, Praising, In Stillness, Morning Invocation,Thanksgiving, Night Shielding,
Blessing. This one I like, for it
and leaves space for our own understanding of and relationship
with deity:
"Lure of all our longing / as I travel another step
closer / make me ready for your homecoming embrace / when I enter
your sanctuary / footsore and hungry for the supper you have
already waiting / bless me on my way ..."
Tess asked if I would endorse the book for her, that my words would be printed on the back cover, and I
meditated on this for some time. My decision was not to, simply because I felt in the end I wasn't qualified sufficiently to understand (or profoundly experience the depths of) that
intertwining. For someone like myself, for whom Christianity is such a very alien faith, the book holds too much of that current.
However, for the many within the Druid community who are married to Christians, whose children or parents are practising Christians, whose childhood Christianity is still strong within their soul though now they may be revering other gods,or who indeed do weave together the Pagan and Christian in the
creation of a rich fabric of British heritage, this book would be a beautiful addition to their library,for reference, use and inspiration.
It also has value for those priests,
and those in training for the priesthood, who find themselves asked to do ritual for Christian families or for rites where Christians are present.
Available from Amazon.co.uk
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