The Rhythm of Life: Celtic Daily Prayer

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Intro to structured prayer
Review: I've been handing this book out like popcorn to people who are new to the discipline of the daily office--junior high kids in confirmation class, vaguely spiritual but unchurched boomers, old-fashioned evangelicals, just for example-- and everyone is loving it. It's not fussy or complicated--four offices are presented for each day of the week. The prayers are a nice blend of old and new (users learn that there's a treasure trove out there, but that they can compose their own prayers as well). There's an unchanging core, but appendices note that there can be seasonal changes--another hint of worlds to be explored. The best of its kind.

Rating:
Summary: Another variation on liturgy of the hours - for groups
Review: This book is another of the excellent books that provides a Liturgy of the Hours that is more accessible to laity than the official texts - one need not spend time flipping pages. The prayers cover morning, midday, evening and night prayer and are based on traditional themes, psalms, scripture and prayers. The prayers are Celtic prayers - in contrast to the Latin prayer formats of the official text. What sets this volume apart is the use of litanies - in lieu of hymns and canticles. The result is a very effective communal prayer book - which encourages truly participation. However, the use of litanies makes its use as a solitary prayer less powerful. For those with a specific love of Celtic prayers or for small groups wanting a gentle way into morning/evening prayer this is an excellent volume.

Rating:
Summary: Another variation on liturgy of the hours - for groups
Review: This book is another of the excellent books that provides a Liturgy of the Hours that is more accessible to laity than the official texts - one need not spend time flipping pages. The prayers cover morning, midday, evening and night prayer and are based on traditional themes, psalms, scripture and prayers. The prayers are Celtic prayers - in contrast to the Latin prayer formats of the official text. What sets this volume apart is the use of litanies - in lieu of hymns and canticles. The result is a very effective communal prayer book - which encourages truly participation. However, the use of litanies makes its use as a solitary prayer less powerful. For those with a specific love of Celtic prayers or for small groups wanting a gentle way into morning/evening prayer this is an excellent volume.

Rating:
Summary: Celtic Outlook Brought to Book of Daily Prayers
Review: This little, easy to use prayer book has the fresh turn of phrase and love of the natural world we have come to expect from Celtic spirituality. Easy rubics lead a group or an individual through the prayers and readings selected for each day. I used David Adam's Rhythm of Life at a Celtic Day of Prayer group experience and found it a powerful part of an introduction to the Celtic way of spirituality.