The Bridge of Stars: 365 Prayers, Blessings, and Meditations from Around the World

Rating:
Summary: An Enchanting Work Of Art
Review: As a student of theology, a writer of poetry, a mother to three children, and a collector of beautiful books, The Bridge Of Stars is a wonderful addition to my library. In my quest to instill in my children the oneness of all people, I find that prayers, hymns, and poetry from around the world reveal to them the common beliefs, hopes, and dreams we all share.

Apart from being a remarkable collection of writing, this book is probably the most artistically abundant book of its kind. Among the images that adorn each page you will find flowers, waterfalls, landscapes, and even the magical quality of a rain-drenched spider's web.

This masterpiece was well thought out, with the perfect placement of text among the artwork. The words and images combined create a feeling of peace and tranquillity, as well as a connectedness to all of nature. For example, the poem/prayer One Equal Light by John Donne is accompanied by a photo of sunlight flowing through the limbs of trees in a peaceful wood.

For all with an interest in spirituality, this book of art, poetry, and nature is a must-have addition to your shelf!

Rating:
Summary: Building Bridges: Interfaith Construction Company
Review: In the many dark days which followed the atrocities of September 11th, when the American spirit looked for truth, it became a mantra of the people, "We must try to understand." We may never fathom the actions of fanaticism, and few of us have the preparational groundwork to fully comprehend the religious differences offered as an excuse for war, but one thing is certain: we need to go beyond the differences to build a better future. Marcus Braybrooke affords us the opportunity to take a step towards that goal in his compilation of prayers, blessings and meditations, The Bridge of Stars.

The Bridge of Stars is an invaluable tool in seeking to discover what can bind us together as children of one World, one Creator. Providence certainly played her part in the book's timely creation. Now we simply need to build the bridges. It is amazing how many times, as we build from one end, we encounter a stranger building from the other, and, as two worlds connect, we have a pathway.

Marcus Braybrooke, a parish priest in Oxford, England, has spent over thirty years, and many miles, urging the world toward a greater understanding of the need for Interfaith Dialogue. As reader you will enter that dialogue with voices from many sources, spanning many centuries and treating topics common to all. Each voice, or prayer, visually presented in a creative format which enhances the particular theme, will resonnate with the sense of unity which connects us to the Scource. Call your Creator what you may, in this compilation culled from many different traditions, there is no attempt to draw you into one direction or another, but to speak directly to the heart. The Bridge of Stars is a book which speaks to you, not around you; for you, not in place of you. Where so much inspirational literature these days is emotional disguised as spiritual, Bridge of Stars is spiritual to the core. It will lift you, rejoice with you, comfort and console you, and as you find the Creator, whom you name as you will, in the prayerful words of a Hindu or a Buddhist, a Native American, a Moslem, a Jew or a Christian, you will understand and know that I AM.

To find a voice: Read also Learn To Pray, by the same author/editor, a companion book to The Bridge of Stars.

Rating:
Summary: The Bridge of Stars
Review: The selections are beautiful prayers as well as beautifully written poetry. The illustrations are breathtakingly serene. Open to any page and just start reading! The process is refreshingly simple, but relaxing. The book also serves as a great resource for finding the perfect words for expressing your thoughts and feelings. I have found passages appropriate to include on a card to my son's teacher, an admired co-worker, and best friend! The feelings expressed are multi-cultural and timeless. For example, a prayer for forgiveness, written in the 6th century in Persia, is as much relevant today as it was when it was written. You will definately want your own copy, but it would also make an excellent gift for anyone from your mother to a close friend.

Rating:
Summary: The Bridge of Stars
Review: The selections are beautiful prayers as well as beautifully written poetry. The illustrations are breathtakingly serene. Open to any page and just start reading! The process is refreshingly simple, but relaxing. The book also serves as a great resource for finding the perfect words for expressing your thoughts and feelings. I have found passages appropriate to include on a card to my son's teacher, an admired co-worker, and best friend! The feelings expressed are multi-cultural and timeless. For example, a prayer for forgiveness, written in the 6th century in Persia, is as much relevant today as it was when it was written. You will definately want your own copy, but it would also make an excellent gift for anyone from your mother to a close friend.