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Prayers from Chautauqua, by Joan Brown Campbell. Pilgrim Press, 2013.
Sister Joan Chittister gives the forward for this book of prayers and encourages the readers to take to heart the many themes of prayer of supplication and praise to God.
This book is a spiritual treasure for persons of every denomination, culture, and way of life. Campbell seems to touch the feelings and desires of every heart of humankind. She has themes of peace-making, world-healing, and just plain everyday living. Her writing exhibits beauty, religion, and a deep sense of spirituality. It seems that Campbell has insight into the most intricate sentiments of the human heart, and she offers prayers that
fit these sentiments.
Campbell shows a deep knowledge of the modern world, and recognizes the many pitfalls that humans need to steer away from, supplying prayers that seem to fit any and every occasion of sin or the practice of virtue. Her prayers are sure to give one a sense of peace and good will. All nations, all peoples will find comfort and challenge in these prayers.
In every prayer, Campbell is well aware of the influence of Scripture as she directs her prayers to the God of all comfort. These prayers come from her heart and are directed to the heart of God by way of the needs of humanity. Her aim is to bring congregations together in a spirit of gratitude for creation, respect for human diversity, and the ever persistent pursuit of
justice.
One person who reviewed this book suggests that he uses one of these prayers to begin each day.
Gracious God, you are generous beyond our capacity to comprehend. Yet in our own
limited way, we grasp the meaning of generosity, of boundless love, and the power of your eternal embrace. You call us out of ourselves into a world of need and possibility. So to us the gifted and the strong, God's call comes down through the ages. We hear the words of teachers, preachers, prophets, and disciples, who remind us that unto whom much is given, much is required. On this night we honor all who have heard the call, all who have responded faithfully and courageously with
unbounded generosity. ...May we become a beacon of hope in a war-weary world. Amen
(Thanks to Sr. Irene Hartman OP for this review.)
Paperback
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