Author Description
Under the expert guidance of the late Bishop George Appleton a selection of prayers has been made spanning many centuries. It includes Christian prayers from the Bible and from the saints and mystics of the past, as well as prayers from Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Iranian, Shinto, Classical Greek and Latin, native American, and Bahá'í religions, and also contemporary prayers from different parts of the world. The cooperation of many advisers has ensured that the choice of prayers is ecumenical in the widest sense of the word.The prayers are arranged under headings such as "Prayers from the Scriptures", "Prayers of Christians, personal and occasional", "Prayers of the Church", and "Prayers from other traditions of faith", but there is also a subject index to guide the user to prayers for particular occasions, and an index of authors and sources. The book may thus be used for browsing or for more structured prayer, for private meditation or for public worship.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This volume investigates the universal human impulse toward prayer by curating a diverse collection of devotional texts across historical and cultural boundaries. Bishop George Appleton, a respected ecclesiastical figure, utilizes his extensive theological background to compile a comprehensive anthology that bridges the gap between ancient liturgical traditions and contemporary spiritual expression. The work argues that prayer serves as a common language for humanity, transcending specific denominational or religious affiliations through its focus on shared human experience and aspiration.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- A wide-ranging selection of prayers from Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, and Bahá'í traditions.
- Historical texts ranging from biblical scriptures to the writings of saints and mystics.
- A structured indexing system categorized by subject, author, and source for practical application.
Scope Limits
- The collection does not provide deep theological commentary or critical analysis of the prayers included.
- It does not attempt to be an exhaustive historical record of every global religious tradition.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Scholars and clergy frequently cite this work as a standard reference for both private devotion and public liturgical planning. Readers often note the accessibility of the organization, which allows for both casual browsing and targeted use during specific life events or worship services.
Page Count:
416
Publication Date:
2002-12-12
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0192803743
ISBN-13:
9780192803740
Spirituality
Religion
Prayers
Reference
Anthology
Prayer
Theology