by Iain Gow (Author), Nat Tate (Illustrator)
94 pages
Publisher: Without Walls NZ (December 9, 2014)
I recently received Be Still, a book of prayers, images and blessings. Each time, across two pages ,there is a wonderful illustration by Nat Tate, a reflective prayer and a blessing. The book has forty of such double pages divided into seven sections: thankfulness, confession, doubt, intimacy & belovedness, forgiveness & hopefulness, intercession, and praise & wonder. The book starts with some suggestions to settle into stillness, an approach similar to centering prayer, and then use a resource from this book.
I could imagine this book available lying in a chapel or open church building, a visitor picking it up and using it to deepen a moment of silence towards contemplation. Or similarly at home. This is not a large-meal prayer resource, these are bonbon prayers and images that you savour.
A taste – I flicked open the book randomly:
Journey together
Lord, as we explore this journey together
May you help us to discover faith you to keep going.
Lord, as we explore this journey together
May you help us to discover faith in each other to keep going.
Lord, as we explore this journey together
May you help us to discover faith in ourselves to keep going.
For it is you, our Lord, and Saviour,
Who gives faith to those who seek your name.
Amen.Blessings
Bless you Lord of our journey
Who can move mountains
Walked on water
Healed the leper
Raised your friend to life
Who will come again.
Bless you God Almighty
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Be upon us and all whom we love
Now and always.
Amen
Some of the proceeds from this book help with the overall ministry of “Without Walls“, a Christian faith community open to those who are struggling to find their way in life.
I would have liked to see a little more suggestions on different ways, concretely, to use this resource. A simple (free) website/page accompanying it would help, for example. The images and metaphors are very wide and creative; as one who seeks to use a variety of titles for God and Christ, I notice the prevalence of “Lord” – possibly a cavil many may not even spot. This is a lovely little resource that can complement and encourage other contemplative prayer disciplines.
The kindle version is here
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similar resource here:
http://www.readings.com.au/products/17815536/poetry-psalms-and-prayers
Thanks, Anthony. Blessings.
Great resource recommendation, Bosco. I am a non-fan of the word “Lord” and it’s the first thing I noticed in the lovely prayers you cited. But I am trying to keep my mind and heart open, and embrace the fact that for many people, words I stumble over are not a problem for them. I love to pray when I am waiting for the train (usually anywhere from 3-10 minutes) or on the train (usually 40-60 minutes) and I’m always looking for ideas as I’m not a spontaneous prayer person.
Thanks, Jonathan. The use of “Lord” could be at least a whole post, or more, in itself – but I know that for many it would be: “huh”?! Somehow we non-fans also need to move through its use and not get stuck there, and realise words are & let them be vehicles. Blessings.