A Prayerbook for Spiritual Friends

by Madeleine L'Engle, Luci Shaw

Here is a collection of read-aloud, read-together prayers that will draw close friends even closer---to each other, to God, and to the fascinating authors of these prayers. In a brief foreword, Madeleine L'Engle and Luci Shaw talk about the prayers they offer and reflect on the experience of prayer in their lives and in their friendship. Then, successive page spreads feature prayers from both authors about a specific topic or for a special occasion. The prayers are interactive---voices responding to each other, praying for each other, praying together---and designed to be prayed aloud, together, by spiritual friends. With the prayers, L'Engle and Shaw suggest settings that might enhance the experience. Topics and occasions for the prayers are as universal as the experiences of all friends. The prayers themselves are as unique as the personalities and experiences of the partners who wrote the book and those who use it. This is a book that will build prayer and friendships---a perfect gift for friends to share.

Genres: Faith, Prayer, Christianity, Nonfiction, Religion, Spirituality, Christian

96 pages, Paperback

First published June 28, 1999

About the author

Madeleine L'Engle was an American writer of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and young adult fiction, including A Wrinkle in Time and its sequels: A Wind in the Door, A Swiftly Tilting Planet, Many Waters, and An Acceptable Time. Her works reflect both her Christian faith and her strong interest in modern science.

Reviews

[Rahchell Cornish · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gift from my best friend.

A guide on prayer for various, general circumstances you may face together.l but it also explores some touching stories behind the prayers.

I think I particularly appreciated the unity between L'engle and Shaw despite their differences when it comes to doctrinal points of view.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not use this book as intended since I don't have a prayer partner. However, I like both Luci Shaw and Madeline L'Engle and I was intrigued by a book written by both of them.

It was interesting to use this book as part of my devotions. What I found useful was that the prayer topics for partners are not far off from topics anyone might pray about. The comments that the authors included helped me with my own prayers.

This book would be wonderful for prayer partners.

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked this more as a portrayal of the friendship of these two women — both writers and poets, in the later part of their life — than as a devotional work. As the latter, it's nice, but pretty light.

[Bethany · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed. I love both authors, but i didn't think this was very deep, more like a dictated conversation, or a book of prayers for the uninitiated. A few lines resonated with me, but overall, it didn't impact me.

[Kathleen Davis · Rating 1 out of 5]

I expected far more from L'Engle than this cardboard cutout prayerbook that reflects nothing more spiritual than an ingredient list for a tasteless recipe.