The Oxford Book of Prayer

by George Appleton (Editor)

Despite the anxious and ubiquitous materialism of the modern world, the practice of prayer and meditation remains a source of both relief and inspiration for millions. This unique compilation of over 1,100 prayers combines the traditional with the modern, stretching from the Bible, the
saints and mystics of the past, and the Book of Common Prayer, to a Ghanaian fisherman's prayer, and prayers from many influential non-Christian religions.
Selected for their literary merit as well as spiritual quality, these prayers speak to the modern reader. Arranged under headings such as "Prayers from the Scripture," "Prayers of Christians, Personal and Occasional," and "Prayers of Other Traditions of Faith," the anthology includes a subject
index to guide the reader to prayers for particular occasions, as well as an index of authors and sources. It serves as the ideal source for browsing or for more structured prayer, as well as for private meditation or public worship.

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

416 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I used this book and the prayers it contains in my daily devotional to “prime the pump” for my own prayers. Reading and praying over through the prayers of others can enrich your prayer life and increase your vocabulary for prayer. I think we often tend to fall into our own habits in terms of the phrases we use and the content of our prayers. Prayer books can help us expand our thinking and deepen the quality of our conversations with God. That being said, I found some of the prayers more helpful than others; a few I did not deem worthy of praying.

[William Ramsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nifty little book to have on hand for your liturgical prayer ministry.

Some of the prayers, that probably felt very inclusive in the 1980s are a little cringey now, but by and large a stirring collection.

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd love to be able to link to a picture of my copy of this little book. It looks like it's been through a war and has about ninety million little sticky notes marking particularly poignant prayers. It's a gem.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thorough, well organized, and plenty of variety.

[✎ madalaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tbh too many Christian prayers, not enough variation of faiths but still pleasant enough to read

[Steve Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great selection.... inspiring, humbling and illuminating. Man's eternal quest for a meaningful relationship with that which is greater than self has produced these beautiful reflections. No matter what faith, creed or spiritual belief a person may hold there is common ground here and a reassurance that in that quest we are all essentially one!

[Alicia Mooney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've only read parts of this one. It has some interesting prayers from different religions.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great resource...