Like Breath and Water: Praying with Africa

by Ciona D. Rouse

We are all intertwined in one another's story. We are all part of each other's communities despite our seeming differences. If you want to learn how to pray, go to Africa. Prayer thrives in the squatters corner, in the orphanage filled with malaria-stricken infants, around murky disease-infested ponds - the only water source for entire villages. How can we in the privileged developed countries become less dependent on such a divine gift as a regular dialogue with our creator? How can we teach our hearts the hope-filled prayer Rouse found in Africa that keeps track of miracles instead of pains? That considers prayer as essential to life as breath and water? Follow Rouse on her pilgrimage of discovery as she journeys through several African countries, recording the prayers and realities of the people. She and her companions met ""people with swollen hearts, not just swollen bellies; ... people caring for their communities, not holding out hands for help."" As one reviewer says, ""This story is not only a challenge of our conceptions and apathy but a testament to the unbounded power of prayer."" Filled with beautiful poignant photographs, Like Breath and Water will make you fall more deeply in love with prayer.

Genres: Africa

92 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2010

About the author

Ciona Rouse is a poet, living in Nashville, Tenn., where she curates many poetry experiences and reading series in the city and teaches poetry workshops. Her poetry chapbook VANTABLACK was released in August 2017 by Third Man Books.

Reviews

[Sue Merrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This tiny volume is packed with powerful photos and well-chosen words detailing a visit to Africa and its people. Each person's tale is concise, no more than a page, and yet these people and their experiences are unforgettable. The author adds powerful prayers at the end of each chapter, wonderful words that roll off the tongue almost like songs of praise. It's the kind of book you want to read again just for the jolt of inspiration it provides. I especially enjoy the concept of praying WITH Africa. Prayer is not something we can pack up in a box and send like an act of charity, as though those of us with more money and more freedom have a corner on the market for prayer as well. Not at all. We are in this together. We are praying with our brothers and sisters in Africa for more justice and understanding and joy for all of us. That's part of the power of this book, its ability to span the ocean of stereotype and ignorance and unite us all. A beautiful work.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing look into the heart of Africa, and a clear reminder of why we are called to prayer.