A Book Of Uncommon Prayer

Brian Doyle was a one-of-a-kind author who wrote one-of-a-kind prayers about everyday subjects that help readers change the way they see the world. Prayers for cashiers and good shoes; for shorter sermons and better senators; prayers for the bruised, foolish, glorious, stumbling, brilliant Church; for chaplains and mathematicians; for idiot authors and muddy dogs: These are the most heartfelt and headlong prayers you will ever read and share—the grinning, snarling prayers we mouth quietly in the car and the shower and the pub, the small chapels of our everyday life. Doyle said he aimed to write short pieces that functioned like “arrows to the heart.” This book is a quiver full of those sharp arrows, "stealth theology” that explores everyday encounters—from nuns to possums, from Chet Baker to Port-A-Potties—through a Catholic, sacramental imagination. Since Doyle’s death in 2017 from a brain tumor, enthusiasm for his award-winning writing has only swelled, whether it’s his quirky prayers, kinetic essays, or magical novels such as Mink River and The Plover. This tenth anniversary edition of A Book of Uncommon Prayer includes a new foreword from his wife, Mary, and an afterword from his good friend Peter Boland, who delivered the eulogy at Doyle’s funeral.

M. R. James was born in Kent, England in 1862. James came to writing fiction relatively late, not publishing his first collection of short stories – Ghost Stories of an Antiquary (1904) – until the age of 42. Modern scholars now see James as having redefined the ghost story for the 20th century and he is seen as the founder of the 'antiquarian ghost story'. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions with a brand new introductory biography of the author.

What People are Saying… “Rev. Angelica’s messages are a combination of story-telling, enlightened insight, affirmative prayer, and honest communication around what it means to be spirit having a human experience.” — Danika Dinsmore, author “Rev. Angelica has inspired me for years with her weekly messages and prayers. What a feast to have so much wisdom in one volume!” — Rev. Carrie Hunter, Banff, Alberta, Canada “Open and caring, joyful and sharing are the foundations on which Reverend Angelica builds to inspire us to be the best version of ourselves we can be. I hope you will find as much encouragement and inspiration in this collection of some of her finest messages as I have in reading them over the past ten years.” — Brad McPhee, Financial Consultant “Rev. Angelica’s Messages are an integral part of my spiritual practice. They are always such a great resource, personally inspiring me with many ideas to contemplate and down to earth inspiration that I often quote in my own presentations.” — Rev. Lorraine Trout, Saskatoon, SK, Canada “Rev. Angelica writes with a blend of common sense and spiritual wisdom that is a treasure for beginners and advanced readers alike. She never fails to enlighten, entertain and make me think. I look forward to what she has to say and how she chooses to say it. Her affirmative prayers are pure poetry.” — Rev. Jane Claypool, author This insightful guide is like having my own practical mystic at my fingertips. Rev Angelica finds and shares extraordinary messages from life’s most ordinary events. — Rev. Sandy Shipley, Life Coach & Wedding Officiant “Rev. Angelica is phenomenal in her highly practical way of presenting Science of Mind principles . Through her teachings I have come to know my hearts desires manifest with as much ease as I allow myself.” — Beky Baxter

From the critically acclaimed author of Private Altars comes an equisite book of hours that is at once love poetry, spiritual lyric, and a passionate response to the echo of monastic tradition. Line drawings.

Themes of 42 biblical Psalms are reweaved into contemporary poetry & prayer.

Looking for ways to be strong yet tender, independent yet intimate, women today strive toward ever greater understanding of themselves, their relationships with family and friends, and their place in the world. Written by clergy and lay women from all around the country, this compilation of prayers and poems is the collective wisdom of contemporary women who base their search for such understanding on the belief that all of life must be seen against the backdrop of a vital faith. Offered in a spirit of sharing and encouragement, these prayers and poems are as rich, intricate, and complex as the women's lives they represent. Women's Uncommon Prayers covers the full spectrum of emotions from desperate pleas for compassion in times of despair to quiet gratitude for the simple blessings of everyday living, to raucous praise during moments of celebration. These prayers touch on an amazing array of topics organized under the categories of identity, daily life, stages of life, spirituality, and ministry. Also included are comprehensive sections of seasonal and corporate prayers.

Almost everyone, from devoted Christian to searching agnostic, has thoughts and questions about prayer. Through his ministry, Episcopal priest Kenneth Swanson discovered that many people, despite their individual beliefs, needed to be taught how to pray in order to grow closer to God. Written clearly and persuasively, Uncommon Prayer traces different spiritual movements and different types of prayer, telling the stories of men and women, from the dawn of biblical history through the modern day, who have grappled with their relationship with God--offering lessons for each of us on how to pray comfortably and effectively. Unique in its approach, fascinating to read, and inspiring in its simplicity, Uncommon Prayer is an uncommonly useful and important book that will appeal to those who are yearning for greater meaning, deeper spirituality, or who are simply seeking a new sense of intimacy with God.