Barefoot Prayers

by Stephen Cherry

Stephen Cherry's latest book is a sequence of beautifully crafted prayer-meditations, providing simple yet profound spiritual nourishment for the Lenten season. The book gives an engaging introduction to the different ways that prayer can work in the lives of the busiest of Christians. Barefoot Prayers is ideal for people who may have little time for sitting and reading but more time for thinking and reflecting.

133 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Stephen Cherry is the Dean of King's College, Cambridge.

Reviews

[Brian Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Often with this kind of book of prayers/meditations there are a few of the pieces which stand out because they have depth & get to the heart of matters, and many that seem to slide over the surface because they grow out of the conventional language one would expect to be used in prayer.

Stephen Cherry avoids this weakness very effectively. He writes with great honesty on a variety of themes & topics, always reflecting real, complex, lived experiences. At times they are very gritty & challenging because he approaches life as it is, rather than through conventional language & formulae of faith.

A book that I will return to again & again

[Glenn Crouch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I used this as part of my devotions for Lent / Easter in 2014.

I really didn't get into the first 2 weeks of reading, and was about to give up, then weeks 3 through 6 really got to me, and then I had trouble "connecting" with weeks 7 and 8.

Now this could be because of fault on my part - I will admit that the Poetical approach is not something I come to easily - but I thought I would give it a try for this Lent. I am pleased that I did, and the amount that I got out of the middle of this book almost makes it worth 4 stars.

[Heather Stanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

a beautiful set of poems, nourishing and provocative.

[Knightgina · Rating 4 out of 5]

really lovely, followed on well from Barefoot disciple & was a brilliant way to work through Lent.

[marion hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first found this thought provoking prayer book browsing through Amazon's bookstore and used the sprayer regularly.It opened up a new way of praying taking me deeper in meditation. This Easter I used it during lent and was amazed again by the simplicity.

And depth of the prayers. I am very glad I came across Barefoot Prayers. I will. Continue to use it again and again. MgHan

[David Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stephen Cherry’s creative turn of words and phrases can be felt deep within. As a Lenten devotional, however, it oddly lacks a focus on the passion and death of Christ. Nonetheless, his poetic style engages the heart and mind to be enjoyed at any time. Some selections could easily be read at a public worship service.