The Interfaith Prayer Book: New Expanded Edition

by Ted Brownstein

The first edition of the Interfaith Prayer Book was released in 2001. It proved to be immensely popular for use both at interfaith gatherings and for personal reflection, having found its way into hospitals, motel rooms and college classrooms as well as places of worship all around the world. That edition contained a selection of prayers from six religious traditions; Hindu, Jewish, Buddhist, Christian, Muslim and Bahá’í. This Expanded Edition adds prayers from eight additional traditions; Native African, Native American, Zoroastrian, Taoist, Confucian, Shinto, Jain and Sikh. Its aim is to further enrich our devotional practice, to share a taste of our planet's diverse spiritual heritage and to deepen our sense of interfaith connectedness. Nothing brings us closer to God or closer to each other than prayer.

Genres: Religion, Spirituality

104 pages, Paperback

First published April 4, 2014

Reviews

[Josh Issa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing reveals the heart of a people more than prayer.

A book of very common prayer. I love the intention of this book to serve as a both a means of ecumenical dialogue and as a liturgical selection. I wish that it were a bit longer in places, the Jain selections were far too short. Reading prayers back to back from different traditions just shows how much is shared between us all - no matter the extrinsic belief system.

May peace and reconciliation come to all, and may we strive to make it real here and now.

[Harry Allagree · Rating 3 out of 5]

In early 2005 a group of people, desirous of actively engaging in religious reconciliation formed a loosely structured network within the town of Lake Worth, FL. By May 2005 they'd begun holding events, such as the observance of the National Day of Prayer. By November 2011 the Network's activity expanded to promote a wider variety of events, adding educational programs, sponsoring group visitations to various houses of worship, & participating in service projects. The Interfaith Prayer Book was published by Ted Brownstein as early as 2001, & an expanded edition appeared in 2014.

The book is useful because of prayers & short descriptions which can be used for any number of appropriate occasions. The material gives just a taste of the various faith traditions & philosophies. It's quite noticeable how the consistent themes in all the prayers are about the peace & unity of all people, care of the earth, justice, truth & love.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book does cover a lot of different religions, giving a very brief (1 paragraph) summary of the religion, and a list of prayers from that faith. It's short and sweet and if you knew what specific faith the group you were working with was, this could be a good resource.

However, it definitely wasn't what I expected when I purchased an interfaith book. I'll start by saying that I probably should have read more reviews and dome some more research. I grabbed this book, hoping to be able to compare/contrast the prayers for different religions and get some tips on interfaith prayer. However, this book is simply a book of prayers that are divided up by religion with no interfaith prayers included. It doesn't have use for a diverse population. Additionally, some faiths, like Paganism, are left out completely. It is an interesting resource if you're looking for a specific faith's prayers.

[E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has been my devotional book the last few months. It has been enjoyable to experience the prayers of different faith traditions and thus enrich my own spirituality.

[Diana-Michaela Shaffner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Interfaith Prayer book is a very small book but offers a nice selection of prayers for many faiths. It is great to keep on hand during spiritual group gatherings.

[Jeanne Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good resource for prayers of many different faith traditions. Useful as a chaplain in a multi faith environment.

[Angela Orebaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice overview and good resources. I would have liked even more!

[Riley Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful prayer book from various religious traditions. I used it part of my daily quiet time. I read it in one sitting, letting the prayers wash over me, it was a lovely experience.

[Peter Hofstra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful offering of prayers if different traditions. Shows how we are closer than farther apart.

[Brookity Dendinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. Lots of variety within multiple religions and beliefs.

[Jean Marie Angelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the key books I was told to have when I began my hospital chaplaincy internship. This slim, but powerful, volume includes traditional prayers for all faiths.