Celtic Daily Prayer Book 1

by The Northumbria Community

A revised edition of this classic compendium of readings and prayers for every day of the year, with Celtic themes and inspiration. The first in a two-volume collection of liturgies, prayers and meditations from the Northumbria Community, inspired by ancient Celtic Christianity, but reaching out to bring inspiration and comfort to all today who seek to be still and to find spiritual truth. As a companion for the journey, this book offers meditations for the events of life, and liturgies for its seasons. It also provides a two-year cycle of insights and daily reflections with accompanying scripture readings for use in morning and evening prayer. This is a rich treasury that is loved and trusted by individuals, ministers, families, groups and communities across the world.

Genres: Faith, Christian, Spirituality, Prayer, Religion, Nonfiction, Devotional

848 pages, Hardcover

First published September 24, 2015

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Favorite and CUrrent Devotional! YAY!

[N. Niemeier · Rating 2 out of 5]

Giving 2 stars because some of the short liturgies aren't the worst and the lectionaries can be used, but...this book is a mess. I had initial high hopes for it, hoping that it was actually drawing on something historical, but it isn't. I appreciate that its authors acknowledge that what they're doing isn't some sort of repristination of an ancient practice, but what they've created is a weird mishmash of new-agey prayers and liturgies mixed in with some folksy bad theology and Celtic revival revisionism. I've found at least two instances of blatantly heretical statements thus far in this volume. Andy Raines is listed as the primary author, but I'm unclear as to what his tradition is or what his qualifications are.

Use with caution.

Of course, as one Reddit poster said regarding "Celtic prayer," "if you're not standing chest-deep in the freezing Irish sea while reciting the psalter from memory, you're not doing it."

[Jane Riordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually have a copy of the Complines from the Celtic Daily Prayer Book, with a compline for each night of the week gathered together in a small, manageable book, which can easily sit on one's bedside table (night stand).
For those who might be wondering, a compline is an evening ritual of a time of quietness, of gathering the thoughts for the day and preparing for quiet and sleep, of settling oneself in for the night, with oneself, one's thoughts and with God.
It can be practiced as an individual or a group and just takes a few minutes but pulls together the day and sets one up for the night ahead and the day to come.
The complines within this book are each named after an individual from the era of the Celtic and Northumbrian saints.
As compline would often / is often said by candlelight, a largish print is used.
It is an easy practice to adopt and one which centres one, calms one and brings one peace.

[Stephen Morefield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worked through the daily prayer offices and the Aidan readings in 2025 and greatly benefited from this work. Surprisingly, I found greater benefit from the repeated daily prayers than the Aidan readings- which at times felt randon, unconnected, and not always filled with the depth I sought. Likewise, some of the historical refrences, etc were problematic theologically both in how history was retold and in who this book picked to set forth as examples. All that being said, a discerning reader can greatly benefit from this work and I look forward to doing the Finan readings in the future. I'm still reflecting on just how formative and helpful the daily offices are and I'm grateful for how this book helped me embrace them. Overall a rich and grace-filled work!

[Errol Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are not books that you actually finish reading since you reread or use portions throughout the year and continue to use throughout your life. The spiritual journey involves a regular rhythm or prayer, meditation, and action. These books help develop that rhythm.

[Ken Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great way to engage in prayer that guides and enlightens

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read any Celtic devotional books before. This was a great place to start. The daily devotionals as well as the reflections on the Saints are very helpful.