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The Celtic Way of Prayer: The Recovery of the Religious Imagination
Esther de Waal, one of Celtic Christianity's preeminent scholars, shows how this tradition of worship draws on both the pre-Christian past and on the fullness of the Gospel. It is also an enlightening glimpse at the history, folklore, and liturgy of the Celtic people.
Esther de Waal introduces readers to monastic prayer and praise (the foundation stone of Celtic Christianity), early Irish litanies, medieval Welsh praise poems, and the wealth of blessings derived from an oral tradition that made prayer a part of daily life. Through this invigorating book, readers enter a world in which ritual and rhythm, nature and seasons, images and symbols play an essential role. A welcome contrast to modern worship, Celtic prayer is liberating and, like a living spring, forever fresh.
Esther de Waal introduces readers to monastic prayer and praise (the foundation stone of Celtic Christianity), early Irish litanies, medieval Welsh praise poems, and the wealth of blessings derived from an oral tradition that made prayer a part of daily life. Through this invigorating book, readers enter a world in which ritual and rhythm, nature and seasons, images and symbols play an essential role. A welcome contrast to modern worship, Celtic prayer is liberating and, like a living spring, forever fresh.
234 pages, Paperback
First published October 17, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 15, 2011
Wow, I really enjoyed this book. I have been pursuing a keen interest in Celtic Christianity for about a year now, and this book was a great encouragement along that path. The author does an excellent job first with making the great history of Celtic prayers available to a lay person like me--I don't believe she translates them herself, but she pores through lots of old works and has picked out wonderful prayers which she quotes liberally. These prayers will be incorporated into my own life. The thing I most love about these prayers is the way they are molded into the daily fabric of your life, so that prayer becomes almost a way of being not so much an action (pray without ceasing says Thessalonians).
Second, she does a really good job of navigating between the extreme tendencies to which one could easy fall prey to when it comes to Celtic spirituality. For example, it is easy to fall in love with the Celtic connection with the earth and nature but to forget (which de Waal does not allow) that nature can often be cruel, especially when you are a solitary monk or nun living in a cave by yourself for years a time in a cold and wet climate. Another example would be the tendency toward overly romanticizing these Celtic prayers that are so beautifully made Christian from the pagan past but to forget (again which de Waal does not allow) that these prayers could become mostly just superstitious almost incantations that one would say without really know what one is saying.
Overall, this book is helpful to me in my quest to live a more liturgical life, which I feel helps me keep a steady grip on the world which often feels like it is blowing by me very quickly. The liturgical life, however, must be tempered with the sort of deep devotion and spontaneity which modern American evangelical spirituality has right, lest it lead toward the sort of thing which we all see in our lapsed C and E Catholic friends: they can sit through an amazing service with ancient liturgies that speak of the exalted qualities of our Triune God and not be impacted by it in the least (forgive me Catholics for picking on you, any branch of Christianity has those folks--I have been to plenty of Episcopal churches where this is the case for example). I want to be a person who really means what I say in the liturgies and who others can quickly see that the liturgies do have a real meaning in my life.
Second, she does a really good job of navigating between the extreme tendencies to which one could easy fall prey to when it comes to Celtic spirituality. For example, it is easy to fall in love with the Celtic connection with the earth and nature but to forget (which de Waal does not allow) that nature can often be cruel, especially when you are a solitary monk or nun living in a cave by yourself for years a time in a cold and wet climate. Another example would be the tendency toward overly romanticizing these Celtic prayers that are so beautifully made Christian from the pagan past but to forget (again which de Waal does not allow) that these prayers could become mostly just superstitious almost incantations that one would say without really know what one is saying.
Overall, this book is helpful to me in my quest to live a more liturgical life, which I feel helps me keep a steady grip on the world which often feels like it is blowing by me very quickly. The liturgical life, however, must be tempered with the sort of deep devotion and spontaneity which modern American evangelical spirituality has right, lest it lead toward the sort of thing which we all see in our lapsed C and E Catholic friends: they can sit through an amazing service with ancient liturgies that speak of the exalted qualities of our Triune God and not be impacted by it in the least (forgive me Catholics for picking on you, any branch of Christianity has those folks--I have been to plenty of Episcopal churches where this is the case for example). I want to be a person who really means what I say in the liturgies and who others can quickly see that the liturgies do have a real meaning in my life.
October 2, 2020
A lovely exploration of the Celtic tradition of prayer. Part anthology, part meditation, this is a lovely introduction for those curious about Celtic spirituality. I use the Northumbria Community's Celtic Daily Prayer anthology, and was pleased to come across many of the sources. The Celtic Way of Prayer enriches my experience of using Celtic Daily Prayer.
De Waal grew up in what sounds like a high church, heavily liturgical tradition, and felt a sense of freedom and continuity when she discovered and began practicing Celtic spirituality. I grew up in a proudly low church, even anti-liturgical tradition, and felt that same freedom and continuity when I learned the creeds and started following the liturgical year, and now choosing a very liturgical/high church community to join. De Waal specifically mentions the creeds as something that made Christianity more intellectual than personal to her, as she grew up memorizing them. It was the opposite for me, because they were fresh. Similarly, Celtic spirituality is also fresh to me, but has some of that intimacy that I know from evangelicalism.
The best word I can find to describe Celtic spirituality is "infused," and that's not because I read a chapter every morning while drinking a cup of tea. The Celtic worldview sees nature, community, and the human soul as infused with the divine. It's a bit mystic, a bit woo-woo for this evangelical, but absolutely entrancing all the same. "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it," after all. Celtic Christianity is decidedly different from Rome-flavored Christianity (Protestantism, too!), because the Celts made Christianity their own, maintaining and redeeming aspects of their pre-Christian culture, building a different sense of Christianity altogether, though just as wonderful as Roman Christianity.
I'd highly recommend this book to those who are curious about Celtic spirituality, or want some good resources to dig into it. I knocked off a star because the format leaves me unsure of how to use the book in the long run. The prayers are not titled, and I don't cotton to the idea of flipping through the text to find the right prayer at the right time. Of course, I'll be reading this again, but it's not quite a full anthology nor an explanatory text. Supplementary materials, like anthologies of Celtic prayers, are essential for those looking to incorporate practices into their spiritual lives.
De Waal grew up in what sounds like a high church, heavily liturgical tradition, and felt a sense of freedom and continuity when she discovered and began practicing Celtic spirituality. I grew up in a proudly low church, even anti-liturgical tradition, and felt that same freedom and continuity when I learned the creeds and started following the liturgical year, and now choosing a very liturgical/high church community to join. De Waal specifically mentions the creeds as something that made Christianity more intellectual than personal to her, as she grew up memorizing them. It was the opposite for me, because they were fresh. Similarly, Celtic spirituality is also fresh to me, but has some of that intimacy that I know from evangelicalism.
The best word I can find to describe Celtic spirituality is "infused," and that's not because I read a chapter every morning while drinking a cup of tea. The Celtic worldview sees nature, community, and the human soul as infused with the divine. It's a bit mystic, a bit woo-woo for this evangelical, but absolutely entrancing all the same. "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it," after all. Celtic Christianity is decidedly different from Rome-flavored Christianity (Protestantism, too!), because the Celts made Christianity their own, maintaining and redeeming aspects of their pre-Christian culture, building a different sense of Christianity altogether, though just as wonderful as Roman Christianity.
I'd highly recommend this book to those who are curious about Celtic spirituality, or want some good resources to dig into it. I knocked off a star because the format leaves me unsure of how to use the book in the long run. The prayers are not titled, and I don't cotton to the idea of flipping through the text to find the right prayer at the right time. Of course, I'll be reading this again, but it's not quite a full anthology nor an explanatory text. Supplementary materials, like anthologies of Celtic prayers, are essential for those looking to incorporate practices into their spiritual lives.
April 8, 2022
This wonderful book on Celtic spirituality, liturgy, and the sacramental gift of prayer, written by Esther De Waal, a brilliant historian that taught at Cambridge University in England, was very helpful, spiritually nourishing, and has deepened my understanding of prayer. I highly recommend it.
March 12, 2019
A beautiful, moving anthology of the Celtic worldview, one that is very much relevant to our day and age.
July 19, 2022
I read through this slowly, over the course of 5 months, a paragraph or page or so at a time. In nearly every snippet, there was an idea for me to think on.
I appreciated the different view of prayer and Christianity, as a way to expand my own prayer life and the interconnectedness of our world and the divine. Because I’m not familiar with the Celtic Traditions, I was confused at times about who the author was referencing. Not sure if it was truly unclear, or if I would have had an easier time following if I read more at once or knew more background already.
I appreciated the different view of prayer and Christianity, as a way to expand my own prayer life and the interconnectedness of our world and the divine. Because I’m not familiar with the Celtic Traditions, I was confused at times about who the author was referencing. Not sure if it was truly unclear, or if I would have had an easier time following if I read more at once or knew more background already.
July 3, 2016
I started this book with high expectations. It was recommended to me as a classic in Celtic expression of prayer. I am interested in, and long to experience more of the richness of the Celtic experience of Christian faith. This book, however, wavers between being a rather dry and clinical cataloguing of various aspects of religious experience and being the author's personal "I like this" about various Celtic prayer/poems. As it quotes poems and pieces of poems, it does give some insight into the Celtic way of prayer, but ultimately one is left distanced from it in a way that is simply unsatisfying.
July 3, 2019
I was assigned this book for a class on English Spirituality which started off with an exploration in Celtic and Pre-Celtic Christianity. I found de Waal's book to provide a great background, with wonderful examples. I found the writing personable and engaging. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in exploring and expanding their spiritual journey and prayer life.
May 22, 2021
Honestly I was alternately attracted to and repelled by this book. Yes to infusing days and ordinary work with the divine and seeking harmony with nature. No to praising the practice of cruciform prayer with arms outstretched for hours at a time or asking blessings on every single body part. Moderation in all things.
Book is well documented and has extensive notes section.
Book is well documented and has extensive notes section.
February 23, 2015
Another splendid read on Celtic Spirituality. A curation of many traditional prayers and blessings, this book gives a very nice snapshot of Celtic Christianity, including daily life, theology, and liturgy.
April 30, 2019
I found this book unusual for the large amount of quoted material, which was usually introduced with a personal reflection as opposed to a more critical analysis. (For example, how do the quoted prayers differ in their theology, or their regional or historical background? We don't get any sense of that with this book.) This book was more like a journal or scrapbook of prayers and stories that held meaning to the author. This wasn't exactly what I was looking for, but I appreciate it nonetheless.
In particular, I appreciated the author's explanation of how the quoted prayers would be used throughout the day. It sounded a lot like the practice of mantras, and I think this mental training is something that could be highlighted more in Christianity. I also appreciated her challenge to the romantic notions we get about a spirituality based in creation and the body. There is much suffering in this world, and the path walked by Celtic Christians was one that required courage and perseverance. With the notes section at the back, I will be able to continue learning more about this beautiful tradition.
In particular, I appreciated the author's explanation of how the quoted prayers would be used throughout the day. It sounded a lot like the practice of mantras, and I think this mental training is something that could be highlighted more in Christianity. I also appreciated her challenge to the romantic notions we get about a spirituality based in creation and the body. There is much suffering in this world, and the path walked by Celtic Christians was one that required courage and perseverance. With the notes section at the back, I will be able to continue learning more about this beautiful tradition.
August 3, 2020
When people ask me for an introductory book to Celtic Christian Spirituality, I point them to this book. It's actually a book I usually have at least two copies of sitting around (whenever I see a copy in a used bookstore, I pick it up) so that I can either loan out or gift a copy to someone expressing interest in Celtic Spirituality. This was one of the first books I read on Celtic Spirituality and though I've read a lot since (and a number of books that go more in depth), this one really covers all the bases. I particularly love the collection of prayers found throughout the book showing examples of what the author is talking about.
I think this is the book that introduced me to the concept of "peregrinatio" which I've run into again and again, yet she explains it the most poetically and succinctly.
I think this is the book that introduced me to the concept of "peregrinatio" which I've run into again and again, yet she explains it the most poetically and succinctly.
January 19, 2023
I read this book after finding a celtic prayer I enjoyed and wanted to learn more about the early celtic church and ancient prayer. In those two instances this was a good read. It included histroy with references. While the author and I have different theological views I appreciated the imagination and nature themes of celtic prayer. I think the desire for more history and less methodology is what lead me to give this book a lower rating. Not everything written in this book fits into our century for today's Christian who probably isn't living in a monastery. However, there were many points inspired me and touched my heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2022
Hands down my favorite book on prayer I have ever read. It never feels like an instruction manual, and I was pulled into a time and place in which reality was steeped in the spiritual (or maybe the other way around?). It's more of an anthology with application that never feels forced or belabored. I savored and spread out every chapter in order to give myself time to process and integrate new learning. I'll measure my understanding of a life of prayer in terms of "before" and "after" I read this book.
February 28, 2023
Many other people will absolutely love this book. For me, not so much. I'm not exactly sure why; maybe it was too academic or too ... cognitive or something. For those of us who identify as Christians, I think it's vitally important to recover the earthy beauty of the Celtic wing of the Church before Rome snuffed it out. But somehow this treatment as opposed to, say, that by someone like John O'Donohue was for me lacking in emotion, passion and applicability.
August 1, 2024
I loved being able to study some of the prayers and poems that have been passed down from generations of Celtic Christians. While I didn't always agree with their theology of the individual, the mythological, and the role of nature, they are certainly beautiful to read and have made me want to use some of them in my own prayer life.
August 12, 2025
I was very impressed how this book takes us back in history to how all members of the family used prayer constantly throughout the day. Graciousness and thankfulness unending while finding meaning and purpose for day to day struggles. The poetry is lovely in that everyone can contemplate spiritual heavenly words that at the same time are grounded in our human existence.
November 17, 2025
In "The Celtic Way of Prayer” Esther de Waal presents a superb introduction to Celtic spirituality, with personal reflection and examples, nourishing the readers’ journey in ways so relevant to today’s life. Highly recommended to anyone curious about early Christian practices and understandings, or looking to deepen their own spiritual life in fresh ways.
February 26, 2019
So much beauty in this, and yet my biggest takeaway is a reminder of just how psychologically fucked up the premise of Christianity (and Abrahamic theology) truly is. Still, the bibliography alone was worth the read.
October 10, 2022
I appreciated the historical and religious context shared by the author, but I wish that there had been more of that kind of content. The author shared many many quotes from the Carmina Gadelica and other similar works along with some of her thoughts and appreciations of the prayers.
March 17, 2023
Great book
Wonderful book and very elegant. The book is like one long poem and reads as if we were speaking in cursive. The only reason I didn't give it 5 out of 10 is alot could have been said in fewer words.
Wonderful book and very elegant. The book is like one long poem and reads as if we were speaking in cursive. The only reason I didn't give it 5 out of 10 is alot could have been said in fewer words.
August 16, 2024
An Edifying Read!!
This was a great book for stoking the fires of my life of prayer as the shape of Celtic Christianity as offered by Esther De Waal has exerted a formative influence on me. Take some time to read this when you do.
This was a great book for stoking the fires of my life of prayer as the shape of Celtic Christianity as offered by Esther De Waal has exerted a formative influence on me. Take some time to read this when you do.
December 23, 2024
While I like all things Celtic, including this book, its format and content wasn't fulfilling to me. I would have appreciated something more directive and applicable, rather than tidbits of prayers of yore.
October 27, 2017
A wonderful book I read a few pages at a time that delves into Celtic spiritual practices that encompasses nature around us in daily prayer to our Creator.
September 24, 2018
Esther de Waal explores the spiritual legacy of the Celtic church. Fascinating and enriching. An example of how a culture can interpret the Christian message in a non-exploitative way.
April 1, 2019
Beautiful, inspiring.
June 19, 2020
A thoughtful read
The first book I’ve read on the subject. Interesting and easy to access. The poetry within is lovely, and I enjoyed the read.
The first book I’ve read on the subject. Interesting and easy to access. The poetry within is lovely, and I enjoyed the read.
February 14, 2022
This is probably the first book I’ve read that actually shows a historical case for the existence of a distinct “Celtic” Christian tradition.
June 7, 2023
A wonderful book
April 21, 2025
Esther de Waal explores key themes of ancient Celtic spirituality and shows how it remains relevant today. Beautifully written and evocative. Food for the soul.
January 1, 2019
A fantastic introduction/refresher/primer on Celtic ways of prayer. De Waal structures the book around 10 central themes/emphases of Celtic spirituality. Then, within each, she describes how Celtic prayer reflects/engages/embodies the theme -- offering actual prayers or oral histories of prayer as examples. It's an interesting read, and it invites the reader into practice. As an example, I've adopted a very simple prayer that she mentions in passing -- a morning splashing of palmfuls of water on my face, as I recite, "A palmful of water from the Creator; a palmful from the Christ; a palmful from the Spirit" -- and my body and spirit are refreshed and engaged for the day. This book is a keeper, and one that I will re-read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews