Though spread across centuries, these "uncommon prayers"-from Chaucer, Alcott, Dostoyesvsky, C.S. Lewis and many others-express emotions common to us all. The artists' gift of phrase, rhythm, and insight quicken our intellects and innermost feelings back to the Source of their inspiration.
The premise of this book, sharing lesser known religious works of famous authors, is wonderful. I enjoyed a few of the entries and also loved learning some historical facts along the way. I know the authors must have done hours of research to find all of the things contained within. However, a lot of the selections just didn't land with me. I found some of them to be a bit lackluster.
Summary: Sixty contributing authors are found in this book gem. Examples of authors: Louisa May Alcott, Jane Austen, William Blake, the Bronte sisters, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Robert Browning, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Victor Hugo, Soren Kierkegaard, Christina Georgina Rossetti, Robert Louis Stevenson, Francis Thompson, Walt Whitman. The collections are devotional in nature. Subjects written about are prayer, love, belief in God, trusting in God, adversity, mercy, Creator, redemption, the Virgin Mary, and a vision of heaven.
My Thoughts: This is the second time to read this book. Many of the authors are favorites of mine. I love poetry and reading poetry is a joy. I especially love to read them aloud.
Some of my favorites:
Faith Teach me, O God, not to torture myself, not to make a martyr out of myself through stifling reflection, but rather teach me to breathe deeply in faith. Soren Kierkegaard (1813-1855)
Prayeth, Loveth He prayeth well who loveth well Both man and bird and beast; He prayeth best who loveth best All things both great and small; For the dear God who loveth us, He made and loveth all. Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834)
My Days Go On I praise Thee while my days go on; I love Thee while my days go on: Through dark and dearth, through fire and frost, With emptied arms and treasure lost, I thank Thee while my days go on. Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861)