For praying out loud : interfaith prayers for public occasions

"Sixteenth-century clergyman Francis David said, 'There have always been many opinions about faith and salvation. You need not think alike to love alike.' At interfaith or secular gatherings, a widely diverse population needs to share a common language of love, respect, justice, peace, and hope. When our faith differences are acknowledged and supported, we are more likely to find ourselves united." - from the Introduction For interfaith gatherings, collection of nearly 80 prayers. Prayers are grouped for easy reference, including Ordinations and Installations; Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Events; Dedications; Unity and Diversity; Peace and Justice; Gratitude and Remembrance. Focus is on what people of all faiths can share Practical advice on prayer making is presented in 3 opening chapters on how to address the holy, creating sacred space with prayer, and how to close prayers. Though prayer itself is universal, many traditional prayers are not accessible to people of all faiths. Occasions of public prayer, often occurring at secular events, are most successful when they welcome all that are present. A fitting prayer must invoke a sense of the holy and provide a common ground of belonging for everyone. In this inspiring collection, Annie Foerster presents a wealth of useful guidance on crafting universal prayers, along with an abundant sampling of beautiful prayers of all kinds, for adaptation or for use as they are. Beneficial for clergy, lay ministers, anyone participating in interfaith worship and readers who want to write prayers of their own.… (more)