Book of Pagan Prayer - Reviewed

This book is compact, but at nearly 300 pages, it contains an incredible amount of content including almost 500 prayers for a multitude of occasions. In part I of the book, Mr. Serith begins by looking at why and how we pray by explaining the role of prayer in our lives. He gives a wonderful explanation of the reciprocal relationship that we have with the gods and nature spirits and why we give offerings to them.

He then goes on to tell how we express our prayers through movements, gesture, posture, dance, and words explaining the emotions that each form conveys. Prayers can become part of a more elaborate rite. Mr. Serith takes us through different preparations that bring you to the mental space in order to perform such a ritual. Of course, a simple prayer may be all that is needed or have time for. You will have no trouble taking your pick of prayers from this work to use for your purpose.

Composing your own prayers is also something the author encourages. He provides a chapter to inspire you to do that. Since his writing is beautiful and concise, I admit to using some of his prayers word for word. But they are easily adaptable to add your own words to.

I have found this a valuable book when words have failed me. Even if I don't use the prayer exactly as written, I always find this book to be a spark that inspires my own creativity to compose prayers when the spirit moves me.

Part II of the book includes prayers for nearly every occasion you can think of. They are logically divided into sections for times of day, year, and month such as the phases of the moon. There are also prayers for daily living including family, our homes and land, healing, work, blessings, travel among many others. There are three appendices on offerings, deities, and a list of the prayers by the first line.

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