Summer Book Reading: ‘A Rhythm of Prayer’ and more
Reviewer: Dana Dickson, Saint Mark’s Member
‘A Rhythm of Prayer: A Collection of Meditations for Renewal’ Edited by Sarah Bessey Ed., featuring writing by Amena Brown, Barbara Brown Taylor, Lisa Sharon Harper and more
A Rhythm of Prayer is an approach to prayer that is not at all how I was taught about prayer as a child. The prayer meditations in this book deal with everyday life in our current world. They give a perspective on using prayer to cope with life’s vicissitudes and celebrating the joys of life in our times. I found this book by accident. I was searching in Libby, an ebook and audiobook App used by the Hennepin County Library for Barbara Brown Taylor and this popped up. For me it is Celtic prayer for today’s world.
‘What Does Justice Look Like: The Struggle for Justice in Dakota Homeland’ by Waziyatawin, Ph.D.
I am part of the Saint Mark’s cohort of the ACTION Project for 2022-2023. This book was recommended by other members of the project. It is an enlightening book written by a Dakota author. I found it useful in deepening my understanding of indigenous perspectives of relationships with people and land. The author’s research is well-documented. Her solutions challenge my perspective.
‘Do I Stay Christian?’ by Brian McLaren
Recently Dean Paul mentioned Brian McLaren. I had not heard of Brian McLaren so I looked up his bibliography. I was intrigued by many of the titles. I picked this one as a starting point. It fits well with my perspectives on Christianity. In the late 1990’s, I found myself having conversations with a friend at work about Christianity, faith, and the church. In the late 1960’s and 1970’s, my moral and political perspectives were greatly influenced by the church. These were the times of the Civil Rights Movement, the Anti-War (Vietnam) Movement, Women’s Liberation and the beginning of a visible Gay Rights Movement. Those work conversations led to my testing the waters at Saint Mark’s. I have remained here since. Do I Stay Christian speaks to many of the themes that led me to return to active church membership and speaks to the current struggles to have voices like mine heard as the voices of faithful Christians.
Contact the Cathedral Bookshop for more information about this book. What are YOU reading or recommending right now? Send your suggestions to Mary Lusk, maryl@ourcathedral.org, for possible use in the Connector.
Read past Summer Book Readings: