The Power of Prayer around the World Glenn Mosley and Joanna Hill Universally, the power of prayer has been recognized by many cultures for immeasurable time. Whether it be a part of a formal service recited with a congregation of worshipers or an individual, quiet moment, prayer is part of the lives of people from a variety of religions. There seems to be an innate urge among humanity to connect with a higher source of energy and love when we need guidance or direction, and this is called prayer. By reading the prayers from religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam, from cultures in Africa, India, Egypt, and China, we begin to share the sense of a common experience. The deepest inner feelings and longings are similar—concern for family, assistance in healing, a longing for peace, or a wish for greater wisdom. For some people, prayer can be thought of as a way to ask for specific goals or special favors. This type of prayer may or may not be effective. Another type of prayer exists when all selfish desire is put aside and we feel ourselves in communion with God. At this point, our greatest wish is that God’s will be done. There may be pressing concerns that make us turn our sights upward, but we learn to let go of the end result. At this point, prayer becomes a way of opening up to the universal, loving, creative energy that exists and is far greater than any person could imagine. This is the source of miracles, of faith ad unconditional love. Prayer then becomes more than a means to an end; it becomes a state of humility and of awe. It can exist whether we are washing the floor or composing a symphony. Prayer is communion with the Divine, a universal loving creative force that exists in a variety of ways for people around the world. This book brings together an inspirational collection of prayer suitable for all ages and traditions. In addition, it offers insight and guidance about the nature of prayer that will be useful for the serious seeker.
Reviews
Oklahoman - Oklahoma City, OK...
March, 2001
The Power of Prayer Around the World by Glenn Mosley and Joanna Hill gives prayers from religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. It describes prayer as "the universal action of the human spirit seeking connection with God."
Journal Star - Lincoln, NE...
December, 2000
Prayer is a universal expression of communication with God. It takes many forms, from Tibetan prayer flags blowing in the wind to lighting candles in a cathedral to Lakota dances and drumming.
Authors Glenn Mosley and Joanna Hill offer an inspirational collection of prayers, interspersed with thought-provoking discussions on the nature of prayer.
No matter what religion or spiritual tradition we may follow, "prayer becomes a way of opening up to the loving, creative energy that exists and is far greater than any person could imagine," the authors write. "This is the source of miracles, of faith, and of unconditional love."
Napra Review - Eastsound, WA...
May, 2001
The Power of Prayer Around The World is a beautifully produced small-format hardcover that examines the similarities in motivation across religious lines that characterize the use of prayer. Reading this book, one gets the impression that the tradition you come from matters less than the ache of your longing and the sincerity of your need.
Reader-in-Residence - Boca Raton, FL...
November, 2000
The Power of Prayer Around The World by Glenn Mosley and Joanna Hill is a small gem of a book filled with the universality of prayer that should be required reading for children of all ages. Educators must ardently strive to make it a required part of their curriculum.
Bryn Athyn Post...
May, 2001
Like men, women and children all over the world, New Church people consider prayer an essential part of their lives and worship. Although we are comfortable with our New Church "speech with the Lord," a new little gem of a book, The Power of Prayer Around the World, may well open our eyes and our lips, as well as our hearts. A new Bryn Athynite, Joanna Hill, student at the ANC college, teamed with author Glen Mosley to produce a charming and information-packed booklet published by the Templeton Foundation and available at the Cathedral Book Room.
Its ninety pages include a wondrous collection of prayers from the religious spectrum, together with beautifully written essays about the great religions, with Swedenborg's teachings well represented. Easily read from cover to cover, this book deserves to be kept handy for whatever moment prompts our need to seek help from above.
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