Prayers for a Planetary Pilgrim: A Personal Manual for Prayer and Ritual

This is a sensitive and inclusive look at spirituality. The prayers and writings will lift people into a realm of thoughtful peace and yet goad readers into action.

This book has always made it back to the top of my book pile on my night stand -- for the past 15 years. It presents a deeply spiritual approach to prayer with pauses for silent prayer and meditation. I especially like the prayers by time of day, day of the week and season of the year. There are prayers for different life transitions and for different moods. I like the focus on nature and on the vastness of the universe as witnessed by contemplating outer space. I am a spirit having a human experience. In this way, I can relate to the concept of a planetary pilgrim. I feel as though my life is a pilgrimage. And my life itself is continuous prayer of gratitude. This book supports me in this perspective. I am grateful for having found this book. It has enriched my prayer life beyond measure.

Having a bad day? There is probably something here to make it better.Edward Hays has a great understanding of the nature of man, and the many situations we come up against which challenge us everyday. He has a unique ability to bring one back to the spiritual path....in a loving, non-judgmental way. He is very encouraging in the spiritual pursuits, and has very practical advice on how to walk the path. The "poems" are great...and a few are literally "dog-eared" in my book. He fosters a sense of "community" among all who seek something beyond our mundane world...something which is worth our efforts to find. Best of all.....he communicates his message with a feeling of love for all his fellow "pilgrims".

Along with Prayers for the Domestic Church, this book has become a handbook for me. There is a prayer (I call them prayer poems) for almost every life occasion and they are filled with beauty. Fr. Hays celebrates the awesome moments and reminds us that the seemingly mundane is also filled with wonder.

This is an excellent book to help nourish your spirit. If you have used the Office of the Hours or have not found success with it, this book provides a refreshing adaption to Morning and Evening prayer that is meaningful to rhythm of your life and body. Plus it has prayers for hundreds of other occasions...many the simplest things in life one often overlooks. Hays turns the ordinary into the extraordinary and holy!