The Blessing Candles: 58 Simple Mealtime Prayer-Celebrations

This book fits a specific need for those uncomfortable with someone other than clergy using the official Book of Blessings and those who find the Catholic Book of Prayers for laity not involving the participants sufficiently. There is nothing innately "Catholic" about these ceremonies, they merely assume the existence of a personal God.The format of each blessing is :1) a symbol - potted plant, sweater, spices i.e. things normally found around the house2) a gathering prayer which sets the context for the blessing3) a three part prayer with a petition, the lighting of one candle, silence, a second petition, the lighting of a second candle, silence, a third petition with a pause4) a very short reading - scriptural, Jewish teaching tales, quotes from movies, Islamic poets, Gaelic blessings, Hindu scripture, authors of whom I've never heard ... These readings are well chosen so that the blessing can be a family event.5) Two questions for reflection6) a short responsory - very brief petitions and a fixed response - both oriented to the topic of blessing7) a sending prayer i.e. a short prayer of dismissal or "ungathering"8) an action meaningful in context of the symbol - sprinkling water on the grave of a pet, singing Happy Birthday after blessing a birthday cake etc.The genius of these blessings are the ability to have something meanful to all ages. These are truly family ritual blessing not merely something the adults do while the children figit.The blessing are divided into every day, special needs, special occasions and for the year. Examples: for home, for work, for friendship, for career decisions, when disappointed, for death of a pet, for mending quarrels, for a birthday, for a graduation, for a promotion, before a journey, for Advent, for Epiphany, for Father's day, for Halloween ...I rarely like newly-invented rituals but this book is a real keeper. Every family that wishes to raise children as Christians should at least see this book to see how it might fit into their family.