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Brian Hardie - 'Tranquil Moments, The poetry of prayer'

Published by Steele Roberts Aotearoa New Zealand

Reviewed by Sharon Ensor

As someone who is occasionally involved in leading worship, regularly involved in praying with individuals or groups as part of the daily round of parish ministry work, and continually looking to nurture and deepen my own spirituality, I am always interested in reading others' prayers.

I enjoy reading someone else's turn of phrase and their use of images which provoke me into deeper contemplation and reflection on my life as a follower of Christ. It's always a relief to recognise another giving voice to the joys, struggles and doubts that I also experience in the life of faith. It is often these things that inspire and deepen my own prayer and Brian Hardie's book is one which provides that inspiration and depth.

'Tranquil Moments' is divided into seven sections with a sub-heading showing the 'type' of prayer represented in each section. The prayers cover a wide range from calls to worship through to blessings, with others like offering prayers and prayers for Easter in between. These prayers are not all for public worship though. While some are more suited for that purpose, most can be well (or even best) used in private prayer and reflection.

I like the honesty which Brian weaves into his work. Like the psalmist he expresses the full range of human emotion ranging from delight and gratitude at all that God provides through to ranting and raging at God in the face of suffering and despair, whilst also accepting and asking for God's ongoing presence in the midst of pain or boredom or dryness of faith. Brian employs great imagery throughout the book, which serves to make connections with our everyday experience and also to see a deeper connection between our lives and God.

These prayers are a genuine and courageous offering of Brian's to the wider Christian community. I look forward to dipping in and out of 'Tranquil Moments' in order to continue to refresh and challenge my spirit.

Sharon Ensor works part-time at Somervell Presbyterian Church in Remuera, Auckland as Associate Minister.