Act Love Walk: Praying in the Josephite Spirit

North Sydney, NSW: Trustees of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, 2014

183 pages: colour illustrations, colour portraits; 25 cm

Although authored by a group of Josephite sisters and clearly intended to support Josephite spirituality, this book is ideal for Christians who want to prayer together in ways that engage, inform and inspire.

It could be used at parish council meetings, staff meetings in Catholic/Christian workplaces and with any group that prays together or desires to do so.

Some Christians learnt to say prayers but not necessarily how to pray. This book uses a simple template for each theme or session that enables us to move into prayer. The sessions include scripture, art, reflection, silence and sharing.

Initially there is a process of settling for prayer, supported by an image to reflect on and a quote from either St Mary MacKillop or Fr Julian Tenison Woods (the co-founders of the Josephite congregations).

There is a brief statement of context that introduces the group to the scripture passage and one question for reflection that fosters a connection between the participants and the scripture. (If the context allows, I recommend the sharing of the reflection either in pairs or with the whole group.)

Three simple intercession and response style petitions are supplied, and participants are encouraged to add to these. A closing prayer and a poetic blessing bring the prayer to a close.

The language of the prayers is fresh and expresses an overwhelming commitment to inclusion, reconciliation, respect for creation and justice.

The title ‘Act Love Walk’ draws on Micah 8:6: “This is what the Living God asks of you: Only this, to act justly to love tenderly to walk humbly with your God.” This quote is also important to the structure of the content. The four sections of the book are:

Journeying through the Year – The prayers for particular feast days that are important in Josephite spirituality or in the liturgical seasons of the year.

Act Justly – These prayers focus on aspects of justice including our involvement in making a fairer world for all.

Love Tenderly – These prayers focus on relating with love and faithful kindness.

Walk Humbly – These prayers invite us to be true in our relationships with God and all life.

The book consoles, inspires and challenges. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

Andrea

Forde.