Ray Simpson

This is my go-to daily prayer book. It always lives in my backpack, and while I wish the book was printed in hardcover or leather cover so it wouldn't get banged up, I find it to be more Biblically centered than Celtic Daily Prayer by the Northumbria community, and just as importantly, far easier to pack around.

Disclaimer: After meeting Ray Simpson, I've become a vowed Explorer (first vows) in the Community of Aidan and Hilda in the US, which is a sister community to the one which Ray leads in the UK. Perhaps I'm biased :-)… (mehr)

At a glance, you may think it’s a book that’s going to summon you to renounce capitalism, rid yourself of all possessions and go and live in the desert and/or offer your life exclusively to the service of others. And yes, whilst Ray does highlight individuals who did just that, this book isn’t a call to ultimate self-sacrifice and self-denial but a book that will make you realise how important it is to live life in accordance with your most true and authentic self.

What struck me most was the author's light touch (no guilt- inducing sermons or lofty academicism here). His is a vision grounded in enlightened common sense with the concept of ‘downward mobility’ simply encompassing what is good, true and ‘right’: spirit and heart over ego, community over self-interest– personal progression that’s inclusive of social awareness and responsibility.

He includes examples of good politics from both the left and right (though it’s ultimately apolitical- recognising ‘goodness’ and enlightenment wherever it springs from), as well as mentioning inspiring economists, prophets, visionaries and modern day heroes– you’ll have a brilliant and inspiring reading list to be getting on with after you’ve devoured this!

It’s the kind of book you finish and think ‘everyone should be made to read this’, especially those in positions of authority/leadership. This is for people of all faiths and none– a book that’s vital to our times.… (mehr)