Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Common Prayer summary
Shane Claiborne
Brief summary
Common Prayer by Shane Claiborne is a guide to daily prayer and reflection. It offers a collection of scripture readings, prayers, and songs to help individuals and communities establish a rhythm of spiritual discipline.
Table of Contents
Common Prayer
Summary of key ideas
Exploring A Common Prayer
In Common Prayer by Shane Claiborne, Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, and Enuma Okoro, the authors invite readers to take part in a new way of praying. They draw inspiration from the liturgical traditions of the early church, incorporating prayers, readings, and songs from various Christian traditions into a daily rhythm of prayer. The book is designed to be a resource for individuals and communities seeking to deepen their prayer life and spiritual formation.
The authors begin by explaining the significance of daily prayer and the history of the liturgical calendar. They emphasize the importance of communal prayer and the practice of praying at set times throughout the day. This practice, they argue, helps us to align our lives with God's purposes and to cultivate a sense of unity with the global body of Christ.
Engaging with the Liturgical Calendar
The book follows the liturgical calendar, a cycle of seasons and feast days that help Christians remember and celebrate different aspects of the life of Christ. Each day, the authors provide a set of prayers, scripture readings, and reflections that correspond to the liturgical calendar. This structure helps readers to engage with the full narrative of the gospel and to enter into the life of Christ in a more holistic way.
Throughout Common Prayer, the authors also highlight lesser-known saints and heroes of the faith, providing brief biographies and reflections on their lives. This serves to broaden our understanding of God's work in the world and to connect us with the rich history of the church. Additionally, the authors include prayers for specific social justice issues, encouraging readers to engage with the world's needs in their daily prayers.
Embracing the Rhythm of Prayer
One of the central themes of Common Prayer is the idea of embracing a rhythm of prayer. The authors argue that by praying at set times throughout the day, we can bring the concerns of the world before God in a more intentional way. This rhythm helps us to cultivate a posture of humility and dependence on God, as well as to develop a greater awareness of the needs of others.
In addition to the daily prayers, the authors provide resources for celebrating the liturgical seasons and feast days. They offer suggestions for observing Lent, Easter, Advent, and other significant seasons in ways that are meaningful and transformative. By engaging with these seasons, readers are invited to enter into the life of Christ in a more embodied and holistic way.
Creating a Common Prayer
In conclusion, Common Prayer offers a vision of prayer that is both ancient and contemporary, rooted in the rich traditions of the church and responsive to the needs of the present day. The book serves as a guide for individuals and communities seeking to deepen their prayer life and to align themselves with the purposes of God.
By embracing a rhythm of prayer, engaging with the liturgical calendar, and celebrating the life of Christ, readers are invited to participate in a common prayer that transcends denominational and cultural boundaries. In doing so, they join a global community of believers in the ongoing work of God's kingdom. In this way, Common Prayer offers a vision of prayer as a unifying force, bringing together diverse voices in a common chorus of praise and petition.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Common Prayer about?
Common Prayer by Shane Claiborne is a guide to daily prayer and reflection, rooted in the rich tradition of Christian liturgy. It offers a collection of prayers, scripture readings, and reflections for individuals and communities to engage with God and each other. Drawing from diverse sources and traditions, the book invites readers to cultivate a deeper spiritual life and a greater sense of connection with the wider body of Christ.
Common Prayer Review
Common Prayer by Shane Claiborne is a thought-provoking read on the power of communal prayer and social justice. Here's why this book is a gem:
- With its inspiring stories of solidarity and faith in action, it showcases the beauty of coming together to pray for a better world.
- The book offers practical guidance on incorporating prayer into everyday life, empowering readers to make a positive impact through spiritual practices.
- Through its deep reflections on social issues and spirituality, it transforms the act of praying into a meaningful, enriching experience that is far from dull.
Who should read Common Prayer?
Individuals seeking a structured and diverse approach to daily prayer
People interested in incorporating ancient liturgical practices into their spiritual routine
Those looking to connect with a community of faith through shared prayers and reflections
Categories with Common Prayer
Book summaries like Common Prayer
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
33 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Common Prayer FAQs
What is the main message of Common Prayer?
Community prayer enriches daily life and connects us with spirituality.
How long does it take to read Common Prayer?
Reading Common Prayer takes a few hours. Blinkist summary can be read in minutes.
Is Common Prayer a good book? Is it worth reading?
Common Prayer is worth reading for its inclusive spiritual practices and inspiring messages.
Who is the author of Common Prayer?
Shane Claiborne is the author of Common Prayer.
What to read after Common Prayer?
If you're wondering what to read next after Common Prayer, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens
- The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
- The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama
- On Being by Peter Atkins
- The Biology of Belief by Bruce H. Lipton
- Buddha’s Brain by Rick Hanson
- Choose Yourself by James Altucher
- Going Clear by Lawrence Wright
- The Power of No by James Altucher and Claudia Azula Altucher
- The Demon-Haunted World by Carl Sagan