Pádraig Ó Tuama: A New Perspective on Prayer
from Our Editors
1 min read ⭑
Need a refreshed perspective on prayer? You may be interested in Pádraig Ó Tuama’s new book, “Being Here: Prayers for Curiosity, Justice, and Love.”
In his unconventional devotional, Ó Tuama — an acclaimed Irish poet and theologian — offers 31 collects, an ancient form of prayer characterized by its five-fold structure. Alongside these prayers, Ó Tuama includes essays that invite readers into a daily rhythm of connection and creativity in a world often filled with distractions.
Ó Tuama’s work redefines prayer as we know it. He poses a pivotal question: “What is prayer? It’s not a passport to heaven. If anything, it’s a way of seeing here, a way of being here.” His words challenge the common view of prayer as a transactional or escapist act and suggest instead that it’s a means of deeper engagement with the present, fostering a heightened awareness and appreciation of life as it is.
Each day’s prayers are accompanied by Scripture and literary texts, enriching the devotional experience. At the end of the book, you’ll find four essays with incisive reflections on politics, community and contemporary life through the lens of biblical literature. Ó Tuama also guides readers in how to enhance their prayer lives with poetic forms.
In “Being Here,” spiritual seekers find a place for both rest and growth to nurture their practice of curiosity, justice and love. Ó Tuama’s work encourages an active, creative approach to spirituality, making it a relevant and enriching resource for those looking to deepen their understanding of and experience with prayer in today’s complex world.