The Art of Public Prayer: Not for Clergy Only [Paperback]

Lawrence A. Hoffman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1999

A resource for worshipers today looking to change hardened worship patterns that stand in the way of everyday spirituality.

All too often, those who attend church or synagogue find themselves bored or baffled by the service. Their predominant thought is how slowly the time ticks by--and that the service never seems to end.

Written for laypeople and clergy of any denomination, The Art of Public Prayer examines how and why religious ritual works--and why it often doesn't work.

The Art of Public Prayer uses psychology, social science, theology and common sense to explain the key roles played by ritual, symbolism, liturgy and song in services. Each chapter features "conversation points" designed to get you and your faith community thinking and talking about your own worship patterns--where they succeed, and where they need improvement.

The Art of Public Prayer can help you and your fellow congregants revitalize your worship service by allowing you to organize and direct your own worship, making it a meaningful and fulfilling part of your life.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A captivating work--solidly grounded and eminently readable--in which Rabbi Hoffman draws on a variety of cultural and religious analogues to help us understand the renewed liturgy and what makes it work. Highly recommended for liturgical practitioners wishing to reflect more deeply on the art of public prayer." -- Father Gil Ostdiek, O.F.M., past president, North American Academy of Liturgy

"An indispensable resource as we envision effective modes of prayer for the 21st century synagogue." -- Dr. Ron Wolfson, co-developer, "Synagogue 2000," author, The Art of Jewish Living series (Jewish Lights Publishing

"Lawrence Hoffman shows us how, by understanding the dynamic between a person and God and among people gathered for prayer, the length of our communal reach can exceed the sum of our individual efforts. In doing so, he helps us discover our collective heart." -- Rabbi Jack Moline, Agudas Achim Congregation, Alexandria, Virginia

"Offers great wisdom about the way religious rituals can help people make sense of their lives....This book is for all Jews and Christians who hope for religious ritual that speaks to deep human hungers and helps people discover God's presence in their daily experience." -- Rev. Ruth Duck, Associate Professor of Worship Art, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

About the Author

Dr. Lawrence A. Hoffman is a rabbi and the past president of the multifaith North American Academy of Liturgy, and is widely recognized as a leader in bringing spiritual innovation into modern Jewish life and worship. Professor of Liturgy at Hebrew Union College, Dr. Hoffman lectures frequently to Jewish and Christian audiences. He is the author of Beyond the Text: A Holistic Approach to Liturgy (Indiana University Press), The Changing Face of Jewish and Christian Worship in North America (University of Notre Dame Press), editor of My People's Prayer Book: Traditional Prayers, Modern Commentaries (Jewish Lights Publishing), as well as many other popular and scholarly works.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Skylight Paths Publishing; 2 edition (February 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1893361063
• ISBN-13: 978-1893361065
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #643,020 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars ART or COMMON SENSE, October 16, 2009

By 

D. Meyers (Grand Rapis, MI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Art of Public Prayer: Not for Clergy Only (Paperback)

I was not endeared to this book as it seemed to present concepts that are a stylized presentation of common sense. It is also a good example of a fifty page book that the publisher expanded to 250 pages. Fortunately the author highlighted the important points. The rest is all anecdote. I would recommend reviewing the bold print and only reading the chapters if the concepts are not familiar. As part of a seminary recommendation, I thought it was a light-weight.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good response to the decline of public worship, October 29, 2000

By 

Benjamin Bloomenthal (Chesnut Hill, MA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Art of Public Prayer: Not for Clergy Only (Paperback)

As an active member in two synagogues, I see the problems that Mr. Hoffman illustrates within his book. I see first hand the decline of membership in the shuls throughout the local area. But, at the same time, I also see a rebirth of some sorts of worship. Mr. Hoffman speaks about how to alter the service, and make it more interesting. Yet, I feel the most important way to get people into these houses of worship is not to exactly change the format, but to change one's family life. Mr. Hoffman does have very valid points, although if you infuse a spiritually traditional home with a warm loving home, you'll automatically solve some of the many problems as Hoffman illustrates in this book.