“A foothold above the abyss; an oasis in the desert: a lifebelt thrown to a drowning man”. So Stephen Cottrell commends this collection of the prayers of the church to its readers as a way of lifting their hearts even when their own voices are frail. The volume is sponsored by Affirming Catholicism and the Society of Catholic Priests and is structured around the shape of the Eucharist, though designed for use in the whole of life. Many of the classics are here alongside the best of the modern, and some bespoke compositions. The broadly Catholic voice of the book is clear – there are prayers to the Saints and guidance for sacramental confession; the word ‘mass’ is not avoided – but the tone is sensitive not shrill. The authors hope that this will be a ‘working book’ and I believe it will prove so to be for those who are happy to inherit its tradition. I’ll be keeping my copy within easy reach. ‘Ideal as a confirmation present as well as a handy resource to have at home for adults in the church’. Publisher