Ray Simpson Books

Focusing on the spiritual heritage of Lindisfarne, this prayer book offers a structured approach to daily devotion, reflecting the island's sacred history and natural rhythms. Each day is themed to enhance contemplation, ranging from resurrection on Sundays to community on Thursdays. Featuring prayers by David Adam, it serves as a guide for both visitors and those spiritually connected to the island. This collection invites readers to engage with the contemplative spirituality that has drawn pilgrims for over 1,300 years.

Set in seventh-century Ireland, the narrative follows Aidan, a descendant of Saint Brigid, as he navigates a world shaped by saints, scholars, and warriors. After a disrupted pilgrimage, he is sent to Iona, where he becomes guest-master and engages with diverse visitors, including royal Saxon exiles. Aidan's mission to evangelize the pagan invaders of Britain contrasts with Roman approaches, emphasizing friendship and community. His journey explores themes of spiritual formation, connection, and the impact of personal relationships on faith and leadership, all underscored by his symbolic name, Flame.

Exploring the profound connection between friends, the concept of soul friendship transcends the limitations of time, space, and even death. It emphasizes the deep bonds that unite individuals, suggesting that true friendship creates an enduring dwelling in the hearts of those involved. This idea invites readers to reflect on the nature of their relationships and the lasting impact of genuine companionship.

The great wealth of Celtic literature and the revival in popularity of the Celtic tradition offer a very positive source of inspiring and deeply spiritual yet practical material for daily use. This revised edition of Celtic Daily Light will continue to inspire and guide those seeking a deeper spirituality.

The prayer book is structured around the rhythms and seasons of both nature and the Christian calendar as experienced on Holy Island. It offers a contemplative approach, with each day dedicated to a specific theme: Sunday focuses on resurrection, while Monday celebrates creation. Other themes include incarnation on Tuesday, the Holy Spirit on Wednesday, community on Thursday, compassion on Friday, and leisure and the Saints on Saturday. This unique format encourages a deeper spiritual reflection throughout the week.

Celtic Christianity is the key not only for the future of the Church but of the whole planet, argues Ray Simpson, Founding Guardian of the Community of Aidan and Hilda.

This inspirational study guide provides us with a glimpse of that spirituality which weaves together all the strands of the quest for renewal, for relevance and for roots.

Exploring the spirituality of the ancient Celts, this book invites readers to recognize the sacred in everyday life. Through daily reflections and insights, it encourages a deeper appreciation for the significance of ordinary moments. By embracing Celtic wisdom, readers can cultivate a meaningful connection to their daily experiences and open their hearts to the richness of life.

A rich collection of over 1,500 prayers draws from Ray Simpson's extensive work, featuring both selected and newly crafted prayers. This compilation emphasizes connections with nature, scripture, and the spiritual journey, encompassing various aspects of life. An exhaustive index is provided, making it easy for worship leaders to find suitable prayers for any occasion, ensuring that all created life is represented in the spiritual practice.

The narrative explores the revival of a myth about Saint Brendan's journey from Ireland to America, where he discovers that the Native Americans already embrace Jesus. This realization leads him to return home in humility. In stark contrast, the book critiques the colonial approach of U.S. missions, which often demand that Native American tribes abandon their cultural identities in favor of a Eurocentric version of Christianity. The themes of cultural respect and the true essence of evangelism are central to this exploration.