"What is prayer? It's not a passport to heaven. If anything, it's a way of seeing here, a way of being here." In Being Here, acclaimed poet and theologian Pádraig Ó Tuama offers a thoughtful collection of prayers and essays to focus attention in a world full of distractions. Featuring 31 collects--an ancient five-fold form of prayer--this unconventional devotional invites readers into a daily rhythm of connection and creativity. "The hope is that you can turn to a prayer with the story of your life, and in the little emptiness you create there, hear something, discern something, feel something that's connecting you to other things seeking out connection with you." Each day's prayers are presented alongside scripture and illuminating literary texts. The book concludes with four incisive essays on politics, community, and the contours of contemporary life as seen through biblical literature. Pádraig also teaches readers how they can embrace poetic form to expand their practice of prayer. In these pages, spiritual wayfarers will find a place to both rest and grow their capacity for curiosity, justice, and love. This is a way of living / That's worth living daily.
Padraig O'Tuama Book order






- 2024
- 2022
A beautiful book of immersive poetry, based on the much-loved Poetry Unbound podcast downloaded more than 6 million times - the perfect gift for all poetry lovers
- 2021
A leading poet and theologian reflect on the ancient story of Ruth that resonates deeply in today's world with its themes of migration, the stranger, mixed cultures and religions, law and leadership, women in public life, kindness, generosity and fear.
- 2017
Daily Prayer with the Corrymeela Community
- 96 pages
- 4 hours of reading
Corrymeela is Northern Ireland's oldest peace and reconciliation organisation. At its heart is a simple pattern of daily worship that is structured around meditation on the Gospels. This prayer book captures the essence of the Corrymeela prayer experience for everyone who wishes to incorporate its spirituality into their regular prayer practice.
- 2016
In the Shelter
- 192 pages
- 7 hours of reading
A Christian pathway into mindfulness, using the gospels, poetry and storytelling
- 2013
Sorry For Your Troubles
- 79 pages
- 3 hours of reading
One of the most engaging voices contemporary spirituality in is that of the Irish poet, Padraig O'Tuama. This second poetry collection arises out of a decade of his hearing stories of people who have lived through personal and political conflict. These poems tell stories of individuals: their loves and losses, their hope and generosity.
- 2012
Readings from the Book of Exile
- 84 pages
- 3 hours of reading
The first, long-awaited poetry collection from Padraig O Tuama, interweaving parable, poetry, art, activism and philosophy into an original and striking expression of faith. His poems emerge powerfully from a context of struggle and conflict and yet are filled with hope.