STEVENSON"S PRAYERS : by R.L. Stevenson - Chatto & Windus - 1922 : 3rd Printing with Gold Leaf ***
The book contains family prayers Stevenson coined while living his final sickly years in the town of Vailima, Samoa. The prologue by Mrs. Stevenson depicts a convivial, easygoing existence for the Stevensons amidst the Samoan natives, who dubbed the man Tusitala ("Teller of Tales") and would circle him night and day for wisdom in the form of prayer.
No religion is stated, which I think makes the prayers all the more efficient. "Amen" crops up here and there but that doesn't narrow it down as much as you'd think. Prayers are prescribed according to days, times of the day, seasonal shenanigans, overall intentions. They're fueled by a sense of peace and balance - especially in their observation of nature - that reminds me a little of Buddhism, such as the notion that "forgetfulness of self" is "the only way to heaven".
I like to think Samoa was Stevenson's heaven on earth.
No religion is stated, which I think makes the prayers all the more efficient. "Amen" crops up here and there but that doesn't narrow it down as much as you'd think. Prayers are prescribed according to days, times of the day, seasonal shenanigans, overall intentions. They're fueled by a sense of peace and balance - especially in their observation of nature - that reminds me a little of Buddhism, such as the notion that "forgetfulness of self" is "the only way to heaven".
I like to think Samoa was Stevenson's heaven on earth.
This book is a collection of short, one or two page prayers for various occasions which the Stevenson family used during their evening devotions. The entire household and neighbors gathered by lantern light, including the "retainers" or servants. After the Scripture was read in the Samoan Bible by Lloyd,Robert's step-son, Robert would pray in English from his little book, "interpolating, or changing with the circumstances of the day". They then sang hymns in Samoan and recited The Lord's Prayer, also in Samoan. Some of the titles of prayer are: For Grace, For Success, Sunday, In Time Of Rain, and For the Family. These short prayers are full of honesty and grace.
500-1500/2000
No comments:
Post a Comment