The Woman's Prayer Companion.

by the Carmelites of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Carmel, $10, 205 pp.

The Woman's Prayer Companion is not designed for private devotional use. It adapts the basic liturgical structure of morning/evening prayer (lauds and vespers) with a precise focus on the experience of women. The book is divided into two parts: a prayer service for special events (adoption; time of distress; for living alone; etc.), and a sanctoral cycle (based on the calendar) geared to the Holy Women (both canonized and uncanonized). Each section follows a recognizable pattern: a series of antiphons for the psalms; a prose passage for reflection; a responsory; the traditional canticles for morning or evening prayer; and intercessions ending with a collect prayer. The prayers and the psalter (based on the NRSV) use inclusive language in a sensible and sensitive fashion.

One could envision this interesting book being used in a number of different ways: for ad hoc groups who want structured prayers; as models for further adaptation of the liturgical offices of morning or evening prayer to be used on special occasions; for religious communities or intentional groups who pray in common; or, as in my own case, as a resource for understanding the possibilities of different forms of doxological language. The book is available by writing: Psalter/Carmelite Monastery/2500 Cold Springs Road/Indianapolis, IN 46222. Fans of May Sarton (I include myself) will remember the high praise she offers this community in her published journals. Judging from this present effort, these contemplative women have discovered the knack, as the Gospel says, of bringing forth "old things and new." They deserve our support.