Let There Be Peace: prayers from around the world

Jeremy Brooks (selected by)

Jude Daly (illustrations)

Frances Lincoln Children's Books, UK/USA: 2009

ISBN: 9781845075309

Genres: picture book, poetry, religion

Issues: peace, tolerance

‘Creator, open our hearts to peace and healing between all people,' begins a Native American prayer in this collection.

In a time when the word religion has become almost a pejorative, one that too often represents fundamentalism, war, and atrocities in the name of a divine power, this anthology is a soothing balm to the soul.

Rev. Jeremy Brooks has found prayers that represent those things that unite us rather than divide us - especially the longing for peace. Representing many religions - Shinto, Taoism, Hindu, Jainism, Sikhism, Baha'i, native traditions and Christianity of all colours - this collection encourages the reader to see the larger picture. To see that despite the anger, violence and corruption that is broadcast on the news, most of us long for peace, harmony and unity; that most of us recognise our common humanity; that most of us believe there can be beauty in our differences.

Jude Daly's beautiful illustrations show both war and peace, representing the longing in every person, every country, whether it has or is enduring war or not - that somehow, out of conflict, peace will emerge like a dove; that a rainbow will come after the storm and we will be able to unite as one race of many colours, celebrating rather than denigrating, our differences.

‘Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with me.' (S.Miller/J.Jackson)