Praying with Our Eyes Open: Engendering Feminist Liturgical Prayer

"This is a book about prayer for women who don't-- or can't-- pray. . ." (from the prologue). Procter Smith critiques feminist liturgy which she deems prayer-less in the traditional Protestant corporal sense, and questions why this absence should be a feature of feminist liturgics. With consideration given to survivors of gender-laden violence (spousal abuse, rape), Procter-Smith asks how inclusive language debates point to questions of representation in corporate prayer and ultimately, to leadership exclusivity. This book explores space, freedom, permission, and language patterns as ingredients liberating feminists and other oppressed persons from traditional prayer techniques. Includes a special chapter on eucharistic prayer and a helpful epilogue for feminist prayer groups.