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Prayer is not so much a religious activity as a universal human instinct, something we all do, one way or another, whether we realise it or not. Feelings of gratitude, wonder, or helplessness are in themselves kinds of prayer.

Quite simply, prayer is the language of the soul, the unique bubbling up, or longing of the deepest self, uttered through whatever language, gesture, or practice we find helpful. It isn't even necessary to believe in God in order to pray; belief is about words, concepts and ideas that may or may not appear plausible, but prayer isn't bothered with beliefs or creeds, it's much more instinctive, visceral, physical even.

This is a collection of Dave's prayers, mainly written for his weekly Holy Shed podcast but also reflecting 19 years as a vicar in a north London parish.

Dave Tomlinson is a writer, broadcaster and an Anglican priest. He regularly contributes to 'Pause For Thought' on Zoe Ball's Breakfast Show on Radio 2, and his books include How to be a Bad Christian and a Better Human Being, and Black Sheep and Prodigals - an Antidote to Black and White Religion. He is married to Pat.