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Cover of Prayers Written At Vailima, and A Lowden Sabbath Morn

Prayers Written At Vailima, and A Lowden Sabbath Morn

Written by Robert Louis Stevenson

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PrayersStevenson, Robert Louis, 1850-1894Sabbath

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About this book

"Prayers Written At Vailima, and A Lowden Sabbath Morn" by Robert Louis Stevenson is a collection of prayers and a poem penned during the late 19th century. The work reflects an intimate exploration of spirituality and community life, particularly in the Samoan context where Stevenson lived. The prayers are deeply resonant with themes of gratitude, hope, and daily living, while the poem reflects on the nature of a Sabbath morning, emphasizing the beauty and simplicity of rural life. The first section, "Prayers Written At Vailima," consists of a series of heartfelt prayers that Stevenson crafted for family gatherings and social rituals in Samoa. These prayers capture the essence of the island's culture, acknowledging both the blessings and challenges of life. The second part, "A Lowden Sabbath Morn," is a nostalgic and vivid portrayal of a Sabbath morning in a Scottish village, illustrating the preparations and emotions surrounding the church service. Through rich imagery and warmth, Stevenson paints a picture of community, familial bonds, and the intersection of the sacred and the ordinary, ultimately conveying a deep appreciation for both his Samoan and Scottish experiences.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Prayers Written At Vailima, and A Lowden Sabbath Morn, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • Uplifting
  • Reflective
  • Serene

Robert Louis Stevenson's "Prayers Written At Vailima, and A Lowden Sabbath Morn" is a unique collection blending intimate spiritual reflection with vivid cultural observation. The first section offers heartfelt prayers composed in Samoa, revealing Stevenson's deep gratitude, hope, and engagement with daily island life and his community. The second part, "A Lowden Sabbath Morn," is a poignant poem that provides a nostalgic glimpse into a Scottish village's Sabbath rituals, celebrating rural simplicity and communal bonds. Together, the work illuminates Stevenson's spiritual journey and his profound appreciation for both his adopted Samoan home and his Scottish heritage, seamlessly weaving the sacred and the ordinary with rich imagery and warmth.

“We thank Thee for our daily bread, and for our daily work.”

Key themes

Spirituality and Faith
The foundational theme, explored through direct address to God in the 'Prayers Written At Vailima' and through the ritualistic, communal observance in 'A Lowden Sabbath Morn'. It encompasses deep gratitude, profound humility, the seeking of divine guidance, and finding strength in adversity. Stevenson's spirituality is presented as practical and integrated into daily life, deeply personal yet communal in its expression.
Community and Belonging
Both sections emphasize the profound importance of community. The Vailima prayers are often for Stevenson's household and the wider Samoan community, reflecting his role as a patriarch and his integration into island life. 'A Lowden Sabbath Morn' vividly portrays a close-knit Scottish village united by shared tradition and the weekly ritual of church attendance, highlighting the warmth and solidarity of collective experience.
Gratitude and Humility
A recurring motif in the prayers is a profound expression of gratitude for life's blessings, even amidst challenges, coupled with a humble acknowledgment of human fallibility and dependence on a higher power. This theme encourages a mindful appreciation for all aspects of existence and a recognition of one's place within a larger order.

Worth discussing

How do the 'Prayers Written At Vailima' reflect Stevenson's personal philosophy and his engagement with the Samoan community and its challenges?

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