The Way of St. James Prayer Book

The Way of St. James has an enduring draw for the modern seeker. Pilgrims have been seeking God, answers, and absolution ever since the relics of St. James were discovered in the early ninth century. Yet, the pilgrimage is decidedly modern. Amidst the busyness of modern life, we have a deep yearning to unplug from the noise of email, news feeds, and social media and to reconnect with ancient practices. We ache to reconnect with God.

My hope is that this prayer book will help you invite God as a companion on your journey. The prayers and Scriptures will rest in your heart and mind as good company in your breathing, sweating, and striving. May you soak in these ancient words as you soak in the sun of northern Spain. As the physical exertion shapes and purifies you, let these prayers do the same. You are in good company.


""A caring physician, a mentor to medical students, and a local church pastor, Ben Doolittle minsters to those at the breaking points of body or soul. His adventure on the road to Santiago was to unplug from the life of a Yale Medical School professor, to travel deeper into his Christian life, and to gain a new perspective on his vocation. Many books offer to guide the feet of pilgrims on the physical path. This one provides the only thing he found lacking in his backpack: a simple guide to order and focus the inner journey. Its gentle, reflective selections of Scripture and prayer breathe the peace and insight to be found on the way, and invite others to take them as guideposts for a unique journey of their own.""
--S. Mark Heim, Samuel Abbot Professor of Christian Theology, Andover Newton Seminary at Yale, and Visiting Professor of Theology at Yale Divinity School


Benjamin R. Doolittle completed the Way of St. James in the summer of 2018 with his youngest daughter. He serves as a physician on the faculty of Yale Medical School and a pastor of a local congregation in New Haven, Connecticut.