Sister Wendy on Prayer

by Wendy Beckett

Book Overview

Sister Wendy Beckett, adored and renowned art historian, has spent years in silence and contemplation in her calling as a nun. Her celebrated television specials and books about art have led her many admirers to ask about her own faith and practices. For the ?rst time, in this thoughtful examination of the nature of prayer, she reveals her deeply held beliefs about her religion and her intimate understanding of God. What should I do during prayer?...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 030739381X
• ISBN13: 9780307393814
• Release Date: November 2007
• Publisher: Harmony
• Length: 126 Pages
• Weight: 0.69 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.8" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Down to Earth Inspiration

I had checked this book out of our local library, and loved it enough to purchase my own. It was much more than I had expected, and really gives a down to earth approach to prayer. Sister Wendy has always inspired me with her art videos and so I feel like I have a long-term relationship of being inspired by her in many ways, and now this spiritual inspiration is an added gift.

Sister Wendy plumbs the depths of prayer

Sister Wendy's images on prayer add a deep dimension to her words. She is a profound prayer who is seeking God in his most hidden dimensions. I loved the first part of the book and it has encouraged me in prayer. I did find her gratuitous endorsement of homosexuality discouraging and unnecessary. The last few chapters are particular to Catholicism and not of interest to me but most Catholics would find them useful.

Sister Wendy's Artful Prayers

Sister Wendy Beckett may have given her "last bow" to public television viewers in her 2001 series, American Collection. Yet the reclusive, Oxford-educated nun continues her one-of-a-kind art ministry in writing. The latest evidence is found in her little book, "Sister Wendy on Prayer." Her viewers know that Sister Wendy is so focused on art in her television appearances that she rarely "goes religious." Perhaps that is why I was drawn to her 2006 book when it recently showed up among new releases at our local library. As an occasional viewer, I knew the sister to be serious about art, but how serious is she about prayer? Serious enough to bring them both into union, as in this lovely passage: "Yes, art does matter to prayer. I have only to see a Cezanne, for example, perhaps one of his great landscapes, or a majestic still life, a landscape in its own right, and I am overwhelmed with joy. This is a profound and transforming joy, a call to enter into something beyond what is seen. ... There are no words for this, but I know that I have been lifted out of my smallness into something immeasurably great, something that, however vaguely, seems `holy.'" And that, fellow pilgrims, suggests one of scripture's most awesome scenes - the prophet Isaiah at prayer, and his vision of seraphs proclaiming, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." Sister Wendy would be the last one to promise an array of seraphim in response to our prayers. And yet her valuable little book takes the reader in that very direction - into the halls of the holy, which is, after all, a location well outside of ourselves.

A small volume filled with great insite and reflection.

I recommend Sister Wendy's book to all who seek an insightful experience and vision on prayer. We all pray diferently and could use some guidence. This book is a gentle nudge in the right direction. It is a keeper and a great gift.

Sister Wendy goes as deep as needed....

Sister Wendy on Prayer Sister Wendy goes as deep on the subject of prayer as you are prepared to go. This is not a simple little book. It is a masterfully written guide that is meant to help...and it does. I'm sure as I travel on my own spiritual journey I will reread this book and discover things that I never tapped into the first or second or third time around. I gave this book as gifts this Christmas and it was my biggest hit! Sister Wendy is a gem.