Sister Wendy, who has been dedicated to a life of prayer for more than half a century, has always resisted writing a book on the subject. Her reasons mix humility with a conviction that prayer is simple: books about prayer can be a dangerous distraction. Yet, when she does speak about prayer, often in response to the questions of ordinary people, she does so with an eloquence that speaks directly to her hearers in ways that make practical sense. Now, in her older age, Sister Wendy is willing to set down some of what she has learnt over a lifetime in a series of meditations. The format of the book is deliberately non-linear: where prayer is concerned, Sister Wendy says, it is simply a matter of trying to turn to God as honestly as the person you are in the circumstances you find yourself in. Her co-author, David Willcock, who has worked with Sister Wendy for many years producing her television programmes, adds to her text a biographical sketch about being a nun and at the same time one of the art world's most acute and revered commentators and a TV personality. Illustrating this unique book are a dozen pieces of artwork: no book by Sister Wendy would be complete without this dimension.
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"'While the idea is simple it is by no means simplistic. Her point is that people with little time for prayer can nevertheless be prayerful, and for people who live busy lives, that is very reassuring to hear.' Elena Curti, The Tablet 'a beautifully produced book, laid out in a way that makes the content accessible to readers who might otherwise be daunted by the subject.' Revd Peter McGeary, Church Times"
About the Author
Sister Wendy became a nun at the age of 16, went on to live for nearly 20 years as a hermit, and then was exposed to the world in a successful television career as the 'art nun'. She is the author of over 20 books with art as the main theme. She continues to live a largely cloistered life, devoted to prayer.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
39 of 39 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is a wonderful book, not only for what Sister Wendy tells us about prayer, but also for what we learn about Sister Wendy herself through the far-too-brief biography which forms the first part of the book. Sister Wendy lives out the things she writes about, and we get a fascinating glimpse into the daily routine of this unusual hermit, who is also a television personality and respected art critic. The book is quite short, simply because Sister Wendy considers prayer to be such a simple act that there is very little to be said about it. To pray, she says, is to stand unprotected before God. And what will God do? He will take possession of us.
I urge everyone to read this book, to relish the reproductions of paintings scattered throughout, which Sister Wendy uses to illustrate what she wants to say, and above all, to use it as a basis for doing what she urges - standing unprotected before God.
I urge everyone to read this book, to relish the reproductions of paintings scattered throughout, which Sister Wendy uses to illustrate what she wants to say, and above all, to use it as a basis for doing what she urges - standing unprotected before God.
21 of 21 people found the following review helpful
By TJ Burns
Format:Paperback
Sister Wendy starts her thoughts on prayer with a quote from an old priest "Because as you know father, prayer is the simplest thing out" Well not for me it isn't! I have struggled for years. In Sister Wendy on Prayer I received more understanding of prayer than from the many books I have read. I wish someone had been able to show me or tell me about prayer the way Sister Wendy does when I first responded to God. This is a book for someone starting out in prayer and those like me who have become cold and confused. I found the the short sub-sections ideal for daily meditation. Sister Wendy's thoughts on prayer are the simplest things out, but their impact on me are breathtaking.
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
By Gaby
Format:Paperback
This book was amazing. I must admit I was never really a fan of her art TV programmes, but this book was unbelievably simple in its approach. I loved her comment about prayer being the desire to be totally possessed by God, and that's it. Could she have made it any clearer ? I don't think so. I don't have to feel very prayerful, I may even be riddled with doubt, but as Ignatius would say and Sr. Wendy confirmed, if I have the desire or even the desire to have the desire, then that's already enough. Grace, and Prayer are God's business, our business is to offer our simple, poor selves to Him and trust that He will do the rest. I have never read anything so simple and so profound, and it has helped me enormously. Anyone who wants to pray should read this book.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By W. Moore
Format:Paperback
I first found this book in the local library but decided that I simply had to own a copy.
The book is beautifully produced on quality paper, the art work is a pleasure to see and Sister Wendy speaks directly to the reader in simple, commonsense terms.
I have found the book to be very helpful and it has led me on to other reading.
Although the language is simple, the subject matter is very deep and to strive towards a greater closeness to God is both frightening and rewarding.
The book is beautifully produced on quality paper, the art work is a pleasure to see and Sister Wendy speaks directly to the reader in simple, commonsense terms.
I have found the book to be very helpful and it has led me on to other reading.
Although the language is simple, the subject matter is very deep and to strive towards a greater closeness to God is both frightening and rewarding.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is a wonderful book, not only for what Sister Wendy tells us about prayer, but also for what we learn about Sister Wendy herself through the far-too-brief biography which forms the first part of the book. Sister Wendy lives out the things she writes about, and we get a fascinating glimpse into the daily routine of this unusual hermit, who is also a television personality and respected art critic. The book is quite short, simply because Sister Wendy considers prayer to be such a simple act that there is very little to be said about it. To pray, she says, is to stand unprotected before God. And what will God do? He will take possession of us.
I urge everyone to read this book, to relish the reproductions of paintings scattered throughout, which Sister Wendy uses to illustrate what she wants to say, and above all, to use it as a basis for doing what she urges - standing unprotected before God.
I urge everyone to read this book, to relish the reproductions of paintings scattered throughout, which Sister Wendy uses to illustrate what she wants to say, and above all, to use it as a basis for doing what she urges - standing unprotected before God.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This was my first experience of reading anything by or about Sister Wendy. I bought the book because I'd seen her art programmes on TV and enjoyed her quirky, warm, gentle wit which perfectly complimented her intelligence and insight. Sister Wendy's book has been a true revelation and helped me understand what it means to pray. What I enjoyed most was her ability to inspire without the need to preach and although her Catholic faith is central to her life Sister Wendy doesn't attempt to convert or to judge. I found myself moved to tears on more than one occasion by the woman's humility, which has been tempered over many year's into one of her greatest strengths, and her absolute faith in the continuation of life after death. Prior to this book I didn't look for God in art, unless the art was obviously religious, but now I do and I thank Sister Wendy for that gift. If you're "on the path" to a deeper meaning then don't be scared of Sister Wendy, some people are put off by the idea of nuns and monks, but don't be. You have everything to gain by reading this book because it's truly beautiful as is Sister Wendy herself. Thankyou Sister.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By L. Barley
Format:Paperback
Sister Wendy is able to write in a clear and open way.
She is easy to understand, explaining her thoughts in
a very lucid and simple way;I really enjoyed reading
this book.
I now want to look at some of her other books !
She is easy to understand, explaining her thoughts in
a very lucid and simple way;I really enjoyed reading
this book.
I now want to look at some of her other books !
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Owl Woman
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Sister Wendy says some profound things in a simple way. Her point of view is, understandably, Roman Catholic; however, Sister Wendy is totally open-minded and considerate of other faiths (and none). A very inspiring woman and book.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
An informative and comforting book to read
I got this on my kindle and I read a bit every day.I am 60 and many of the things I have puzzled on over the years sister Wendy has at last explained. Read more
Published 1 month ago by J E London
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very easy to read and not too long
Unlike a lot of books of this sort, this one makes some very good points by using just a few words. The sort of book that you can return to many times.
Published 2 months ago by David Ferris
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sister Wendy
This was exactly what I wanted as reflective reading for Lent.
Sister Wendy is a contempory of mine and I find her way of thought and manner of writing familiar and... Read more
Sister Wendy is a contempory of mine and I find her way of thought and manner of writing familiar and... Read more
Published 3 months ago by R. Steele
5.0 out of 5 stars
An answer to prayer
This beautiful book by a long term religious person and a well known television personality has many beautiful insights into prayer and our need for God's love. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Christopher Styles
5.0 out of 5 stars
Faith and love without dogma - a wonderful book
As an 'intelligent educated person', I cannot agree with the rather off-beam description of this work as 'dishonest' which seems to spring from a rationalist myopia. Read more
Published 24 months ago by Minerva
4.0 out of 5 stars
Sister Wendy and her God
I bought this book after hearing Sister Wendy being interviewed by Graham Norton on Radio 2. She was refreshingly honest about the fact that we know nothing about what Jesus looked... Read more
Published on 17 Dec 2010 by Eric Wayman
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