Praying with Pictures
Praying with Pictures
When it comes to personal prayer, some people find it difficult to get started, unsure what to say or how to say it. This little book is a godsend; it helps people begin to find words for what is going on in their lives. With the help of a variety of pictures, it finds a voice for a wide range of experiences: a child facing life; falling in love; losing a child; finding your true self; looking back at your life with gratitude; remembering the dead.
Reviews
A real practical help
Last night I went to hear Fr Denis speak about the passion of our Lord in the Gospel of Luke. With three hundred other people, I was drawn into a wonderful narrative of Luke's story. At the end I bought Fr Denis book on Praying with Pictures, and when I got home, I sat down and read the whole book. I still had his voice in my head and I heard that gentle voice over and over in these wonderful prayers. I love the idea that no matter what condition you are in, you can pray to God; no matter who you are, what you're going through, you can approach the God of all mercies. I didn't get to bed until late, but I went to sleep really content. Thanks sincerely fordeepening my faith in the kindness of the Lord.
Tony Formby (Salford)
GoodBookStall Review
After two successful volumes of Reflecting with Paintings, Father McBride tries 'to find a voice for all sorts of people and situations' (p.15) using beautifully produced pictures with which to inspire prayer. Not that we have to follow his thoughts; he is very happy should the subject 'stir you to go in a totally different direction from mine, and make your own prayers in your own words.' (p.15).
His introduction on 'How to pray' is excellent, and there is an easily skimmed 'Contents' to locate a suitable prayer. The photo and prayer are spread over two pages, and there is no need to turn pages - and lose the image. He has the gift of an easy, yet profound style, and is able convincingly to get into the persona of a subject.
Prayers include one before eating, for the dead, by a gay man, by a woman whose husband is leaving her, by a spy, by a soldier and one for Armistice Day. If stuck for words, these prayers will help one to say what one wants to pray, whether the situation is a personal one or whether one is praying for someone else.
We look forward to this becoming a series.
J.Nicholas Latham
