The Monk Who Grew Prayer

by Claire Brandenburg

A monk prays deep in the forest. It looks like he is doing just simple, ordinary tasks, such as chopping wood and and tending to his garden. But as he works he is really growing prayer. The monk prays continually throughout the day and night, and, as the seasons pass, he becomes a holy man. This delightful, beautifully illustrated book teaches children that no matter what they are doing, or what hour of the day it is, they too, can pray.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Religion

32 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2003

Reviews

[Michelle Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice, easy to read picture book on growing in prayer, praying always, and praying with the liturgy of the hours.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple and beautiful. Fantastic illustrations.

[♥♣Mary♦♠ If She So Pleases · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book of different types of prayers and a monk who prays them.

[Jillian · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm the first to admit I'm not the target audience for this book. I thought it was nice, but that's about it.

The text was very simple, explaining first what it *looks* like the Monk is doing throughout his day, but then what he's *actually* doing (while he is still really doing the physical stuff, as well.) The ending came very abruptly for me, and I had to check to make sure I didn't have pages stuck together.

I didn't love the illustrations, but they got the point across.

(Also, there's a weird...typo? Syntax error? In the endnote about praying the hours. "The Hours is a anciently practice service of prayer for all people.")

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book, excellent illustrations for adults and children alike.

[DúviAurvandil Ericsson e Pereira · Rating 5 out of 5]

An introduction to The Hours and their nourishing effect on the soul.

[Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Monk Who Grew Prayer isn't a new book at all. It's over eleven years old! However, each time I read it and reflect on its simple words and pictures I am reminded of perception and reality. The main character is a monk who lives deep in the forest. We see him doing mundane tasks like chopping wood, drawing water from a stream, repairing his favorite chair, etc. These tasks were his prayer. He was not only praying with words, but with his actions as well.

The rest of the book is dedicated to the different hours of the Church, i.e., Vespers, Matins, etc. This book educates subtly and then overtly, but its simple message is one that you and your children will visit and re-visit time and time again. So each time you read it to/with your children, let the message of the book seep in, and remember that even in our busiest and dullest tasks, we can sanctify them and make them prayers to God.

[Jane G Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book--it's the perfect read-aloud to even the littlest ones. Not too much text, illustrations that invite discussion and that have many fun elements so that each time you pick up the book you can find something new to look at... My two year old calls this the Goo Goo Prayer book and we read it Every night...

[Danielle Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best children's books. Jackson loves this book and he knows it word for word.