Sister Wendy on Prayer: Biographical Introduction by David Willcock

Description

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.

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 was the author of over 20 books with art as the main theme. In her later years she led a cloistered life, devoted to prayer. She died in December 2018.

Extract from the book, featuring on www.thesheepdip.co.uk 'A down-to-earth book on prayer...attractively-printed, some 130 pages are devoted to the subject of prayer and is ideally suited to being dipped into, perhaps daily.' Michael Morrissey, Northern Cross Article by author with title mention, The Tablet, December 2007 "[I]t is at the same time practical and profound, giving an insight into the challenging way of praying which allows God to 'take possession of you'." Reviewed by Sue Sheppy in Baptist Times, May 2008 "A book to treasure and learn from." Reviewed in Methodist Recorder, 2008 "This is a book full of insights and common sense, with something to say to everyone." Reviewed in Woman Alive, 2008 '[Sister Wendy] has written a beautiful book on prayer...Like her programmes on art, it is written with great clarity, kindness and wisdom. It makes encouraging reading for anyone with a glimmer of faith as well as for those who spirituality is more profound...Sister Wendy on Prayer is a book of many treasures which I am sure will become a classic.' Jo Siedlecka, Independent Catholic News -- Jo Siedlecka, Independent Catholic News 'Sister Wendy is a wonderful ambassador for our faith...Learned, insightful and funny - she has reached an audience of millions...She has now written a beautiful book on prayer, which...is written with great clarity, kindness and wisdom.' Westminster Record -- Josephine Siedlecka, Westminster Record, November 2007 Cover feature and interview with Sister Wendy. -- Sarah Meyrick, Church Times, October 2007 * Church Times * '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, November 2006 * Church Times * Article about Sister Wendy in The Daily Telegraph,October 2007 -- Peter Stanford * Daily Telegraph, The * Interview with Sister Wendy in the Tablet. 'Sister Wendy on Prayer is a fairly slim book...I, for one, found the new book helpful. 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, Tablet, 14/10/2006 -- Elena Curti * Tablet, The *