The Monk Who Grew Prayer

The back cover tells us this book "teaches children no matter what they are doing, or what hour of the day it is, they too, can pray." That's not a bad lesson for adults to learn either. Though this short book focuses on those who might be interested in praying the Liturgy of the Hours, it also mentions the famous pilgrim's prayer, "Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner." I try to use a prayer Jesus is said to have given to Sister Consolata Betrone: "Jesus, Mary, (Joseph,) I love you, save souls."The beautiful illustrations (and text) are by Claire Brandenburg. One illustration has a bear very close to a woodpile by the working monk. I think this has to do with how human beings before the Fall were in harmony even with the animals and had nothing to fear from them. Is this illustration pointing out that prayer, Grace, leads us back towards our Original Innocence? (Still, unless you are certain you are as holy as Saint Francis of Assisi or St. Martin de Porres, don't try to handle a poisonous snake.)A 2003 "Word of Introduction" from Mother Raphael, Abbess of Holy Myrrhbearers Monastery in New York tells us: "We are all called to pray, which simply means to acknowledge the presence of God 'who is everywhere and fills all things.' We are called to converse with Him ... We ask Him to save us, so that He may, through us, save those we love, together with the world around us. Prayer is the only way we can learn to love truly and to live life fully. Prayer is the doorway to heaven, our true home."

The story is simple enough for my 3 year old to enjoy but remains spiritual and deep. The illustrations and detail are wonderful.

The words in the book are succinct. The illustrations are beautifully detailed. It's a veritable "What's Waldo" of animals, tools, decor, nature, and expression. This could be stills from an animation.Definitely recommend this book!

Gave a copy as a gift to an orthodox Catholic young man.

I bought this book for my 9 year old who loves God and wants to know more about Him. The book is quite thin, and several pages are about monk's work. However, it shows that a person can pray all day long, no matter what he is doing. I love that it has Jesus prayer in it, and that was the reason I purchased this book. It is beautifully illustrated. But Jesus prayer is not a prayer for the world, which this monk grew. It might seem like a no big deal, however, Jesus prayer leads to humility, but prayer for the world does not. Without humility there is no salvation. People who feel good about themselves are far from God. And then half of the book is about praying at different times: Vespers, Compline, Midnight service, Matins, First Hour, Third Hour, Six Hour and Ninth Hour, with their thorough explanation. Fasting is only mentioned but not explained. Such a strict schedule of what monks pray for at the different hours of the day and devoting a half of children's book to it left me disappointed. I do not want my son to think that to thank Jesus for His sacrifice for us he has to wait until the Sixth Hour. God is always there to hear. While rigid structure is appropriate for the monastery, it has no place in a children's book. Structure in Orthodox Christianity is only a mean to an end, but there is way too much emphasis on it in the book. In the end the monk becomes "a very holy man" whatever it means. And the back cover suggest that librarians file it under "JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / General".

This children's book is printed on heavy, glossy stock paper and is staple bound. I thought the book would be boring for my religious ed class (1st and 2nd graders). But, the kids loved it. They were really engaged by the illustrations. It also got a good conversation going about monks, a life of prayer and material simplicity and people who dedicate their lives to God.

Despite it's spare use of verbiage, thus its appropriateness for 2-year-olds, it has depth for a much older crowd. Adults can benefit from the peek into a contemplative life. Children of all ages can see how they can turn every menial task into a prayer. Soft colors in lovely illustrations and paced with a monastic cadence. Well worth several readings at this house.

Recommended for parents and teachers who'd like to teach children about prayer and the spiritual life. Charming, accurate and accessible. It's simple enough that my two year old enjoys it but it was also a hit in my First Holy Communion CCD class.

Terrific illustrations and clear explanation of the prayer life of a monk.Thoughtful & inspiring