Prayer is natural for human beings, a spontaneous impulse common in all people. Yet, beyond instinct, there is a kind of prayer that’s conscious and articulate, that we have to be taught. There is an “art of prayer,” when faith and prayer become creative responses by which creatures made in the image and likeness of the Creator relate to him with help of the imagination. Timothy Verdon explores these essential interactions in this magnificent book. Richly illustrated, Monsignor Verdon explains that images work in believers as tools that teach them how to turn to God. Art and Prayer explores these interactions in detail, demonstrating that prayer can become a fruit of the sanctified imagination – a way of beauty and turning to God. “In this eloquent, accessible, and gorgeously illustrated volume, Timothy Verdon unites his multiple vocations as art historian, theologian, and priest. With the ease of a master teacher who has lived with his material for years, he shows us not only how the faithful have been depicted in prayer, but how such depictions can inspire our own praying. Verdon should be required reading for anyone who wants to know how theology can animate art and in turn by animated by it. Above all, Art and Prayer is a call to worship.” — Peter S. Hawkins,  Professor of Religion and Literature, Yale Divinity School   “While Timothy Verdon’s immense erudition in the European tradition of sacred art is everywhere apparent, this book is written for non-specialist readers willing to allow their practice of Christian prayer—both in liturgy and in personal devotion—to be enriched and given theological precision through art once intended for such work. My hope is surely that of Mons. Verdon himself: that this book may help to inspire both artists and their communities to create new art that is answerable to the various modes of prayer and worship, so that a book such as Verdon’s could be written a generation hence with examples drawn from artworks newly commissioned for the contemporary church.” — Dr. John Skillen,  director of the Studio for Art, Faith & History in Orvieto (Italy)   “At first glance a glossy gift book of religious art, this inspired—and inspiring—title from the publisher's new imprint explores prayer. The author, who specializes in art and spirituality, skillfully leads the reader through astute analyses of paintings and other art objects, each a puzzle to be investigated and a mystery to be pondered. Verdon's key themes unfurl through chapters on liturgical prayer, lectio divina, intercession, and the like, concluding with a tender reflection on prayer in the face of death. His discussions of prayer space and the dimension of time as it is experienced in prayer are illuminating. The author's analysis of art is grounded in the words of the Bible and early Christian writers such as Tertullian, Jerome, Augustine, and others in the Catholic tradition; his style is clear and engaging, accessible to the general reader. While Verdon, a long-time resident of Florence, focuses on Italian art of the Renaissance, he also considers works from other European countries and eras. Throughout he demonstrates not only mastery of his topics but also a love of great art and deep faith. The result is a visual and verbal feast for contemplation and study.”  — Publishers Weekly “Timothy Verdon is an art historian and scholar with 50 years of experience in the field but when he talks about prayer in the lavishly illustrated  Art and Prayer , he writes as one who knows his subject firsthand. It is a rich, meditative read, as satisfying as prayer, and I believe it will enhance anyone’s prayer life.”  —Rick Hamlin,  Guideposts “Thought provoking, eye opening, and inspirational. This is a gem.” — Julie Davis,  Happy Catholic “In this beautifully produced and illustrated volume, Timothy Verdon applies his years of familiarity with art and faith to an exploration of the links between the two. In seven short chapters he examines many forms and contexts of prayer: how these prayers are portrayed in art, supported by art, and become an art in themselves. Verdon brings his familiarity with scripture and classical Christian literature to his task, and the dialogue between images and texts forms the major theme of his work, especially in a chapter of  lectio divina . His pen is ready to dip into the patristic fountain, recalling the reflections of Gregory the Great, Augustine, and John Damascene, among dozens of others...The many beautiful illustrations in this volume, together with the elucidation Verdon provides, serve as means to that end, and it would be a valuable addition to any church library or as a text for a course on art and faith.”  — American Benedictine Review   “This book should definitely be on your list for anyone who has a love for the heritage of Christian art. This volume is sumptuously illustrated with color art reproductions; for all you lovers of the printed word, the book also has