Earlier this year, I spent many weeks carefully reading The Little Oratory by David Clayton and Leila Lawler, and I promised that I would write an actual review when I finished. I find that those things most important to me, or that have the greatest impact, are the hardest to write about. The last few months have been an absolute blur, and I didn’t want to do a haphazard job of sharing my thoughts about The Little Oratory. Over the course of these months I did, however, take lots of pictures of our own little prayer table as we created it, as you can see!
I’ve long been a fan of Leila’s, having gotten to know her through her must-read blog, Like Mother, Like Daughter. The thought of an entire book written by Leila almost seemed too good to be true. But in fact, that wasn’t the case. It really is that good. As far as books written to encourage and instruct go, I find that they are often overwhelming. Rather than being encouraged, I find myself discouraged, knowing that there is no way that I will be able to make the author’s suggestions come to life in my very busy household. But Leila obviously understands that well, having raised her own large family. Reading The Little Oratory didn’t overwhelm me, it didn’t make me feel inadequate. I also didn’t walk away feeling like I needed to start a dozen new things. The simple act of creating a designated space in our home that focuses on our faith was very attainable for me.
In this book about building a prayer life with your family, Leila gently instructs. Every step of the way she is careful not to pressure, overwhelm, or even worse, cause the reader to feel ashamed of his or her own perceived inadequacies. She holds your hand. This topic, the sharing of our faith and prayer life with our children, I believe it’s a sensitive one. Attempting to hand down my faith and model it for my children is both my first priority, and the one that is easiest to neglect. I’m thankful for Leila’s practical advice, her gentle encouragement. My family’s prayer life is always evolving as we search for the rhythm that best suits our needs. I suspect that as our children grow and change, so will our prayer habits.
Elizabeth Foss and Leila Lawler recorded a wonderful series of podcasts covering some of the chapters in The Little Oratory. You can find the first in the series here, along with links to the others. I highly recommend listening to these as you read the book! My favorite chapter in the book is, “The Family and the Home.” It’s full of really lovely and practical advice for the home. My second favorite chapter is “The Liturgical Year.” The chapter opens with a discussion of the different types of time that God gives us. The fact that He didn’t just give us a day, but actually created other ways to mark time such as the changing seasons in many parts of the world. My favorite passage from that chapter speaks of the way that, “The rhythm of growth, bounty, fading glory, and cold death” mirror our spiritual life in nature. I found these words to be quite affirming as I find this especially true for myself. I have learned to expect my emotions to evolve and change with the seasons and the liturgical calendar. It’s not a coincidence that the forty days of Lent often line up with the last forty days of winter barrenness.
We placed our own little oratory next to our front door, thinking that a good place for it, but also not having many other choices in our small space. I loved that Leila gave plenty of tips for creating a prayer corner, without making me feel like I had to do things “just so.” We have done what works for us, and I am very pleased with it. I was given a small broken table a few years ago, and it has sat waiting for a leg ever since. As I began reading The Little Oratory, I knew that almost forgotten table’s purpose at last! Jonny fashioned a pine leg and attached it before repairing the doors, and I gave it a coat of paint. Inside, I now store all of my children’s Catholic books along with prayer cards and rosaries. I love having one place for all of these items to be gathered. I tried keeping candles on the table for a time, but they have since been put away until Job is older. While I waited to order icons for our table I framed some of David Clayton’s printed icons that are included at the back of The Little Oratory. They are really quite nice, especially considering the fact that they are a standard part of the book. Eventually though, I ordered icons from Legacy Icons and I am very pleased with them! They are very beautiful and well made and have held up to periodically finding themselves on the floor thanks to little ones. I ordered the “standard” icons, waiting until there was a sale advertised on Legacy Icons’ Facebook page. Our antique crucifix was found in this shop.
And finally, because I purchased my own, and was given an additional copy of The Little Oratory by the publisher, Sophia Institute Press, I have an extra copy to give to one of you! If you’d like to win, mention so in your comment, and I will randomly select a winner next week.
The winner is Adri, who commented, “I’ve followed LMLD and love them, thanks! Would love the book little oratory…”
This book would be a lovely book to win.
as an Eastern Rite Catholic, your icons make my heart sing! We have a similar arrangement in our home, and call it our “icon corner”. Each family member has an icon for their namesake saint in this corner.
I love your prayer corner or table 🙂 Recently I gathered my favorite prayer cards and placed them in a decorative tin for easy access near my sitting spot. I might have to re think how I’m doing that all over again.
Though sharing my faith would seem to be so natural and easy with my children, it has actually been discouraging and confusing at times. I am learning that it must be intentional.
Thank you for sharing your resources and personal experience with us. I would love to have a chance to gain a copy of The Little Oratory.
Thank you!
How perfectly lovely. Thanks Ginny!
I can see how much you enjoyed the book and would love to win a copy.
If living in a faraway corner of the world (Denmark) do not disqualify me from participating in your giveaway, I’m in! Ive been trying to make something like this, but it has ended up cluttered and unused. This sounds just good. Especially with october and rosary montn beginnig, we need a loving kick in the behind.
The pictures of Job taking the candles are adorable. I love your cool, just photoing it instead of trying (in vain) to save the candles.
I have been hopefully waiting for your review! And it is great! I too usually find it hard to find the right words to write about something when it is important for me. Thank you for taking the time to form your words, they really are great. I would totally love to read this so count me in on the giveaway! Thanks!
I would love to win this! 🙂 I love how your table turned out–so pretty!
I would love to win this book. I love the idea of having a prayer bench or spot.
It looks to be a very inspiring book! I’ve been wanting to do this very thing. If I don’t win I will most definitely be purchasing a copy. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve heard great things from so many people about this book! I’d love to win a copy. Your corner is lovely.
I love this idea! I would also love to have this book! Thank you!
I have been feeling a call to create a prayer area in our home for some time. I’ve let my busy life be an excuse. This post helps lead me to this call more, and that makes me happy. This book sounds like a wonderful resource! 🙂
I love seeing other people’s prayer corners. Mine keeps moving as I have two small children with busy fingers lol. I would like to find a table like yours to hold my statues, candles and rosaries. I have wanted to read this book for a long time and it would be a rose from Heaven if I won. Pax Viboscum!
I have been really really wanting to read this one and have not gotten around to it. I was hoping to get it for Christmas this year. Thank you!
Who can’t use helpful tips to bring more prayer into life and family!
I tried to post a comment and it seems not to have worked. I apologize if it did and this makes two comments! I am inspired by your review of this book, and feel very drawn to it. Thanks for the chance to win! I am adding it to my wish list to purchase eventually if I am not the lucky winner! 🙂 Blessings to you and yours.
This book sounds really lovely and I find myself drawn to it despite not being Catholic. I am very spiritual, though not religious per se, but I do pray often and talk to my children about their guardian angels, etc. It would be nice to have some guidance for praying more at home with my boys. Thanks for sharing about this book! I’d love to win a copy, and am adding it to my wish list to purchase eventually if I don’t.
The book sounds lovely! One that I am definitely adding to my must read list 🙂 Thank you for the chance to win. Also, I love your table! What a transformation! You and Jonny did a great job.
I grew up praying as a family – and bought my children up the same way. I would love to win a copy of this book to give to my married daughter for her very young family. Thank you so much and God bless…today and always!
I’d love to win! Have seen this book in person and I’m impressed!
Thanks for sharing, Ginny! This book just isn’t in the budget for my family right now, but I did request that my local library purchase a copy…we shall see if they do. I would love to be entered in the giveaway. Thanks again!
Love the paint and the idea of a prayer table. Just bringing prayers into the home is a great idea. I’d love to read this book. I come from the reformed faith, but I’m defiantly interested in this book!
I would love to win this! Her writing is very inspiring for busy moms! God bless!
i just know i would love this book. put me in the drawing please. your children will be so grateful one day for your having been thoughtful about their spiritual lives. blessings on you all.
I am not commenting to be included in the drawing, although I am glad prayer is being taught and incorporated in families. I wanted to mention my candle dilemma. This past year our very mobile one year old grandson has been spending long periods of time at our house. I am a candle person….especially in the evenings. I enjoy the tranquil feelings that a little light in the darkness brings. I bought some battery operated wax candles…that actually have a 4-5 hour timer. I splurged on the first three….then I found more at the Goodwill store for a pittance. (I love a good thrift deal). Although I would prefer real candles, the safety and lack of soot….and the genuine glow have sold me on ‘alternative’ candles for now. 🙂
Thank you for sharing this lovely book. It sounds like a practical guide to bringing religion into our everyday family life. This is something I’ve been struggling with. Thanks, again.
Would love a chance to win. Thanks!
I look forward to reading your blog. Thank you for sharing your struggles and triumphs.
Please enter me in your drawing.
Ginny, what a beautiful arrangement! I own the book, so leave me out of the drawing. It looks lovely.
This is so timely as this very subject has been weighing on my mind lately, I would love a copy of this book to help get my thoughts in order. Thank you for the opportunity and God bless you and your family.
Lovely blog, post, prayer space, and inspiring to me to paint some unlovely furniture!
I would love to win the book. I came here from LMLD’s link today.
what a wonderful peaceful gentle review! I’ve met the owner of Legacy Icons a few years back and he makes very lovely icons indeed, so glad you discovered his work! Your table is very beautiful, simple and lovely. I would guess that the colour blue is for the Mother of God both in Orthodox and Catholic churches (forgive my ignorance here!) and that you painted yours blue is just exquisite. I hear/see a lot of peace and quietness in your review and that speaks volumes for the book. I have a copy already (and it is a lovely book, and I can’t wait to finish listening to those podcasts, which the busy summer of moving and setting up house kept me from finishing) so will allow others this worthy chance! I was talking to an Abbess years ago and she commented how empty a house can be without an icon in it; your little oratory has a wonderful fullness to it. And it is wonderful how our prayer lives change and evolve according to our life’s circumstances, situations and God-given time!
Oh how we could use this!
Oh! I would love to get my hands on that book!! Count me in. Please. ❤️
Oh please, please let it be me! This is something my family and I could really use! *fingers crossed*
I’ve been wanting to get this for a while but never have extra in my budget! I’d love to win it!!
That is a lovely color. Is chalk paint hard to work with??
I asked my library to buy this book so I could read it but I would love to own it (and save the fines I will most surely accrue…..)!
I’m so intrigued by this book, I’d love to read it. I’m always open to new ways to strengthen my prayer life. I also love the color you chose for your Oratory. Blue is my favorite color.
I would love to win a copy! Thank you!
It sounds like a lovely book! And beautiful revamp on the cabinet 🙂
I would love to win this book. Thank you for the lovely offer.
Your new space is just wonderful and so inspiring! Thanks for offering a chance to win this book.
Love your special area, and I would to win a copy of the book. I will head over to the podcasts to listen–as I really love podcasts these days. Thanks for the lovely blog and all that you do for your readers.
I would love a chance to win this beautiful book!
This book seems very interesting and practical. I’d love to be part of the draw.
(Not an entry) For the candles you might get some sconces for the wall or put up a little shelf for the candlesticks. We have a brass snuffer and the littles love to use it when we bring the candles down to them to extinguish. When we were married we were given a hanging icon lamp (uses oil and a wick) which we’ve always had at our prayer corner. You could probably find one online at any place that sells icons or Eastern liturgical paraphernalia.
Thank you for your book review. It has inspired me and i would love to be part of your drawing.