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…”
love the prayer space you created! the book sounds fabulous!
I too purchased one of my own, but would love to give this as a gift to one of my dear friends!
What a beautiful space you’ve created! I would love to have a copy of this book. Thanks for the opportunity.
I would love to win a copy. In our home, inspired by the Russians, we have what in Russia is called the “Beautiful Corner” with an icon shelf, and other holy items. You inspire me to use it more fully. The answer to your candle concern might be to get a hanging lamp, as it usually found near an icon shelf.
It sounds like a treasure of a book:) we would love to glean from its wisdom!
I’ve read about this book before (I think right here!) and researched it some. Now you’ve inspired me to that it is a must for my Christmas wish list!
I could use some help with a prayer mantel.
Thanks for the giveaway. It sounds like a lovely book.
Thanks for the ‘giveaway.’ I would love to have a copy!
I have been wanting to incorporate some of these practices is our own home. This book would be great.
This sounds like what I really need.
I would love to read the book. Your review was wonderful it made me want to have a little table like yours.
I would love the book and need the prayer:)
This book sounds wonderful! I would love to learn more about the liturgical year. Thanks for the chance to get a copy!
Thanks for the chance!
I would love to read it. Your little corner turned out beautifully.
Oh I love how the table turned out! and your ‘prayer corner’ is beautiful! I would love to win a copy of this book!
PS…we are moving house on Nov 15. We will be walking distance from our new Parish and our next door neighbors are retired nuns!
Thank you for the chance to win this book!
I would love to win a copy of this book!
Ginny,
What an inspiration! As a Catechist, I have a prayer table in the classroom, but I never thought of having one at home… It’s brilliant! If I am not so fortunate as to win this book, it will be on my wish list as a Christmas gift from my husband. Thanks!
Shawn
Lo necesito mucho….
I would love a copy of this book. It’s been on my reading list for awhile now. Thank you!
Thank you so much for the chance! As we all let our lives loose focus or just simply get busy, I am looking forward to learning some tips to make what is the most important, a routine in our household. Have a prayerful day!
Thanks for the chance to own a copy. Your space is beautiful!
Your remade cupboard is beautiful. Count me in, too, please, for the contest. Thank you!
I’d love to win a book that has meant so much to someone else and comes highly recommended.
I would love to receive and read this book.
Thank you,
Hannah
We had something like this when I was growing up. It’s something I’ve always wanted to create in my own home. Thanks for the chance!
Nice to see the great big internet is also very small. I read both blogs, but never knew you read LMLD. Please enter me to win!
This has been a must read for me for the longest time. Thank you for the thoughtful post!
Sounds like an amazing book! I would love a chance to win this book.
Please add me to the list! I’d love to win a copy.
I’d love the book, and I love the paint color you used!
All women need encouragement during different stages of life…I am now facing empty nest syndrome and menopause…so all difficulties don t end when children are grown!!
It sounds like a wonderful resource. I’d love to check it out.
Ginny, I can definitely relate, some “meant to encourage” books discourage me as well as help shine the light on all my inadequecies/failures. It would be great to own this book. Thank you for your review. I love the piece of furniture as well, it turned out beautifully. The color is a perfect choice!
I would so Love reading Leala’s book for some wonderful tips. Thanks Ginny.
Yes, please….do enter me in the drawing!
Thanks, Ginny for such a thoughtful review. We too search for encouragement in sharing our faith with our children. It sounds like this book has been both quite useful to you and of great benefit to your kids. I hope to win, but if not, I will put it on my (extremely long) wish list. An excellent Christmas gift to young families to be sure.
I would love to receive this book — I love the idea of having a prayerful corner!
Would love the little oratory, love LMLD!!!!
I’ve followed LMLD and love them, thanks! Would love the book little oratory…
I can absolutely relate to feeling overwhelmed and discouraged when reading books that are meant to do the opposite. I appreciate your thoughtful review of this book and for pointing out that the author “gently instructs” and “holds your hand.” I’d love to win a copy and learn how to create a space and habit in my own home.
I have two little ones, and a third one on the way. I need to actively be sharing our Faith with them, and this book sounds great for that. I’d love a copy, and I plan on getting one, even if I don’t win your extra one!
Hi there,
I am a big fan of this space of yours that I stumbled upon some time ago. Now it is a weekly fixture in my life. I am encouraged by the ways you try to keep your faith, family and home all knit together. Thank you. I would love to have a copy of this book.
This has been on my list to take a look at for months now! I’d love to win it!
We have always had an icon corner, but I would love to read how the family spiritual life is approached in this book.
This book has been on my “to-buy” list since I first saw Elizabeth Foss posting about it. Hope to win one!
Your table turned our beautiful. I hope I have a chance to win this beautiful book.
I look so forward to reading your inspiring stories everyday.
Have a blessed day!!
I have the book in my Amazon cart. Thanks for the review, if I don’t win the book, I will need to order it.