THE disciples of Jesus asked him, “Lord, teach us to pray,” and that same request has been put to spiritual leaders and teachers ever since. Their guidance has often been very simple. When some Brothers asked St Francis to teach them to pray, he told them to say the “Our Father” and “We adore you, O Christ, in all your churches throughout the whole world, and we bless you, for by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.” Prayer, as this book attempts to show, is more than something that we do: it is something that we become.

Francis showed others how to pray by word and example — by the words that he prayed himself in often blessing God for his goodness and creation, and by his humble lifestyle and love of poverty. In this helpful book, two Anglican Franciscan priests (belonging to the First and Third Orders) reveal the heart of Franciscan spirituality in simple and straightforward chapters. Each chapter ends with a summary for individual thought, some questions for a group discussion, and suggested further reading.

Francis regarded Jesus as a brother, and all living beings as his brothers and sisters. The Sun, Wind, and Fire he addressed as “brother” and the Moon, Earth, and even Death as “sister”. From this great love and reverence for all around springs activity — preaching, care for the sick and the marginalised, and seeking peace and reconciliation. As the writers state, “This juxtaposition of activity and prayer, especially prayer in solitude and silence, remains central to the Franciscan charism. It is a core foundation of life for all contemporary followers of the poor man of Assisi.”

Although Francis was a reformer, he nevertheless taught the importance of the traditional practices of sacramental confession, the Daily Office, attendance at the eucharist, a devotion to Mary and the saints, sacred places, the prayerful study of scripture, and times of retreat. This book also provides teachings from some other Franciscan saints, as well as notes on the use of the rosary, the Jesus prayer, the Stations of the Cross, the crib, the distinctive Franciscan Cross Prayers, and how to deal with distractions.

There are various paths that lead to “becoming prayer”. Those inspired by Francis will find this book to be an excellent guide on that journey.

The Rt Revd Dominic Walker OGS is a former Bishop of Monmouth.

Becoming Prayer: A Franciscan guide
Simon Cocksedge and Nicholas Alan Worssam
Canterbury Press £13.99
(978-1-78622-619-8)
Church Times Bookshop £12.59