The Art of Worship: Paintings, Prayers, and Readings for Meditation

In this beautifully illustrated book, the Reverend Nicholas Holtam–vicar of London's internationally renowned church St. Martin-in-the-Fields–presents his favorite paintings from the National Gallery, London, alongside religious commentary, Bible quotes, prayers, and poetry. The selected illustrations encourage the reader to think about how art can sometimes be a surprising doorway into our own spirituality. Holtam's often highly personal observations inspire private prayer, meditation, and contemplation. Many works in the National Gallery feature Christian subjects, but Reverend Holtam has chosen paintings from a wide range of artists. His more surprising picture choices include Edgar Degas's Miss La La at the Cirque Fernando, Vincent van Gogh's Long Grass with Butterflies, and J. M. W. Turner's The Fighting Temeraire.