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Illuminted Prayers

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Marianne Williamson published her first collection of prayers, Illuminata, in 1994, and immediately the book soared to the top of the nation's bestseller lists, selling more than 450,000 copies in hardcover. The Los Angeles Times Book Review marveled at the transforming impact of the author's words: "Williamsons prayers have an unpredictable force".Marianne Williamson's new book, a beautifully illustrated, small-size gift volume richly adorned with gold accents, brings the power of prayer into our daily lives and builds on the inspirational message she shared in The Healing of America. Using the image of a silver castle where we gather in prayer, Williamson weaves a network of global prayer and meditation.

For readers already familiar with her writings, Illuminated Prayers brings renewed comfort and inspiration. For those new to Williamson's teachings, the book offers a treasured introduction to the power and enduring relevance of her message: prayer illuminates our souls, and with prayer, we can change the world.

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

9 people are currently reading
308 people want to read

About the author

Marianne Williamson

455 books2,327 followers
Marianne Williamson is an internationally acclaimed lecturer, activist, and author with six New York Times bestsellers. Her books include Tears to Triumph, A Return to Love, A Year of Miracles, The Law of Divine Compensation, The Gift of Change, The Age of Miracles, Everyday Grace, A Woman's Worth, Illuminata, and A Course in Weight Loss. She has been a popular guest on television programs such as Oprah and Good Morning America.

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5 stars
174 (47%)
4 stars
116 (31%)
3 stars
55 (15%)
2 stars
14 (3%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Hien  Nguyen, Minh.
9 reviews11 followers
October 24, 2012
One day in 2009 I was strolling in the basement of Strand bookstore in New York City and picked up this book by chance.

The book is small and has beautiful design. The prayers are short, uplifting and melting your heart away. In addition, the prayers do not belong to any specific religion, just simply a chat with God. You can finish the whole booklet just less about one hour, but a quick look would also help much.

Once, I had a type-A friend. She worked so hard on her PhD program to the point of catching depression. I loaned her the book. She said it calmed her mind during those difficult days.

Profile Image for Ann Keller.
Author 31 books112 followers
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July 21, 2012
Marianne Williamson creates an inspiring and consoling book in Illuminated Prayers. Beautifully illustrated with watercolors by Claudia Karabaic Sargent, Ms. Williamson’s message is simple and uplifting. This is a little book you can take with you in your purse or briefcase, an excellent diversion and a marvelous way to start your day. Worthy for your coffee table, doctor’s office or waiting room.
Profile Image for Emily.
2,044 reviews36 followers
February 12, 2017
In the past couple of years, I've found that reading the prayers of others can be beneficial to my own prayer life.
This is a pretty little book, and I found several prayers that were especially meaningful to me and that I'm sure I'll revisit. These were mixed in with a few that seemed overly general or just a bit weird, but I'm still glad I checked it out.
It's a great gift idea for friends or family who are into devotional reading.
Profile Image for Edwina.
28 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2018
Beautiful prayers and/or affirmative meditations that carry deep and are so rich and potent with light and love.
Profile Image for Lindsay.
10 reviews4 followers
February 4, 2023
do any of yall think marianne williamson has ever transitioned genders?
Profile Image for Margaret.
1,125 reviews
October 6, 2023
Beautifully illustrated, pretty generic prayers that could be any religion .
Profile Image for MMC1.
201 reviews
July 19, 2017
This is a short book of prayers written by Marianne Williamson. The book itself is beautiful with wonderful illustrations and type-face. The prayers were so-so. Some I thought were very good and quite moving and others I didn't like at all - either too short or mentioned something in them that kind of turned me off. I bought this in a used book store for $5.00, mainly because of the illustrations. I am a fan of Marianne Williamson and therefore had high expectations for the book, but I would have to say, it didn't think live up to my expectations.
Profile Image for Carol Schleicher.
5 reviews2 followers
May 13, 2013
A visual delight with prose that constructs words as prayers I would write if carefully considering each phrase for a long time so this has it done. I can read each one and do a meditation on the meaning - Dear God, Please help me to detach from things that hold me back. remove from me illusions and falsehood.
Restore to me the lightness of my being, Amen.
Profile Image for Carol.
12 reviews3 followers
May 14, 2013
I love this little book of prayers.I will confess that I am not a huge Marianne Williamson fan as I find most of her books too simplistic but that very feature is what makes this book of prayer so special. Often a short prayer can rest easiest on the heart. And as someone who loves illuminated manuscripts a real treat this little book is absolutely gorgeous.
Profile Image for Christina .
107 reviews2 followers
September 29, 2017
I love love love this book.

I am a dedicated reader/follower of the Bible. I have opened my heart, soul, spirit, mind and self to all teachers of love. My primary source/authority for me is still the Bible, but anything that help me to be more loving and to love with a purer love, i embrace.

This book will inspire, comfort, open you heart and b
10 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2009
Beautifully illustrated with images reminiscent of the ancient Bibles in the Cloisters Museum in New York City, these are touching and evocative prayers, many that can be used as a basis for affirmations. Good to carry you through a tough patch in your life.
Profile Image for Renae.
31 reviews1 follower
August 1, 2012
While there were a few prayers that I did not care for, most of them were beautifully worded and several of them especially resonated with me. The illustrations were beautiful with a very medieval flair that fit the overall mood of the book.
Profile Image for JoAnn J. A.  Jordan.
333 reviews68 followers
August 1, 2012
My friend, Claudia Karabaic Sargent, who illustrated this book sent a copy to me. It is a gorgeous book with beautiful heartfelt prayers.

I highly recommend this small gem of a book to anyone looking for something uplifting.
Profile Image for Lee (of Shalott).
108 reviews5 followers
December 9, 2018
Sometimes a simple prayer is all someone is capable of uttering, so I appreciate that this book has assisted many people. I read it for the illuminations, but my heart stopped at two prayers in particular, which I will meditate on for a long time to come.
Profile Image for Mary.
754 reviews
June 29, 2019
Read this book again this morning after her poor performance in political debates. She writes outstanding prayers and this book as well as her Illuminata book are both sources of excellent prayers. She should stay in this lane; she is too nice to swim with the sharks.
6 reviews1 follower
December 25, 2007
This book has prayers that are quick and small; it's a quick read but the poetry speaks to your soul. It is so beautiful, the prayers are so clear; so detailed. Truly simple elegance
Profile Image for Melissa Baker.
8 reviews
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November 15, 2012
a gem of a book you can pull out any time as a way to center yourself in prayer:)
Profile Image for Bridget.
450 reviews36 followers
December 16, 2012
Beautiful prayers juxtaposed with equally beautiful paintings. LOVE this book :)
Profile Image for Veda .
44 reviews21 followers
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September 9, 2020
Oprah (& her Book Club) introduced me to Marianne

"A Woman's Worth," among others & 💗 Marianne Willamson, I do!

This book is 'powerful' - the Prayers are magnificent an inspiring/empowering.

A must have for any lover of books, prayers & poetry.

🙏 Namaste
Profile Image for Rosalinda Sepeda.
158 reviews8 followers
February 6, 2023
My suggestion is to read the book, then focus on the prayers. I feel as reading this book that many of the prayers were coming from within her spiritual self. Very awesome. I feel many of the prayers were useful for myself. But then again, we all have our own prayers to pray.
186 reviews
December 28, 2021
This is a lovely small book, beautifully illustrated, with thoughtful, poetic prayers. The perfect pick for finding a path to guide you to a meditative moment to your heart's language.
Profile Image for Susan.
1,602 reviews
September 5, 2023
This slender volume of short, direct prayers is beautifully assembled. The conversational tone of each prayer appeals to me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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