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Everything Could Be a Prayer: One Hundred Portraits of Saints and Mystics
Pray and meditate along with mystics and saints through this luminous collection of more than one hundred block prints by artist Kreg Yingst, curator of the beloved Instagram account @psalmprayers. Teresa of Ávila, Howard Thurman, Black Elk, Fannie Lou Hamer, Simon of Cyrene, and Jarena through radiant woodblock prints of these and other icons of the faith, artist Kreg Yingst ushers us into God's presence. In Everything Could Be a Prayer, mystics who have communed with God and who worked for justice, mercy, and liberation come alive. Yingst carves images onto blocks of wood or linoleum and then inks and prints them on paper. The resplendent portraits of mystics and justice-seekers that result lead us into visio divina, or "sacred seeing." This form of ancient Christian prayer, in which one meditates on a work of art, moves us into sacred reflection and action. Each mystic embodies a virtue or practice such as mercy, vulnerability, forgiveness, worship, and courage. From Brigid of Kildare we learn hospitality; from Ida B. Wells, truth. From Josephine Bakhita we learn freedom; from Takashi Nagai, trust. All point us toward Christ ruler of all. Each print is paired with a scripture, a meditation on a life well lived, and a prayer. Everything Could Be a Prayer, complete with Lent and Advent reading guides, is a rich resource for private prayer and communal reflection. Together with the saints we pray our way toward the resurrection. We pray along with Sandhu Sundar "You alone do I desire, and where you are, there is heaven." And with Mary of "Blessed is God who cares for the salvation of all souls." With this great cloud of witnesses, we find kinship with Christ. We see anew, and we What if everything could be a prayer?
225 pages, Hardcover
Published October 15, 2024
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108 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 28, 2024
Looking at the Pictures Is the Point of this Book
In preparing to write this book review, I tried to find my wire story that I reported as a journalist about contemporary icon writers daring to substitute modern "saints" for the traditional ancient images—people like Caesar Chavez and Joan Baez. I know that story was published in the 1980s, but I could not find that story in online archives to confirm the exact year. I do recall clearly, though, that people were buzzing about how these new "icons" were appearing in the forms of greeting cards and even coffee cups. People were talking about the way spiritual wisdom seemed to be breaking through in contemporary culture.
Then, I remember I revisited that "contemporary icon" story around the time that revolutions were sweeping through Eastern Europe in 1989, because I saw representations of major figures like Waclav Havel printed on posters in an icon-like design and then pasted up on the walls along the sidewalks in Prague. I still have one of those Havel "icon" posters folded away in my own archives.
What I'm trying to explain is this: The basic idea behind Kreg Yingst's new book is not new—not by a long shot. There is the centuries-old tradition of Christian icon writing (and "writing" is the preferred Orthodox term). Some art historians argue that there were even older traditions of "pagan" icons—or images that functioned in similar ways. They were so popular across Europe and the Middle East that Christians adapted the practice for their own purpose. There's even a traditional tale that St. Luke was the first icon writer.
Then, there is a long, complex and often turbulent history of icons over the past two millennia that I will skip here.
However, when the contemporary art world exploded in the 1960s, many artists drew on the cultural legacy of icons. Some argue that Andy Warhol's famous portraits of celebrities were a pointed mash-up of crass commercial art and sacred traditions of venerating icons. In 1966, the legendary Russian filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky shocked Soviet officials with a three-hour cinematic meditation on the life of a medieval icon writer, Andrei Rublev. The Soviets didn't know what to do with the movie, but Andrei Rublev now is considered a milestone in world cinema.
Flash forward to today and there are cottage icon industries all over the Western world. There are associations of icon writers. Spiritually themed gift shops stock icon cards.
And still this idea has not been exhausted! Many men and women on the cultural cutting edge continue to be attracted to icons—whether those creative folks consider themselves religious or not—because of the ancient powers attributed to icons. Kreg Yingst points out in the opening pages of this new book that icons are traditionally described as "windows to the heavens." To be accurate, he prefers to rephrase that as "sacred windows for encountering the divine." Whether you know much about the history of icons or the history of religion, there is a self-evident experience of self awareness when anyone pauses to engage with the searching eyes of an icon.
And that's why I'm giving this book 5 stars.
I am frustrated that Yingst himself prefers to be an elusive artist. There's not much about his life online and almost nothing about him, as the creator of these works, in this book.
I also find myself objecting to some of the one-page meditations he publishes on the page opposite each icon. I mean, it's crazy to think that just a few paragraphs can capture much about the life of a Thomas Merton or a Dorothy Day, a John Wesley or a Christina Rossetti.
However, having said all of that, the reason you may fall in love with this book is the full-color illustrations made from Yingst's painstaking carved block prints, which he accents with color.
In fact, this is a book where "looking at the pictures" is, indeed, the whole point—or pretty much the whole point of the experience Yingst has curated for us.
Some of the other figures you will find in these pages are environmentalist Wangari Maathai, Rosa Parks, Fannie Lou Hamer, Henri Nouwen, Chief Seattle and Desmond Tutu.
I also want to note that Broadleaf sent me a pre-publication copy of this book to review, because a publicist there is aware of my interest in creative works like this. She was absolutely right and I'm reviewing it well before the October 15 release date because I do think this is a book you may want to consider buying for year-end gift-giving opportunities—especially for a friend or loved one who you know has a daily spiritual spiritual practice of some kind. Yingst designed this book to easily adapt to that kind of daily practice. Consider this perhaps as a hostess gift for an appropriate loved one who is hosting your family's Thanksgiving gathering this year—or for Christmas or Kwanzaa.
In preparing to write this book review, I tried to find my wire story that I reported as a journalist about contemporary icon writers daring to substitute modern "saints" for the traditional ancient images—people like Caesar Chavez and Joan Baez. I know that story was published in the 1980s, but I could not find that story in online archives to confirm the exact year. I do recall clearly, though, that people were buzzing about how these new "icons" were appearing in the forms of greeting cards and even coffee cups. People were talking about the way spiritual wisdom seemed to be breaking through in contemporary culture.
Then, I remember I revisited that "contemporary icon" story around the time that revolutions were sweeping through Eastern Europe in 1989, because I saw representations of major figures like Waclav Havel printed on posters in an icon-like design and then pasted up on the walls along the sidewalks in Prague. I still have one of those Havel "icon" posters folded away in my own archives.
What I'm trying to explain is this: The basic idea behind Kreg Yingst's new book is not new—not by a long shot. There is the centuries-old tradition of Christian icon writing (and "writing" is the preferred Orthodox term). Some art historians argue that there were even older traditions of "pagan" icons—or images that functioned in similar ways. They were so popular across Europe and the Middle East that Christians adapted the practice for their own purpose. There's even a traditional tale that St. Luke was the first icon writer.
Then, there is a long, complex and often turbulent history of icons over the past two millennia that I will skip here.
However, when the contemporary art world exploded in the 1960s, many artists drew on the cultural legacy of icons. Some argue that Andy Warhol's famous portraits of celebrities were a pointed mash-up of crass commercial art and sacred traditions of venerating icons. In 1966, the legendary Russian filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky shocked Soviet officials with a three-hour cinematic meditation on the life of a medieval icon writer, Andrei Rublev. The Soviets didn't know what to do with the movie, but Andrei Rublev now is considered a milestone in world cinema.
Flash forward to today and there are cottage icon industries all over the Western world. There are associations of icon writers. Spiritually themed gift shops stock icon cards.
And still this idea has not been exhausted! Many men and women on the cultural cutting edge continue to be attracted to icons—whether those creative folks consider themselves religious or not—because of the ancient powers attributed to icons. Kreg Yingst points out in the opening pages of this new book that icons are traditionally described as "windows to the heavens." To be accurate, he prefers to rephrase that as "sacred windows for encountering the divine." Whether you know much about the history of icons or the history of religion, there is a self-evident experience of self awareness when anyone pauses to engage with the searching eyes of an icon.
And that's why I'm giving this book 5 stars.
I am frustrated that Yingst himself prefers to be an elusive artist. There's not much about his life online and almost nothing about him, as the creator of these works, in this book.
I also find myself objecting to some of the one-page meditations he publishes on the page opposite each icon. I mean, it's crazy to think that just a few paragraphs can capture much about the life of a Thomas Merton or a Dorothy Day, a John Wesley or a Christina Rossetti.
However, having said all of that, the reason you may fall in love with this book is the full-color illustrations made from Yingst's painstaking carved block prints, which he accents with color.
In fact, this is a book where "looking at the pictures" is, indeed, the whole point—or pretty much the whole point of the experience Yingst has curated for us.
Some of the other figures you will find in these pages are environmentalist Wangari Maathai, Rosa Parks, Fannie Lou Hamer, Henri Nouwen, Chief Seattle and Desmond Tutu.
I also want to note that Broadleaf sent me a pre-publication copy of this book to review, because a publicist there is aware of my interest in creative works like this. She was absolutely right and I'm reviewing it well before the October 15 release date because I do think this is a book you may want to consider buying for year-end gift-giving opportunities—especially for a friend or loved one who you know has a daily spiritual spiritual practice of some kind. Yingst designed this book to easily adapt to that kind of daily practice. Consider this perhaps as a hostess gift for an appropriate loved one who is hosting your family's Thanksgiving gathering this year—or for Christmas or Kwanzaa.
October 11, 2024
The early Celtic Christians believe that everything – every action -- was prayer, including the pilgrimage seeking those personal places of resurrection, those places where we meet God in a mystical way. Specifically in a way that addresses our finite humanity, while revealing the Divine. Everything Could Be A Prayer, although meant to be read, for me, as I read it became that sort of mystical pilgrimage.
Everything Could Be A Prayer had its origins in 2013 with the Sandy Hook school shooting. Kreg writes, “Through my art, I wanted to bring light and healing: something tangible that could be seen and held. Prayers that the viewer could speak. Images to contemplate that might offer a series that might offer a sense of peace and solace.” Through a Lectio divina of icons – or better yet, a Visio divina (“sacred seeing) encompassing 100 stunning icons of mystics and saints, Kreg has accomplish his goal.
While some of the icons are in the Orthodox Christian style of opening a window to encounter God through the eyes of the saint, Kreg wanted to create icons that are windows to our humanity as much to our desire to mystically see the Holy. Even though I have followed and used for meditation Kreg’s work for some time now, I didn’t expect reading the book to be the deep experience that it was—simultaneously deeply mystical and inspiring. Not to forget the 100 stunning icons!
Kreg’s method (Introduction) in creating this Everything Could Be A Prayer, was to find a prayer, then meditate on it, draw it, carve it, print it, and finally paint it. The mystic or saint was the author of the prayer. Although by the end of 2013 he was halfway completed, COVID, the murder of George Floyd and the state of the world got in the way and Kreg turned to the marginalized for inspiration, resulting in Everything Could Be A Prayer.
The book format is a two-page fold for each mystic or saint: the left page is a brief life headed by a quote that encapsules the person, ended with the prayer that inspired the icon, which appears on the right page. Everything Could Be A Prayer can be read straight through, as a daily devotional, or using the icons and the commentary for daily readings during advent and Lent. Kreg helpfully presents a list for each week. There are also helpful notes for additional reading on the mystics and saints. Also, an index if you wish to look up a particular icon.
A personal note, I reread Everything Could Be A Prayer while recuperating from brain surgery. It was just what I needed to lift my spirits. To remind me that even in my frailness, God was present.
The book – both the words and the icons are a balm to the soul in these troubled times. I have no doubt that Everything Could Be A Prayer will be such a book to you also.
Thank you Kreg for giving us a delightful and inspirational gem Visio divina
Kreg Yingst, in my opinion, is one of the foremost hand block-printers of icons of our day. He uses carved blocks of wood, linoleum and other material to create his prints.
Kreg Yingst received his BA from Trinity University in San Antonio and his MA in painting from Eastern Illinois University. His work can be found in numerous international public and private collections, including Purdue University, Indiana and the Halsey Institute of Contemporary. Website: https://kregyingst.com/
Kreg has posted online material for using the icond for Black History Month (Feb) and Women’s History Month (March). He has also created 5 new pieces since there would be some overlap readings between the two
Everything Could Be A Prayer had its origins in 2013 with the Sandy Hook school shooting. Kreg writes, “Through my art, I wanted to bring light and healing: something tangible that could be seen and held. Prayers that the viewer could speak. Images to contemplate that might offer a series that might offer a sense of peace and solace.” Through a Lectio divina of icons – or better yet, a Visio divina (“sacred seeing) encompassing 100 stunning icons of mystics and saints, Kreg has accomplish his goal.
While some of the icons are in the Orthodox Christian style of opening a window to encounter God through the eyes of the saint, Kreg wanted to create icons that are windows to our humanity as much to our desire to mystically see the Holy. Even though I have followed and used for meditation Kreg’s work for some time now, I didn’t expect reading the book to be the deep experience that it was—simultaneously deeply mystical and inspiring. Not to forget the 100 stunning icons!
Kreg’s method (Introduction) in creating this Everything Could Be A Prayer, was to find a prayer, then meditate on it, draw it, carve it, print it, and finally paint it. The mystic or saint was the author of the prayer. Although by the end of 2013 he was halfway completed, COVID, the murder of George Floyd and the state of the world got in the way and Kreg turned to the marginalized for inspiration, resulting in Everything Could Be A Prayer.
The book format is a two-page fold for each mystic or saint: the left page is a brief life headed by a quote that encapsules the person, ended with the prayer that inspired the icon, which appears on the right page. Everything Could Be A Prayer can be read straight through, as a daily devotional, or using the icons and the commentary for daily readings during advent and Lent. Kreg helpfully presents a list for each week. There are also helpful notes for additional reading on the mystics and saints. Also, an index if you wish to look up a particular icon.
A personal note, I reread Everything Could Be A Prayer while recuperating from brain surgery. It was just what I needed to lift my spirits. To remind me that even in my frailness, God was present.
The book – both the words and the icons are a balm to the soul in these troubled times. I have no doubt that Everything Could Be A Prayer will be such a book to you also.
Thank you Kreg for giving us a delightful and inspirational gem Visio divina
Kreg Yingst, in my opinion, is one of the foremost hand block-printers of icons of our day. He uses carved blocks of wood, linoleum and other material to create his prints.
Kreg Yingst received his BA from Trinity University in San Antonio and his MA in painting from Eastern Illinois University. His work can be found in numerous international public and private collections, including Purdue University, Indiana and the Halsey Institute of Contemporary. Website: https://kregyingst.com/
Kreg has posted online material for using the icond for Black History Month (Feb) and Women’s History Month (March). He has also created 5 new pieces since there would be some overlap readings between the two
October 20, 2024
In “Everything Could Be a Prayer”, Kreg Yingst seamlessly weaves scripture, a brief & engaging synopsis of a saint or mystic, a prayer, and a gorgeously crafted visual together to share 100 profound people who’ve heavily impacted the world and the heavenly kingdom— each reflecting a virtue or spiritual practice. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed everything about this book, and have used it as a daily devotional. I’ve been inspired and in awe of the people described, and each day it leaves me with a consideration for application of the virtue/spiritual discipline described in my own life. Kreg Yingst brings so many who are not usually recognized to the forefront, and it’s caused me to further look into some of the people he writes about. The gorgeous visual of each saint or mystic adds to the depth of the person being described and the book overall— I plan to continue to reread and use the advent reading plan next! I highly recommend!!
December 9, 2024
What a lovely book. The appendix offers reading plans for Advent and Lent that I plan to share with my faith community.
December 18, 2024
Prayer and contemplation offer solace and hope during times of despair. As an everyday practice, prayer can strengthen faith and connect with divinity. "Everything Could Be a Prayer" by Kreg Yingst is a book of 100 art prints, meditative short essays, and prayers. Yingst spotlights the stories of saints, mystics, activists, and community builders who devoted their lives to serving others and making a difference. From John the Baptist to Oscar Romero and from Mother Teresa to Fannie Lou Hamer, Yingst draws inspiration from across time and traditions to share uplifting stories that remind us of the potential for positive change, even in the face of great odds.
Yingst is a renowned American illustrator and block artist whose works are in private collections and museums. In the book’s introduction, he shares how the pandemic, a time of collective suffering and reflection, allowed him the time and attention to devote to the meditative act of offering devotions to faithful and dedicated figures in the Christian church. The project evolved to incorporate human and civil rights icons who risked their lives to speak truth to power and create change.
"Everything Could Be a Prayer" is a brilliant and uplifting collection of profiles that manifests kindness, generosity, gratitude, and service to others. One can use the book as a meditative reader; each prayer and life story is a compass for virtuous living.
Yingst is a renowned American illustrator and block artist whose works are in private collections and museums. In the book’s introduction, he shares how the pandemic, a time of collective suffering and reflection, allowed him the time and attention to devote to the meditative act of offering devotions to faithful and dedicated figures in the Christian church. The project evolved to incorporate human and civil rights icons who risked their lives to speak truth to power and create change.
"Everything Could Be a Prayer" is a brilliant and uplifting collection of profiles that manifests kindness, generosity, gratitude, and service to others. One can use the book as a meditative reader; each prayer and life story is a compass for virtuous living.
January 11, 2026
Picked this up at St. Placid Priory in their bookshop. Loved every story. This book was both inspirational and hopeful. I strive to show the attributes of these glorious saints. We need more leaders with these qualities in our world today. May we all be more like these prophets. May these qualities be our quest and aim.
November 6, 2024
Really enjoyed this text. The author does a wonderful job showcasing their work and providing a devotional reading on the individual. Strongly recommend.
October 4, 2025
This is such a beautiful book. I keep it on my nightstand and read an entry before bed.
May 15, 2025
“Everything, even sweeping, scraping vegetables, weeding a garden, and waiting on the sick could be a prayer if it were offered to God.”
—Martín de Porres, Peru (1579-1639)
—Martín de Porres, Peru (1579-1639)
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews