A Common Prayer: A cartoonist talks to God

by Michael Leunig

Simple, moving, nonsectarian prayers for the planet, peace, recovery, inner growth, and more--with whimsical cartoon illustrations.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian

64 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1991

About the author

Michael Leunig, typically referred to as Leunig (his signature on his cartoons), was an Australian cartoonist. His works include The Curly Pyjama Letters, cartoon books The Essential Leunig, The Wayward Leunig, The Stick, Goatperson, Short Notes from the Long History of Happiness and Curly Verse, and The Lot, a compilation of his "Curly World" newspaper columns. Leunig also wrote a book of prayers, When I Talk To You.
He was declared an Australian Living Treasure by the National Trust of Australia in 1999.

Reviews

[Amanda Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is lovely. It’s warming. It’s important.
I’ve dipped in and out over the years I’ve owned the book, today I read cover to cover. This was a gift for my 30th birthday and a very appropriate one. I will continue to peek in every day to pick out some thought to consider and appreciate.
Thank you Leunig.

[Trey Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little jewel.

[Matthew O'Neal · Rating 3 out of 5]

All the stars are for the birds.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful, wistful, beautiful little book. I’m very glad I read it. Leunig inspires, touches, and blesses with these little prayers - calling down blessings on domestic animals and food and gardens and laughter and tears. That a writer, who became a cartoonist would offer these in the newspaper as a balm for those who read the actual newspaper is brilliant and creative and evocative. I love it!

[Cate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet, touching and at times a little odd. :)

[Ruth Bonetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ditto my review of a Prayer Tree. Leunig is a national treasure.

[Karen Hunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

His prayers are beautiful.

[Melissa Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of the most heartfelt and heart-opening words I've ever read. Leunig's poems are a perfect example of when 'less is more'.