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A Comedian’s Prayer Book
A Comedian's Prayer Book. The title is a worry, isn't it?...
God is a tough audience as far as audible response is concerned, but at least you don't have to explain the references. In this collection of prayers, much-loved comedian, broadcaster and radio host Frank Skinner has tried to retain the bare candour of the rehearsal-room improvisation - to show what faith feels like, from the inside - but infused it with all the production values required to make it a passable public entertainment. In it are his convictions, his questions, his fears, his doubts, his elations - all presented in an eavesdropper-friendly form.
Hell, Judgement, atheism, money, faith and the X-Men all it's a bit like reading the Bible, except you only get one side of the conversation, and all the jokes are left in.
God is a tough audience as far as audible response is concerned, but at least you don't have to explain the references. In this collection of prayers, much-loved comedian, broadcaster and radio host Frank Skinner has tried to retain the bare candour of the rehearsal-room improvisation - to show what faith feels like, from the inside - but infused it with all the production values required to make it a passable public entertainment. In it are his convictions, his questions, his fears, his doubts, his elations - all presented in an eavesdropper-friendly form.
Hell, Judgement, atheism, money, faith and the X-Men all it's a bit like reading the Bible, except you only get one side of the conversation, and all the jokes are left in.
112 pages, Hardcover
Published April 1, 2021
46 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
May 16, 2021
A friend urged me to read this, pressing her copy into my hands, and I can see why. What an interesting read this was. An honest and open conversation with God, humorous and entirely sincere. Loved following Frank’s thoughts through these pages.
April 21, 2021
Very enjoyable. His sharp wit attacks some of the deeply personal issues about religion and prayer. More to come, I feel.
Catholics, like so many other religious communities are regularly treated to biblical stories to enrich, enhance and encompass our every day lives. Here's a devout, prayerful person who cleverly, but comically, challenges all that. Definitely another book (or three) to come, as you get the feeling he's only just scratched the surface.
Catholics, like so many other religious communities are regularly treated to biblical stories to enrich, enhance and encompass our every day lives. Here's a devout, prayerful person who cleverly, but comically, challenges all that. Definitely another book (or three) to come, as you get the feeling he's only just scratched the surface.
April 19, 2022
This was a good read in a lot of ways. He writes like he speaks, with many witty, little phrases, and plenty of warmth. Considering, as he points out a number of times, these prayers are often said in silence from the heart, he does a great job at articulating his prayers on paper, in ways that felt really familiar. He’s happy to wrestle with some of the difficult questions of faith, and bring everything before God in prayer, in a way that really challenged/rebuked me. It is clear that he has a faith in God.
But reading this left me really flat and disappointed too, mainly in that I wish I could jump through the page and tell Frank all about God. That for those who trust in Him, there is assurance of grace; that we don’t need to do anything to earn His favour; and that God isn’t distant that we need to pray through others, but through Jesus we can draw near and approach Him directly, getting to call Him Father! I pray people can point Him to God’s real goodness.
But reading this left me really flat and disappointed too, mainly in that I wish I could jump through the page and tell Frank all about God. That for those who trust in Him, there is assurance of grace; that we don’t need to do anything to earn His favour; and that God isn’t distant that we need to pray through others, but through Jesus we can draw near and approach Him directly, getting to call Him Father! I pray people can point Him to God’s real goodness.
January 31, 2022
A lot to laugh at when you can see your own thoughts, maybe never verbalized, written beautifully in each prayer. We can all learn from the insecurities written here that actually we are never going to be worthy on our own merit, and that's the beauty of faith.
November 7, 2021
It's refreshing to read a Christian book by a "normal" person who believes in God but has a lot of the same questions that I do. Thank you Frank.
December 13, 2021
Even though he's known to be a devout Roman Catholic, the concept of Frank Skinner - comedian, actor, writer, presenter, pundit, No.1 recording artist, Doctor Who companion that should've been and former lecturer at Halesowen College - writing a *prayer* book of all things seemed hugely incongruous when I first heard of it. Having now read it, I no longer think this.
I found it hard at first to accept that despite his faith, Skinner *hadn't* written this book as a piss-take; I found it hard to judge the tone of some of the early entries. But as I read on, I began to realise that the intent behind it was kosher, and I very much enjoyed it - not least because I share his weariness (well, in my case, violent loathing) of smug celebrity atheists who make no secret of how superior they consider themselves to anyone who has a modicum of faith. FFS, even Professor Brian Cox seems to have mellowed a little on that score.
I found this book by turns touching, honest, funny, moving and surprisingly wise. I also recognised many of Skinner's questions, thoughts, musings and concepts as similar to my own.
Actually, this is, in fact, less a book of 'prayers' than a series of meditations in the form of "little chats" with God, in which Skinner talks about, amongst other things, his life, his concerns for the future, his family, his thoughts on the biblical stories and teachings that baffle him, and his fears of not being a good enough Catholic.
I found A Comedian's Prayer Book to be quite enlightening; I also found that it reminded me *very* strongly of two books by David Kossoff: You Have A Minute, Lord? and You Have Another Minute, Lord?
I think this book may surprise some readers.
I found it hard at first to accept that despite his faith, Skinner *hadn't* written this book as a piss-take; I found it hard to judge the tone of some of the early entries. But as I read on, I began to realise that the intent behind it was kosher, and I very much enjoyed it - not least because I share his weariness (well, in my case, violent loathing) of smug celebrity atheists who make no secret of how superior they consider themselves to anyone who has a modicum of faith. FFS, even Professor Brian Cox seems to have mellowed a little on that score.
I found this book by turns touching, honest, funny, moving and surprisingly wise. I also recognised many of Skinner's questions, thoughts, musings and concepts as similar to my own.
Actually, this is, in fact, less a book of 'prayers' than a series of meditations in the form of "little chats" with God, in which Skinner talks about, amongst other things, his life, his concerns for the future, his family, his thoughts on the biblical stories and teachings that baffle him, and his fears of not being a good enough Catholic.
I found A Comedian's Prayer Book to be quite enlightening; I also found that it reminded me *very* strongly of two books by David Kossoff: You Have A Minute, Lord? and You Have Another Minute, Lord?
I think this book may surprise some readers.
June 1, 2021
Wow! Wow! Wow! Well in the words of Jamie Lawson: I wasn't expecting that!! The best book on prayer I have ever read. Loved it. Connected with it. Challenged by it. Superb. Deeply moving and profoundly explorational and honest. Perfect.
August 16, 2021
This is Frank Skinner's religious book. However, being Frank Skinner it is a serious book entwined with jokes. As he himself says, as part of an extended metaphor, in the introduction: "The intention is serious and completely devout, but the pilgrim just feels more at home in the motley than in sackcloth and ashes." (p. 5)
This is a short book. It is Skinner's prayers and they seem to fall into two categories. Short, sharp jokes and longer, more meditative ones dealing with bigger issues: on the nature of prayer; on the Trinity; on wealth and getting into heaven; on Heaven and Hell; on the fate of atheists; whether he should pray to just God, the Father or the multitude of Saints. These are all interesting and are questions that we have probably all asked if we have flirted with issues of faith.
Frank Skinner always writes with clarity and intelligence, as well as wit. It is also a personal and honest book. I think you get an insight into Frank Skinner that even his biographies don't necessarily give you. And faith in a cynical atheist friendly modern world isn't something a lot of people are comfortable talking about. This is one of the book's strengths. It is also one of the book's weaknesses.
There was one section that I found a little self-indulgent, which was his prayer focused on "it is easier for a rich man..." Now, in a personal book, it is no surprise that a wealthy man should be concerned about what this means for his eternity. But this is the one part of the book where I think Frank Skinner is looking for a way out. Now, I've never thought about that passage on more than a superficial level and I think Skinner's one suggestion that it means that a rich person has to work harder to get into heaven seems a fair reading, although wealth isn't something Jesus seems particularly fond of. So, it is purely my personal feelings about this section that go against it. I'm not saying Skinner is a bad man looking for a way out. I just felt excluded by this section.
I've only given it two stars. I'm pondering whether I'm being harsh, but in the end, the star rating is the personal feeling you get from reading a book and whilst I thought it was interesting, intelligent and well-written it didn't quite reach me the way it might have been intended to. Sorry Frank.
This is a short book. It is Skinner's prayers and they seem to fall into two categories. Short, sharp jokes and longer, more meditative ones dealing with bigger issues: on the nature of prayer; on the Trinity; on wealth and getting into heaven; on Heaven and Hell; on the fate of atheists; whether he should pray to just God, the Father or the multitude of Saints. These are all interesting and are questions that we have probably all asked if we have flirted with issues of faith.
Frank Skinner always writes with clarity and intelligence, as well as wit. It is also a personal and honest book. I think you get an insight into Frank Skinner that even his biographies don't necessarily give you. And faith in a cynical atheist friendly modern world isn't something a lot of people are comfortable talking about. This is one of the book's strengths. It is also one of the book's weaknesses.
There was one section that I found a little self-indulgent, which was his prayer focused on "it is easier for a rich man..." Now, in a personal book, it is no surprise that a wealthy man should be concerned about what this means for his eternity. But this is the one part of the book where I think Frank Skinner is looking for a way out. Now, I've never thought about that passage on more than a superficial level and I think Skinner's one suggestion that it means that a rich person has to work harder to get into heaven seems a fair reading, although wealth isn't something Jesus seems particularly fond of. So, it is purely my personal feelings about this section that go against it. I'm not saying Skinner is a bad man looking for a way out. I just felt excluded by this section.
I've only given it two stars. I'm pondering whether I'm being harsh, but in the end, the star rating is the personal feeling you get from reading a book and whilst I thought it was interesting, intelligent and well-written it didn't quite reach me the way it might have been intended to. Sorry Frank.
May 23, 2021
Beautiful little book
It is surprisingly intimate to read someone else's prayers - an insight into the mind of another person. Beautiful and enlightning.
It is surprisingly intimate to read someone else's prayers - an insight into the mind of another person. Beautiful and enlightning.
November 9, 2021
An unexpected little gem. Reverence and irreverence are (very) finely balanced. Is the line sometimes crossed the wrong way? Perhaps. But who am I to judge? Thought provoking and honest. God would definitely never be bored when hearing from Frank!
May 9, 2022
Unlike anything I've read
What kind of book is this? It's totally unique.
This is not a comedy treatise on religion, It's more a theology book that just so happens to be very funny. A collected correspondence to a deity from a believer who happens to be a humorous person who is no less reverential in his belief and faith. There is a large helping of philosophy here because this is just as thought provoking as it is funny. I've never read anything like this outside of late night conversations with very close friends.
Frank Skinner says he's a practicing catholic who has recorded some of the prayers he has made to God. I get the feeling that he isn't kidding here. Even when he's drop dead funny, I don't think he's kidding us the reader, or the God he's praying to.
-There are some very short little books that have a huge impact: The Enchiridion, The Art of War, Meditations, and The Prince. You know, those little Penguin Classics that could be read in hours but take years to digest. This book is very much like one of those. Certainly in size, I would argue in scope. While his orientation is Catholic, I've asked many of the same questions just as sincerely, but never as well as these.
What kind of book is this? It's totally unique.
This is not a comedy treatise on religion, It's more a theology book that just so happens to be very funny. A collected correspondence to a deity from a believer who happens to be a humorous person who is no less reverential in his belief and faith. There is a large helping of philosophy here because this is just as thought provoking as it is funny. I've never read anything like this outside of late night conversations with very close friends.
Frank Skinner says he's a practicing catholic who has recorded some of the prayers he has made to God. I get the feeling that he isn't kidding here. Even when he's drop dead funny, I don't think he's kidding us the reader, or the God he's praying to.
-There are some very short little books that have a huge impact: The Enchiridion, The Art of War, Meditations, and The Prince. You know, those little Penguin Classics that could be read in hours but take years to digest. This book is very much like one of those. Certainly in size, I would argue in scope. While his orientation is Catholic, I've asked many of the same questions just as sincerely, but never as well as these.
December 7, 2023
This is a series of off-the-cuff prayers tidied up into “an eavesdropper-friendly form”.
It isn’t a long book; I don’t think I’d want it to be. But it’s a nice book.
My favourite thing is how refreshingly relatable Frank Skinner is. It’s fun to imagine the comedian I’ve watched on TV, kneeling in his room making much the same jokes only addressed to God. It’s comforting to hear Frank Skinner puzzling over Bible verses he doesn’t understand or trying to develop his layman’s understanding of the Trinity or the Communion of Saints.
Here’s my favourite quotes:
4 - “I may have come up with a formula that alienates and annoys just about everyone. Anyway. I’ve written a prayer book. At least no one can accuse me of being too commercial.”
13 - “My palms together in pray, sometimes seem to crackle with energy, I realise it could just be the nylon carpet.”
14 - “I do completely acknowledge your all-powerfulness. It’s just that it’s not on my ’Top Three Favourite Qualities of God’ list. Off the top of my head, those qualities would be: 1. Loving, 2. Interesting and 3. Defiantly Uncool.”
14 - “I could say, ‘You are the stillness at the core of me.’ It is true, but i acknowledge it does sound a little bit yoga-ish and I’m never sure how you feel about the Eastern religions. I like to think it’s the same you at the centre of every religion, just viewed from a different angle, but suddenly, I’m remembering the golden calf incident and deciding to move on.”
15 - “make me truly humble, but humble in a really fascinating way”
42 - “We’ve apologised our way out of a ragged and reckless faith and into some bland approximation, a sort of belief-lite.”
51 - “‘lost souls searching for Catholicism. (Actually, you’ll recognise that last phrase from my discussions with you about friends who do believe but are members of, what I like to call the support religions. It’s a surprisingly flexible phrase considering it’s core strength is its inflexibility)”
65 - “I like to imagine the first drafts of the New Testament were packed with one-liners and pratfalls, but the early church went a bit Woody Allen and decided jokes undermined it’s intellectual integrity and general longing for gravitas.”
67 - “I thought tonight I’d just listen for a change. No pressure.”
82 - “One reason I worry about praying to Mary and the saints is that if it’s wrong, it’s probably very, very wrong…. [but] if I find out the whole Communion of Saints thing was indeed bona fide, I’ll feel I missed out on something that was probably really deep, challenging and weird-in-a-good-way."
96 - “A lot of people don’t understand how I, in the light of so much contradictory evidence could possibly believe in God. What I don’t understand is how he, in the light of even more contradictory evidence, could possibly believe in me."
It isn’t a long book; I don’t think I’d want it to be. But it’s a nice book.
My favourite thing is how refreshingly relatable Frank Skinner is. It’s fun to imagine the comedian I’ve watched on TV, kneeling in his room making much the same jokes only addressed to God. It’s comforting to hear Frank Skinner puzzling over Bible verses he doesn’t understand or trying to develop his layman’s understanding of the Trinity or the Communion of Saints.
Here’s my favourite quotes:
4 - “I may have come up with a formula that alienates and annoys just about everyone. Anyway. I’ve written a prayer book. At least no one can accuse me of being too commercial.”
13 - “My palms together in pray, sometimes seem to crackle with energy, I realise it could just be the nylon carpet.”
14 - “I do completely acknowledge your all-powerfulness. It’s just that it’s not on my ’Top Three Favourite Qualities of God’ list. Off the top of my head, those qualities would be: 1. Loving, 2. Interesting and 3. Defiantly Uncool.”
14 - “I could say, ‘You are the stillness at the core of me.’ It is true, but i acknowledge it does sound a little bit yoga-ish and I’m never sure how you feel about the Eastern religions. I like to think it’s the same you at the centre of every religion, just viewed from a different angle, but suddenly, I’m remembering the golden calf incident and deciding to move on.”
15 - “make me truly humble, but humble in a really fascinating way”
42 - “We’ve apologised our way out of a ragged and reckless faith and into some bland approximation, a sort of belief-lite.”
51 - “‘lost souls searching for Catholicism. (Actually, you’ll recognise that last phrase from my discussions with you about friends who do believe but are members of, what I like to call the support religions. It’s a surprisingly flexible phrase considering it’s core strength is its inflexibility)”
65 - “I like to imagine the first drafts of the New Testament were packed with one-liners and pratfalls, but the early church went a bit Woody Allen and decided jokes undermined it’s intellectual integrity and general longing for gravitas.”
67 - “I thought tonight I’d just listen for a change. No pressure.”
82 - “One reason I worry about praying to Mary and the saints is that if it’s wrong, it’s probably very, very wrong…. [but] if I find out the whole Communion of Saints thing was indeed bona fide, I’ll feel I missed out on something that was probably really deep, challenging and weird-in-a-good-way."
96 - “A lot of people don’t understand how I, in the light of so much contradictory evidence could possibly believe in God. What I don’t understand is how he, in the light of even more contradictory evidence, could possibly believe in me."
January 25, 2024
Book 134 - Frank Skinner - A Comedian’s Prayer Book
Not a title I thought I would ever see … never mind read…Frank Skinner on the spine of a prayer book. Not many know that Skinner is a devout Catholic and this wonderful little book is filled with some of the ‘chats’ he has had with God. Perhaps some think they are slightly irreverent but if you look through the witticisms…look past the casualness of his conversation, there are some real gems … some true, honest, real and passionate pleas from the heart.
So let us listen to the’Rev’ Frank…or should that be ‘Father’ Frank…
“I like holding on to that child-heart William Wordsworth suggested we come into this material world still smelling of eternity, but gradually grow further and further away from the core of truth.”
“Faith, I realise, is a privilege, but a privilege with a sell-by-date…when finally confronted by your undeniable amazingness, we will gain absolute and universal certainty and lose all the multi-layered manifestations of individual faith.”
My favourite prayer he repeats in this short book…is one where he describes the children going off to an anteroom to “hear a simpler version of the gospel and respond via the medium of wax-crayon” whilst the adults allow themselves to be lost in a maze of grown-up believing.
So true.
Not a title I thought I would ever see … never mind read…Frank Skinner on the spine of a prayer book. Not many know that Skinner is a devout Catholic and this wonderful little book is filled with some of the ‘chats’ he has had with God. Perhaps some think they are slightly irreverent but if you look through the witticisms…look past the casualness of his conversation, there are some real gems … some true, honest, real and passionate pleas from the heart.
So let us listen to the’Rev’ Frank…or should that be ‘Father’ Frank…
“I like holding on to that child-heart William Wordsworth suggested we come into this material world still smelling of eternity, but gradually grow further and further away from the core of truth.”
“Faith, I realise, is a privilege, but a privilege with a sell-by-date…when finally confronted by your undeniable amazingness, we will gain absolute and universal certainty and lose all the multi-layered manifestations of individual faith.”
My favourite prayer he repeats in this short book…is one where he describes the children going off to an anteroom to “hear a simpler version of the gospel and respond via the medium of wax-crayon” whilst the adults allow themselves to be lost in a maze of grown-up believing.
So true.
May 6, 2021
Intimate and enthralling
I've rated this 4 stars, which is top for me. 5 would have had to be written by our Friend as He only can achieve perfection. I really never thought other people would have the same hang ups and insecurities as me, so thank you for sharing. Like Frank I often find it difficult to praise a being who is surely above such human characteristics as ego. God knows better than I do myself what is in my mind, but like Frank, having to articulate helps me find the way forward. How can an entity be so cosmically powerful and yet reside within each of us, tiny as we are? But he does!
I loved the style and humour and candid writing. I've no idea whether Frank gets to read his reviews but please let him know that I was recommended this read by a lovely person whom I respect and I will definitely be recommending it to two or three others. It has made me feel understood at last. Thank you Frank.
I've rated this 4 stars, which is top for me. 5 would have had to be written by our Friend as He only can achieve perfection. I really never thought other people would have the same hang ups and insecurities as me, so thank you for sharing. Like Frank I often find it difficult to praise a being who is surely above such human characteristics as ego. God knows better than I do myself what is in my mind, but like Frank, having to articulate helps me find the way forward. How can an entity be so cosmically powerful and yet reside within each of us, tiny as we are? But he does!
I loved the style and humour and candid writing. I've no idea whether Frank gets to read his reviews but please let him know that I was recommended this read by a lovely person whom I respect and I will definitely be recommending it to two or three others. It has made me feel understood at last. Thank you Frank.
June 13, 2021
Reflections and lessons learned:
“…She sought comfort and I was loathed to deliver…”
I have no allegiance to a religion or faith, but I do have a regular inner monologue - who am I addressing though? A deity, a second non physical version of me (partitioned hard drive thought), an unseen family member? Who do any of us address these imaginary balancing conversations to…? Skinner has always been open about his practice as a Roman Catholic, so this is essentially reflections on life trying to figure some parts out, but with a much larger philosophical sentiment - frank and moving but filled with the familiar sense of humour and pathos
“I suppose praying is like parking… you get as close as you can…”
“…She sought comfort and I was loathed to deliver…”
I have no allegiance to a religion or faith, but I do have a regular inner monologue - who am I addressing though? A deity, a second non physical version of me (partitioned hard drive thought), an unseen family member? Who do any of us address these imaginary balancing conversations to…? Skinner has always been open about his practice as a Roman Catholic, so this is essentially reflections on life trying to figure some parts out, but with a much larger philosophical sentiment - frank and moving but filled with the familiar sense of humour and pathos
“I suppose praying is like parking… you get as close as you can…”
May 5, 2022
I liked the book. I like prayer, so I would say that, wouldn't I? I, too, chat with God on a more or less casual basis, sometimes aloud, sometimes silently, and on more formal occasions, so I found lots to identify with.
On the downside, I'm not sure that Frank Skinner's theology is entirely sound. For example, he gives the impression that salvation results from being "good" and obeying the rules. But St Paul is unequivocal that this is not the case. However, maybe all Roman Catholics believe that (I don't know, I'm a protestant)? Anyway, I don't want to be unkind, especially since I've always found him (Frank, not God) warm and funny.
Three stars, I think; it's more a blog than a book, and there's the theology thing. I think that's generous.
On the downside, I'm not sure that Frank Skinner's theology is entirely sound. For example, he gives the impression that salvation results from being "good" and obeying the rules. But St Paul is unequivocal that this is not the case. However, maybe all Roman Catholics believe that (I don't know, I'm a protestant)? Anyway, I don't want to be unkind, especially since I've always found him (Frank, not God) warm and funny.
Three stars, I think; it's more a blog than a book, and there's the theology thing. I think that's generous.
July 14, 2023
It didn’t take me long to read this book! Not only is it an easy read, but I laughed, smiled, nodded, read bits out at my wife et cetera (thought I’d include some Latin to unite the Catholics)
I’ve always struggled with rambling stream-of-consciousness type praying; never really been my style... I’ve been more of a repeat some well-rehearsed prayers verbatim’ (there I go again!) type of pray-er... I love that you acknowledge that the Rosary is a powerful prayer tool, but you have opened my eyes to how stream-of-consciousness praying could benefit my prayer life.
Nihil Obstat / Imprimatur in my opinion (but who am I...?)
I pray this book finds its way into the hands of some non-believers / agnostics / skeptics and it speaks to their souls and leads them towards conversion!
I’ve always struggled with rambling stream-of-consciousness type praying; never really been my style... I’ve been more of a repeat some well-rehearsed prayers verbatim’ (there I go again!) type of pray-er... I love that you acknowledge that the Rosary is a powerful prayer tool, but you have opened my eyes to how stream-of-consciousness praying could benefit my prayer life.
Nihil Obstat / Imprimatur in my opinion (but who am I...?)
I pray this book finds its way into the hands of some non-believers / agnostics / skeptics and it speaks to their souls and leads them towards conversion!
October 19, 2021
I wasn’t sure what to expect (which was why I waited until there was a cheap-ish secondhand copy available to buy) but it turned out to be a real corker. It alternates between very short (one or two lines) little gems and longer discursive passages addressed to God on tricky subjects, such as praying for atheists, wat happens when we die and why praying is important when God knows what we’re going to say before we do. He’s a cradle catholic, so some of his hang-ups are rather different from my Methodist ones, but teh book is still full of insight and good for sparking new thoughts.
January 22, 2022
Oh dear
First of all, I love Frank Skinner and maybe before I started I had a different view of what this book was going to be to what it was. But......What it was......its only 56 pages long but 20 pages in I was asking myself when is this exercise in boring self indulgence ever going to end? Maybe you have to be a Catholic to get it but the odd witticism aside, while Frank may need to get his inner self and prayer on a page for his own well being and benefit please, God, don't let him share it with the rest of us.
First of all, I love Frank Skinner and maybe before I started I had a different view of what this book was going to be to what it was. But......What it was......its only 56 pages long but 20 pages in I was asking myself when is this exercise in boring self indulgence ever going to end? Maybe you have to be a Catholic to get it but the odd witticism aside, while Frank may need to get his inner self and prayer on a page for his own well being and benefit please, God, don't let him share it with the rest of us.
August 13, 2023
This is an odd little book. Skinner is a devout catholic, and as such is regularly at prayer. This is a collection of his prayers, which are mainly his thoughts around religion, interspersed with the odd witty comment. He goes quite deep on some of it, what prayer is, does god need praise, is it OK for him to have money. I'm not sure who this is aimed at, but it's not really for me. He writes well, and comes across as genuine, but it all just feels a little self indulgent to me. I don't think I'm the proper audience for it
August 17, 2021
3/10
I love a comedian, and after I watched Frank Skinner on the first season of Taskmaster he gained a special place in my heart like most of the participants on Taskmaster.
I thought this would be interesting but not a bit like I had expected, it was almost like a message to God. I thought it may have bit more humour to it than there was. It was interesting to see his view on religion and read his one sided conversation with God.
Intriguing read, but I wouldn't go out my way to read it again.
I love a comedian, and after I watched Frank Skinner on the first season of Taskmaster he gained a special place in my heart like most of the participants on Taskmaster.
I thought this would be interesting but not a bit like I had expected, it was almost like a message to God. I thought it may have bit more humour to it than there was. It was interesting to see his view on religion and read his one sided conversation with God.
Intriguing read, but I wouldn't go out my way to read it again.
June 10, 2021
It is hard to put my finger on who this book is for. IT is gently humorous and poses interesting questions about prayer, faith, the afterlife and the nature of God. It is happy to leave them largely unanswered - that is the mystery of God.
I think this book is a keeper. I can imagine dipping back in and using some of the sections for a sermon.
I think this book is a keeper. I can imagine dipping back in and using some of the sections for a sermon.
June 15, 2021
I totally recommend Frank Skinner's book - it is filled with Frank's wit and wisdom as he shares with us his conversations with God. He talks about prayer as one time when he is real and these prayers are both down to earth and full of heaven. Great for those who pray and those who might be persuaded by Frank's style that prayer doesn't have to be difficult!
July 6, 2021
A beautiful, clever, funny and thoughtful collection of prayers by Skinner. He explores problematic theology, human confusion, and the difficulty of trying to understand God, all with deft humour and candid honesty.
Poetic at times. Challenging in others. Everyone should read it if they have even a passing interest in faith.
Poetic at times. Challenging in others. Everyone should read it if they have even a passing interest in faith.
September 30, 2021
A prayer from the heart.
There are some big questions here. Sometimes there are no answers. This is a very honest view of the bible and some of its narrative. Serious or amusing? A bit of both. I am a Christian and I can see that our attitude to Jesus depends on how we were taught and brought up.
There are some big questions here. Sometimes there are no answers. This is a very honest view of the bible and some of its narrative. Serious or amusing? A bit of both. I am a Christian and I can see that our attitude to Jesus depends on how we were taught and brought up.
March 7, 2022
Frank Skinner gives us an insight into his prayer life as he mulls things over with God. Obviously, we only hear one side of the conversation, as God ... well ... er ... s/he doesn't say much in return 🤭
A good few topics are chewed over ... faith, hell, atheism and the like.
Readable, thought-provoking and full of chuckles.
A good few topics are chewed over ... faith, hell, atheism and the like.
Readable, thought-provoking and full of chuckles.
August 20, 2023
A valiant effort to account for the importance of religion (Catholicism, in Frank's case) in today's society. Some critical appraisals of prayer, the nature of the Holy Spirit, the commodification of Buddha into a TKMaxx product and, above all, the very power of prayer and self-reflection. Lots of white space, though, but a thoughtful Christmas gift or recommendation.
February 12, 2024
I thought I wasn’t going to like this when I started it, but it’s excellent. I’d be very surprised if everyone can’t find something to relate to in this slim book & I’m speaking as an Anglican. I was particularly taken with Skinner’s idea of what was really going on between Abraham and God when the former was told to kill his only son Isaac!
May 30, 2024
a fresh perspective on catholicism that's witty, full of warmth and very well written. many powerful, vulnerable moments; one or two that felt a little judgemental. my favourite part was the introduction: 'if there's a place for comedy in life, there's a place for comedy in prayer.' a gentle, thoughtful read for those of faith or the faith-curious.
June 25, 2021
A humorous and interesting read. Makes one think about one’s own thoughts on religion and faith.
I have faith, not a strong faith, but I don’t have much patience for the man made rituals of religion and I don’t attend church on any kind of regular basis, so I can’t relate to that myself.
I have faith, not a strong faith, but I don’t have much patience for the man made rituals of religion and I don’t attend church on any kind of regular basis, so I can’t relate to that myself.
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