This week, Leila and I discussed the practical aspects of establishing a place of prayer in your home. The idea of intentionally setting aside a permanent place to pray at ome isn't exclusively a Catholic one, unless of course we use the word "catholic" to mean universal. For it is, indeed, universal to need to get away from time to time and to be in a place apart in order to focus and to pray. We talk about the nuts and bolts here. We also discuss involving children in the care of the little oratory--and how that leads all of us to care more lovingly for the rest of our homes.

There is no picture link today. Leila has a place now at her blog for each of us to share a link to oratory pictures. I really think the more visuals, the better, so please go join the party over there. But before you go, do stop and talk about this podcast. I love to know you're listening and to know what you're thinking. As you read, if questions pop up, please don't hesitate to mention them here and I'll see if we can get you some answers in future podcasts. I'd love to hear what you're thinking about living the spirit of this book in your very own home. Leave a link to your blog post or just speak up in the combox. Also, if you'd like to share photos on Instagram (I always like to do that;-), use the hashtag #littleoratory so we can find them!

Oh, and one more thing: I mention at the beginning of this podcast that Leila is eagerly awaiting the message from Sukie that it is time to head south to greet her new grandchild. As of this writing (late Tuesday night), she's still waiting. I assured them of your prayers. So offer one right now?

Show notes:

On the issue of images and their place in the spiritual life--a practice that has been with the Church since ancient times.

What do Catholics believe about Icons

Whether a frame is a good idea for sacred art and appropriate for an icon (such as the images at the back of our book)

David Clayton, co-author of The Little Oratory, and his original art.

The landing page for the book with the downloads of the images

The Etsy Catholic Artists Guild

A source for incense and censers

Being on an even keel with cleaning the house -- not booming and busting!

Thoughts on Candles (We'll talk about Candlemas next week, but we touch on candlelight this week.)

Listen to the whole Summer in the Little Oratory Series!

Chapter 1::The Christian Life: bringing it home