Our Father / Sr Claire Waddelove OSB

This original and imaginative treatment of the Our Father plumbs the scriptural depths of this prayer, so beloved of Christians. The Biblical meditation of each chapter is further enriched by introductory pages presenting the author's reflections and explanations, drawing on the treasures of the Church's patrimony: her liturgy, the Fathers of the Church, popes and saints. This is authentic spirituality, deeply rooted in the word of God: living and life-giving, nourishment for heart and soul, enlightenment for the mind. Taste and see!

‘Simply and lucidly written - demanding, encouraging and illuminating.’ Kitty Turley, The Tablet

‘Sister Claire draws upon treasures old and new. . .  There is discernment, experience and gentle wit in these reflections.’ Dom Luke Bell

‘An excellent gift for someone enquiring into the Faith or for a Confirmation candidate.’    

Julia Jones, Mass of Ages

Sister Claire Waddelove is following in a fine tradition of commentary on the Our Father, including some of the greatest saints.' Fr Timothy Finigan

A graduate of St Hilda's College, Oxford, Sister Claire Waddelove is a Benedictine nun at St Cecilia's Abbey, Ryde, Isle of Wight. She gained experience in spiritual accompaniment serving for twenty years as Guest-Mistress to retreatants, and as Oblate-Directress for six. Her present duties include work in the Abbey's Printery.

“…we are drawn into the author’s love for and enthusiastic use of all Scripture to further our quest for union with God.” - Bede Luetkemeyer OSB The American Benedictine Review


“I cannot recommend it highly enough, and I look forward to reading it again.” - (Deacon) Owen Cummings Cistercian Studies Quarterly

'Our Father: A Biblical Meditation on the Lord’s Prayer reflects Claire Waddelove’s deep knowledge of Scripture, liturgy and theology as resources for prayer, belief and daily living. The book draws from both the First and New Testaments based around the Lord’s Prayer. The scriptural texts are to be read slowly following the Benedictine tradition of attending with the eyes and ears of the heart.

The Introduction describes meditation as Lectio Divina or Sacred Reading. Claire quotes Cardinal Sarah’s description of Lectio Divina as “a moment of silent listening, contemplation and profound recollection in the light of the Spirit.”

Each chapter title is a line of the Lord’s Prayer. Claire uses prayer from the Mass, commentary, (often quoting scholars such as St Benedict, Pope Benedict XVI and Church documents) and biblical quotes as the basis of the meditation.

Our Father is only 188 pages. I found some of the non-inclusive language jarring. Those who wish to pray with the Scriptures could read the book in short excerpts. It would be a useful resource for a small prayer group.' - Teresa Hanratty, published in Tui Motu Magazine August 2022