The Illuminated Soul
Praying the Liturgy of the Hours with Sacred Art
by Charles Rohrbacher
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Pub Date Oct 13 2026 | Archive Date Not set
Church Publishing Incorporated | Church Publishing
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Description
Discover a timeless prayer brought vividly to life through sacred art and contemplative reflection.
In The Illuminated Soul, Deacon Charles Rohrbacher transforms the ancient “Prayer of the Three Holy Young Men” (Daniel 3:57–88) into a luminous visual and spiritual journey. Through twenty-three hand-drawn color illustrations paired with hand-lettered text, Rohrbacher invites you to enter the Benedicite as a living hymn of praise—a song lifted from the fiery furnace and still echoing with hope today.
Designed for both seasoned prayers of the Liturgy of the Hours and those meeting the Benedicite for the first time, this gorgeously crafted manuscript offers gentle commentary and personal reflections that deepen understanding and draw the reader into meditation. It reflects on the Benedicite as a prayer for our own age, offering courage and consolation amid the “fiery furnaces” we face collectively and individually—especially in a world shaped by climate crisis and uncertainty.
Rooted in the story of Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael—faithful young men who praised God even as they stood in blazing flames—The Illuminated Soul becomes both an introduction to a beloved biblical canticle and an invitation to join creation’s ongoing chorus of blessing.
A Note From the Publisher
ANCIENT PRAYER BROUGHT TO LIFE: Introduces and deepens engagement with the Benedicite, the timeless canticle from Daniel 3.
AID FOR PERSONAL AND LITURGICAL PRAYER: Ideal for those who pray the Liturgy of the Hours and accessible for newcomers encountering this biblical prayer for the first time.
ARTIST COMMENTARY AND REFLECTIONS: Insightful notes from Deacon Charles Rohrbacher—an iconographer and ordained minister—offer spiritual depth, guiding readers into contemplative meditation.
A MESSAGE OF HOPE IN DIFFICULT TIMES: Connects the Benedicite’s song of praise from the fiery furnace to the spiritual, communal, and ecological “furnaces” we face today, including the unfolding climate crisis.
APPEALS TO MULTIPLE AUDIENCES: Engages Roman Catholics, Anglicans/Episcopalians, Lutherans, and other Christians who pray the Daily Office, as well as art lovers and seekers drawn to creation spirituality and sacred imagery.
BEAUTIFUL GIFT AND DEVOTIONAL KEEPSAKE: A finely crafted resource for prayer, reflection, inspiration, and spiritual encouragement.
Advance Praise
“A quiet feast for the spirit—radiant with beauty, tenderness, and reverence. Charles Rohrbacher has created a work that feels both ancient and deeply alive, inviting readers to slow down, pray, and see the world again with wonder.”
--Roger Hutchison, author of The Gift of Baptism and The Art of Calm
“Rohrbacher’s simplicity of line, restrained use of color, and amazing spirit come through in his icons. … May this little treasure bless you.”
--Fr. Peter Pearson, iconographer and priest at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, New Hope, Pennsylvania
“The Illuminated Soul invites us into a meaningful meditation of the Benedicite. The ancient prayer, skillfully adorned by Rohrbacher’s beautiful art and reflections, lifts our hearts to creation’s chorus of praise to our glorious God and King.”
--Ben Lansing, deacon at Redeemer Anglican Church, Richmond, Virginia, and co-author and illustrator of Our Church Speaks
“The Illuminated Soul will surely illuminate the hearts and minds of those who give themselves to this profound exploration of the Benedicite prayer. Each of the 19 illuminations is accompanied by reflections on our created world, related biblical texts, quotations from writers, theologians, and saints. Each ends with questions to help the reader wade more deeply into prayer and meditation.”
--Bob Hurd, liturgical composer and author of Compassionate Christ, Compassionate People: Liturgical Foundations of Christian Spirituality
“Beautiful! … Every image is a canticle of enchantment, tenderness and hope. Deacon Charles Rohrbacher has taken a familiar text and, with his own inspiring reflections and images, created a modern classic—a work to illuminate the soul and stir the heart.”
--Deacon Greg Kandra, author of A Deacon Prays: Prayers and Devotions for Liturgy and Life
Marketing Plan
- Targeted print and online publicity campaign to Christian and Catholic publications
- Pitching for devotional roundups and Christmas gift guides
- Featured at trade and library conferences
- Digital and social media campaign targeting sacred art lovers
- Book award submissions
Available Editions
| EDITION | Hardcover |
| ISBN | 9798898950255 |
| PRICE | $32.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 96 |
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