A Prayer Journal - by Flannery O'Connor

• Record of Catholic writer Flannery O'Connor's coming of age
• Testimony to God's grace in vocation & the persuit of divine truth
• Found among her papers in recent years
• Written during her time at the University of Iowa
• Reveals her longing for God & her literary gifts inseparably bound to her faith

"I would like to write a beautiful prayer," the young Flannery O’Connor confides in this profoundly spiritual journal, recently discovered among her papers in Georgia. "There is a whole sensible world around me that I should be able to turn to Your praise." Written between 1946 and 1947 during her studies at the University of Iowa, 

A Prayer Journal offers an intimate glimpse into the soul of one of the most remarkable Catholic writers of the 20th century. More than just a collection of private reflections, this journal reveals O’Connor’s deep longing for God and how her literary vocation was inseparably bound to her faith.

"I must write down that I am to be an artist. Not in the sense of aesthetic frippery but in the sense of aesthetic craftsmanship; otherwise, I will feel my loneliness continually . . . I do not want to be lonely all my life but people only make us lonelier by reminding us of God. Dear God, please help me to be an artist, please let it lead to You."

These pages chronicle not only O’Connor’s artistic ambition but also her desire for sanctification through her work. "Please help me, dear God, to be a good writer and to get something else accepted," she pleads, yet her humility remains steadfast: "Don't let me ever think, dear God, that I was anything but the instrument for Your story."

As W. A. Sessions notes in his introduction, it is no accident that O’Connor began writing Wise Blood—the novel that would establish her as a major Catholic literary voice—during the same period in which she composed these deeply personal prayers. Complete with a facsimile of the journal in O’Connor’s own hand, 

A Prayer Journal is more than a record of a brilliant young woman’s coming-of-age—it is a luminous testimony of grace, vocation, and the pursuit of divine truth through art.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

The Catholic Company is committed to your complete satisfaction. For over 27 years, we have proudly served our customers by offering meaningful, high-quality Catholic products that inspire and support your faith journey.

Our Promise to You:

• We stand behind every product we sell with a commitment to your happiness. If you are not satisfied, we’ll work with you to make it right.
• 30-Day Return Policy: Most items can be returned within 30 days of purchase. Simply reach out to our dedicated customer service team to initiate your return.
• Guardian Angel Protection: Choose this optional coverage at checkout, and if your item is lost, damaged, or stolen, we’ve got you covered.

Your satisfaction and trust are important to us. Contact us by email, phone, or live chat for assistance with any order, and rest assured—we’re here to help. Thank you for choosing The Catholic Company to be part of your faith journey.

Questions?

For more details on returns, exchanges, or to start a return, our friendly customer service team is ready to assist.