Peter Pearson, a former Benedictine monk, is a priest of the diocese of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. A well-known American iconographer, Pearson has created hundreds of icons for private collections, churches, and other institutions throughout the world. In addition, he has given presentations on iconography to a wide variety of groups, including elementary school children, college classes, art leagues, and senior citizen groups.

This paperback is a one-step guide to icon painting. Pearson states: "Icons offer us a glimpse into things through God's eyes and invite us to enter into the mystery of a world made new by the light of God's presence." He believes that icons can play a vital role in both the worship and the prayer life of individual believers. Although icons aren't designated as official sacraments by the Catholic church, they can offer people a sacramental encounter.

Pearson presents the basic icon toolkit, the painting process (along with suggested techniques), step-by-step instructions for painting three icons (from original drawings through to the finished product), and a glossary of iconographic terms. Also included is the following prayer for the Blessing of Icons:

"Creating God, you fashioned the universe in love and brought us forth from the earth.
"Throughout the ages, our ancestors longed to see your face and when the time had grown full, you sent your Christ among us so that we might find our way back to you, our source and our destiny.

"Look upon your servants here and upon these icons, created in love and prayer.

"Fill them with the radiance of your good, holy, and life-giving Spirit to complete the work of our hands for your glory and for the good of those who will come and pray before them.

"May these icons be a source of blessing and hope for your people, may they give comfort and challenge complacency, and may they proclaim your infinite love for us in every situation.

"We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen."

Eastern Christians have made good use of these spiritual tools. Here is an opportunity for Western Christians to do so as well.