Book Review: A Pint and a Prayer

Title: A Pint and a Prayer: Reflections on Daily Life
Author: Nick Fawcett
Published: 1st January 2006
Publisher: Kevin Mayhew Ltd.
​ISBN13: 978-1844175192
Number of Pages: 32
Available from: Amazon

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 I have long admired Nick Fawcett. I have, in my possession, two of his books called No Ordinary Man (book 1 and 2) and two books entitled A Prayer for All Seasons (book 1 and 2). They are lengthy books, more reference than narrative for me, so I was delighted to receive this little book, A Pint and a Prayer, published in 2006. The 32-page book can be read from cover to cover, which takes approximately 45 minutes. Nick Fawcett, in his introduction, says he wrote it to show faith and life are inextricably linked, and prayer touches people wherever they are. So, through various ordinary events, such as taking the car to a service, a football match, playing golf, he links an observation about daily occurrences with a prayer. 

Personally, whilst I enjoyed the book, I did not find anything new. Nevertheless, I like some of Fawcett’s ideas, such as using rather than abusing your gifts. He uses the analogy of a car running better after undergoing a service, to suggest that we should clear away anything that undermines our performance and prevents us from realising our true potential. He advises us to look beyond people's masks and labels and recognise the intrinsic worth of all. We need to understand what we can tackle and what we cannot, and we should appreciate everything that is shaping us.

Upon reflection, you can use the book to take you much deeper. For example, there is a lovely poem about computer games, through which Fawcett explores how he is being shaped, and so reflecting upon that, you can think about the things that are shaping you. What are the influences making you the person you are? Do you need to change anything? Are you happy with the journey? Do you recognise the forces at work shaping you? Do you recognise the power of friends, family, social media, television, and newspapers? 

A Pint and a Prayer is a good read. It is quick, and on every page, there is something upon which to reflect. For that reason, I recommend it. This book is especially useful during the season of Lent to help prepare for Easter. It allows you to dwell upon some of the questions prompted and helps you understand your relationship with God. And for that, I am recommending it even more.