'All we can do is pray.' How often we hear these words in the wake of a disaster or a tragedy. At certain moments of great sorrow - or great joy - praying seems as natural as breathing. The Nation's Favourite Prayers brings together a selection of prayers - both classic and modern - that can be used in a wide range of situations.

In the first part of the book, David Winter explores the importance of prayer and offers guidance on different approaches. The second part of the book contains 40 prayers, giving the background to each prayer as well as the full text.

Famous prayers featured include: the Lord’s Prayer, the prayer of St Francis of Assisi, the Serenity Prayer, a Gaelic Blessing, a Kitchen Prayer and the prayer of General Lord Astley before the battle of Edgehill.