These illuminated manuscripts are liturgical texts that represent some of the most loved prayers illustrated in the medieval context in which they were originally written.

Much of the language in the original versions date from the sixteenth century, and it was this poetic beauty and matchless dignity that drew Nancy Wilds to create illustrations of key texts. The words are historic and cherished; and the exquisite illuminations provide the supreme compliment.

These illuminated manuscripts make ideal gifts for many occasions, including Weddings, Birthdays, Baptisms, Confirmations, New Parents, and House Warmings.

All manuscripts shown on this page measure 10" by 12-3/4" and will fit into standard size frames.

Click on the images below to enlarge.
	General Confession The matchless grace of this prayer's text is illuminated with two contrasting miniatures. Above, a noble woman prays while outside in the twilight the sheep can be seen on distant hills. Below, a Bishop gives absolution to kneeling peasants signifying that God's grace is available to men of all stations. $15.00		General Thanksgiving This exquisite Prayer of Thanksgiving is enhanced with a festival scene in which a noblewoman and workers from the fields decorate a baronial hall for the annual harvest feast, which was called a 'horkey' in medieval England. Below, illustrating the passage, "we show forth thy praise not only with our lips, but in our lives...", the noblewomen share the bounty of the harvest with beggars outside the castle windows. $15.00
	Morning Prayer (Collect for Grace) This lovely prayer expresses thanks that we have been brought safely to the beginning of another day, and asks for protection and guidance. The light and airy colors of the castle tower suggest early morning, and the contrast of the rich interior above and the peasants at work below suggest that God's protection is available to all. $15.00		Evening Prayer In medieval illumination the interior represents earth and the exterior represents heaven. In this manuscript the kneeling figure in white contrasts subtly with the twilight tones outside, while peasants above and a noble family below say grace at their evening meal. $15.00
	House Blessing The perfect house warming gift or wedding present. $15.00		Cornish Litany (Ghoulies and Ghosties) We are told that this delightfully naive passage was once included in the Penetential Litany (perhaps only verbally and unofficially), and continued to be a favorite prayer of the Cornish people long after its use was discontinued in the Church. The whimsical charm of tiny medieval figures and "long leggitie beasties" arrests every eye. This manuscript has proven to be the favorite of all Nancy Wilds' designs. $15.00
	Parent's Prayer (Joy and Care of Children) Illustrating the words "joy and care of children," the miniature shows a scene in the daily life of a medieval family, containing symbols of study, music, and play shared by family members of all ages. $15.00		Confirmation Blessing for a Boy In this manuscript we see a young squire dressed in white keeping the all-night vigil before the ceremony of knighthood, thus suggesting a period of preparation for adulthood and its responsibilities. The armor beside the squire suggests the Biblical text, "Put on the whole armour of Christ...". The candlelit interior of the chapel contrasts dramatically with the sunlit scene above where the figure represents study. Farther to the right another figure kneels in prayer. $15.00
	Confirmation Blessing for a Girl In her castle room (representing earth and the present) a young girl looks out towards fields and hills (representing heaven and the future). Her sewing basket, lute, and books suggest learning, while the flowering vine suggests growth. Above are figures representing study and prayer. The illuminations are suffused with a warm glow, giving the entire manuscript a sense of joy. $15.00		Birthday Prayer for a Boy As in all medieval illumination, where the interior represents earth and the exterior represents heaven, the young boy kneeling at the window is looking toward a future still unknown. The prayer asks for heavenly guidance as he faces the coming years. His book represents study, while below two young pages enjoy a moment of relaxation as boys throughout history have done. $15.00
	Birthday Prayer for a Girl As in all medieval illumination, where the interior represents earth and the exterior represents heaven, the young girl kneeling at the window is looking toward a future still unknown. The prayer asks for heavenly guidance as she faces the coming years. Her book represents study, while the scene below suggests prayer and meditation. $15.00	Click for Secular Texts Click for Ordering Information