This work is written during his resting periods at Lake Ochrid (1921) in poetic-prose style, similar in spirituality to the Psalms of David. Can those who are themselves homeless really build the temple for the Teacher of all builders? (...) When you build the best for Him, you are setting an example for your soul, showing her what she should be building within herself (...) You build Him expensive edifices, in order to remind your soul that she was intended for, a royal palace, and not for hovels of clay (...) But what will become of your temples (...) If the domes of your temples are forever higher than your souls? (...) If the width of your temples is forever wider than the narrowness of your souls? (...) If your altars are forever shining more brightly than the shrines of your souls? (...) They will become the dead monuments of dead souls. Meet one of the greatest Orthodox bishops of the 20th century, an theological writer and a highly gifted orator, known as "The New Chrysostom." Saint Nikolai Velimirovich of Ohrid and Zhicha (1880 - 1956) was bishop in the Serbian Orthodox Church and the author of many Orthodox books.

"Wood conveys a sense of something larger in the world, and gives voice to the human longing to understand." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Grandad is the boy’s best friend. Being with him always makes the world seem right. And how vast that world is: a world of tall trees that reach for the clouds and sun and moon and stars — and what else is reaching for heaven but a prayer? Each time he and Grandad walk in the woods, the boy listens for the prayers of the earth. And finally the boy asks: "Are our prayers answered?" One day, long after Grandad is gone, long after the boy is grown, he understands Grandad’s reply: "If we listen very closely, a prayer is often its own answer." Douglas Wood, author of Old Turtle, has written a wise and moving story for all ages, beautifully illustrated by the acclaimed P.J. Lynch.

Saint Nicholai of Ohrid and Zhicha (1880-1956) has been called the "New Chrysostom" for his theological depth and golden-tongued eloquence. Along with his many other attributes this Serbian hierarch is regarded, with good reason, as an Enlightener of the Americas. His ardent desire was for the whole world to recognize the Orthodox salvific truth of the resurrected God-man Christ, Who is revealed and glorified in His Saints.Bishop Nicholai was entirely a man of prayer, of service and a fervent celebrant of the Divine Liturgy. He wrote numerous prayers and church services, including the renowned Prayers on the Lake, written in 1921-1922. In this prayers-vibrant in their lyrical mood and characterized by a Christian view of the cosmos- the ascetic of Ohrid, inflamed by divine eros, expresses reverently and poetically his longing for Christ.