Do you sometimes feel that your life is unraveling? Does everyday stress seem overly stressful? Is the light of your life blind to your passion? Are you ready to sell your soul to the devil for the deal of a lifetime? Hang on, don't do anything rash until you take a look at Prayer Requested, by Christian Northeast,

You will quickly realize that you're not alone, and your troubles are probably minor compared to some of the characters in his compilation of prayers found on the Internet. Take Bob, for example. He's depicted with a walker and wearing a black hood, with the inscription, "Please pray for Bob. He is disabled and practices witchcraft."

Above: Three from Prayer Requested. Copyright Christian Northeast, courtesy Drawn & Quarterly.

Northeast, an artist whose work is seen in The New York Times, Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, American Illustration and other major publications, just came out with his first book (Drawn & Quarterly 2009). The small volume, in a size that's perfectly portable, is packed with heartfelt pleas for help, each illustrated with Christian's edgy-retro-illustration-collage-and-lettering visual mix. For example:

"The Devil has entered Ann's home again. Pray for her" is accompanied by a collage of Jesus at the kitchen sink, sorely tempted by a can of deviled ham. With "Happiness - I don't even know what it's like to be happy. I only know what it's like to act happy. Jesus Help Amen," we have one of Christian's signature collages combining human and animal parts against an Op Art background. "I Prayed. I received no answers. I asked for prayers. I received none. My faith is shattered. My hope is gone. I am giving up now" shows a neck-waisted balloon-headed fellow against a golden sunburst with cheery red stars. Viewers will surely urge him not to give up.

So even if there's nothing bright on your horizon, feel better. And think of the character in Prayer Requested, who asks, "Please pray for love to fill my home and my heart. My love bank is so empty."

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