New Daylight: Sustaining your daily journey with the Bible May-August 2026
New Daylight: Sustaining your daily journey with the Bible May-August 2026
Author
:
Editor: Gordon Giles
£5.99
Your daily Bible reading, comment and prayer
Each issue of New Daylight provides four months of daily Bible readings and comment, with a regular team of contributors drawn from a range of church backgrounds. New Daylight covers a varied selection of Old and New Testament passages, biblical themes, characters and seasonal readings.
| Title | New Daylight: Sustaining your daily journey with the Bible May-August 2026 |
| Author | Editor: Gordon Giles |
| ISBN | |
| Description | Each issue of New Daylight provides four months of daily Bible readings and comment, with a regular team of contributors drawn from a range of church backgrounds. New Daylight covers a varied selection of Old and New Testament passages, biblical themes, characters and seasonal readings. Topics and contributors
|
| Details |
|
Each issue of New Daylight provides four months of daily Bible readings and comment, with a regular team of contributors drawn from a range of church backgrounds. New Daylight covers a varied selection of Old and New Testament passages, biblical themes, characters and seasonal readings.
Topics and contributors
The multicolours of scripture - Gordon Giles
Acts 8—11 - Andy John
John 13—15 - Elizabeth Rundle
2 Corinthians 1—7 - Tim Heaton
Abraham: Genesis 11—25 - Margaret Silf
Psalms 90—100 - David Runcorn
Philippians - Veronica Zundel
Mountains and hills - Barbara Mosse
Exodus 1—4 - David Walker
Amos - Clare Hayns
Editor: Gordon Giles
Related
{"id":15144879030652,"title":"Reflected in Nature: Finding God in the created world","handle":"reflected-in-nature-finding-god-in-the-created-world","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReflections and illustrations inspired by encountering God in nature. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eReflected by Nature\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Claire Daniel offers forty Bible-themed reflections inspired by the natural world, alongside original artwork. A gentle companion to contemplation, helping you reflect on God every day, in every season of the year.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClaire Daniel is author of 80 Reflective Prayer Ideas, Prayer Journey into Parenthood and 80 Creative Prayer Ideas. She is passionate about encouraging others to use creative prayer and reflection methods and speaks at conferences and leads workshops on the subject of prayer. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eIllustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJamie Poole. Jamie is an artist and designer who makes and sells colourful artwork. He is particular inspired by the Northamptonshire poet John Clare and the Nene Valley, where he lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e‘Whether you have a garden to look at, a flower box or a brick wall, this book is like a window looking out over God’s creation wherever you are. The book takes your senses to places near and far to encounter nature as God intended, for it to connect with us, whom he also created. Claire’s carefully curated devotions and Jamie’s ethereal scripture- encapsulating illustrations are a perfect pairing to complement a quiet time with the Lord.’ \u003cem\u003eGemma Hunt, CBeebies and Songs of Praise TV presenter and author of modern retellings of Bible stories See! Let’s Be A Good Friend! and See! Let’s Be ME!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e‘In this beautiful book, Claire offers a winsome invitation to us all to notice, to rediscover wonder, and to worship. Here is sumptuous food for the soul. As Annie Dillard says: “We are here to witness the creation… we are here to notice each thing so each thing gets noticed. Otherwise, creation would be playing to an empty house.” God is putting on a show. Let’s not miss it.’ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003eJeff Lucas, author, speaker, broadcaster\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e‘Claire Daniel invites us to stroll through the seasons, paying attention to the presence of God in the created world. Her reflections and stories, gently rooted in scripture, offer encouragement and perspective for every season of life. The illustrations by Jamie Poole are a perfect companion – quiet, beautiful, and full of depth. Whether used as a family resource or a personal tool for reflection, this book offers a devotional rhythm that draws the reader into wonder, worship, and rest.’ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003eLeah Boden, author of Modern Miss Mason and the ‘Tales of Boldness and Faith’ series\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e‘What a joy it has been to read Reflected in Nature, a beautiful book in every way. With great skill and insight, Claire guides us through the different seasons of the year and helps us notice God in the uniqueness of each passing month. Her love for God, and the created world, bursts from every page. The illustrations are stunning, carefully linked to each chapter. The devotional thoughts are concise and helpful, each introduced by an appropriate scripture. The reflective questions are encouraging yet penetrating, and the prayers seal each chapter with the touch of God. Here is a book to be savoured and treasured, read slowly, and returned to year after year. And of course, bought for others to help them also delight in God.’ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003eTony Horsfall, retreat leader and author of Attentive to God\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e‘Reflected in Nature is a wonderful invitation to notice God’s presence in the everyday. Claire’s reflections are thoughtful and grounded, gently drawing out spiritual truth from the world around us as well as the day-to-day circumstances we face. What especially struck me is the way in which I felt as though I was journeying through different seasons and places in Claire's own life, many of which felt relatable and comforting. Paired with Jamie Poole’s striking and unique illustrations, Reflected in Nature is a resource to return to in all seasons, offering space to pause, reflect, and realign.’ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003eNaomi Aidoo, author of Finding Flourishing, YouVersion Partner and creator of the TIME Framework®\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2025-05-07T12:33:02+01:00","created_at":"2025-03-28T12:28:46+00:00","vendor":"Claire Daniel","type":"Paperback","tags":["Caring for creation","Devotional","For individuals","For Women","KCLC","New Titles","Prayer","Upcoming titles"],"price":1499,"price_min":1499,"price_max":1499,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":55065418531196,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800393707","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Reflected in Nature: Finding God in the created world","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":1499,"weight":290,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800393707","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/ReflectedinNature.jpg?v=1746617382"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/ReflectedinNature.jpg?v=1746617382","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":64644115562876,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.064,"height":1831,"width":1949,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/ReflectedinNature.jpg?v=1746617382"},"aspect_ratio":1.064,"height":1831,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/ReflectedinNature.jpg?v=1746617382","width":1949}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReflections and illustrations inspired by encountering God in nature. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eReflected by Nature\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Claire Daniel offers forty Bible-themed reflections inspired by the natural world, alongside original artwork. A gentle companion to contemplation, helping you reflect on God every day, in every season of the year.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClaire Daniel is author of 80 Reflective Prayer Ideas, Prayer Journey into Parenthood and 80 Creative Prayer Ideas. She is passionate about encouraging others to use creative prayer and reflection methods and speaks at conferences and leads workshops on the subject of prayer. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eIllustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJamie Poole. Jamie is an artist and designer who makes and sells colourful artwork. He is particular inspired by the Northamptonshire poet John Clare and the Nene Valley, where he lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e‘Whether you have a garden to look at, a flower box or a brick wall, this book is like a window looking out over God’s creation wherever you are. The book takes your senses to places near and far to encounter nature as God intended, for it to connect with us, whom he also created. Claire’s carefully curated devotions and Jamie’s ethereal scripture- encapsulating illustrations are a perfect pairing to complement a quiet time with the Lord.’ \u003cem\u003eGemma Hunt, CBeebies and Songs of Praise TV presenter and author of modern retellings of Bible stories See! Let’s Be A Good Friend! and See! Let’s Be ME!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e‘In this beautiful book, Claire offers a winsome invitation to us all to notice, to rediscover wonder, and to worship. Here is sumptuous food for the soul. As Annie Dillard says: “We are here to witness the creation… we are here to notice each thing so each thing gets noticed. Otherwise, creation would be playing to an empty house.” God is putting on a show. Let’s not miss it.’ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003eJeff Lucas, author, speaker, broadcaster\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e‘Claire Daniel invites us to stroll through the seasons, paying attention to the presence of God in the created world. Her reflections and stories, gently rooted in scripture, offer encouragement and perspective for every season of life. The illustrations by Jamie Poole are a perfect companion – quiet, beautiful, and full of depth. Whether used as a family resource or a personal tool for reflection, this book offers a devotional rhythm that draws the reader into wonder, worship, and rest.’ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003eLeah Boden, author of Modern Miss Mason and the ‘Tales of Boldness and Faith’ series\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e‘What a joy it has been to read Reflected in Nature, a beautiful book in every way. With great skill and insight, Claire guides us through the different seasons of the year and helps us notice God in the uniqueness of each passing month. Her love for God, and the created world, bursts from every page. The illustrations are stunning, carefully linked to each chapter. The devotional thoughts are concise and helpful, each introduced by an appropriate scripture. The reflective questions are encouraging yet penetrating, and the prayers seal each chapter with the touch of God. Here is a book to be savoured and treasured, read slowly, and returned to year after year. And of course, bought for others to help them also delight in God.’ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003eTony Horsfall, retreat leader and author of Attentive to God\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e‘Reflected in Nature is a wonderful invitation to notice God’s presence in the everyday. Claire’s reflections are thoughtful and grounded, gently drawing out spiritual truth from the world around us as well as the day-to-day circumstances we face. What especially struck me is the way in which I felt as though I was journeying through different seasons and places in Claire's own life, many of which felt relatable and comforting. Paired with Jamie Poole’s striking and unique illustrations, Reflected in Nature is a resource to return to in all seasons, offering space to pause, reflect, and realign.’ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003eNaomi Aidoo, author of Finding Flourishing, YouVersion Partner and creator of the TIME Framework®\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Reflected in Nature: Finding God in the created world
£14.99
Reflections and illustrations inspired by encountering God in nature. In Reflected by Nature Claire Daniel offers forty Bible-themed reflections inspired by...
{"id":15144834793852,"title":"Attentive to God: Being aware of God’s presence in daily life","handle":"attentive-to-god","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMindfulness is not new, and God’s people down the centuries have always been encouraged to practise ‘the sacrament of the present moment’ – that is, to notice God in the events of everyday life and become attentive to that presence. Tony Horsfall explores six Bible stories that describe individuals encountering God, showing how we can learn how to notice the presence of the divine for ourselves. He also unpacks key spiritual practices that anyone can follow, and introduces insights from influential writers on the awareness of God in the ordinary.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTony Horsfall\u003c\/strong\u003e is an established author and well-known as a retreat leader in the UK and internationally. With a background in mission, he regularly speaks at events and conferences. He has written a number of other books for BRF Ministries, including Deep Calls to Deep, Working from a Place of Rest and Rhythms of Grace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e‘For anyone who desires to go deeper with God and live closer to him, this book will be a great blessing. It is biblical, practical and really helpful. It can be used individually or in a group and I warmly commend it.’ \u003cem\u003eBishop Ken Clarke, former Church of Ireland bishop of Kilmore, \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003eElphin and Ardagh\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e‘This is a warmly written, profoundly insightful and richly practical book. Tony’s words have left me with a real hunger to be watchful for all the ways that God reaches out to me in my days; it’s stirred up in me a greater longing to be responsive to God’s touch so that I can know him more intimately, love him more deeply.’ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003eMags Duggan, retreat leader, spiritual director and author of God among the Ruins (BRF Ministries, 2017)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e‘Like a loving mentor, Tony uses the stories of six Bible characters to remind us of how to tune in to God most effectively. He adds some great practical exercises and useful questions for group discussion. Written with Tony’s usual warmth, the book draws on the reality of his own experience. I heartily recommend it.’ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003eJack Telfer, retreat leader, coach and mission member care provider\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e‘There is something here for everyone – from the newest believer to the seasoned disciple. Drawing on the examples of God-followers in the scriptures, Tony encourages us to learn to be attentive to God’s presence, listen to his voice, understand what he is saying and wait for the fulfilment of his promises. Use this book on a personal retreat or use it in a group setting with others – and be encouraged.’ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003ePauline Wilson, biblical counsellor and retreat facilitator\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e‘This book is perfect for those seeking to grow in attentiveness to God. Tony shares humbly from his own experience as well as that of others in his unique, accessible writing style. He grounds the practice in scripture and draws on voices throughout history. His reflective questions will inspire personal growth and reflection, making it an ideal book for both beginners and those wanting to deepen their faith journey.’ \u003cem\u003eRuth Turner, member care coordinator, Latin Link, Peru\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDebbie Thrower, Anna Chaplaincy pioneer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIt was a beautiful older lady called Grace who very kindly once gave me a copy of Brother Lawrence's book The Practice of the Presence of God (Revell, 1999).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eI turned to the notes at the end of Tony Horsfall's new book for BRF Attentive to God and, sure enough, there was mention of this spiritual classic based on the insights of a lay brother who lived in the seventeenth century and worked in a monastery kitchen. Hardly a place\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003econducive to contemplation you might think? But if he could cultivate his relationship with God in the midst of the everyday hustle and bustle... there's hope for each of us!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eMany of the other sources Tony Horsfall draws on in this accessible guide takes the reader down all sorts of new routes to becoming more aware of the ways God communicates with us and we can return the favour.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eTony Horsfall is a seasoned author and retreat leader, who has written a number of other books for BRF Ministries; including Deep Calls to Deep, Working from a Place of Rest and Rhythms of Grace. This is someone who clearly practises what he preaches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eHe has structured the book in six parts; each relates to different figures in the Bible like Jacob, Moses, Jeremiah, Samuel, Mary and Cleopas. We learn from their examples - good and not so good- of some of the 'reasons for inattentiveness', how we may be 'missing the moment', what constitutes 'the gift of seeing' and the value of adopting 'the posture of listening.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe concluding sections of the book flesh out the significance of responding by 'obedience',\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e'surrender' and of 'believing what God says.' If this is beginning to sound a little scary, don't be dismayed. All through the biblical sweep of history people very like us have put energy into avoiding God. What Horsfall has captured is the pointlessness of such evasion in the long run.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eEven seeming dead ends can be important stages in our own journey towards God. He quotes the advice of Barbara Brown Taylor:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e'The practice of paying attention really does take time... Reverence requires a certain pace. It requires a willingness to take detours, even side trips, which are not part of the original plan.' \u003cem\u003eBarbara Brown Taylor- An Altar in the world: Finding the sacred beneath our feet\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe must be careful not to miss the moment of God's nearness, he adds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIt is likely many readers will enjoy studying these topics via group discussions. There are helpful pointers on how to do that in the final pages. It would make a good Lent Study book with plenty of suggested questions for each part so leaders may prompt conversation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAnyone who comes to this book, as the author suggests, perhaps by offering a preparatory prayer to God focusing on - 'What do you want him to do for you as you read? will, surely, not be disappointed. Horsfall is a gentle teacher who knows from his own personal, down-to-earth, experience how:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e'God is everywhere, in all places, and there is no spot where we cannot draw near to him, and hear him speaking in our heart: with a little love, just a very little, we shall not find it hard.'\u003cem\u003e Brother Lawrence- The Practice of the Presence of God\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2025-04-25T11:44:28+01:00","created_at":"2025-03-28T12:17:36+00:00","vendor":"Tony Horsfall","type":"Paperback","tags":["Devotional","Discipleship","KCLC","New Titles","Tony Horsfall","Upcoming titles"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":55065374851452,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800394018","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Attentive to God: Being aware of God’s presence in daily life","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":999,"weight":180,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800394018","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/AttentivetoGod.jpg?v=1745577698"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/AttentivetoGod.jpg?v=1745577698","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":64524850889084,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/AttentivetoGod.jpg?v=1745577698"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/AttentivetoGod.jpg?v=1745577698","width":1535}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMindfulness is not new, and God’s people down the centuries have always been encouraged to practise ‘the sacrament of the present moment’ – that is, to notice God in the events of everyday life and become attentive to that presence. Tony Horsfall explores six Bible stories that describe individuals encountering God, showing how we can learn how to notice the presence of the divine for ourselves. He also unpacks key spiritual practices that anyone can follow, and introduces insights from influential writers on the awareness of God in the ordinary.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTony Horsfall\u003c\/strong\u003e is an established author and well-known as a retreat leader in the UK and internationally. With a background in mission, he regularly speaks at events and conferences. He has written a number of other books for BRF Ministries, including Deep Calls to Deep, Working from a Place of Rest and Rhythms of Grace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e‘For anyone who desires to go deeper with God and live closer to him, this book will be a great blessing. It is biblical, practical and really helpful. It can be used individually or in a group and I warmly commend it.’ \u003cem\u003eBishop Ken Clarke, former Church of Ireland bishop of Kilmore, \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003eElphin and Ardagh\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e‘This is a warmly written, profoundly insightful and richly practical book. Tony’s words have left me with a real hunger to be watchful for all the ways that God reaches out to me in my days; it’s stirred up in me a greater longing to be responsive to God’s touch so that I can know him more intimately, love him more deeply.’ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003eMags Duggan, retreat leader, spiritual director and author of God among the Ruins (BRF Ministries, 2017)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e‘Like a loving mentor, Tony uses the stories of six Bible characters to remind us of how to tune in to God most effectively. He adds some great practical exercises and useful questions for group discussion. Written with Tony’s usual warmth, the book draws on the reality of his own experience. I heartily recommend it.’ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003eJack Telfer, retreat leader, coach and mission member care provider\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e‘There is something here for everyone – from the newest believer to the seasoned disciple. Drawing on the examples of God-followers in the scriptures, Tony encourages us to learn to be attentive to God’s presence, listen to his voice, understand what he is saying and wait for the fulfilment of his promises. Use this book on a personal retreat or use it in a group setting with others – and be encouraged.’ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003ePauline Wilson, biblical counsellor and retreat facilitator\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e‘This book is perfect for those seeking to grow in attentiveness to God. Tony shares humbly from his own experience as well as that of others in his unique, accessible writing style. He grounds the practice in scripture and draws on voices throughout history. His reflective questions will inspire personal growth and reflection, making it an ideal book for both beginners and those wanting to deepen their faith journey.’ \u003cem\u003eRuth Turner, member care coordinator, Latin Link, Peru\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDebbie Thrower, Anna Chaplaincy pioneer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIt was a beautiful older lady called Grace who very kindly once gave me a copy of Brother Lawrence's book The Practice of the Presence of God (Revell, 1999).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eI turned to the notes at the end of Tony Horsfall's new book for BRF Attentive to God and, sure enough, there was mention of this spiritual classic based on the insights of a lay brother who lived in the seventeenth century and worked in a monastery kitchen. Hardly a place\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003econducive to contemplation you might think? But if he could cultivate his relationship with God in the midst of the everyday hustle and bustle... there's hope for each of us!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eMany of the other sources Tony Horsfall draws on in this accessible guide takes the reader down all sorts of new routes to becoming more aware of the ways God communicates with us and we can return the favour.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eTony Horsfall is a seasoned author and retreat leader, who has written a number of other books for BRF Ministries; including Deep Calls to Deep, Working from a Place of Rest and Rhythms of Grace. This is someone who clearly practises what he preaches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eHe has structured the book in six parts; each relates to different figures in the Bible like Jacob, Moses, Jeremiah, Samuel, Mary and Cleopas. We learn from their examples - good and not so good- of some of the 'reasons for inattentiveness', how we may be 'missing the moment', what constitutes 'the gift of seeing' and the value of adopting 'the posture of listening.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe concluding sections of the book flesh out the significance of responding by 'obedience',\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e'surrender' and of 'believing what God says.' If this is beginning to sound a little scary, don't be dismayed. All through the biblical sweep of history people very like us have put energy into avoiding God. What Horsfall has captured is the pointlessness of such evasion in the long run.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eEven seeming dead ends can be important stages in our own journey towards God. He quotes the advice of Barbara Brown Taylor:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e'The practice of paying attention really does take time... Reverence requires a certain pace. It requires a willingness to take detours, even side trips, which are not part of the original plan.' \u003cem\u003eBarbara Brown Taylor- An Altar in the world: Finding the sacred beneath our feet\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe must be careful not to miss the moment of God's nearness, he adds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIt is likely many readers will enjoy studying these topics via group discussions. There are helpful pointers on how to do that in the final pages. It would make a good Lent Study book with plenty of suggested questions for each part so leaders may prompt conversation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAnyone who comes to this book, as the author suggests, perhaps by offering a preparatory prayer to God focusing on - 'What do you want him to do for you as you read? will, surely, not be disappointed. Horsfall is a gentle teacher who knows from his own personal, down-to-earth, experience how:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e'God is everywhere, in all places, and there is no spot where we cannot draw near to him, and hear him speaking in our heart: with a little love, just a very little, we shall not find it hard.'\u003cem\u003e Brother Lawrence- The Practice of the Presence of God\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Attentive to God: Being aware of God’s presence in daily life
£9.99
Mindfulness is not new, and God’s people down the centuries have always been encouraged to practise ‘the sacrament of the...
{"id":15246052524412,"title":"An A-Z of Parenting for Faith: Bitesize wisdom from the Parenting for Faith podcast","handle":"an-a-z-of-parenting-for-faith-bitesize-wisdom-from-the-parenting-for-faith-podcast","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow does a Christian parent tackle common parenting issues? What can we bring to the table that will not only help our children to navigate a complex world, but to do it with faith and a growing awareness of God’s presence with them? The Parenting for Faith podcast has been equipping parents since 2018, with over 200 episodes in its back catalogue. This book draws out wisdom from our guests, brought together by the Parenting for Faith team, on 52 relevant topics for parents and carers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEditor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecky Sedgwick is the Parenting for Faith Resources Coordinator, and the author of Grandparenting for Faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLucy Rycroft is the founder of The Hope-Filled Family and a part-time music teacher. She previously worked for BRF Ministries in the Parenting for Faith team, and is the author of Be Still.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnna Hawken is the Parenting for Faith Ministry Lead and the author of Being God’s Child.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEU Conformity\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brf.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/BRF-Ministries-Declaration-of-Conformity-Books.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.brf.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/BRF-Ministries-Declaration-of-Conformity-Books.pdf\u003c\/a\u003e (Publisher’s website for a specified work)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e","published_at":"2025-05-07T13:25:14+01:00","created_at":"2025-05-07T13:25:14+01:00","vendor":"Editors: Becky Sedgwick, Lucy Rycroft, Anna Hawken","type":"Paperback","tags":["Discipleship","For churches","For individuals","KCLC","New Titles","Parenting","Parenting for Faith books","Parenting for Faith Resources","Upcoming titles"],"price":1299,"price_min":1299,"price_max":1299,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":55196619473276,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800393998","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"An A-Z of Parenting for Faith: Bitesize wisdom from the Parenting for Faith podcast","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":1299,"weight":300,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800393998","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/AnA-ZofParentingforFaith.jpg?v=1746617902"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/AnA-ZofParentingforFaith.jpg?v=1746617902","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":64644274651516,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":2480,"width":1748,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/AnA-ZofParentingforFaith.jpg?v=1746617902"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":2480,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/AnA-ZofParentingforFaith.jpg?v=1746617902","width":1748}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow does a Christian parent tackle common parenting issues? What can we bring to the table that will not only help our children to navigate a complex world, but to do it with faith and a growing awareness of God’s presence with them? The Parenting for Faith podcast has been equipping parents since 2018, with over 200 episodes in its back catalogue. This book draws out wisdom from our guests, brought together by the Parenting for Faith team, on 52 relevant topics for parents and carers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEditor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecky Sedgwick is the Parenting for Faith Resources Coordinator, and the author of Grandparenting for Faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLucy Rycroft is the founder of The Hope-Filled Family and a part-time music teacher. She previously worked for BRF Ministries in the Parenting for Faith team, and is the author of Be Still.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnna Hawken is the Parenting for Faith Ministry Lead and the author of Being God’s Child.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEU Conformity\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brf.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/BRF-Ministries-Declaration-of-Conformity-Books.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.brf.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/BRF-Ministries-Declaration-of-Conformity-Books.pdf\u003c\/a\u003e (Publisher’s website for a specified work)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e"}
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An A-Z of Parenting for Faith: Bitesize wisdom from the Parenting for Faith podcast
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{"id":15246426800508,"title":"To Hell's Mouth and Back: Pilgrimage, suffering and hope","handle":"to-hells-mouth-and-back-pilgrimage-suffering-and-hope","description":"\u003cp\u003eAfter a gruelling 140-mile pilgrimage walking across the rugged terrain of North Wales, Trystan Owain Hughes finds himself facing another, very different pilgrimage as he recovers from a serious injury sustained on the walk.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eTo Hell’s Mouth and Back\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ehe explores his experience of suffering, considering how God can redeem and transform pain and disability, and examines how common experiences of pilgrimage are echoed in the challenges of our life journeys. Along the way, the reader is led to consider the journeys we all face, as we search for God’s presence and hope in our joys and pains.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrystan Owain Hughes is Director of Ministry Development in the Church in Wales, advising the bench of Welsh bishops on matters concerning faith and ministry, and canon emeritus of Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff. He has also been vicar of a large church in Cardiff, diocesan director of ordinands, university chaplain, senior lecturer at various universities, director of Masters courses at a theological college, and a regular contributor to BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 4. His books include the 2021 BRF Ministries Lent book Opening Our Lives, as well as Living the Prayer (BRF Ministries, 2017).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘Weaving together his experience of walking an ancient pilgrim’s way in his beloved North Wales and his experience of serious injury, Trystan Owain Hughes describes in this compelling book how we can learn to see God at work in our lives, even in the darkest of times. Through vivid narrative and honest reflection, peppered with references to poetry and novels as well as scripture, he draws us to reflect on our own journeys and pilgrimages, both seen and unseen. With questions for reflection at the end of each chapter, this is a wonderful and enriching book for both individuals and study groups to engage with.’ \u003cem\u003eCherry Vann, Archbishop of Wales\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘In this moving and beautifully paced book, we are invited to share different kinds of pilgrimage – not only pilgrimage to holy places, but the journey into the pervasive divine presence and gift in the world, and the journey into what it is to live as a vulnerable and suffering body. God is the magnetic centre for all these journeys. This is a wonderful book of reflection, lament and celebration.’ \u003cem\u003eRowan Williams, theologian and former Archbishop of Canterbury\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘Not just a story of a walk, but of a life. Trystan’s book is poignant, challenging and excruciatingly honest. It reminds us that hope can outshine the deepest despair.’ \u003cem\u003eRob Parsons, OBE, author and speaker\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘Through telling the story of his own journeying, Trystan Owain Hughes has produced a doggedly honest, deeply insightful, and rich spiritual resource for our own journeys through this life. The book takes the Welsh landscape, beautiful and terrible in equal measure, and uses it to draw a landscape of the human soul, providing prayerful and practical landmarks to remind us that it is Christ's landscape and he journeys with us.’ \u003cem\u003eJoanna Collicutt, Karl Jaspers lecturer in psychology and spirituality at Ripon College, Cuddesdon\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘This invitation to join Trystan Owain Hughes on the Pilgrim’s Way is a powerful window into the gift and depth of pilgrimage. The combination of his vulnerability and attentiveness to wisdom, from St Augustine to Depeche Mode, make him a life-giving theologian and a hopeful human being. I will certainly return to this book.’ \u003cem\u003ePaul Davies, Bishop of Dorking\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘A powerful, beautifully written evocation of two “pilgrimages”: the first undertaken by choice, along the pilgrim pathways of Wales; the second imposed by circumstances, as pain comes to dominate the writer’s life. His searing honesty encourages us to discover hope in the midst of struggle and share his hard-won realisation that “opening ourselves to God’s light and love can transform all our journeys”.’ \u003cem\u003eDee Dyas, director of the Centre for Pilgrimage Studies, University of York\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘This is a powerful and moving book, honest and unflinching in its depiction of the author’s experience of two types of “pilgrimage”. Exploring outwards from his personal journeys, Trystan draws on his own wisdom and that of many others to encourage deeper reflection on the challenges and rewards of pilgrimage.’ \u003cem\u003eSally Welch, writer and pilgrim\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘This is a beautiful book in which Trystan Owain Hughes uses a well- trodden pilgrim path to explore with tenderness and honesty the deep and unanswerable questions of suffering. The insights he gains from this journey of the soul are both comforting and challenging, but above all reveal the precious and robust hope that is at the heart of Christ’s kingdom.’ \u003cem\u003eMichael Mitton, writer, speaker, spiritual director\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘Gentle and profound, this book is a must-read for all who are mired in suffering.’ T\u003cem\u003eanya Marlow, author and campaigner\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Church Times 30.01.26. Review by Philip Walsh\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eTHE book To Hell’s Mouth and Back was not supposed to exist. Trystan Owain Hughes began a sabbatical by taking on the 140-mile Pilgrims’ Way to the saint-haunted Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island) at the tip of north Wales, across the turbulent strait whose English name is Hell’s Mouth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eHe had recovered from major back injury and, despite persistent knee pain, completed his pilgrimage. What he did not expect was a severe spinal relapse as soon as he got home. Instead of further planned travels, his second journey proved to be the painful journey from injury to recovery, through depression and anxiety, never extending much further than his sofa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eTo Hell’s Mouth and Back is about both journeys, but it is neither a pilgrimage travelogue nor the diary of an illness. Instead, the author builds his book around 'six experiences that could be said to define such sacred travels: suffering, wonder, signs, company, dependence and hope'. Each chapter reflects on his experience of one of these, firstly on his walk, and then on his sofa, leading into theological reflection that is simply expressed but searching: 'On the cross, we are taught something that human parents also instinctively know — that sacrifice, suffering and love are all intertwined.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThere is also a third section, which opens out the theme to the reader’s experience: 'as you read, consider the journey you are on right now' — a journey perhaps of illness or vocation, of work or education, of faith or family life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eHughes pays tribute to the various people who shared parts of his journeys; and frequent reference to favourite writers — from Kierkegaard to Jane Goodall via Michael J. Fox — makes us at least as aware of his intellectual companions. Occasional citation overload is a small price to pay for being introduced to the conversation partners of the author’s thinking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThis attractive and unusual book aims at a general Christian readership, but digs deep. As well as the usual brief questions ending each chapter, it includes a short guide for those wanting to think further, as individuals or as a group, and makes a good choice as the Archbishop of Wales’s recommendation for Lent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Revd Philip Welsh is a retired priest in the diocese of London\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","published_at":"2025-05-07T15:17:10+01:00","created_at":"2025-05-07T15:17:10+01:00","vendor":"Trystan Owain Hughes","type":"Paperback","tags":["Discipleship","For individuals","KCLC","New Titles","Prayer","Spirituality","Upcoming titles"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":55197450830204,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800394261","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"To Hell's Mouth and Back: Pilgrimage, suffering and hope","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":999,"weight":180,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800394261","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/To_Hell_s_Mouth_and_Back_fdc6c320-3ee0-4c86-b231-f2228ddb9907.jpg?v=1759346463"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/To_Hell_s_Mouth_and_Back_fdc6c320-3ee0-4c86-b231-f2228ddb9907.jpg?v=1759346463","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":66061524271484,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/To_Hell_s_Mouth_and_Back_fdc6c320-3ee0-4c86-b231-f2228ddb9907.jpg?v=1759346463"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/To_Hell_s_Mouth_and_Back_fdc6c320-3ee0-4c86-b231-f2228ddb9907.jpg?v=1759346463","width":1535}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eAfter a gruelling 140-mile pilgrimage walking across the rugged terrain of North Wales, Trystan Owain Hughes finds himself facing another, very different pilgrimage as he recovers from a serious injury sustained on the walk.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eTo Hell’s Mouth and Back\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ehe explores his experience of suffering, considering how God can redeem and transform pain and disability, and examines how common experiences of pilgrimage are echoed in the challenges of our life journeys. Along the way, the reader is led to consider the journeys we all face, as we search for God’s presence and hope in our joys and pains.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrystan Owain Hughes is Director of Ministry Development in the Church in Wales, advising the bench of Welsh bishops on matters concerning faith and ministry, and canon emeritus of Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff. He has also been vicar of a large church in Cardiff, diocesan director of ordinands, university chaplain, senior lecturer at various universities, director of Masters courses at a theological college, and a regular contributor to BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 4. His books include the 2021 BRF Ministries Lent book Opening Our Lives, as well as Living the Prayer (BRF Ministries, 2017).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘Weaving together his experience of walking an ancient pilgrim’s way in his beloved North Wales and his experience of serious injury, Trystan Owain Hughes describes in this compelling book how we can learn to see God at work in our lives, even in the darkest of times. Through vivid narrative and honest reflection, peppered with references to poetry and novels as well as scripture, he draws us to reflect on our own journeys and pilgrimages, both seen and unseen. With questions for reflection at the end of each chapter, this is a wonderful and enriching book for both individuals and study groups to engage with.’ \u003cem\u003eCherry Vann, Archbishop of Wales\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘In this moving and beautifully paced book, we are invited to share different kinds of pilgrimage – not only pilgrimage to holy places, but the journey into the pervasive divine presence and gift in the world, and the journey into what it is to live as a vulnerable and suffering body. God is the magnetic centre for all these journeys. This is a wonderful book of reflection, lament and celebration.’ \u003cem\u003eRowan Williams, theologian and former Archbishop of Canterbury\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘Not just a story of a walk, but of a life. Trystan’s book is poignant, challenging and excruciatingly honest. It reminds us that hope can outshine the deepest despair.’ \u003cem\u003eRob Parsons, OBE, author and speaker\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘Through telling the story of his own journeying, Trystan Owain Hughes has produced a doggedly honest, deeply insightful, and rich spiritual resource for our own journeys through this life. The book takes the Welsh landscape, beautiful and terrible in equal measure, and uses it to draw a landscape of the human soul, providing prayerful and practical landmarks to remind us that it is Christ's landscape and he journeys with us.’ \u003cem\u003eJoanna Collicutt, Karl Jaspers lecturer in psychology and spirituality at Ripon College, Cuddesdon\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘This invitation to join Trystan Owain Hughes on the Pilgrim’s Way is a powerful window into the gift and depth of pilgrimage. The combination of his vulnerability and attentiveness to wisdom, from St Augustine to Depeche Mode, make him a life-giving theologian and a hopeful human being. I will certainly return to this book.’ \u003cem\u003ePaul Davies, Bishop of Dorking\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘A powerful, beautifully written evocation of two “pilgrimages”: the first undertaken by choice, along the pilgrim pathways of Wales; the second imposed by circumstances, as pain comes to dominate the writer’s life. His searing honesty encourages us to discover hope in the midst of struggle and share his hard-won realisation that “opening ourselves to God’s light and love can transform all our journeys”.’ \u003cem\u003eDee Dyas, director of the Centre for Pilgrimage Studies, University of York\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘This is a powerful and moving book, honest and unflinching in its depiction of the author’s experience of two types of “pilgrimage”. Exploring outwards from his personal journeys, Trystan draws on his own wisdom and that of many others to encourage deeper reflection on the challenges and rewards of pilgrimage.’ \u003cem\u003eSally Welch, writer and pilgrim\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘This is a beautiful book in which Trystan Owain Hughes uses a well- trodden pilgrim path to explore with tenderness and honesty the deep and unanswerable questions of suffering. The insights he gains from this journey of the soul are both comforting and challenging, but above all reveal the precious and robust hope that is at the heart of Christ’s kingdom.’ \u003cem\u003eMichael Mitton, writer, speaker, spiritual director\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘Gentle and profound, this book is a must-read for all who are mired in suffering.’ T\u003cem\u003eanya Marlow, author and campaigner\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Church Times 30.01.26. Review by Philip Walsh\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eTHE book To Hell’s Mouth and Back was not supposed to exist. Trystan Owain Hughes began a sabbatical by taking on the 140-mile Pilgrims’ Way to the saint-haunted Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island) at the tip of north Wales, across the turbulent strait whose English name is Hell’s Mouth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eHe had recovered from major back injury and, despite persistent knee pain, completed his pilgrimage. What he did not expect was a severe spinal relapse as soon as he got home. Instead of further planned travels, his second journey proved to be the painful journey from injury to recovery, through depression and anxiety, never extending much further than his sofa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eTo Hell’s Mouth and Back is about both journeys, but it is neither a pilgrimage travelogue nor the diary of an illness. Instead, the author builds his book around 'six experiences that could be said to define such sacred travels: suffering, wonder, signs, company, dependence and hope'. Each chapter reflects on his experience of one of these, firstly on his walk, and then on his sofa, leading into theological reflection that is simply expressed but searching: 'On the cross, we are taught something that human parents also instinctively know — that sacrifice, suffering and love are all intertwined.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThere is also a third section, which opens out the theme to the reader’s experience: 'as you read, consider the journey you are on right now' — a journey perhaps of illness or vocation, of work or education, of faith or family life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eHughes pays tribute to the various people who shared parts of his journeys; and frequent reference to favourite writers — from Kierkegaard to Jane Goodall via Michael J. Fox — makes us at least as aware of his intellectual companions. Occasional citation overload is a small price to pay for being introduced to the conversation partners of the author’s thinking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThis attractive and unusual book aims at a general Christian readership, but digs deep. As well as the usual brief questions ending each chapter, it includes a short guide for those wanting to think further, as individuals or as a group, and makes a good choice as the Archbishop of Wales’s recommendation for Lent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Revd Philip Welsh is a retired priest in the diocese of London\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e"}
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To Hell's Mouth and Back: Pilgrimage, suffering and hope
£9.99
After a gruelling 140-mile pilgrimage walking across the rugged terrain of North Wales, Trystan Owain Hughes finds himself facing another,...
{"id":15248575889788,"title":"The Cost of Christian Living: Currency in kingdom life","handle":"the-cost-of-christian-living-currency-in-kingdom-life","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe gospels are full of references to coins, money, taxes, costs, pricing, wages, bribery and gambling.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eThe Cost of Christian Living\u003c\/i\u003e, Martyn Percy explores the different meanings and uses of money in the gospels. Through parables, miracles, and encounters, Martyn offers a unique perspective on the intersection of faith and finance, helping readers to engage in new ways with the stories of Jesus’ life and death. Ultimately, God’s economy is one formed through the currency of love.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIncludes stories from Holy Week and discussion material suitable for Lent.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Very Revd Professor Martyn Percy writes and teaches on culture, faith and values in public life. A former dean of Christ Church, Oxford, he was principal of Cuddesdon (Oxford) from 2004 to 2014. Martyn lectures at the University of Saint Joseph in Macao (where he serves as the distinguished Morrison chair in religion and culture) and at Ming Hua Theological College, Hong Kong, where he serves as their provost-theologian.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Martyn is not in thrall to anyone except God and he is quite brilliantly articulate, biblically literate and anchored in the struggle of actual living… With much courage he discusses currency, money and debt.’ \u003cem\u003eIain Torrance, president emeritus of Princeton Theological Seminary\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘You will find much you thought you understood stood on its head by Percy’s determined “monetising” of biblical material – because to his eyes the myriad references to money matters are already there, if only we let ourselves look.’ Peter Selby, formerly bishop of Worcester, author of An Idol Unmasked\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘This book is a challenging read for any Christian. Based on deep scholarship and vividly written, it helps us bridge the centuries and imagine afresh the real flesh-and-blood Jesus and his uncomfortable message.’ \u003cem\u003eStephen Green, BRF Ministries’ vice president and former group chief executive of HSBC\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Percy uses biblical stories… to explore the intersection of faith and finance. This book is a timely call to readers and the church to embrace God’s radical, abundant love for a truly inclusive kingdom.’ \u003cem\u003eJeremy Greaves, archbishop of Brisbane\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘This inspiring and moving book maps new spaces for theological thinking on the nature of God’s kingdom currency… Martyn brings readers constructively beyond their accepted way, engaging their understanding, ideas and patterns of thought.’ \u003cem\u003ePaul Kwong, archbishop emeritus, Hong Kong\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘This book will not only change your thinking about money – it may even change your thinking about God’s church.’ \u003cem\u003eMark Edington, bishop in charge, The Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Percy’s accessible writing and profound theological reflections inspire a renewed understanding of Christian discipleship, rooted in love, service and the abundant grace of God.’ \u003cem\u003eThe Very Revd Dr Isaac Pooblan, provost of St Andrew’s Cathedral, Aberdeen\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 30.01.26. Review by Peter McGeary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe son of a bank manager, I find money a subject very close to my heart. Something similar is true of contemporary Church, in which sometimes monetary considerations can seem to outweigh missionary ones. It was ever thus, I suppose: money makes the world go round; but is it right for Christians to be bothered about all that? Shouldn’t we just give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and leave it at that? or let the PCC treasurer worry about the Common Fund and get on with whatever we imagine 'mission' to be?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThankfully, we have Martyn Percy’s latest book, The Cost of Christian Living, to address these and other questions. Actually, it is much more than that. What we have here is a series of really rather high-quality exegeses of a series of Gospel passages that allude to money, transaction, debt, payment, riches, generosity ,and so on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe book is intended for group or individual use and is divided into two parts, of which the second uses themes that are more orientated to Lent and Holy Week. This is the book that I will probably reread more slowly in Lent, albeit in order to be discomforted again. 'Mission and ministry are not for the benefit of the church,' the author reminds the reader. Another Lent book that is not just for Lent…\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Peter McGeary, \u003c\/em\u003e\u003ci\u003ethe Vicar of St Mary’s, Cable Street, in east London\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePremier Christianity online 20.01.26. Review by Paul Valler\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis provocative book may unsettle church treasurers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIf your goal is to have stable finances, Martyn Percy suggests you have misunderstood the gospel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003ePercy, former Dean of Christ Church Oxford, is a practical theologian known for challenging Church of England institutional practices. He argues that the currency of God’s kingdom is love, not money, and love is sacrificial. This kingdom currency of love cannot be hoarded, earned, or depleted – it must flow freely or become worthless. Percy contrasts this with human economies built on scarcity, competition, and accumulation. He challenges churches obsessed with survival and financial security, arguing they misunderstand stewardship as preservation rather than taking risks for the right reasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003ePercy’s central conviction in The Cost of Christian Living (The Bible Reading Fellowship) is that faithful stewardship is rooted in a love willing to take risks. Drawing on gospel scenes of extravagant generosity and the costly love revealed during Holy Week, he invites readers to rethink how value, faithfulness, and devotion are measured. His reflections consistently resist reducing love to monetary terms, instead pointing to a generosity shaped by grace rather than calculation. Although Percy describes himself as “more towards the Bible-busker end of the spectrum rather than the symphony concert standard”, his writing yields rich sermon material and fresh biblical insight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003ePercy reframes familiar gospel stories into encounters with economic justice and reflects deeply on them. For instance, he points out that making a whip takes time. So Jesus’ temple clearing was planned, not spontaneous – a deliberate attack on religious commercialisation. This kind of careful reading characterises his work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eFor the author, whenever there is any tension between prudence and generosity, generosity must win, and he cites many gospel examples. God’s radical generosity trumps merit-based reward systems in the parable of the vineyard workers. The extravagant worship of the woman who anoints Jesus with expensive perfume is affirmed. The burial costs for Jesus paid by Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea are sacrificial. All these show that expressions of love cannot be assessed or measured by money. Percy convinced me that God’s ‘love economy’ operates by different rules – freely given, lavishly spent, never hoarded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003ePercy’s plea is for churches to empty their coffers to take risks in mission rather than institutional preservation. Good stewardship, he argues, means taking more risks with resources, not fewer. The parables of talents and minas teach that putting our resources to work is much better than hoarding them, and Percy criticises churches that prioritise institutional survival, calling this the equivalent of the servant who buries his talent. A especially valid point for wealthy denominations, but perhaps less relevant for small independent churches already practicing radical generosity despite limited resources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis is deliberately disruptive material for institutional church leaders caught between mission and maintenance. Percy makes the provocative claim that the church’s greatest financial crisis isn’t empty coffers but full ones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAs a church trustee I found myself wondering how to square Percy’s radical generosity with sensible governance and our obligations under charity law. There are undoubtedly some gaps in the book between vision and what to do in practice. But his theology does helpfully force difficult and important questions: How large do our reserves really need to be? Does our building maintenance consume more than our community service? Are we protecting our assets or burying our talents? Percy doesn’t attempt to resolve these tensions or close the gap between the vision for radical generosity and implementation. He simply argues that God’s abundant, paradoxical kingdom economy works by different rules than trustees typically think.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003ePercy offers what many churches need but rarely want: theological challenge to risk everything for the kingdom’s sake. In God’s economy, faith-filled and generous spending out of love can bring unexpected abundance, but anxious hoarding leads to spiritual bankruptcy. This is a wake-up call for any institutional churches who are dying rich while the kingdom starves outside their doors. Percy himself calls this book ‘only a tiny contribution’ – a provocation, not a practical manual. But it feels like a breath of fresh air, even if it won’t calm nervous treasurers or help balance budgets. And it might just provide enough theological disruption to break us free from the kind of excessive prudence that can hinder the mission of God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e4 stars\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003ePaul Valler is a mentor\/executive coach, author and speaker. He is a former Chair of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.premierchristianity.com\/reviews\/this-provocative-book-may-unsettle-church-treasurers\/20765.article\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.premierchristianity.com\/reviews\/this-provocative-book-may-unsettle-church-treasurers\/20765.article\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2025-05-08T09:27:43+01:00","created_at":"2025-05-08T09:27:43+01:00","vendor":"Martyn Percy","type":"Paperback","tags":["Devotional","Discipleship","Easter","For churches","For individuals","KCLC","Lent","New Titles","seasonal","Upcoming titles"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":55200952123772,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800393493","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Cost of Christian Living: Currency in kingdom life","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":999,"weight":200,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800393493","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/9781800393493.jpg?v=1746692929"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/9781800393493.jpg?v=1746692929","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":64656155148668,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/9781800393493.jpg?v=1746692929"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/9781800393493.jpg?v=1746692929","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe gospels are full of references to coins, money, taxes, costs, pricing, wages, bribery and gambling.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eThe Cost of Christian Living\u003c\/i\u003e, Martyn Percy explores the different meanings and uses of money in the gospels. Through parables, miracles, and encounters, Martyn offers a unique perspective on the intersection of faith and finance, helping readers to engage in new ways with the stories of Jesus’ life and death. Ultimately, God’s economy is one formed through the currency of love.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIncludes stories from Holy Week and discussion material suitable for Lent.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Very Revd Professor Martyn Percy writes and teaches on culture, faith and values in public life. A former dean of Christ Church, Oxford, he was principal of Cuddesdon (Oxford) from 2004 to 2014. Martyn lectures at the University of Saint Joseph in Macao (where he serves as the distinguished Morrison chair in religion and culture) and at Ming Hua Theological College, Hong Kong, where he serves as their provost-theologian.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Martyn is not in thrall to anyone except God and he is quite brilliantly articulate, biblically literate and anchored in the struggle of actual living… With much courage he discusses currency, money and debt.’ \u003cem\u003eIain Torrance, president emeritus of Princeton Theological Seminary\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘You will find much you thought you understood stood on its head by Percy’s determined “monetising” of biblical material – because to his eyes the myriad references to money matters are already there, if only we let ourselves look.’ Peter Selby, formerly bishop of Worcester, author of An Idol Unmasked\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘This book is a challenging read for any Christian. Based on deep scholarship and vividly written, it helps us bridge the centuries and imagine afresh the real flesh-and-blood Jesus and his uncomfortable message.’ \u003cem\u003eStephen Green, BRF Ministries’ vice president and former group chief executive of HSBC\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Percy uses biblical stories… to explore the intersection of faith and finance. This book is a timely call to readers and the church to embrace God’s radical, abundant love for a truly inclusive kingdom.’ \u003cem\u003eJeremy Greaves, archbishop of Brisbane\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘This inspiring and moving book maps new spaces for theological thinking on the nature of God’s kingdom currency… Martyn brings readers constructively beyond their accepted way, engaging their understanding, ideas and patterns of thought.’ \u003cem\u003ePaul Kwong, archbishop emeritus, Hong Kong\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘This book will not only change your thinking about money – it may even change your thinking about God’s church.’ \u003cem\u003eMark Edington, bishop in charge, The Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Percy’s accessible writing and profound theological reflections inspire a renewed understanding of Christian discipleship, rooted in love, service and the abundant grace of God.’ \u003cem\u003eThe Very Revd Dr Isaac Pooblan, provost of St Andrew’s Cathedral, Aberdeen\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 30.01.26. Review by Peter McGeary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe son of a bank manager, I find money a subject very close to my heart. Something similar is true of contemporary Church, in which sometimes monetary considerations can seem to outweigh missionary ones. It was ever thus, I suppose: money makes the world go round; but is it right for Christians to be bothered about all that? Shouldn’t we just give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and leave it at that? or let the PCC treasurer worry about the Common Fund and get on with whatever we imagine 'mission' to be?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThankfully, we have Martyn Percy’s latest book, The Cost of Christian Living, to address these and other questions. Actually, it is much more than that. What we have here is a series of really rather high-quality exegeses of a series of Gospel passages that allude to money, transaction, debt, payment, riches, generosity ,and so on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe book is intended for group or individual use and is divided into two parts, of which the second uses themes that are more orientated to Lent and Holy Week. This is the book that I will probably reread more slowly in Lent, albeit in order to be discomforted again. 'Mission and ministry are not for the benefit of the church,' the author reminds the reader. Another Lent book that is not just for Lent…\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Peter McGeary, \u003c\/em\u003e\u003ci\u003ethe Vicar of St Mary’s, Cable Street, in east London\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePremier Christianity online 20.01.26. Review by Paul Valler\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis provocative book may unsettle church treasurers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIf your goal is to have stable finances, Martyn Percy suggests you have misunderstood the gospel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003ePercy, former Dean of Christ Church Oxford, is a practical theologian known for challenging Church of England institutional practices. He argues that the currency of God’s kingdom is love, not money, and love is sacrificial. This kingdom currency of love cannot be hoarded, earned, or depleted – it must flow freely or become worthless. Percy contrasts this with human economies built on scarcity, competition, and accumulation. He challenges churches obsessed with survival and financial security, arguing they misunderstand stewardship as preservation rather than taking risks for the right reasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003ePercy’s central conviction in The Cost of Christian Living (The Bible Reading Fellowship) is that faithful stewardship is rooted in a love willing to take risks. Drawing on gospel scenes of extravagant generosity and the costly love revealed during Holy Week, he invites readers to rethink how value, faithfulness, and devotion are measured. His reflections consistently resist reducing love to monetary terms, instead pointing to a generosity shaped by grace rather than calculation. Although Percy describes himself as “more towards the Bible-busker end of the spectrum rather than the symphony concert standard”, his writing yields rich sermon material and fresh biblical insight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003ePercy reframes familiar gospel stories into encounters with economic justice and reflects deeply on them. For instance, he points out that making a whip takes time. So Jesus’ temple clearing was planned, not spontaneous – a deliberate attack on religious commercialisation. This kind of careful reading characterises his work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eFor the author, whenever there is any tension between prudence and generosity, generosity must win, and he cites many gospel examples. God’s radical generosity trumps merit-based reward systems in the parable of the vineyard workers. The extravagant worship of the woman who anoints Jesus with expensive perfume is affirmed. The burial costs for Jesus paid by Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea are sacrificial. All these show that expressions of love cannot be assessed or measured by money. Percy convinced me that God’s ‘love economy’ operates by different rules – freely given, lavishly spent, never hoarded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003ePercy’s plea is for churches to empty their coffers to take risks in mission rather than institutional preservation. Good stewardship, he argues, means taking more risks with resources, not fewer. The parables of talents and minas teach that putting our resources to work is much better than hoarding them, and Percy criticises churches that prioritise institutional survival, calling this the equivalent of the servant who buries his talent. A especially valid point for wealthy denominations, but perhaps less relevant for small independent churches already practicing radical generosity despite limited resources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis is deliberately disruptive material for institutional church leaders caught between mission and maintenance. Percy makes the provocative claim that the church’s greatest financial crisis isn’t empty coffers but full ones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAs a church trustee I found myself wondering how to square Percy’s radical generosity with sensible governance and our obligations under charity law. There are undoubtedly some gaps in the book between vision and what to do in practice. But his theology does helpfully force difficult and important questions: How large do our reserves really need to be? Does our building maintenance consume more than our community service? Are we protecting our assets or burying our talents? Percy doesn’t attempt to resolve these tensions or close the gap between the vision for radical generosity and implementation. He simply argues that God’s abundant, paradoxical kingdom economy works by different rules than trustees typically think.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003ePercy offers what many churches need but rarely want: theological challenge to risk everything for the kingdom’s sake. In God’s economy, faith-filled and generous spending out of love can bring unexpected abundance, but anxious hoarding leads to spiritual bankruptcy. This is a wake-up call for any institutional churches who are dying rich while the kingdom starves outside their doors. Percy himself calls this book ‘only a tiny contribution’ – a provocation, not a practical manual. But it feels like a breath of fresh air, even if it won’t calm nervous treasurers or help balance budgets. And it might just provide enough theological disruption to break us free from the kind of excessive prudence that can hinder the mission of God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e4 stars\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003ePaul Valler is a mentor\/executive coach, author and speaker. He is a former Chair of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.premierchristianity.com\/reviews\/this-provocative-book-may-unsettle-church-treasurers\/20765.article\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.premierchristianity.com\/reviews\/this-provocative-book-may-unsettle-church-treasurers\/20765.article\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The Cost of Christian Living: Currency in kingdom life
£9.99
The gospels are full of references to coins, money, taxes, costs, pricing, wages, bribery and gambling. In The Cost of...