Prayer and Spirituality
Our inspirational authors explore themes of prayer and spirituality in these books, covering a range of topics from practical to theoretical.
{"id":14688720191868,"title":"All Shall Be Well: Visions of salvation with Julian of Norwich","handle":"all-shall-be-well-visions-of-salvation-with-julian-of-norwich","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow can all be well in the world in which we live? \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat does ‘All shall be well’ mean when all is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003enot\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e well? \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThrough revelations ten to sixteen of her \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eRevelations of Divine Love\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, Julian of Norwich returns time and again to the idea that ‘all is well’. I\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003en her latest book Emma Pennington examines this popular mantra and explores what Julian really means by it, bringing depth and relevance to these words for the reader who lives in an age of pandemic, war and climate crisis which closely echoes Julian’s own. Through deep engagement with Julian’s visions of salvation Emma encourages the reader to reflect in prayer and devotion on their own personal relationship with God.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEmma Pennington is the canon missioner for Canterbury Cathedral. Formerly vicar of Garsington, Cuddesdon and Horspath in the Oxford Diocese and chaplain of Worcester College, Oxford, she has also been a prayer and spirituality adviser for the diocese and an area dean. She speaks widely about the spirituality of Julian of Norwich and is the author of At the Foot of the Cross with Julian of Norwich (BRF Ministries, 2020).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘In this accessible exploration, Emma Pennington situates Julian’s fears, hopes and convictions within a rich spiritual landscape, drawing deeply from the wells of Christian devotion and practice, and making incisive connections between contemporary experience and the wisdom Julian offers us from her anchorhold, giving body and substance to a message of strength and reassurance too often dismissed as trite or divorced from reality.’ \u003cem\u003eThe Revd Richard Stanton, priest director of the Julian Shrine, Norwich\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘Like with the best of friends, Emma Pennington listens, cajoles, puzzles and rejoices with Mother Julian. We discover they both share in hope and yet both know about pain that will not go away. We learn that salvation in Christ is neither a sticking plaster nor an answer to a heavenly equation. Rather in Christ we find a revelation of one who truly salves both body and soul eternally. We learn this can genuinely sustain us in what too often or perhaps more often is a “troublous life”. This is a compelling invitation to move from the shallows to the depths.’\u003cem\u003e The Very Revd David Monteith, dean of Canterbury\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘Reading this book is an extraordinary encounter with a beautiful questioning holiness. Deep scholarship made elegantly accessible brings Mother Julian alive. The intensity of the experience of a mystic meets the questions of everyday life. The mystery of “all will be well” is integrated with a passion. It is a book that will help you grow in your faith and would be perfect for an Advent or Lent series in a church. Canon Pennington has written a scholarly devotional text that nestles right alongside the work of Henri Nouwen. Truly, read this book: you will find yourself on holy ground.’ \u003cem\u003eThe Very Revd Ian S. Markham PhD, dean and president of Virginia Theological Seminary and the president of The General Theological Seminary\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘This is a beautifully written book which is both refreshing and original. In it, Julian’s writings are interwoven with scripture and set within the devotional literature and landscape of the time, giving both rootedness and context. It is a book which is the fruit not only of careful study, but also of prayerful pondering and reflection. Emma has known CSMV over a number of years, and I’m delighted to commend All Shall Be Well both to those who are new to Julian of Norwich and those who wish to go deeper.’ S\u003cem\u003eister Elizabeth Jane CSMV, Community of St Mary the Virgin, Wantage\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘A wonderful, carefully researched book, which combines an account of devotional practices current in medieval times with the relevance of Julian’s teaching for people of today. Proposed as a spiritual director, Emma Pennington’s Julian speaks straight to the heart as well as to the mind.’ \u003cem\u003eElizabeth Ruth Obbard ODC, Carmelite nun of Quidenham, and a writer and spiritual director\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘Emma Pennington is a wise and insightful guide to the writings of Julian of Norwich. She invites us to make Julian our own spiritual companion as we seek to draw closer to God ourselves. Placing Julian in her wider context, she also enables us to see how her work was part of a broader tapestry of spiritual wisdom, which this book presents in fresh and illuminating ways. Not least, like Julian herself, Emma helps us face the challenges of faith lived out in a broken world, while also encouraging us to be a people of joyous hope and generous humanity.’ \u003cem\u003eAndrew Braddock, dean of Norwich\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘Having used Emma’s last book so successfully as the Friends of Julian Lent Book, we’re delighted to see this sequel completing, as it does, consideration of the revelations after Julian’s striking change of focus in the middle of her account.’ \u003cem\u003eHoward Green, secretary of the Friends of Julian of Norwich\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Autumn 2025. Review by Laura Hillmans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eJulian of Norwich is well \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eknown for her saying ‘All shall \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ebe well … and all manner of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ethings shall be well’; but there is far more to her \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ethan superficial optimism. In this book, which \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eis a sequel to an earlier volume, the author \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003edelves beneath the surface of the tenth to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003esixteenth revelations or ‘showings’ which Julian \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eexperienced during a near fatal illness. The late \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e14th-century world in which she lived was a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003etime of turbulence both politically and in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003echurch. The author explores the thought \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eprocesses of the time and draws conclusions \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ewhich are relevant to our own day, inspiring \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ethe reader to reflect prayerfully on Julian’s \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ewords. This book is best approached with the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003etext of the showings to hand and will repay \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eslow and careful reading. Pennington writes \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003efrom personal experience of suffering a painful \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eillness which lends weight to her narrative. Each \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003echapter has suggestions for individual \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003emeditation and questions suitable for group \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003euse. The text does not offer easy answers but \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eencourages us to delve deeper into the mystery \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eof the incarnation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Laura Hillman \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 14.03.25. Review by Claire Herbert\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eEmma Pennington’s book is a joy to read, but it is not to be read quickly. It is a guide to some of the deepest insights that Julian of Norwich has offered in her immortal text Revelations of Divine Love, and would make an excellent accompaniment for any individual or group looking for a guide to prayer and reflection over a period of time. Having offered some authoritative historical and theological context, Pennington explores Julian’s text from the tenth revelation onwards. To offer a taste: ‘The wound of Christ’ has us entering, not just contemplating externally, Christ’s pierced side, and experiencing the outpouring of his love. ‘His dearest mother’ offers a way to understand that the love that Christ has for her is the same and as strong as the love that he has for us. In 'Christ our saviour', Julian has a revelation that cannot be known with words, but only with experience, and yet she still manages to find words to lead us into the experience, and Pennington facilitates this beautifully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIn ‘All shall be well’, a cloud comes over the mystical vision of the transcendent God, and Julian wrestles with the reality of sin, and demands to understand why God would declare ‘all shall be well’ when it really seems not to be. In ‘United to God through prayer’, Pennington gives a full and valuable account of different kinds of prayer. I am reminded of why I love contemplative prayer so much; for here we are freed from any notion of what God ‘ought’ to be to us. Pennington’s text is devotional, providing a practical application of Julian’s words to our spiritual lives and endeavours, and to our contemplation. Each chapter ends with reflections and questions, and, through these, Pennington makes the text of the Revelations participative, as the revelations themselves had invited Julian’s active participation. With Pennington’s guidance, we enter into Revelations of Divine Love fully. We cease to be critics and become disciples of the text. By this means, it gains the power to transform us, as Julian was herself transformed by her revelations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Dr Claire Herbert\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-23T14:55:57+01:00","created_at":"2024-10-23T14:55:57+01:00","vendor":"Emma Pennington","type":"Paperback","tags":["Devotional","Discipleship","KCLC","Prayer","Spirituality","Women"],"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":53599678103932,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392069","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"All Shall Be Well: Visions of salvation with Julian of Norwich","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":1299,"weight":195,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392069","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/AllShallbeWell.jpg?v=1729691788"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/AllShallbeWell.jpg?v=1729691788","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":62714290143612,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/AllShallbeWell.jpg?v=1729691788"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/AllShallbeWell.jpg?v=1729691788","width":1535}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow can all be well in the world in which we live? \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat does ‘All shall be well’ mean when all is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003enot\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e well? \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThrough revelations ten to sixteen of her \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eRevelations of Divine Love\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, Julian of Norwich returns time and again to the idea that ‘all is well’. I\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003en her latest book Emma Pennington examines this popular mantra and explores what Julian really means by it, bringing depth and relevance to these words for the reader who lives in an age of pandemic, war and climate crisis which closely echoes Julian’s own. Through deep engagement with Julian’s visions of salvation Emma encourages the reader to reflect in prayer and devotion on their own personal relationship with God.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEmma Pennington is the canon missioner for Canterbury Cathedral. Formerly vicar of Garsington, Cuddesdon and Horspath in the Oxford Diocese and chaplain of Worcester College, Oxford, she has also been a prayer and spirituality adviser for the diocese and an area dean. She speaks widely about the spirituality of Julian of Norwich and is the author of At the Foot of the Cross with Julian of Norwich (BRF Ministries, 2020).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘In this accessible exploration, Emma Pennington situates Julian’s fears, hopes and convictions within a rich spiritual landscape, drawing deeply from the wells of Christian devotion and practice, and making incisive connections between contemporary experience and the wisdom Julian offers us from her anchorhold, giving body and substance to a message of strength and reassurance too often dismissed as trite or divorced from reality.’ \u003cem\u003eThe Revd Richard Stanton, priest director of the Julian Shrine, Norwich\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘Like with the best of friends, Emma Pennington listens, cajoles, puzzles and rejoices with Mother Julian. We discover they both share in hope and yet both know about pain that will not go away. We learn that salvation in Christ is neither a sticking plaster nor an answer to a heavenly equation. Rather in Christ we find a revelation of one who truly salves both body and soul eternally. We learn this can genuinely sustain us in what too often or perhaps more often is a “troublous life”. This is a compelling invitation to move from the shallows to the depths.’\u003cem\u003e The Very Revd David Monteith, dean of Canterbury\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘Reading this book is an extraordinary encounter with a beautiful questioning holiness. Deep scholarship made elegantly accessible brings Mother Julian alive. The intensity of the experience of a mystic meets the questions of everyday life. The mystery of “all will be well” is integrated with a passion. It is a book that will help you grow in your faith and would be perfect for an Advent or Lent series in a church. Canon Pennington has written a scholarly devotional text that nestles right alongside the work of Henri Nouwen. Truly, read this book: you will find yourself on holy ground.’ \u003cem\u003eThe Very Revd Ian S. Markham PhD, dean and president of Virginia Theological Seminary and the president of The General Theological Seminary\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘This is a beautifully written book which is both refreshing and original. In it, Julian’s writings are interwoven with scripture and set within the devotional literature and landscape of the time, giving both rootedness and context. It is a book which is the fruit not only of careful study, but also of prayerful pondering and reflection. Emma has known CSMV over a number of years, and I’m delighted to commend All Shall Be Well both to those who are new to Julian of Norwich and those who wish to go deeper.’ S\u003cem\u003eister Elizabeth Jane CSMV, Community of St Mary the Virgin, Wantage\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘A wonderful, carefully researched book, which combines an account of devotional practices current in medieval times with the relevance of Julian’s teaching for people of today. Proposed as a spiritual director, Emma Pennington’s Julian speaks straight to the heart as well as to the mind.’ \u003cem\u003eElizabeth Ruth Obbard ODC, Carmelite nun of Quidenham, and a writer and spiritual director\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘Emma Pennington is a wise and insightful guide to the writings of Julian of Norwich. She invites us to make Julian our own spiritual companion as we seek to draw closer to God ourselves. Placing Julian in her wider context, she also enables us to see how her work was part of a broader tapestry of spiritual wisdom, which this book presents in fresh and illuminating ways. Not least, like Julian herself, Emma helps us face the challenges of faith lived out in a broken world, while also encouraging us to be a people of joyous hope and generous humanity.’ \u003cem\u003eAndrew Braddock, dean of Norwich\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘Having used Emma’s last book so successfully as the Friends of Julian Lent Book, we’re delighted to see this sequel completing, as it does, consideration of the revelations after Julian’s striking change of focus in the middle of her account.’ \u003cem\u003eHoward Green, secretary of the Friends of Julian of Norwich\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Autumn 2025. Review by Laura Hillmans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eJulian of Norwich is well \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eknown for her saying ‘All shall \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ebe well … and all manner of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ethings shall be well’; but there is far more to her \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ethan superficial optimism. In this book, which \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eis a sequel to an earlier volume, the author \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003edelves beneath the surface of the tenth to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003esixteenth revelations or ‘showings’ which Julian \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eexperienced during a near fatal illness. The late \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e14th-century world in which she lived was a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003etime of turbulence both politically and in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003echurch. The author explores the thought \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eprocesses of the time and draws conclusions \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ewhich are relevant to our own day, inspiring \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ethe reader to reflect prayerfully on Julian’s \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ewords. This book is best approached with the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003etext of the showings to hand and will repay \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eslow and careful reading. Pennington writes \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003efrom personal experience of suffering a painful \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eillness which lends weight to her narrative. Each \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003echapter has suggestions for individual \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003emeditation and questions suitable for group \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003euse. The text does not offer easy answers but \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eencourages us to delve deeper into the mystery \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eof the incarnation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Laura Hillman \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 14.03.25. Review by Claire Herbert\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eEmma Pennington’s book is a joy to read, but it is not to be read quickly. It is a guide to some of the deepest insights that Julian of Norwich has offered in her immortal text Revelations of Divine Love, and would make an excellent accompaniment for any individual or group looking for a guide to prayer and reflection over a period of time. Having offered some authoritative historical and theological context, Pennington explores Julian’s text from the tenth revelation onwards. To offer a taste: ‘The wound of Christ’ has us entering, not just contemplating externally, Christ’s pierced side, and experiencing the outpouring of his love. ‘His dearest mother’ offers a way to understand that the love that Christ has for her is the same and as strong as the love that he has for us. In 'Christ our saviour', Julian has a revelation that cannot be known with words, but only with experience, and yet she still manages to find words to lead us into the experience, and Pennington facilitates this beautifully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIn ‘All shall be well’, a cloud comes over the mystical vision of the transcendent God, and Julian wrestles with the reality of sin, and demands to understand why God would declare ‘all shall be well’ when it really seems not to be. In ‘United to God through prayer’, Pennington gives a full and valuable account of different kinds of prayer. I am reminded of why I love contemplative prayer so much; for here we are freed from any notion of what God ‘ought’ to be to us. Pennington’s text is devotional, providing a practical application of Julian’s words to our spiritual lives and endeavours, and to our contemplation. Each chapter ends with reflections and questions, and, through these, Pennington makes the text of the Revelations participative, as the revelations themselves had invited Julian’s active participation. With Pennington’s guidance, we enter into Revelations of Divine Love fully. We cease to be critics and become disciples of the text. By this means, it gains the power to transform us, as Julian was herself transformed by her revelations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Dr Claire Herbert\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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All Shall Be Well: Visions of salvation with Julian of Norwich
£12.99
How can all be well in the world in which we live? What does ‘All shall be well’ mean when...
{"id":14688733561212,"title":"Reimagining the Landscape of Faith: Essential pathways for spiritual growth","handle":"reimagining-the-landscape-of-faith-essential-pathways-to-spiritual-growth","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIs this all there is to faith? Every Christian carries a map, a mental image of their journey through life, created from their Christian tradition, their cultural background and their understanding of the Bible. Most Christians will also, at some point in their life, begin to question their map – causing them to ask, ‘Is this all there is?’ and ‘How did I get here?’ Mary and Charles Hippsley help us to identify our faith map, including the unexamined assumptions that underpin it. Then, drawing on a range of sources of wisdom including personal experience, they gently encourage us to allow God to expand our map when we find that our faith doesn’t match up with the reality of life. They aim to equip the reader to navigate their journey towards maturity by exploring new paths and landscapes of faith.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMary Hippsley\u003c\/strong\u003e holds a Masters in Christian Spirituality from Sarum College and is a spiritual director and chaplain to a Christian charity. She also trains mentors, runs courses for ‘faith-strugglers’ and volunteers in a bereavement support group.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCharles Hippsley\u003c\/strong\u003e spent ten years as director of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity (LICC)’s Work Forum. Charles is also a spiritual director and trains others in his role as a tutor for the London Centre for Spiritual Direction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFind out more about Mary and Charles at \u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.reimaginefaithlandscape.com\"\u003ewww.reimaginefaithlandscape.com\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘As Eugene Peterson said, “There’s no such thing as your spiritual life, just your life.” Reimagining the Landscape of Faith explains how developing a robust inner life of self-awareness helps build deeper God-awareness, which flows into healthy, mature and long-lasting outward acts of service: at home, at church and at work. Using practical tools rooted in ancient wisdom, Charles and Mary help us to see how our experiences and assumptions have informed the maps we use to make sense of our lives – and encourage us to be cartographers who navigate the world with skill, empathy and grace.’ \u003cem\u003eTim Yearsley, Head of Innovation, LICC\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘This is the ideal guide to read as part of your spiritual journey. Charles and Mary have an amazing knack of unsettling us both kindly and knowingly to offer resources that help us at every twist and turn. You’re safe in their hands whichever route you take through the easy and tough times. I particularly appreciated how they shared so openly from their own experience, and I would heartily recommend that you make room for this wonderful resource in your backpack.’ \u003cem\u003eThe Revd Dr Chris Sheehan, Pioneer Distinctive Deacon, Worcester Diocese\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘As I read Reimagining the Landscape of Faith, it was as if two wonderfully gifted spiritual directors were guiding me along the past, present and future of my own faith journey. This is a refreshing and profound exploration of spirituality, brilliantly combining insights from scripture, theology, psychology and, of course, cartography. I have never been particularly good at reading actual maps but as a result of reading Reimagining, I feel much more able to make sense of my journey towards God.’ \u003cem\u003eThe Revd Dr Simon Steer, Chaplain, Abingdon School, and former Principal at Redcliffe College, Gloucester and The London School of Theology\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘In my role supporting Christian colleagues to grow and develop as they work in an international charity supporting children in challenging circumstances, I can see that this book will enable those I work with to open a space for a deeper relationship with God, and a sense of working together with God in the world. Reimagining the Landscape of Faith will help activists and those who are engaged in social justice to recognise that their action can be even more powerful when it is grounded in deeper self-awareness.’ \u003cem\u003eKezia M’Clelland, Director for People and Organisation, Viva\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Charles and Mary have been faithful companions on my spiritual journey for many years and I can’t wait to introduce them to others through this book! Their material hangs together well with a penetrating coherence, managing to make contributions from historical Christians and contemplatives much more accessible. In these pages they also vulnerably share their path through life and in doing so, undoubtedly equip others to find their own. Given today’s shifting and disorientating landscape of faith this is an incredibly timely book which offers fresh perspective on both ancient paths and contemporary thinking. I’m certain it will provoke courage to enable next steps in discovering the presence of God in unexpected places.’\u003cem\u003e Simon Shaw, Chair of Intercultural Churches, Derby City Vision and Jacob’s Well, Derby\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘As an African Pentecostal marrying an Anglo-French Catholic with a Dominican priest for a brother, my life – and understanding of God – has expanded far beyond the narrow boundaries I once set for myself. Much of this transformation I owe to the spiritual tools outlined in this book and the insights of its authors. Like me, you may have experienced profound loss, which fuels a deeper yearning for more. Mary and Charles guide us on this pursuit, challenging us to let go of rigid assumptions and unexamined certainty, to embrace critical reflection and humility. This book will guide you further and deeper on your spiritual pilgrimage.’ \u003cem\u003eAmoge Ukaegbu, anti-trafficking and modern slavery professional\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTransforming Ministry Autumn 2025. Review by Veronica Bright \u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eSpiritual directors Mary and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eCharles Hippsley challenge \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003etheir readers to review their own Christian \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ejourneys. They aim is to show how we can \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ebecome more mature Christians, and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003edevelop a closer walk with God. After a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003edetailed conversation about maps and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003emapping, they encourage us to map our own \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003efaith journey throughout life so far, to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003econsider the present and how we arrived \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ehere, putting it into perspective with our \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eculture and the influences of the era in which \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ewe have lived. Readers receive guidance on \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eleaving behind things that no longer work for \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eus, addressing doubts and difficulties, and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eworking in partnership with God to grow in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eattitude and love. A particularly helpful \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003echapter addresses our doubts, our negative \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ethoughts, and our impulses and reactions. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe authors encourage a move from ‘a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eself-centric sense of inadequacy to a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eGod-centred sense of trust’, to relate to God \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ein a deeper way. The book concludes with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ehelpful advice on prayer, in particular how to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003emake use of Ignatius of Loyola’s spiritual \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003epractice of Examen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Veronica Bright \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eBaptist Times online 09.05.25. Review by Martin M’Caw \u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cbr\u003eLooking at maps can be very interesting both in recalling past journeys and marking out a journey for the future. \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eReimagining the Landscape of Faith\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003epresents the journeys of faith as the factors which brought us to faith and where we might be heading in faith as a journey with difficulties or an adventure with all sorts of challenges.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThere and are eight main chapters, and each one has sub-headings that helpfully clarify our perception of the points being made. For example the heading for chapter two ‘Where has your map come from?’ has nine subsections which sharpen the focus, such as What has shaped your faith map? Cultural and Christian assumptions, being enriched by working out what we believe to be true, being enriched by maps from other Christian traditions which leads to how is my faith serving me as I go forwards?\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eTo query where we are at is not a denial of our faith. It is a test of faith to ask what am I facing in life, how am I handling it, where are my resources and what decisions do I need to make that will give me a true reflection of where I am in the landscape of faith. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe second part of the book asks the key question ‘Where are you on your journey?’ which is examined by further questions. What’s the process through your journey to maturity on Christ? How can we avoid getting stuck? How do we learn to grow through times of challenge? What can we do to co-operate with God in the process? How does a fresh perspective affect how we travel onwards? The section headings ease our reading as they indicate pertinent points in the evolution of our faith: skip some and concentrate on others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe chapter on disorientation, ‘what happens when your faith runs out?’, is very relevant in the face of questions that arise in connection with mental health issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe short section headed ‘What’s going on in disorientation’ is pertinent across the board whether one is a new or mature Christian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eReimagining the Landscape of Faith is an excellent practical tool for ways of developing faith when life is going normally, and also handling faith when the moral and spiritual battles of life threaten to overwhelm us and sink the ship. It’s a book to recommend and a must for the church library.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by the Revd Dr Martin M’Caw, a retired Baptist minister\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 11 April 2025. Review by Anne Spalding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe focus of this book is on our internal map for life and\/or for a Christian life, whether or not we have been conscious of it. The authors extensively describe what that is, how it is built up, and give examples of why making changes is often necessary and desirable. In the final two chapters and appendices, they begin to explore how those changes can be made.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eCharles Hippsley starts with his own moment of wondering 'How did I get here? Is this all there is?' He had been an active Christian for many years and finally decided that he needed to take seriously the questions that he was asking himself and God. He explores the nature of maps, and then readers are encouraged to draw their own faith map.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eMary Hippsley then describes cultural and Christian assumptions that can shape our maps, also discussing how we interpret the Bible and work out what is true. Charles follows this up with psychological insights to understand better who we are — an essential starting point for journeying on.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe following chapters ask 'Where are you on your journey?' and 'What happens when your map runs out?' before reviewing the self-orientation that hinders us in taking the next steps. Mary rightly identifies disorientation as causing us to change, or being part of the process, and writes about her own experience: this was the only hint of the desperation ('I can’t go on like this') that, I find, is a common driver for humans to make changes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe final chapters and appendices point to approaches for journeying on in faith, most of which are widely known, including \u003ci\u003electio divina\u003c\/i\u003e and centring prayer. The Hippsleys also advocate the companionship of a spiritual director, or other wise person, in such a journey; and that is often so important. Nevertheless, human activities take centre stage throughout: I missed the sense of God’s part in calling, drawing, and meeting us as we journey on.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eOverall, there is much that is thought-provoking, but the emphasis is more that of a challenge to take steps forward in faith rather than of a guide to taking those steps.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eDr Anne Spalding is a member of the Third Order of the Society of St Francis, and lives in Suffolk.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost, author and blogger. April 2025\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eMary and Charles Hippsley have taken the map out of their backpack, unfolded it and spread it before us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe authors take the basic premise that we all have a mental map of our spiritual journey. A map which contains different routes, landmarks and diversions which mark out our way of faith – and a few signposts to keep us on the right path as we journey with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eTheir aim is to give readers ‘space to reflect on the map you may be consciously or unconsciously using to find your way, even if there have been some unexpected twists to the journey you originally anticipated.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThey consider the significance of maps – different approaches to map making and map reading. What maps show us and what they don’t. To consider what may lie on the ‘next page of the atlas’, as it were. Readers are encouraged to draw their own map of their faith journey. This use the metaphor of maps and the parallels it provides is a strong and helpful element of the authors’ writing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWithin the book’s pages, the authors explore many different aspects of human emotions and behaviours and how they interact with our faith. They explore times of disorientation and disruption, and our location on the map (our understanding of self and place). At times the journey through the book becomes a bit uncomfortable and, for this reviewer, loses its way at times, but it was worth persevering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eFaith is not designed to stay in the same place and so we notice new things on our map and on the journey. Smartphones have changed our use of maps but they still show and hide what a journey will cover. Sometimes we need to look across the whole of the map and other times just details.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eRather like when taking a long journey, we don’t always do it all at once. We travel in stages and this is a book to read in such a manner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e. He is also the author of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/richardfrostauthor.com\/\"\u003efive other books\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #0563c1; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-23T15:05:15+01:00","created_at":"2024-10-23T15:05:15+01:00","vendor":"Mary Hippsley and Charles Hippsley","type":"Paperback","tags":["Discipleship","For churches","For individuals","KCLC","Mentoring"],"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":53599683608956,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392717","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Reimagining the Landscape of Faith: Essential pathways for spiritual growth","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":1299,"weight":278,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392717","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/ReimaginingtheLandscapeofFaith.jpg?v=1729692223"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/ReimaginingtheLandscapeofFaith.jpg?v=1729692223","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":62714307576188,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/ReimaginingtheLandscapeofFaith.jpg?v=1729692223"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/ReimaginingtheLandscapeofFaith.jpg?v=1729692223","width":1535}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIs this all there is to faith? Every Christian carries a map, a mental image of their journey through life, created from their Christian tradition, their cultural background and their understanding of the Bible. Most Christians will also, at some point in their life, begin to question their map – causing them to ask, ‘Is this all there is?’ and ‘How did I get here?’ Mary and Charles Hippsley help us to identify our faith map, including the unexamined assumptions that underpin it. Then, drawing on a range of sources of wisdom including personal experience, they gently encourage us to allow God to expand our map when we find that our faith doesn’t match up with the reality of life. They aim to equip the reader to navigate their journey towards maturity by exploring new paths and landscapes of faith.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMary Hippsley\u003c\/strong\u003e holds a Masters in Christian Spirituality from Sarum College and is a spiritual director and chaplain to a Christian charity. She also trains mentors, runs courses for ‘faith-strugglers’ and volunteers in a bereavement support group.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCharles Hippsley\u003c\/strong\u003e spent ten years as director of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity (LICC)’s Work Forum. Charles is also a spiritual director and trains others in his role as a tutor for the London Centre for Spiritual Direction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFind out more about Mary and Charles at \u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.reimaginefaithlandscape.com\"\u003ewww.reimaginefaithlandscape.com\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘As Eugene Peterson said, “There’s no such thing as your spiritual life, just your life.” Reimagining the Landscape of Faith explains how developing a robust inner life of self-awareness helps build deeper God-awareness, which flows into healthy, mature and long-lasting outward acts of service: at home, at church and at work. Using practical tools rooted in ancient wisdom, Charles and Mary help us to see how our experiences and assumptions have informed the maps we use to make sense of our lives – and encourage us to be cartographers who navigate the world with skill, empathy and grace.’ \u003cem\u003eTim Yearsley, Head of Innovation, LICC\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘This is the ideal guide to read as part of your spiritual journey. Charles and Mary have an amazing knack of unsettling us both kindly and knowingly to offer resources that help us at every twist and turn. You’re safe in their hands whichever route you take through the easy and tough times. I particularly appreciated how they shared so openly from their own experience, and I would heartily recommend that you make room for this wonderful resource in your backpack.’ \u003cem\u003eThe Revd Dr Chris Sheehan, Pioneer Distinctive Deacon, Worcester Diocese\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘As I read Reimagining the Landscape of Faith, it was as if two wonderfully gifted spiritual directors were guiding me along the past, present and future of my own faith journey. This is a refreshing and profound exploration of spirituality, brilliantly combining insights from scripture, theology, psychology and, of course, cartography. I have never been particularly good at reading actual maps but as a result of reading Reimagining, I feel much more able to make sense of my journey towards God.’ \u003cem\u003eThe Revd Dr Simon Steer, Chaplain, Abingdon School, and former Principal at Redcliffe College, Gloucester and The London School of Theology\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘In my role supporting Christian colleagues to grow and develop as they work in an international charity supporting children in challenging circumstances, I can see that this book will enable those I work with to open a space for a deeper relationship with God, and a sense of working together with God in the world. Reimagining the Landscape of Faith will help activists and those who are engaged in social justice to recognise that their action can be even more powerful when it is grounded in deeper self-awareness.’ \u003cem\u003eKezia M’Clelland, Director for People and Organisation, Viva\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Charles and Mary have been faithful companions on my spiritual journey for many years and I can’t wait to introduce them to others through this book! Their material hangs together well with a penetrating coherence, managing to make contributions from historical Christians and contemplatives much more accessible. In these pages they also vulnerably share their path through life and in doing so, undoubtedly equip others to find their own. Given today’s shifting and disorientating landscape of faith this is an incredibly timely book which offers fresh perspective on both ancient paths and contemporary thinking. I’m certain it will provoke courage to enable next steps in discovering the presence of God in unexpected places.’\u003cem\u003e Simon Shaw, Chair of Intercultural Churches, Derby City Vision and Jacob’s Well, Derby\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘As an African Pentecostal marrying an Anglo-French Catholic with a Dominican priest for a brother, my life – and understanding of God – has expanded far beyond the narrow boundaries I once set for myself. Much of this transformation I owe to the spiritual tools outlined in this book and the insights of its authors. Like me, you may have experienced profound loss, which fuels a deeper yearning for more. Mary and Charles guide us on this pursuit, challenging us to let go of rigid assumptions and unexamined certainty, to embrace critical reflection and humility. This book will guide you further and deeper on your spiritual pilgrimage.’ \u003cem\u003eAmoge Ukaegbu, anti-trafficking and modern slavery professional\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTransforming Ministry Autumn 2025. Review by Veronica Bright \u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eSpiritual directors Mary and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eCharles Hippsley challenge \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003etheir readers to review their own Christian \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ejourneys. They aim is to show how we can \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ebecome more mature Christians, and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003edevelop a closer walk with God. After a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003edetailed conversation about maps and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003emapping, they encourage us to map our own \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003efaith journey throughout life so far, to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003econsider the present and how we arrived \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ehere, putting it into perspective with our \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eculture and the influences of the era in which \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ewe have lived. Readers receive guidance on \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eleaving behind things that no longer work for \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eus, addressing doubts and difficulties, and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eworking in partnership with God to grow in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eattitude and love. A particularly helpful \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003echapter addresses our doubts, our negative \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ethoughts, and our impulses and reactions. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe authors encourage a move from ‘a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eself-centric sense of inadequacy to a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eGod-centred sense of trust’, to relate to God \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ein a deeper way. The book concludes with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ehelpful advice on prayer, in particular how to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003emake use of Ignatius of Loyola’s spiritual \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003epractice of Examen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Veronica Bright \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eBaptist Times online 09.05.25. Review by Martin M’Caw \u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cbr\u003eLooking at maps can be very interesting both in recalling past journeys and marking out a journey for the future. \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eReimagining the Landscape of Faith\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003epresents the journeys of faith as the factors which brought us to faith and where we might be heading in faith as a journey with difficulties or an adventure with all sorts of challenges.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThere and are eight main chapters, and each one has sub-headings that helpfully clarify our perception of the points being made. For example the heading for chapter two ‘Where has your map come from?’ has nine subsections which sharpen the focus, such as What has shaped your faith map? Cultural and Christian assumptions, being enriched by working out what we believe to be true, being enriched by maps from other Christian traditions which leads to how is my faith serving me as I go forwards?\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eTo query where we are at is not a denial of our faith. It is a test of faith to ask what am I facing in life, how am I handling it, where are my resources and what decisions do I need to make that will give me a true reflection of where I am in the landscape of faith. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe second part of the book asks the key question ‘Where are you on your journey?’ which is examined by further questions. What’s the process through your journey to maturity on Christ? How can we avoid getting stuck? How do we learn to grow through times of challenge? What can we do to co-operate with God in the process? How does a fresh perspective affect how we travel onwards? The section headings ease our reading as they indicate pertinent points in the evolution of our faith: skip some and concentrate on others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe chapter on disorientation, ‘what happens when your faith runs out?’, is very relevant in the face of questions that arise in connection with mental health issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe short section headed ‘What’s going on in disorientation’ is pertinent across the board whether one is a new or mature Christian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eReimagining the Landscape of Faith is an excellent practical tool for ways of developing faith when life is going normally, and also handling faith when the moral and spiritual battles of life threaten to overwhelm us and sink the ship. It’s a book to recommend and a must for the church library.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by the Revd Dr Martin M’Caw, a retired Baptist minister\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 11 April 2025. Review by Anne Spalding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe focus of this book is on our internal map for life and\/or for a Christian life, whether or not we have been conscious of it. The authors extensively describe what that is, how it is built up, and give examples of why making changes is often necessary and desirable. In the final two chapters and appendices, they begin to explore how those changes can be made.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eCharles Hippsley starts with his own moment of wondering 'How did I get here? Is this all there is?' He had been an active Christian for many years and finally decided that he needed to take seriously the questions that he was asking himself and God. He explores the nature of maps, and then readers are encouraged to draw their own faith map.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eMary Hippsley then describes cultural and Christian assumptions that can shape our maps, also discussing how we interpret the Bible and work out what is true. Charles follows this up with psychological insights to understand better who we are — an essential starting point for journeying on.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe following chapters ask 'Where are you on your journey?' and 'What happens when your map runs out?' before reviewing the self-orientation that hinders us in taking the next steps. Mary rightly identifies disorientation as causing us to change, or being part of the process, and writes about her own experience: this was the only hint of the desperation ('I can’t go on like this') that, I find, is a common driver for humans to make changes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe final chapters and appendices point to approaches for journeying on in faith, most of which are widely known, including \u003ci\u003electio divina\u003c\/i\u003e and centring prayer. The Hippsleys also advocate the companionship of a spiritual director, or other wise person, in such a journey; and that is often so important. Nevertheless, human activities take centre stage throughout: I missed the sense of God’s part in calling, drawing, and meeting us as we journey on.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eOverall, there is much that is thought-provoking, but the emphasis is more that of a challenge to take steps forward in faith rather than of a guide to taking those steps.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eDr Anne Spalding is a member of the Third Order of the Society of St Francis, and lives in Suffolk.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost, author and blogger. April 2025\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eMary and Charles Hippsley have taken the map out of their backpack, unfolded it and spread it before us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe authors take the basic premise that we all have a mental map of our spiritual journey. A map which contains different routes, landmarks and diversions which mark out our way of faith – and a few signposts to keep us on the right path as we journey with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eTheir aim is to give readers ‘space to reflect on the map you may be consciously or unconsciously using to find your way, even if there have been some unexpected twists to the journey you originally anticipated.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThey consider the significance of maps – different approaches to map making and map reading. What maps show us and what they don’t. To consider what may lie on the ‘next page of the atlas’, as it were. Readers are encouraged to draw their own map of their faith journey. This use the metaphor of maps and the parallels it provides is a strong and helpful element of the authors’ writing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWithin the book’s pages, the authors explore many different aspects of human emotions and behaviours and how they interact with our faith. They explore times of disorientation and disruption, and our location on the map (our understanding of self and place). At times the journey through the book becomes a bit uncomfortable and, for this reviewer, loses its way at times, but it was worth persevering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eFaith is not designed to stay in the same place and so we notice new things on our map and on the journey. Smartphones have changed our use of maps but they still show and hide what a journey will cover. Sometimes we need to look across the whole of the map and other times just details.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eRather like when taking a long journey, we don’t always do it all at once. We travel in stages and this is a book to read in such a manner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e. He is also the author of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/richardfrostauthor.com\/\"\u003efive other books\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #0563c1; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Reimagining the Landscape of Faith: Essential pathways for spiritual growth
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Is this all there is to faith? Every Christian carries a map, a mental image of their journey through life,...
{"id":14688768426364,"title":"The Works of the Lord: 52 biblical reflections on science, technology and creation","handle":"the-works-of-the-lord-52-biblical-reflections-on-science-technology-and-creation","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e‘Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them,’ says Psalm 111:2. We all benefit from science, and we all make choices about how to use its fruits. This series of reflections lets scientific discoveries fuel your worship and helps you to consider how we can move forward wisely in a scientific society. Written by a diverse group of scientists and theologians associated with the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion in Cambridge, UK, you are invited into the conversation whether you are a scientist or not, and you are given the opportunity to respond in both praise and practical action.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDr Ruth Bancewicz is Church Engagement Director at the Faraday Institute, where she equips and encourages churches to include engagement with science as part of their regular ministry and mission. She studied Genetics at Aberdeen and Edinburgh Universities, and is now studying with Highland Theological College. She a member of Christians in Science, and belongs to City Church Cambridge.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘This insightful collection of 52 biblical reflections, expertly edited by Ruth, is helpful in exploring the connections between science and faith. As a pastor, It’s a wonderful tool for understanding and sharing how science and creation harmonise with God’s Word in meaningful ways.’ \u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eBen Norris, Pastor, GodCentral Church.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘The passages and reflections were just the right length…often the topic lent a fresh perspective on the passage used… I can easily see the book being a useful tool from which to start thinking about a particular topic… I found myself pondering on what I had read at the start of the day during the day and on occasion it informed conversations had.’ \u003ci\u003eRuth Chamberlain, ordained priest and teacher of Biology and Science\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘For the scientist who is a Christian, the exploration of the natural world is not just the joy of intellectual curiosity but is an act of worship enhancing prayer and the reading of the Bible. In this book we get an insight into that worship which is both inspiring and challenging for our own relationship with Jesus.’ \u003ci\u003eThe Revd Professor David Wilkinson, Project Director, Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science, St John’s College, Durham University\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘This book fills a crucial gap by encouraging us to use all that science tells us about our world and universe to help us to worship and pray in a deeper and more informed way. It will be a great help in engaging with the many major developments of our time, such as climate change and AI, in a more reflective and rounded way. It will appeal to a broad range of church traditions and I hope it will be very widely used in private devotions and corporate worship.’ \u003ci\u003eBishop Richard Cheetham, Member of the Anglican Communion Science Commission, Fellow of the International Society for Science and Religion\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Christine Lafon in the City Church Cambridge newsletter May 2025\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;\"\u003eA devotional from a new mould, fitting for the extraordinary and sometimes confusing times in which we live. \u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eInitially imagined and now brought to life by City Church’s own Ruth Bancewicz, it features 52 short reflections on science, technology and creation.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eIn each contribution a diverse group of scientists and theologians voice their praise and awe of specific aspects of the grandeur, minutiae, or complexity of God’s creation in its broadest sense.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eThe aim is to inform about the science as well as inspire worship in the reader.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;\"\u003eThis compact little book is attractively packaged, tactile, well organised and easy to dip into.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eBeautifully illustrated by coloured photographs, a few of many intriguing subject headings include: \u003ci\u003eChoosing good trees, Through the telescope, New beginnings, The earth mourns, Increasingly Human \u003c\/i\u003eand \u003ci\u003eRelease from eco-anxiety.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;\"\u003eNew technologies are included, such as \u003ci\u003eAI and gardening, \u003c\/i\u003eand \u003ci\u003eCrowned with Glory! Guided by AI? \u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003eTo quote: whilst '\u003ci\u003ethe Bible has nothing to say about AI specifically, it has much to say in general about how we use it, and this section will equip you to think about how AI affects our lives and how we can use or respond to it'\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;\"\u003eAn aid to worship that is unafraid to raise some of the difficult ethical questions we face today - see \u003ci\u003eDisability and Gene Editing,\u003c\/i\u003e \u003ci\u003eCare for the Vulnerable \u003c\/i\u003eand other subjects in the section \u003ci\u003eBeing Human - \u003c\/i\u003ethis unusual collection is thoroughly deserving of a place on your bookshelf or bedside table, or even on your gift list for friends and family.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;\"\u003eWhilst from the opposite end of the literary spectrum, nevertheless these passages mirror the whispered awe of Kenneth Grahame’s Ratty in \u003ci\u003eThe Wind in the Willows: 'O, Mole! The beauty of it!...the music and the call must be for us.'\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"FR\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: FR;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Christine Lafon\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"FR\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: FR;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"FR\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: FR;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"mso-element: para-border-div; border: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eReview by Major Heather Poxon, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eTerritorial Environmental Officer, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe Salvation Army, UK \u0026amp; Ireland\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eDr Ruth Bancewicz draws on her background as a student of genetics, and her experience studying theology, to present a beautifully written and carefully presented devotional book that successfully marries issues of science and faith in a way that is enjoyable and rewarding for the reader.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eGiving appropriate credence to both disciplines, Ruth manages to construct bite-sized reflections that are useful in their brevity yet meaningful in their depth, offering contemplations that are thought provoking, fresh, and insightful. She endeavours to broker harmony between two areas of speciality that have too often been seen as at odds with each other.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe thoughts on offer are rooted in serious intellectualism, but they are immensely accessible too, provoking, indeed, a sense of wonder and awe.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eFor anyone interested in the hot topic of global warming, and for anyone looking for devotional material encompassing elements of worship allied to science, technology and creation, this is just the book. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-23T15:28:05+01:00","created_at":"2024-10-23T15:28:06+01:00","vendor":"Ruth Bancewicz","type":"Paperback","tags":["Caring for creation","Devotional","Environmental issues","For individuals","KCLC","Prayer","Torch Trust","Worship"],"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":53599719719292,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392854","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Works of the Lord: 52 biblical reflections on science, technology and creation","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":1299,"weight":230,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392854","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/9781800392854.jpg?v=1737147317"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/9781800392854.jpg?v=1737147317","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":63731917947260,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.064,"height":1000,"width":1064,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/9781800392854.jpg?v=1737147317"},"aspect_ratio":1.064,"height":1000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/9781800392854.jpg?v=1737147317","width":1064}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e‘Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them,’ says Psalm 111:2. We all benefit from science, and we all make choices about how to use its fruits. This series of reflections lets scientific discoveries fuel your worship and helps you to consider how we can move forward wisely in a scientific society. Written by a diverse group of scientists and theologians associated with the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion in Cambridge, UK, you are invited into the conversation whether you are a scientist or not, and you are given the opportunity to respond in both praise and practical action.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDr Ruth Bancewicz is Church Engagement Director at the Faraday Institute, where she equips and encourages churches to include engagement with science as part of their regular ministry and mission. She studied Genetics at Aberdeen and Edinburgh Universities, and is now studying with Highland Theological College. She a member of Christians in Science, and belongs to City Church Cambridge.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘This insightful collection of 52 biblical reflections, expertly edited by Ruth, is helpful in exploring the connections between science and faith. As a pastor, It’s a wonderful tool for understanding and sharing how science and creation harmonise with God’s Word in meaningful ways.’ \u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eBen Norris, Pastor, GodCentral Church.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘The passages and reflections were just the right length…often the topic lent a fresh perspective on the passage used… I can easily see the book being a useful tool from which to start thinking about a particular topic… I found myself pondering on what I had read at the start of the day during the day and on occasion it informed conversations had.’ \u003ci\u003eRuth Chamberlain, ordained priest and teacher of Biology and Science\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘For the scientist who is a Christian, the exploration of the natural world is not just the joy of intellectual curiosity but is an act of worship enhancing prayer and the reading of the Bible. In this book we get an insight into that worship which is both inspiring and challenging for our own relationship with Jesus.’ \u003ci\u003eThe Revd Professor David Wilkinson, Project Director, Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science, St John’s College, Durham University\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘This book fills a crucial gap by encouraging us to use all that science tells us about our world and universe to help us to worship and pray in a deeper and more informed way. It will be a great help in engaging with the many major developments of our time, such as climate change and AI, in a more reflective and rounded way. It will appeal to a broad range of church traditions and I hope it will be very widely used in private devotions and corporate worship.’ \u003ci\u003eBishop Richard Cheetham, Member of the Anglican Communion Science Commission, Fellow of the International Society for Science and Religion\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Christine Lafon in the City Church Cambridge newsletter May 2025\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;\"\u003eA devotional from a new mould, fitting for the extraordinary and sometimes confusing times in which we live. \u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eInitially imagined and now brought to life by City Church’s own Ruth Bancewicz, it features 52 short reflections on science, technology and creation.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eIn each contribution a diverse group of scientists and theologians voice their praise and awe of specific aspects of the grandeur, minutiae, or complexity of God’s creation in its broadest sense.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eThe aim is to inform about the science as well as inspire worship in the reader.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;\"\u003eThis compact little book is attractively packaged, tactile, well organised and easy to dip into.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eBeautifully illustrated by coloured photographs, a few of many intriguing subject headings include: \u003ci\u003eChoosing good trees, Through the telescope, New beginnings, The earth mourns, Increasingly Human \u003c\/i\u003eand \u003ci\u003eRelease from eco-anxiety.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;\"\u003eNew technologies are included, such as \u003ci\u003eAI and gardening, \u003c\/i\u003eand \u003ci\u003eCrowned with Glory! Guided by AI? \u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003eTo quote: whilst '\u003ci\u003ethe Bible has nothing to say about AI specifically, it has much to say in general about how we use it, and this section will equip you to think about how AI affects our lives and how we can use or respond to it'\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;\"\u003eAn aid to worship that is unafraid to raise some of the difficult ethical questions we face today - see \u003ci\u003eDisability and Gene Editing,\u003c\/i\u003e \u003ci\u003eCare for the Vulnerable \u003c\/i\u003eand other subjects in the section \u003ci\u003eBeing Human - \u003c\/i\u003ethis unusual collection is thoroughly deserving of a place on your bookshelf or bedside table, or even on your gift list for friends and family.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;\"\u003eWhilst from the opposite end of the literary spectrum, nevertheless these passages mirror the whispered awe of Kenneth Grahame’s Ratty in \u003ci\u003eThe Wind in the Willows: 'O, Mole! The beauty of it!...the music and the call must be for us.'\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"FR\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: FR;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Christine Lafon\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"FR\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: FR;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"FR\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: FR;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"mso-element: para-border-div; border: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eReview by Major Heather Poxon, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eTerritorial Environmental Officer, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe Salvation Army, UK \u0026amp; Ireland\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eDr Ruth Bancewicz draws on her background as a student of genetics, and her experience studying theology, to present a beautifully written and carefully presented devotional book that successfully marries issues of science and faith in a way that is enjoyable and rewarding for the reader.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eGiving appropriate credence to both disciplines, Ruth manages to construct bite-sized reflections that are useful in their brevity yet meaningful in their depth, offering contemplations that are thought provoking, fresh, and insightful. She endeavours to broker harmony between two areas of speciality that have too often been seen as at odds with each other.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe thoughts on offer are rooted in serious intellectualism, but they are immensely accessible too, provoking, indeed, a sense of wonder and awe.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eFor anyone interested in the hot topic of global warming, and for anyone looking for devotional material encompassing elements of worship allied to science, technology and creation, this is just the book. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The Works of the Lord: 52 biblical reflections on science, technology and creation
£12.99
‘Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them,’ says Psalm 111:2. We all benefit...
{"id":14698168091004,"title":"World Turned Upside Down","handle":"world-turned-upside-down-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThere are no simple answers to life’s challenges, so how do we integrate our most testing experiences into our faith in a way which strengthens rather than undermines it? When we are at our weakest, when we feel we most need God and yet have no idea how to talk to him, it is the Psalms which leap to our rescue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the psalmists as our guides, we learn to draw closer to God, to hear his voice in fresh ways, and to identify what it is that troubles us. Borrowing their words, we find that we are able to articulate our most painful feelings and walk through suffering with honesty, hope, and confidence in the God who travels beside us. Here is an opportunity to read the Psalms differently: an invitation to embark on a new journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\" data-mce-style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"150\" width=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Alison_Morgan_1_480x480.jpg?v=1678322105\" style=\"margin-right: 20px; float: left;\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Alison_Morgan_1_480x480.jpg?v=1678322105\" data-mce-style=\"margin-right: 20px; float: left;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRevd Dr Alison Morgan \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehas written widely on \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eliterature, theology and the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChristian life. She \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eis \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003ean Associate of the Mathetes Trust, where she \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eoversees the Rooted in Jesus discipleship programme for Africa, now in use in 19 countries\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Alison has a PhD from Cambridge \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003efor her work on the Italian poet Dante, and in her spare time enjoys birdwatching, walking and photography.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eForeword by \u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDr John Inge, Bishop of Worcester\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘The Psalms take us on a journey; and they take us on foot… in a sense walking is the dominant theme of the entire Psalter.’ So writes Alison Morgan in her highly perceptive, reflective and personal exploration of this great repository of timeless wisdom. Alison is the ideal walking companion and guide, walking not racing, never charging on ahead, always taking time to stop, to absorb the view and to ponder. She shares her personal experiences – of pregnancy, of rejection, of confusion, of bereavement, of times when her world has been turned upside down – in such a gentle manner as to invite the reader to call to mind the highs and lows they have similarly experienced, endured or enjoyed. As well as being intimately familiar with the landmarks, Alison is the kind of guide who inspires confidence: she has trodden this path before, she reads the map, she knows the direction, she is not daunted by difficult terrain, scree or scramble, not held back by headwind, storm or fog.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt each stage, Alison’s method is to draw attention to a particular fea- ture of the Psalmist’s landscape, then, as readers and author together rest their gaze on that aspect, readers come to see how the Psalmist’s hard-won insights into the human condition can be a source of under- standing, perseverance, faith, and hope in their own lives. In the process they come to know themselves more fully; they also come to know God more fully, the God who has ‘searched me out and known me’. The best guides, of course, do more than show people the way; they also enable them to find their own way. Anyone who follows Alison’s guidance will be better equipped to return to the Psalms again and again and discover fresh insights of their own – and become a guide to others.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrom the very outset of this book, it becomes clear to the reader that this walk is not an amiable, aimless ramble. Rather, the journey on \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ewhich Alison is the guide is a pilgrimage; indeed, as she points out, several psalms were themselves composed to accompany the pilgrim. As a disciple of the one who called himself the Way, the Truth and the Life, Alison discerns the presence of Jesus every step of the way. What Alison offers the reader here is a \u003cem\u003ecamino \u003c\/em\u003ethrough the Psalms. It is telling that the heading of the final chapter is ‘Coming home’.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI hope you will enjoy your pilgrim walk with Alison, that you will marvel \u003cspan\u003eat the beauty along the way, and marvel even more at the Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer of it all; I wish you a rewarding journey and a safe homecoming.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eDr John Inge, Bishop of Worcester\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs ever, Alison Morgan manages to convey a wealth of academic study in a deeply personal and accessible way. In this hope-filled book she applies the Psalms to the reality of every-day life and shows how they can help us express our own thoughts and feelings to God as well as listen to his response. Along the way she tackles issues such as meaning, lament, identity – and especially pain which, like fire, can ‘burn or refine’. In her own poetic language she illustrates the poetry of the psalms which ‘demands to be felt more than thought about’ and expresses what it feels like to be human. ‘World Turned Upside Down’ is practical as well as inspirational. It points to the way in which the Psalms can help us to grow through our suffering rather than be crushed by it, and includes moving and profound meditations on creation and death. This book is all about looking at life differently, and its message could hardly be more apt in today’s culture: namely that, however hard it may sometimes be to believe, ‘God is sovereign, and God is with us’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBishop James Newcome\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Written with great insight and compassion, this deep dive into the Psalms is a much- needed book, at a time when suffering has come home to so many. Alison Morgan deftly explores the many ways in which the ancient poetry of the Psalms can speak into our own lives, so that we really understand what it means to say of these scrip- tures that “deep calls unto deep”.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMalcolm Guite, poet and life fellow of Girton College, Cambridge\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This book is stunningly \u003cem\u003ebeautiful\u003c\/em\u003e: as filled with light and shadow, and with energy and life, as the Psalms that form its subject and have power – so Alison Morgan argues – to turn things on their heads. But this is a book that is also \u003cem\u003efelt\u003c\/em\u003e. Alison “sees and sings” these ancient biblical songs, by mapping them onto the here and now of her own and others’ lived experience – and she does so with a visceral intensity, that invigorates the senses and discovers meaning in the sights, sounds and textures of places. This is a remarkable book, that brings memory, experience and theology into play with literature, art, music and even neuroscience, and does so with the lightest of touch and the sharpest of wit. It will surely inspire even those who have known the Psalms all their lives, as well as those for whom they are new or less familiar.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProfessor\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eClare\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eA.P.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eWillsdon,\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eHistory\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eof\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eArt,\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSchool\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eof\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eCulture\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eand\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eCreative\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eArts, \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUniversity of Glasgow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘I found my journey through the Psalms with Alison Morgan eye-opening, encouraging and challenging. It was as though God was inviting me into a deeper level of com- munication and intimacy with him as Alison shared her reflections. She has given me tools and a desire to engage with the Psalms, and the God of the Psalms, more deeply and honestly.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBishop Martin Breytenbach, retired bishop of St Mark the Evangelist, Limpopo, \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSouth Africa\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘There is so much to enjoy throughout the book. Each chapter offers a stimulating breadth of literature, history, geography and natural sciences easily woven into the narrative. Many engaging stories illumine the text and demonstrate what may be involved in real, visceral engagement with God. There is a catholicity of scholarly perspectives deftly presented without being showy or obtrusive. Alison’s style is lucid and lyrical with occasional iridescence. There is evidence of substantial pastoral experience supporting people in different continents and cultures undergoing the common human condition of fiercely personal trials. This leads to realism in facing personal pain and the unreasonable reactions from others that can be so shocking in life’s adverse episodes.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRodney Green CBE, former chief executive, Leicester City Council, and author of \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e90,000 Hours: Managing the world of work\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This book is an excellent companion as you walk through the ups and downs of everyday life. It is a gentle yet deep reflection on personal and sometimes challenging experiences that can only strengthen and deepen one’s faith in God. Alison’s inter- cultural writing style will draw you in, whatever your cultural heritage or ethnicity. Her insights during this personal adventure through the Psalms will keep you engaged and genuinely bless you. In this book, you will find something which is critically rigorous, helpfully informative and personally meaningful and that you can use as part of your pattern of prayer. I wholeheartedly commend it to you.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRt Revd Dr Timothy Wambunya, honorary assistant bishop in the Diocese of Oxford and former bishop of Butere in Kenya\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This is a deeply personal book in which the author explores how the Psalms, in all their shades of light and dark, have illuminated and given shape to her own journey of faith. A most engaging read, vividly written.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanon Patrick Woodhouse, former canon of Wells Cathedral and author of \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife in the Psalms\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Alison does not shrink either from the difficulties we face in life nor from the so-called difficult parts of the Psalms. Indeed she brings these two together, first by talking openly about the bad things that happen, some of them from her own life story, and then by using the words of the Psalms themselves to face, express and reassess our experience. A particular delight was reading Alison’s appreciation of the richness of the natural world, represented in the Psalms, illustrating their word pictures with her own examples full of awe and wonder.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Liz Hoare, tutor in spiritual formation, Wycliffe Hall, Oxford\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Like the Psalms themselves, Alison’s book is refreshingly honest and abounds in insights from her extensive general knowledge and life experience. That makes it a very rich read. Alison draws the reader into their own journey of reflection on what it feels like to be human, with an understanding that we can only truly find ourselves as we discover God in all his multifaceted layers. I found this book immediately engaging, totally absorbing and ultimately healing and restorative.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanon Andrew Evans, rector of Broughton Gifford, Great Chalfield and Holt, and rural dean of Bradford, Diocese of Salisbury\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘A book focused on pain could be a daunting prospect – and this one does make demands, inviting us to engage emotionally with our experience as well as in our thinking. But it does so with a lightness of touch, bringing numerous stories from personal experience, laced with wise reflection and playful humour. In all this the Psalms provide lenses through which to explore life’s hardest times and also words through which to express them. Inhabiting these ancient songs really can help turn our world the right way up.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Bill Goodman, assistant principal at St Peter’s College and director of ongoing ministerial development, Diocese of Sheffield\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry September 2023. Review by Cavan Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a powerful book which enables us to see the Psalms in all their glory. Alison Morgan has written a guide to the hymns of Israel that helps us to see their eternal relevance. They include making sense of life, dealing with pain, personal identity and the honesty we need to face suffering. Using her own experience and some powerful connecting analogies, the author helps us to see that we need a spirituality that is totally honest so that we might have a right relationship with God. Drawing on the work of Walter Brueggemann and others, she helps us to see how the Psalms can be about dislocation, feeling away from God – yet the very naming of our sins, doubts and fears is the way to help them lose their power as we can bring them to God. There is a great deal for a reader or preacher to learn from here – it can help us to develop an approach to pain and suffering which is both biblical and human.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Cavan Wood \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-28T08:29:23+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-28T08:28:11+00:00","vendor":"Alison Morgan","type":"eBook","tags":["Bereavement","Biblical engagement","Devotional","Glassboxx","Pastoral care","Prayer","Spiritual care","Spirituality"],"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":53602640658812,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800391673","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"World Turned Upside Down - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":1299,"weight":286,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800391673","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/118.png?v=1730134967","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/119.png?v=1730134944"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/118.png?v=1730134967","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":62923503436156,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/118.png?v=1730134967"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/118.png?v=1730134967","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":62923500945788,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/119.png?v=1730134944"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/119.png?v=1730134944","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThere are no simple answers to life’s challenges, so how do we integrate our most testing experiences into our faith in a way which strengthens rather than undermines it? When we are at our weakest, when we feel we most need God and yet have no idea how to talk to him, it is the Psalms which leap to our rescue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the psalmists as our guides, we learn to draw closer to God, to hear his voice in fresh ways, and to identify what it is that troubles us. Borrowing their words, we find that we are able to articulate our most painful feelings and walk through suffering with honesty, hope, and confidence in the God who travels beside us. Here is an opportunity to read the Psalms differently: an invitation to embark on a new journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\" data-mce-style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"150\" width=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Alison_Morgan_1_480x480.jpg?v=1678322105\" style=\"margin-right: 20px; float: left;\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Alison_Morgan_1_480x480.jpg?v=1678322105\" data-mce-style=\"margin-right: 20px; float: left;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRevd Dr Alison Morgan \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehas written widely on \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eliterature, theology and the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChristian life. She \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eis \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003ean Associate of the Mathetes Trust, where she \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eoversees the Rooted in Jesus discipleship programme for Africa, now in use in 19 countries\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Alison has a PhD from Cambridge \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003efor her work on the Italian poet Dante, and in her spare time enjoys birdwatching, walking and photography.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eForeword by \u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDr John Inge, Bishop of Worcester\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘The Psalms take us on a journey; and they take us on foot… in a sense walking is the dominant theme of the entire Psalter.’ So writes Alison Morgan in her highly perceptive, reflective and personal exploration of this great repository of timeless wisdom. Alison is the ideal walking companion and guide, walking not racing, never charging on ahead, always taking time to stop, to absorb the view and to ponder. She shares her personal experiences – of pregnancy, of rejection, of confusion, of bereavement, of times when her world has been turned upside down – in such a gentle manner as to invite the reader to call to mind the highs and lows they have similarly experienced, endured or enjoyed. As well as being intimately familiar with the landmarks, Alison is the kind of guide who inspires confidence: she has trodden this path before, she reads the map, she knows the direction, she is not daunted by difficult terrain, scree or scramble, not held back by headwind, storm or fog.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt each stage, Alison’s method is to draw attention to a particular fea- ture of the Psalmist’s landscape, then, as readers and author together rest their gaze on that aspect, readers come to see how the Psalmist’s hard-won insights into the human condition can be a source of under- standing, perseverance, faith, and hope in their own lives. In the process they come to know themselves more fully; they also come to know God more fully, the God who has ‘searched me out and known me’. The best guides, of course, do more than show people the way; they also enable them to find their own way. Anyone who follows Alison’s guidance will be better equipped to return to the Psalms again and again and discover fresh insights of their own – and become a guide to others.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrom the very outset of this book, it becomes clear to the reader that this walk is not an amiable, aimless ramble. Rather, the journey on \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ewhich Alison is the guide is a pilgrimage; indeed, as she points out, several psalms were themselves composed to accompany the pilgrim. As a disciple of the one who called himself the Way, the Truth and the Life, Alison discerns the presence of Jesus every step of the way. What Alison offers the reader here is a \u003cem\u003ecamino \u003c\/em\u003ethrough the Psalms. It is telling that the heading of the final chapter is ‘Coming home’.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI hope you will enjoy your pilgrim walk with Alison, that you will marvel \u003cspan\u003eat the beauty along the way, and marvel even more at the Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer of it all; I wish you a rewarding journey and a safe homecoming.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eDr John Inge, Bishop of Worcester\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs ever, Alison Morgan manages to convey a wealth of academic study in a deeply personal and accessible way. In this hope-filled book she applies the Psalms to the reality of every-day life and shows how they can help us express our own thoughts and feelings to God as well as listen to his response. Along the way she tackles issues such as meaning, lament, identity – and especially pain which, like fire, can ‘burn or refine’. In her own poetic language she illustrates the poetry of the psalms which ‘demands to be felt more than thought about’ and expresses what it feels like to be human. ‘World Turned Upside Down’ is practical as well as inspirational. It points to the way in which the Psalms can help us to grow through our suffering rather than be crushed by it, and includes moving and profound meditations on creation and death. This book is all about looking at life differently, and its message could hardly be more apt in today’s culture: namely that, however hard it may sometimes be to believe, ‘God is sovereign, and God is with us’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBishop James Newcome\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Written with great insight and compassion, this deep dive into the Psalms is a much- needed book, at a time when suffering has come home to so many. Alison Morgan deftly explores the many ways in which the ancient poetry of the Psalms can speak into our own lives, so that we really understand what it means to say of these scrip- tures that “deep calls unto deep”.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMalcolm Guite, poet and life fellow of Girton College, Cambridge\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This book is stunningly \u003cem\u003ebeautiful\u003c\/em\u003e: as filled with light and shadow, and with energy and life, as the Psalms that form its subject and have power – so Alison Morgan argues – to turn things on their heads. But this is a book that is also \u003cem\u003efelt\u003c\/em\u003e. Alison “sees and sings” these ancient biblical songs, by mapping them onto the here and now of her own and others’ lived experience – and she does so with a visceral intensity, that invigorates the senses and discovers meaning in the sights, sounds and textures of places. This is a remarkable book, that brings memory, experience and theology into play with literature, art, music and even neuroscience, and does so with the lightest of touch and the sharpest of wit. It will surely inspire even those who have known the Psalms all their lives, as well as those for whom they are new or less familiar.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProfessor\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eClare\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eA.P.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eWillsdon,\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eHistory\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eof\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eArt,\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSchool\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eof\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eCulture\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eand\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eCreative\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eArts, \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUniversity of Glasgow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘I found my journey through the Psalms with Alison Morgan eye-opening, encouraging and challenging. It was as though God was inviting me into a deeper level of com- munication and intimacy with him as Alison shared her reflections. She has given me tools and a desire to engage with the Psalms, and the God of the Psalms, more deeply and honestly.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBishop Martin Breytenbach, retired bishop of St Mark the Evangelist, Limpopo, \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSouth Africa\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘There is so much to enjoy throughout the book. Each chapter offers a stimulating breadth of literature, history, geography and natural sciences easily woven into the narrative. Many engaging stories illumine the text and demonstrate what may be involved in real, visceral engagement with God. There is a catholicity of scholarly perspectives deftly presented without being showy or obtrusive. Alison’s style is lucid and lyrical with occasional iridescence. There is evidence of substantial pastoral experience supporting people in different continents and cultures undergoing the common human condition of fiercely personal trials. This leads to realism in facing personal pain and the unreasonable reactions from others that can be so shocking in life’s adverse episodes.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRodney Green CBE, former chief executive, Leicester City Council, and author of \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e90,000 Hours: Managing the world of work\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This book is an excellent companion as you walk through the ups and downs of everyday life. It is a gentle yet deep reflection on personal and sometimes challenging experiences that can only strengthen and deepen one’s faith in God. Alison’s inter- cultural writing style will draw you in, whatever your cultural heritage or ethnicity. Her insights during this personal adventure through the Psalms will keep you engaged and genuinely bless you. In this book, you will find something which is critically rigorous, helpfully informative and personally meaningful and that you can use as part of your pattern of prayer. I wholeheartedly commend it to you.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRt Revd Dr Timothy Wambunya, honorary assistant bishop in the Diocese of Oxford and former bishop of Butere in Kenya\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This is a deeply personal book in which the author explores how the Psalms, in all their shades of light and dark, have illuminated and given shape to her own journey of faith. A most engaging read, vividly written.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanon Patrick Woodhouse, former canon of Wells Cathedral and author of \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife in the Psalms\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Alison does not shrink either from the difficulties we face in life nor from the so-called difficult parts of the Psalms. Indeed she brings these two together, first by talking openly about the bad things that happen, some of them from her own life story, and then by using the words of the Psalms themselves to face, express and reassess our experience. A particular delight was reading Alison’s appreciation of the richness of the natural world, represented in the Psalms, illustrating their word pictures with her own examples full of awe and wonder.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Liz Hoare, tutor in spiritual formation, Wycliffe Hall, Oxford\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Like the Psalms themselves, Alison’s book is refreshingly honest and abounds in insights from her extensive general knowledge and life experience. That makes it a very rich read. Alison draws the reader into their own journey of reflection on what it feels like to be human, with an understanding that we can only truly find ourselves as we discover God in all his multifaceted layers. I found this book immediately engaging, totally absorbing and ultimately healing and restorative.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanon Andrew Evans, rector of Broughton Gifford, Great Chalfield and Holt, and rural dean of Bradford, Diocese of Salisbury\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘A book focused on pain could be a daunting prospect – and this one does make demands, inviting us to engage emotionally with our experience as well as in our thinking. But it does so with a lightness of touch, bringing numerous stories from personal experience, laced with wise reflection and playful humour. In all this the Psalms provide lenses through which to explore life’s hardest times and also words through which to express them. Inhabiting these ancient songs really can help turn our world the right way up.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Bill Goodman, assistant principal at St Peter’s College and director of ongoing ministerial development, Diocese of Sheffield\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry September 2023. Review by Cavan Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a powerful book which enables us to see the Psalms in all their glory. Alison Morgan has written a guide to the hymns of Israel that helps us to see their eternal relevance. They include making sense of life, dealing with pain, personal identity and the honesty we need to face suffering. Using her own experience and some powerful connecting analogies, the author helps us to see that we need a spirituality that is totally honest so that we might have a right relationship with God. Drawing on the work of Walter Brueggemann and others, she helps us to see how the Psalms can be about dislocation, feeling away from God – yet the very naming of our sins, doubts and fears is the way to help them lose their power as we can bring them to God. There is a great deal for a reader or preacher to learn from here – it can help us to develop an approach to pain and suffering which is both biblical and human.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Cavan Wood \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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World Turned Upside Down
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Digital eBook Only - There are no simple answers to life’s challenges, so how do we integrate our most testing...
{"id":14698171007356,"title":"The Space Between: The disruptive seasons we want to hide from, and why we need them","handle":"the-space-between-the-disruptive-seasons-we-want-to-hide-from-and-why-we-need-them","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe disruptive seasons of life – those transition times in which we have left one season of stability but not yet arrived at the next – can be times of great disorientation. Yet, for good or for ill, they are also the most transformative. In \u003cem\u003eThe Space Between\u003c\/em\u003e, Mark Bradford provides the reader with a biblical and theological understanding of such seasons of life, connects them with the resources to live faithfully through them, and offers strength and hope for the journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMark Bradford is the vicar of St Cuthbert’s, Fulwood. Previously he taught history and politics and has worked for the Oasis Trust in Leeds training and discipling 18–25-year-olds. He is married with three young children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘A timely book for the pandemic age… A wise companion for the tough seasons of life.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJames Lawrence, CPAS leadership principal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘This is not a book to read all in one go! Gems keep tumbling out of the cupboard and they need to be picked up one at a time before moving to the next… This is hard to beat!’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJulian Henderson, bishop of Blackburn\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘A wonderfully honest and human book that enables readers to find God in the disturbing experiences of change and disruption… The rich wisdom of this book will offer both a healing balm and a source of courage to all who engage with it.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhilip North, bishop of Burnley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘This book is important… It tackles difficult times in our lives with honesty and clarity – which will be a relief to those who read it.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanon Dr Christina Baxter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘This book draws on the Bible, on the lives of saints old and new, and on the author’s deep experience to invite us afresh to engage in the precious things God is doing when the temptation is to focus elsewhere. This is encouraging, wise, and helpful.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMark Tanner, bishop of Chester\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘In a highly engaging way, Mark extends our awareness and draws our attention to God’s work of grace in the whole of life – not only the highs and lows, but the rest of life, where we are on a journey, waiting, confused or disoriented. This is a guide for a truly whole-life discipleship.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Harcourt, New Wine national leader and vicar of All Saints Woodford Wells\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘An apt resource and encouragement that we are not alone in experiencing these seasons.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJo McKee, CPAS director of the Arrow Programme and archbishops’ evangelist, vicar of St Andrew’s Radcliffe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Winter 2021. Review by Cavan Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubtitled, ‘The disruptive seasons we want to hide from and why we need them’, Bradford has produced a thoughtful book designed to help us deal with life’s difficulties, including the times we have to wait, those when we feel in exile, the sensation of being in the wilderness as well as when we are in a pit or facing a storm. These metaphors for human experience are often drawn from the Bible, so he is great at drawing together biblical stories and teachings to help us face these moments of confusion or challenge. The author draws upon the writings of Old Testament scholar Walter Brueggemann and the insights that he has made by his lifelong study of the psalms. We are further helped by the links to the liturgical year as well as being supplied with prayers to help us. There are questions at the end of each chapter which can guide both personal reflection and a home group wishing to study together. A terrific read which will transform your spiritual life!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Cavan Wood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Matthew Porter, Vicar of The Belfrey in York. 12.10.21\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRich and reflective, thoughtful and thorough, this well-written and well-researched book by pastor and teacher Mark Bradford is a great aid to help followers of Jesus navigate the disruptive seasons of life. Most chapters begin by describing two particular \u003cem\u003ehuman emotions\u003c\/em\u003e, followed by careful guidance through \u003cem\u003esacred scripture, sacred time, a sacred practice, \u003c\/em\u003eand \u003cem\u003esacred stories, \u003c\/em\u003eending with \u003cem\u003eprayer\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003equestions for reflection\u003c\/em\u003e. I commend it, and its lovely illustrations by Karen Fowler, to all seeking fresh perspective and renewed hope.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMatthew Porter, Vicar of The Belfrey in York, and author of books including '\u003c\/em\u003eA-Z of Prayer'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 27.08.21. Review by David Wilbourne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA former physiologist, John Habgood maintained that creation invariably happened at the interface between order and chaos. Something as messy as creation is strictly verboten in an over-regimented system; something as fragile as creation would soon be stamped on by anarchy. In \u003cem\u003eThe Space Between\u003c\/em\u003e, Mark Bradford explores such liminal zones, the heady pauses between one order passing and another emerging — cue Covid-19.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough the lenses of waiting (likened to weaving a web to eventually catch God), exile (being where we don’t want to be with people we don’t want to be with), the wildernesses, storm, and pit, he focuses on biblical episodes featuring significant change and concomitant lament. John Holdsworth in his magisterial \u003cem\u003eHonest Sadness\u003c\/em\u003e (Church Times, Books, 30 April 2021) laments lament’s current low profile. So does Bradford, homing in on the seasons of Advent, Epiphany, and Lent, and Good Friday and Holy Saturday, to champion lament as railing against our losses and failures, in order to save us from apathy and despair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnfettered by slavish obedience to excessive biblical criticism, Bradford skilfully re-enacts stories of disturbance, featuring Jacob, Abraham, Jonah, Job, and John the Baptist, juxtaposing them with the Passover, the Exile, the Revelation of St John, and, supremely, Christ. Along the way, he gives a scholarly verse-by-verse commentary on the psalms of lament, 29, 42, 43, 63, 66, 130, and 137, illustrated with vignettes of historical and modern saints, including contemporaries’ life-changing stories, anonymised and somewhat contrived. But when Bradford draws, self-deprecatingly, from his own life, he does so with authenticity, insight, and humour: ‘there is no evidence to suggest anyone asked a prophet home for supper more than once.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe quotes extensively, and I was particularly struck by Walter Wink’s ‘Biblical prayer is impertinent, persistent, shameless, indecorous. It is more like haggling in an outdoor bazaar than the polite monologues of the church.’ Bradford walks Wink’s talk, wrestling with God and ending each chapter with a selection of arresting prayers. It all makes for an engaging book, rooted in everyday parish ministry and a dynamic rather than static personal faith, proving a worthy prequel to his \u003cem\u003eEncountering the Risen Christ\u003c\/em\u003e (Church Times, Books, 24 March 2016).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Rt Revd David Wilbourne is an hon. assistant bishop in York diocese.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProgressive Voices, issue 38, September 2021. Review by Christine King.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are few of us who have not, albeit to varying degrees, experienced what Mark Bradford describes as ‘the space between’. It can describe those times of transition, when we have left a time of peace and order and we are waiting ‘in the wilderness’ for a new phase, whatever it might bring, to begin. The book takes us through such times, which can feel like exile, like being at the heart of a storm or being in what might be described as ‘the pit’; a time of bereavement, loss or despair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe space between is often a place of pain and disorientation but the experience, the author argues, provides a unique opportunity to reimagine our lives. He writes as a committed Christian and aims to explore ways in which God works in and through the lows and the times of change and uncertainty as much as when life goes at a steady or joyful pace. Throughout the thoughtful text exploring the theme, Mark includes a number of prayers, poems, exposition of biblical messages, especially the Psalms and the Gospels, as well as stories from the lives of saints and ‘contemporary saints’ - people of courage and growth. One of his many secular saints is Nelson Mandela whose transformation took place during his own personal ‘space between’ in prison.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese stories add force to his argument that, in his view, God works uniquely in and through these disturbing experiences to bring about transformation. Each chapter ends with a number of questions for reflection which makes this an excellent tool for a study group. The book throughout is a rich resource of Christian thinking and teaching as well as a thoughtful and often moving, journey through difficult terrains for any reader.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Christine King\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCPAS Lead On e-news June 2021. Review by Jo McKee\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrowing up near London, and having spent a good amount of time travelling on the London Underground, I am very familiar with the tannoyed phrase 'mind the gap'. It's a warning to travellers who are journeying from one place to another as they embark and disembark off the train. Much of the time these journeys are straightforward, but there are occasions when the train comes to a standstill: it is delayed, there is an incident on the line, or an onward station is closed. At this point we find ourselves sitting on the train not knowing what's happening and neither being at the beginning or the end of our journey, but a space between the two.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis book honestly explores the various 'between' spaces we can find ourselves in: the waiting, exile, wilderness, the storm and the pit. Within each chapter the different types of spaces are explored through scripture, the experience of individuals and how we can intentionally embrace the space at different times of the year.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAll of us are living through this COVID season and at some point many of us will have felt like we're in the wilderness and that we've been through a violent storm. The positive invitation to reflect on these spaces is not there for us to endure the pain and anguish that we've been through again, but a challenge to honestly dialogue with God about them. In being completely open with God our eyes can be opened to the healing that still needs to take place, but also we can start to recognise the spiritual growth that has comes from these times. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn a year that will be full of these 'space between' times, this book is an apt resource and encouragement that we are not alone in experiencing these seasons. Jesus, the one who has experienced all these spaces, is constantly faithful and present in those times with us. In the knowledge of this we should not live in fear, but hope. In this journey of life we are not able to 'mind the gap', but with God's help we can step into each day knowing that he is there in the midst of them and will lead us on.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Jo McKee\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Richard Frost, May 2021\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiminal places: the place on the threshold of what comes next and, in this book, Mark Bradford claims that most of life is lived in this ‘space between’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMark Bradford explains this space as being one which carries grief, consolation, ambiguity and loss of control, to name but a few common characteristics. ‘It’s a hard place to be in,’ he writes, ‘because we each arrange our lives of the sake of predictability and control, comfort and security – and the ‘space between’ offers none of those.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut, fear not, this is not a depressing book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy describing experiences from the life of Jacob and many others in the Bible, interspersed with examples from his own life and people known to him who have made specific contributions, Mark Bradford explores this important but complex area in a readable and accessible way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe explores what he calls the ‘disruptive seasons’ of waiting, exile, wilderness, storm and the pit. This exploration draws on a wide range of other writers (notably Walter Brueggemann and Richard Rohr) and also links in with examples from sacred scriptures, such as the Psalms, and sacred stories of saints, old and modern from St John of the Cross to Terry Waite. The practical suggestions he makes are helpful: especially those in the closing chapter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA worthwhile read for anyone stuck in the current space between what was pre-pandemic normality and what is still too come.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of\u003c\/em\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cem\u003eand writes a blog at\u003c\/em\u003e \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-28T08:31:21+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-28T08:30:19+00:00","vendor":"Mark Bradford","type":"eBook","tags":["Apr-21","Glassboxx","Pastoral care","Spirituality"],"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":53602640855420,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857468260","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Space Between: The disruptive seasons we want to hide from, and why we need them - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":999,"weight":131,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857468260","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/116.png?v=1730134950","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/117.png?v=1730134919"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/116.png?v=1730134950","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":62923501764988,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/116.png?v=1730134950"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/116.png?v=1730134950","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":62923497570684,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/117.png?v=1730134919"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/117.png?v=1730134919","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe disruptive seasons of life – those transition times in which we have left one season of stability but not yet arrived at the next – can be times of great disorientation. Yet, for good or for ill, they are also the most transformative. In \u003cem\u003eThe Space Between\u003c\/em\u003e, Mark Bradford provides the reader with a biblical and theological understanding of such seasons of life, connects them with the resources to live faithfully through them, and offers strength and hope for the journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMark Bradford is the vicar of St Cuthbert’s, Fulwood. Previously he taught history and politics and has worked for the Oasis Trust in Leeds training and discipling 18–25-year-olds. He is married with three young children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘A timely book for the pandemic age… A wise companion for the tough seasons of life.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJames Lawrence, CPAS leadership principal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘This is not a book to read all in one go! Gems keep tumbling out of the cupboard and they need to be picked up one at a time before moving to the next… This is hard to beat!’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJulian Henderson, bishop of Blackburn\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘A wonderfully honest and human book that enables readers to find God in the disturbing experiences of change and disruption… The rich wisdom of this book will offer both a healing balm and a source of courage to all who engage with it.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhilip North, bishop of Burnley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘This book is important… It tackles difficult times in our lives with honesty and clarity – which will be a relief to those who read it.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanon Dr Christina Baxter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘This book draws on the Bible, on the lives of saints old and new, and on the author’s deep experience to invite us afresh to engage in the precious things God is doing when the temptation is to focus elsewhere. This is encouraging, wise, and helpful.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMark Tanner, bishop of Chester\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘In a highly engaging way, Mark extends our awareness and draws our attention to God’s work of grace in the whole of life – not only the highs and lows, but the rest of life, where we are on a journey, waiting, confused or disoriented. This is a guide for a truly whole-life discipleship.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Harcourt, New Wine national leader and vicar of All Saints Woodford Wells\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘An apt resource and encouragement that we are not alone in experiencing these seasons.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJo McKee, CPAS director of the Arrow Programme and archbishops’ evangelist, vicar of St Andrew’s Radcliffe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Winter 2021. Review by Cavan Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubtitled, ‘The disruptive seasons we want to hide from and why we need them’, Bradford has produced a thoughtful book designed to help us deal with life’s difficulties, including the times we have to wait, those when we feel in exile, the sensation of being in the wilderness as well as when we are in a pit or facing a storm. These metaphors for human experience are often drawn from the Bible, so he is great at drawing together biblical stories and teachings to help us face these moments of confusion or challenge. The author draws upon the writings of Old Testament scholar Walter Brueggemann and the insights that he has made by his lifelong study of the psalms. We are further helped by the links to the liturgical year as well as being supplied with prayers to help us. There are questions at the end of each chapter which can guide both personal reflection and a home group wishing to study together. A terrific read which will transform your spiritual life!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Cavan Wood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Matthew Porter, Vicar of The Belfrey in York. 12.10.21\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRich and reflective, thoughtful and thorough, this well-written and well-researched book by pastor and teacher Mark Bradford is a great aid to help followers of Jesus navigate the disruptive seasons of life. Most chapters begin by describing two particular \u003cem\u003ehuman emotions\u003c\/em\u003e, followed by careful guidance through \u003cem\u003esacred scripture, sacred time, a sacred practice, \u003c\/em\u003eand \u003cem\u003esacred stories, \u003c\/em\u003eending with \u003cem\u003eprayer\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003equestions for reflection\u003c\/em\u003e. I commend it, and its lovely illustrations by Karen Fowler, to all seeking fresh perspective and renewed hope.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMatthew Porter, Vicar of The Belfrey in York, and author of books including '\u003c\/em\u003eA-Z of Prayer'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 27.08.21. Review by David Wilbourne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA former physiologist, John Habgood maintained that creation invariably happened at the interface between order and chaos. Something as messy as creation is strictly verboten in an over-regimented system; something as fragile as creation would soon be stamped on by anarchy. In \u003cem\u003eThe Space Between\u003c\/em\u003e, Mark Bradford explores such liminal zones, the heady pauses between one order passing and another emerging — cue Covid-19.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough the lenses of waiting (likened to weaving a web to eventually catch God), exile (being where we don’t want to be with people we don’t want to be with), the wildernesses, storm, and pit, he focuses on biblical episodes featuring significant change and concomitant lament. John Holdsworth in his magisterial \u003cem\u003eHonest Sadness\u003c\/em\u003e (Church Times, Books, 30 April 2021) laments lament’s current low profile. So does Bradford, homing in on the seasons of Advent, Epiphany, and Lent, and Good Friday and Holy Saturday, to champion lament as railing against our losses and failures, in order to save us from apathy and despair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnfettered by slavish obedience to excessive biblical criticism, Bradford skilfully re-enacts stories of disturbance, featuring Jacob, Abraham, Jonah, Job, and John the Baptist, juxtaposing them with the Passover, the Exile, the Revelation of St John, and, supremely, Christ. Along the way, he gives a scholarly verse-by-verse commentary on the psalms of lament, 29, 42, 43, 63, 66, 130, and 137, illustrated with vignettes of historical and modern saints, including contemporaries’ life-changing stories, anonymised and somewhat contrived. But when Bradford draws, self-deprecatingly, from his own life, he does so with authenticity, insight, and humour: ‘there is no evidence to suggest anyone asked a prophet home for supper more than once.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe quotes extensively, and I was particularly struck by Walter Wink’s ‘Biblical prayer is impertinent, persistent, shameless, indecorous. It is more like haggling in an outdoor bazaar than the polite monologues of the church.’ Bradford walks Wink’s talk, wrestling with God and ending each chapter with a selection of arresting prayers. It all makes for an engaging book, rooted in everyday parish ministry and a dynamic rather than static personal faith, proving a worthy prequel to his \u003cem\u003eEncountering the Risen Christ\u003c\/em\u003e (Church Times, Books, 24 March 2016).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Rt Revd David Wilbourne is an hon. assistant bishop in York diocese.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProgressive Voices, issue 38, September 2021. Review by Christine King.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are few of us who have not, albeit to varying degrees, experienced what Mark Bradford describes as ‘the space between’. It can describe those times of transition, when we have left a time of peace and order and we are waiting ‘in the wilderness’ for a new phase, whatever it might bring, to begin. The book takes us through such times, which can feel like exile, like being at the heart of a storm or being in what might be described as ‘the pit’; a time of bereavement, loss or despair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe space between is often a place of pain and disorientation but the experience, the author argues, provides a unique opportunity to reimagine our lives. He writes as a committed Christian and aims to explore ways in which God works in and through the lows and the times of change and uncertainty as much as when life goes at a steady or joyful pace. Throughout the thoughtful text exploring the theme, Mark includes a number of prayers, poems, exposition of biblical messages, especially the Psalms and the Gospels, as well as stories from the lives of saints and ‘contemporary saints’ - people of courage and growth. One of his many secular saints is Nelson Mandela whose transformation took place during his own personal ‘space between’ in prison.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese stories add force to his argument that, in his view, God works uniquely in and through these disturbing experiences to bring about transformation. Each chapter ends with a number of questions for reflection which makes this an excellent tool for a study group. The book throughout is a rich resource of Christian thinking and teaching as well as a thoughtful and often moving, journey through difficult terrains for any reader.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Christine King\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCPAS Lead On e-news June 2021. Review by Jo McKee\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrowing up near London, and having spent a good amount of time travelling on the London Underground, I am very familiar with the tannoyed phrase 'mind the gap'. It's a warning to travellers who are journeying from one place to another as they embark and disembark off the train. Much of the time these journeys are straightforward, but there are occasions when the train comes to a standstill: it is delayed, there is an incident on the line, or an onward station is closed. At this point we find ourselves sitting on the train not knowing what's happening and neither being at the beginning or the end of our journey, but a space between the two.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis book honestly explores the various 'between' spaces we can find ourselves in: the waiting, exile, wilderness, the storm and the pit. Within each chapter the different types of spaces are explored through scripture, the experience of individuals and how we can intentionally embrace the space at different times of the year.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAll of us are living through this COVID season and at some point many of us will have felt like we're in the wilderness and that we've been through a violent storm. The positive invitation to reflect on these spaces is not there for us to endure the pain and anguish that we've been through again, but a challenge to honestly dialogue with God about them. In being completely open with God our eyes can be opened to the healing that still needs to take place, but also we can start to recognise the spiritual growth that has comes from these times. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn a year that will be full of these 'space between' times, this book is an apt resource and encouragement that we are not alone in experiencing these seasons. Jesus, the one who has experienced all these spaces, is constantly faithful and present in those times with us. In the knowledge of this we should not live in fear, but hope. In this journey of life we are not able to 'mind the gap', but with God's help we can step into each day knowing that he is there in the midst of them and will lead us on.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Jo McKee\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Richard Frost, May 2021\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiminal places: the place on the threshold of what comes next and, in this book, Mark Bradford claims that most of life is lived in this ‘space between’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMark Bradford explains this space as being one which carries grief, consolation, ambiguity and loss of control, to name but a few common characteristics. ‘It’s a hard place to be in,’ he writes, ‘because we each arrange our lives of the sake of predictability and control, comfort and security – and the ‘space between’ offers none of those.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut, fear not, this is not a depressing book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy describing experiences from the life of Jacob and many others in the Bible, interspersed with examples from his own life and people known to him who have made specific contributions, Mark Bradford explores this important but complex area in a readable and accessible way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe explores what he calls the ‘disruptive seasons’ of waiting, exile, wilderness, storm and the pit. This exploration draws on a wide range of other writers (notably Walter Brueggemann and Richard Rohr) and also links in with examples from sacred scriptures, such as the Psalms, and sacred stories of saints, old and modern from St John of the Cross to Terry Waite. The practical suggestions he makes are helpful: especially those in the closing chapter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA worthwhile read for anyone stuck in the current space between what was pre-pandemic normality and what is still too come.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of\u003c\/em\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cem\u003eand writes a blog at\u003c\/em\u003e \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e"}
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{"id":14698180346236,"title":"Living the Prayer: The Everyday Challenge of the Lord's Prayer","handle":"living-the-prayer-the-everyday-challenge-of-the-lords-prayer-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eWhat are we really saying when we say the Lord's Prayer? \u003c\/strong\u003eWhat are we expecting? Living the Prayer is a fresh perspective on the Lord's Prayer. Rooted in the Bible as well as in contemporary culture, it explores how this prayer can radically challenge and transform our daily lives. Contained in the prayer's seventy words is a fresh and innovative way of viewing, and acting in, the world that is as relevant now as it was 2000 years ago. The author shows that this revolutionary prayer demands that we don't remain on our knees, but, rather, that we work towards making God's topsy-turvy, downside-up kingdom an everyday reality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrologue\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOur Father, in heaven\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHallowed be your name\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYour kingdom come, your wlil be done, on earth as in heaven\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGive us today our daliy bread\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eForgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and for ever\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEpliogue\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBibliography\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead the author's lockdown blog \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/trystan-owain-hughes-appreciating-the-natural-world\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother great contribution from an author always rooted in the practicalities and compassion. Offering a resource on the most famous prayer in the world is a huge challenge but Hughes offers us something genuinely fresh and new. A reminder of the radical power of some life-changing words.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Keith Hebden, author and activist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe title of this book so aptly describes its contents. It is a not only a sensitive, thoughtful and painstaking exposition of the Lord's prayer, it is a call to put it in action in our lives and communities. In confronting us with the great gap which so often exists between what we pray and how we live, Trystan Hughes encourages us to face the challenges of living more fully before God. As each chapter carefully sifts the significance of every phrase of the Lord's prayer, we are offered wisdom from others and compelling insights from the author which take us into layers of new understanding. The result is a very fine contribution to a subject which can never be exhausted - and a contribution especially vital for today.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDr Elaine Storkey, author and broadcaster\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTrystan Owain Hughes is Tutor in Applied Theology at St Padarn’s Institute, Cardiff and priest-in-charge of Christ Church, Roath Park, Cardiff. He is particularly interested in making theology and spirituality relevant and he has written, among other books, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eReal God in the Real World\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eLiving the Prayer\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e for BRF. Trystan has also been a regular contributor to BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 4, is an honorary senior lecturer at Cardiff University, and is Canon Theologian at Llandaff Cathedral.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIffley Church magazine. Review by Jan Spurlock Stockland\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eDon’t read this book unless you are open to change… or, more accurately, to \u003ci\u003ebe changed\u003c\/i\u003e. \u003ci\u003eThe Everyday God \u003c\/i\u003estarts from the premise that when Jesus told us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and to love our neighbours\u003cb\u003e \u003c\/b\u003eas ourselves, he \u003ci\u003emeant\u003c\/i\u003e it. Most of us – especially as we grow older – don’t think we have much to offer and, anyway, believe that the world’s problems are too big for us to make a difference. (And even if we are still relatively young, we may mostly think that \u003ci\u003ewe\u003c\/i\u003e are the ones who need help!) \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eThis engaging book asks us to think of our life experiences, our relationships, our work, and also the challenges we have faced, in the light of stories told in scripture and then to move from there to what we encounter in our ‘everyday lives’. In this book we find a wealth of contemporary, personal stories as well as stories and parables drawn from scripture. For example in Matthew 15 we see Jesus in a remote place surrounded by a crowd - some 5,000 + men (not counting the women and children); they had come to him for help and healing but were now hungry. Jesus turns to his disciples and asks them: ‘How many loaves do you have?’ Rather like we might feel today if Jesus were asking us to act, this was not a question the disciples might have anticipated. But Jesus, we are told, ‘had compassion for these people’. And that’s what we are called to consider in our own here and now. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eWhen Jonathan Arnold moved from Oxford to Canterbury in 2019 (having taught theology in Oxford for more than a decade and served as Chaplain at Worcester and then Dean of Magdalen College), he found himself suddenly plunged into the needs of a sea of people, the thousands of men, women and children arriving traumatised and desperate along Dover’s coast. Working as Director of Communities and Partnerships in the Canterbury Diocese, Arnold came to know personally both refugees and a great swathe of people who through Lockdown and the cost-of-living crisis were just about managing to subsist through the kindness of strangers volunteering in local food banks, offering help and friendship in local churches of a variety of denominations as well as through local Citizens Advice Bureaux. He also got to know others who were committed to visiting young offenders in crowded prisons or who regularly called on sick people at home or in hospital or who were willingly coming alongside those facing illness and death, individuals who, like many in prison, faced a future without friends or hope. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eIn contrast to the world of privilege we see in Oxford, Jonathan came to know by name refugees without proper accommodation, food, work or language skills, as well as many British citizens who through low income, poor mental health, or sheer poverty were among our country’s thousands marginalised and lonely people. But alongside those in desperate need, Jonathan also got to know many ordinary people from across his diocese who, like Jesus, found themselves moved with compassion by the suffering of these people, resonating with the stories of strangers, and then inspired to work together towards social justice for all while respecting the humanity of each. Those who saw these strangers as ‘neighbours’ (in Jesus’ sense) were from all sorts of backgrounds and of these many did not identify as Christians. They simply listened and resonated with the stories of those in need and chose to respond with the help they recognized they’d been gifted with in their own lives.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eAs the Bishop of Dover the Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin writes in the forward to \u003ci\u003eThe Everyday God\u003c\/i\u003e, when we meet the needs of others, ‘we are encountering Christ himself’. And the transformation is two-way: not only do we become conduits of the Lord’s love, we also become conduits for others. What has now become the Social Justice Network in the diocese of Canterbury (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thesocialusticenetwork.org\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003ewww.thesocialusticenetwork.org\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003e), with Jonathan as Executive director, is now enabling more and more people to be part of a vision which Hudson-Wilkin describes as ‘Changed Lives – Changing Lives.’ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eFind out more about the projects coordinated through the Social Justice Network by following the link to its website. site. All the projects are intensely, intrinsically collaborative, and the number of people and projects involved is growing. Through their work we realise that by working together people can make a real difference in the lives of others. For someone to recognise your face, know your name, or have the patience to listen and try to understand, allows strangers to find themselves more at home, more at peace with the place they now see is invested personally in them. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eOur society with its fervent individualism has grown very out of tune with the song of God’s kingdom. This book encourages us to look, listen and respond to others from within the heart of community. God has promised never to leave or forsake us; He has in Truth been alongside us all our lives. So it is instructive to accept the invitation offered in this short book to make time to pray as well as to reflect on its stories and on scripture and reconsider what skills, experience, challenges and wisdom we, each of us, have gained in living our lives thus far. In so doing we may discover compassion in our own hearts for the stranger and take some small (or large steps) towards those whose stories we don’t yet know. We have examples of just such risky relating in those who weekly go along to Community Cupboard with the Rose Hill Methodists or the volunteers with Living Stones who regularly welcome visitors into our church. Jonathan Arnold pulls no punches in this book about the risks of turning out towards others. Early on he tells us, '\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eIf we truly give the gift of ourselves, then we must be ready to be challenged and changed. Existing \u003ci\u003efor \u003c\/i\u003eothers involves duty and responsibility, but existing \u003ci\u003ewith \u003c\/i\u003eothers involves \u003ci\u003erelationship\u003c\/i\u003e. And so we come to the notion of “being with” as a model for living out lives of mercy and love.' (p. 50)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eSeveral millennia ago the Lord gave the ancient Israelites a very similar vision when through the prophet Micah (8\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century BCE) He said: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘The Lord God has told us what is right and what he demands: “See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God.”’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Jan Spurlock Stockland\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview in The Church Times 19.1.18 by David Adam\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Living the Prayer' is a well-researched and thoughtful exposition of the Lord's Prayer. It offers new challenges and ideas for radical action in our use of the Lord's Prayer. There are within it some amazing suggestions of ways to transform our contemporary culture and our daily lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlacing the Lord's Prayer in its first-century context, the author shows us that the prayer is far more radical than being merely comforting words: it is a comprehensive call to action living out the words of this prayer. We are reminded that 'All prayer demands a vital relationship both with God and others,' and that 'The Lord's Prayer is communal at its core.' I felt that I wanted to extend the idea of 'vital relationships' to all of creation and not just humans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen, in noting that the plural form of the Greek word for 'heaven' is used, it is possible to say it as 'in the heavens, and, therefore, it may not be about God's distance from us, but in the atmosphere, in the very air that we breathe, implying God's closeness. I felt that if we read it this way, what a challenge it is to what we are doing to the air that we breathe by the emission of so much carbon dioxide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Lord's Prayer is not just a mystic's prayer but a doer's prayer, an activist's prayer. In a nutshell, prayer is a relationship with God which inspires us to act, 'as we witness to a wild, radical, subversive, dynamic, and life-changing faith'. The Lord's Prayer demands nothing less than a revolution, as we move to view the world through the eyes of the one who gave us words.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI would recommend this book as one to be on the reading list of all who are concerned with prayer and the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCanon David Adam is a former Vicar of Holy Island\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Presbyterian Herald\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by the Revd Dr Jim Campbell, Minister Emeritus Cooke Centenary Church, Belfast\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 63 words of the Lord's Prayer have inspired thousands or books and millions of sermons through the centuries. It's a brave person who would offer yet another book on the topic. Consequently, I was rather sceptical when I was asked to review this book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmazingly, Trystan Hughes, examining each of the seven phrases in the prayer in turn, manages through his deep biblical understanding and his knowledge of contemporary literature and film to produce a commentary that is well illustrated, fresh and interesting and one which engages with the main issues raised by the words of the prayer. Overall, his message is that this revolutionary prayer demands that we don't remain on our knees, but rather that we rise 'to work towards making God's topsy-turvy, downside-up kingdom, an everyday reality.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the Lord's Prayer and also let it fully permeate your life this could be the book for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by the Revd Dr Jim Campbell, Minister Emeritus Cooke Centenary Church, Belfast\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by blogger Thomas Creedy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI read [Living the Prayer] in one sitting - with what I would mostly call breathless enjoyment... This is an excellent book in the tradition of powerful, prophetic, prayerful writing on the Lord's Prayer. I hope it receives a wide readership... Trystan paints a beautiful picture of the Kingdom of God, breaking in and just out of reach. He is particularly focused on the justice aspect of the Kingdom - the book is littered with calls to action and protest, against the way things are - but some of the most moving writing has to do with how we experience the Kingdom of God in brokenness and pain...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is one that would work well as a devotional to go deeper into the Lord's Prayer, or as a book to read about the Lord's Prayer and prayer in general, or as a very helpful bank of quotes and ideas to mine if preaching or writing about prayer...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn expert blend of what I would call a passion for the Lord's Prayer and an encouragement and celebration of prayer more generally. Throughout, as one might expect from someone who has both written about justice and marinated deeply in the Lord's Prayer, there is the throbbing beat of justice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ehttp:\/\/www.thomascreedy.com\/book-review-living-the-prayer\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-28T08:37:22+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-28T08:36:07+00:00","vendor":"Trystan Owain Hughes","type":"eBook","tags":["Biblical engagement","Festival of Prayer","For individuals","Glassboxx","Holy Habits: Prayer","Prayer","Spirituality"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"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":53602642657660,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857466242","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Living the Prayer: The Everyday Challenge of the Lord's Prayer - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":799,"weight":151,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857466242","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/108.png?v=1730134928","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/109.png?v=1730134953"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/108.png?v=1730134928","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":62923498815868,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/108.png?v=1730134928"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/108.png?v=1730134928","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":62923501928828,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/109.png?v=1730134953"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/109.png?v=1730134953","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eWhat are we really saying when we say the Lord's Prayer? \u003c\/strong\u003eWhat are we expecting? Living the Prayer is a fresh perspective on the Lord's Prayer. Rooted in the Bible as well as in contemporary culture, it explores how this prayer can radically challenge and transform our daily lives. Contained in the prayer's seventy words is a fresh and innovative way of viewing, and acting in, the world that is as relevant now as it was 2000 years ago. The author shows that this revolutionary prayer demands that we don't remain on our knees, but, rather, that we work towards making God's topsy-turvy, downside-up kingdom an everyday reality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrologue\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOur Father, in heaven\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHallowed be your name\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYour kingdom come, your wlil be done, on earth as in heaven\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGive us today our daliy bread\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eForgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and for ever\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEpliogue\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBibliography\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead the author's lockdown blog \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/trystan-owain-hughes-appreciating-the-natural-world\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother great contribution from an author always rooted in the practicalities and compassion. Offering a resource on the most famous prayer in the world is a huge challenge but Hughes offers us something genuinely fresh and new. A reminder of the radical power of some life-changing words.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Keith Hebden, author and activist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe title of this book so aptly describes its contents. It is a not only a sensitive, thoughtful and painstaking exposition of the Lord's prayer, it is a call to put it in action in our lives and communities. In confronting us with the great gap which so often exists between what we pray and how we live, Trystan Hughes encourages us to face the challenges of living more fully before God. As each chapter carefully sifts the significance of every phrase of the Lord's prayer, we are offered wisdom from others and compelling insights from the author which take us into layers of new understanding. The result is a very fine contribution to a subject which can never be exhausted - and a contribution especially vital for today.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDr Elaine Storkey, author and broadcaster\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTrystan Owain Hughes is Tutor in Applied Theology at St Padarn’s Institute, Cardiff and priest-in-charge of Christ Church, Roath Park, Cardiff. He is particularly interested in making theology and spirituality relevant and he has written, among other books, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eReal God in the Real World\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eLiving the Prayer\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e for BRF. Trystan has also been a regular contributor to BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 4, is an honorary senior lecturer at Cardiff University, and is Canon Theologian at Llandaff Cathedral.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIffley Church magazine. Review by Jan Spurlock Stockland\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eDon’t read this book unless you are open to change… or, more accurately, to \u003ci\u003ebe changed\u003c\/i\u003e. \u003ci\u003eThe Everyday God \u003c\/i\u003estarts from the premise that when Jesus told us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and to love our neighbours\u003cb\u003e \u003c\/b\u003eas ourselves, he \u003ci\u003emeant\u003c\/i\u003e it. Most of us – especially as we grow older – don’t think we have much to offer and, anyway, believe that the world’s problems are too big for us to make a difference. (And even if we are still relatively young, we may mostly think that \u003ci\u003ewe\u003c\/i\u003e are the ones who need help!) \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eThis engaging book asks us to think of our life experiences, our relationships, our work, and also the challenges we have faced, in the light of stories told in scripture and then to move from there to what we encounter in our ‘everyday lives’. In this book we find a wealth of contemporary, personal stories as well as stories and parables drawn from scripture. For example in Matthew 15 we see Jesus in a remote place surrounded by a crowd - some 5,000 + men (not counting the women and children); they had come to him for help and healing but were now hungry. Jesus turns to his disciples and asks them: ‘How many loaves do you have?’ Rather like we might feel today if Jesus were asking us to act, this was not a question the disciples might have anticipated. But Jesus, we are told, ‘had compassion for these people’. And that’s what we are called to consider in our own here and now. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eWhen Jonathan Arnold moved from Oxford to Canterbury in 2019 (having taught theology in Oxford for more than a decade and served as Chaplain at Worcester and then Dean of Magdalen College), he found himself suddenly plunged into the needs of a sea of people, the thousands of men, women and children arriving traumatised and desperate along Dover’s coast. Working as Director of Communities and Partnerships in the Canterbury Diocese, Arnold came to know personally both refugees and a great swathe of people who through Lockdown and the cost-of-living crisis were just about managing to subsist through the kindness of strangers volunteering in local food banks, offering help and friendship in local churches of a variety of denominations as well as through local Citizens Advice Bureaux. He also got to know others who were committed to visiting young offenders in crowded prisons or who regularly called on sick people at home or in hospital or who were willingly coming alongside those facing illness and death, individuals who, like many in prison, faced a future without friends or hope. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eIn contrast to the world of privilege we see in Oxford, Jonathan came to know by name refugees without proper accommodation, food, work or language skills, as well as many British citizens who through low income, poor mental health, or sheer poverty were among our country’s thousands marginalised and lonely people. But alongside those in desperate need, Jonathan also got to know many ordinary people from across his diocese who, like Jesus, found themselves moved with compassion by the suffering of these people, resonating with the stories of strangers, and then inspired to work together towards social justice for all while respecting the humanity of each. Those who saw these strangers as ‘neighbours’ (in Jesus’ sense) were from all sorts of backgrounds and of these many did not identify as Christians. They simply listened and resonated with the stories of those in need and chose to respond with the help they recognized they’d been gifted with in their own lives.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eAs the Bishop of Dover the Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin writes in the forward to \u003ci\u003eThe Everyday God\u003c\/i\u003e, when we meet the needs of others, ‘we are encountering Christ himself’. And the transformation is two-way: not only do we become conduits of the Lord’s love, we also become conduits for others. What has now become the Social Justice Network in the diocese of Canterbury (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thesocialusticenetwork.org\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003ewww.thesocialusticenetwork.org\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003e), with Jonathan as Executive director, is now enabling more and more people to be part of a vision which Hudson-Wilkin describes as ‘Changed Lives – Changing Lives.’ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eFind out more about the projects coordinated through the Social Justice Network by following the link to its website. site. All the projects are intensely, intrinsically collaborative, and the number of people and projects involved is growing. Through their work we realise that by working together people can make a real difference in the lives of others. For someone to recognise your face, know your name, or have the patience to listen and try to understand, allows strangers to find themselves more at home, more at peace with the place they now see is invested personally in them. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eOur society with its fervent individualism has grown very out of tune with the song of God’s kingdom. This book encourages us to look, listen and respond to others from within the heart of community. God has promised never to leave or forsake us; He has in Truth been alongside us all our lives. So it is instructive to accept the invitation offered in this short book to make time to pray as well as to reflect on its stories and on scripture and reconsider what skills, experience, challenges and wisdom we, each of us, have gained in living our lives thus far. In so doing we may discover compassion in our own hearts for the stranger and take some small (or large steps) towards those whose stories we don’t yet know. We have examples of just such risky relating in those who weekly go along to Community Cupboard with the Rose Hill Methodists or the volunteers with Living Stones who regularly welcome visitors into our church. Jonathan Arnold pulls no punches in this book about the risks of turning out towards others. Early on he tells us, '\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eIf we truly give the gift of ourselves, then we must be ready to be challenged and changed. Existing \u003ci\u003efor \u003c\/i\u003eothers involves duty and responsibility, but existing \u003ci\u003ewith \u003c\/i\u003eothers involves \u003ci\u003erelationship\u003c\/i\u003e. And so we come to the notion of “being with” as a model for living out lives of mercy and love.' (p. 50)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eSeveral millennia ago the Lord gave the ancient Israelites a very similar vision when through the prophet Micah (8\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century BCE) He said: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘The Lord God has told us what is right and what he demands: “See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God.”’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Jan Spurlock Stockland\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview in The Church Times 19.1.18 by David Adam\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Living the Prayer' is a well-researched and thoughtful exposition of the Lord's Prayer. It offers new challenges and ideas for radical action in our use of the Lord's Prayer. There are within it some amazing suggestions of ways to transform our contemporary culture and our daily lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlacing the Lord's Prayer in its first-century context, the author shows us that the prayer is far more radical than being merely comforting words: it is a comprehensive call to action living out the words of this prayer. We are reminded that 'All prayer demands a vital relationship both with God and others,' and that 'The Lord's Prayer is communal at its core.' I felt that I wanted to extend the idea of 'vital relationships' to all of creation and not just humans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen, in noting that the plural form of the Greek word for 'heaven' is used, it is possible to say it as 'in the heavens, and, therefore, it may not be about God's distance from us, but in the atmosphere, in the very air that we breathe, implying God's closeness. I felt that if we read it this way, what a challenge it is to what we are doing to the air that we breathe by the emission of so much carbon dioxide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Lord's Prayer is not just a mystic's prayer but a doer's prayer, an activist's prayer. In a nutshell, prayer is a relationship with God which inspires us to act, 'as we witness to a wild, radical, subversive, dynamic, and life-changing faith'. The Lord's Prayer demands nothing less than a revolution, as we move to view the world through the eyes of the one who gave us words.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI would recommend this book as one to be on the reading list of all who are concerned with prayer and the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCanon David Adam is a former Vicar of Holy Island\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Presbyterian Herald\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by the Revd Dr Jim Campbell, Minister Emeritus Cooke Centenary Church, Belfast\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 63 words of the Lord's Prayer have inspired thousands or books and millions of sermons through the centuries. It's a brave person who would offer yet another book on the topic. Consequently, I was rather sceptical when I was asked to review this book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmazingly, Trystan Hughes, examining each of the seven phrases in the prayer in turn, manages through his deep biblical understanding and his knowledge of contemporary literature and film to produce a commentary that is well illustrated, fresh and interesting and one which engages with the main issues raised by the words of the prayer. Overall, his message is that this revolutionary prayer demands that we don't remain on our knees, but rather that we rise 'to work towards making God's topsy-turvy, downside-up kingdom, an everyday reality.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the Lord's Prayer and also let it fully permeate your life this could be the book for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by the Revd Dr Jim Campbell, Minister Emeritus Cooke Centenary Church, Belfast\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by blogger Thomas Creedy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI read [Living the Prayer] in one sitting - with what I would mostly call breathless enjoyment... This is an excellent book in the tradition of powerful, prophetic, prayerful writing on the Lord's Prayer. I hope it receives a wide readership... Trystan paints a beautiful picture of the Kingdom of God, breaking in and just out of reach. He is particularly focused on the justice aspect of the Kingdom - the book is littered with calls to action and protest, against the way things are - but some of the most moving writing has to do with how we experience the Kingdom of God in brokenness and pain...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is one that would work well as a devotional to go deeper into the Lord's Prayer, or as a book to read about the Lord's Prayer and prayer in general, or as a very helpful bank of quotes and ideas to mine if preaching or writing about prayer...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn expert blend of what I would call a passion for the Lord's Prayer and an encouragement and celebration of prayer more generally. Throughout, as one might expect from someone who has both written about justice and marinated deeply in the Lord's Prayer, there is the throbbing beat of justice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ehttp:\/\/www.thomascreedy.com\/book-review-living-the-prayer\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":14698185228668,"title":"80 Reflective Prayer Ideas: A creative resource for church and group use","handle":"80-reflective-prayer-ideas-a-creative-resource-for-church-and-group-use-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003ePrayer remains a vital part of Christian discipleship. Following the success of the author's 80 Creative Prayer Ideas, this ready-to-use resource book contains 80 further ideas on setting up reflective and creative prayer stations or responses. Claire Daniel shows us how to pray with our whole being - our senses as well as our voice, our hearts as much as our minds. Tried and tested, these ideas will enhance the praying of small groups, churches and individuals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClaire Daniels' book not only offers us a wide variety of ways to engage with God, but opens up experiences that ignite our senses and help us step right into an enhanced understanding of God and of our journey with him.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Rachel Turner, Parenting for Faith Pioneer \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book that is so needed in our word filled world!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Jane Holloway, World Prayer Centre, Birmingham\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 15px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/ClaireDaniel2_480x480.jpg?v=1676493596\" width=\"103\" height=\"99\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClaire Daniel is author of 80 Creative Prayer Ideas and Prayer Journey into Parenthood. She is passionate about encouraging others to use creative prayer methods and speaks at conferences and leads workshops on the subject of prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGodVenture blog: review by Victoria Beech, February 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGreat for: people organising prayer in any group setting, including those wanting to inspire family prayers at home\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest bit: Loads of simple, creative ideas for reflective prayer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorst bit: No pictures\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe instructions for the prayer activities are simple and easy to follow, and most activities need minimal resources, which is fab. If you're a church leader or childrens' worker or anyone who plans times of prayer for a group of people, the ideas in this book are simple and easy to do and, with a little preparation, you could create take-home versions to inspire family prayer at home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI didn't feel the activities were age-limited, which is great, as it means they could be used in a toddler group or an all-age service, giving everyone a way of connecting with God in a creative way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe prayer ideas are grouped together so you could use a different one each week or create a variety of prayer stations with a similar theme. I particularly like that many of them use nature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt first, I was disappointed the strapline didn't mention families, but the activities are all written for those organising prayer times for a group, and it's hard to make the text work for people doing things in a family and a group (I've tried!). If I was planning to make take-home packs, I'd be tempted to shorten the instruction text, maybe picking one or two of the suggestions for reflection to make it quicker to read and get on to actually praying. I find families tend to have less time to read instructions, and things which are 'good to go' are best.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs I said above, it's a shame there's no pictures, especially as the author says she's used lots of the activities herself. It would be fab to have a colour photo of each activity, but that would be a pricey book I guess.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Victoria Beech in her blog GodVenture\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_____________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-28T08:39:35+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-28T08:38:30+00:00","vendor":"Claire Daniel","type":"eBook","tags":["For churches","Glassboxx","Group reading","Jan-19","Prayer"],"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":53602643935612,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857466747","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"80 Reflective Prayer Ideas: A creative resource for church and group use - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":999,"weight":254,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857466747","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/110.png?v=1730134962","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/111.png?v=1730134943"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/110.png?v=1730134962","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":62923502715260,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/110.png?v=1730134962"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/110.png?v=1730134962","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":62923500913020,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/111.png?v=1730134943"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/111.png?v=1730134943","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003ePrayer remains a vital part of Christian discipleship. Following the success of the author's 80 Creative Prayer Ideas, this ready-to-use resource book contains 80 further ideas on setting up reflective and creative prayer stations or responses. Claire Daniel shows us how to pray with our whole being - our senses as well as our voice, our hearts as much as our minds. Tried and tested, these ideas will enhance the praying of small groups, churches and individuals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClaire Daniels' book not only offers us a wide variety of ways to engage with God, but opens up experiences that ignite our senses and help us step right into an enhanced understanding of God and of our journey with him.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Rachel Turner, Parenting for Faith Pioneer \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book that is so needed in our word filled world!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Jane Holloway, World Prayer Centre, Birmingham\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 15px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/ClaireDaniel2_480x480.jpg?v=1676493596\" width=\"103\" height=\"99\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClaire Daniel is author of 80 Creative Prayer Ideas and Prayer Journey into Parenthood. She is passionate about encouraging others to use creative prayer methods and speaks at conferences and leads workshops on the subject of prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGodVenture blog: review by Victoria Beech, February 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGreat for: people organising prayer in any group setting, including those wanting to inspire family prayers at home\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest bit: Loads of simple, creative ideas for reflective prayer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorst bit: No pictures\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe instructions for the prayer activities are simple and easy to follow, and most activities need minimal resources, which is fab. If you're a church leader or childrens' worker or anyone who plans times of prayer for a group of people, the ideas in this book are simple and easy to do and, with a little preparation, you could create take-home versions to inspire family prayer at home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI didn't feel the activities were age-limited, which is great, as it means they could be used in a toddler group or an all-age service, giving everyone a way of connecting with God in a creative way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe prayer ideas are grouped together so you could use a different one each week or create a variety of prayer stations with a similar theme. I particularly like that many of them use nature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt first, I was disappointed the strapline didn't mention families, but the activities are all written for those organising prayer times for a group, and it's hard to make the text work for people doing things in a family and a group (I've tried!). If I was planning to make take-home packs, I'd be tempted to shorten the instruction text, maybe picking one or two of the suggestions for reflection to make it quicker to read and get on to actually praying. I find families tend to have less time to read instructions, and things which are 'good to go' are best.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs I said above, it's a shame there's no pictures, especially as the author says she's used lots of the activities herself. It would be fab to have a colour photo of each activity, but that would be a pricey book I guess.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Victoria Beech in her blog GodVenture\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_____________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
80 Reflective Prayer Ideas: A creative resource for church and group use
£9.99
Digital eBook Only - Prayer remains a vital part of Christian discipleship. Following the success of the author's 80 Creative...
{"id":14698189160828,"title":"Deep Calls to Deep: Spiritual formation in the hard places of life","handle":"deep-calls-to-deep-spiritual-formation-in-the-hard-places-of-life-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe Psalms offer honest insights into the reality of life with God, reflecting every human emotion and situation. Through looking at some of the Psalms written 'from the depths' we can understand more fully the way God works to shape our characters and form the life of Christ within us during difficult times in life. This will enable us not only to make sense of our own history with God, but also help us to get to know God here and now, and prepare us for what may lie ahead.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUpdated second edition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/TonyHorsfall_2014_480x480.png?v=1676494125\" width=\"198\" height=\"297\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTony Horsfall is a freelance trainer and associate trainer with EQUIP, a missions programme based at Bawtry Hall near Doncaster, England. He is an elder of his local church in West Yorkshire, and , regularly travels abroad leading retreats and Quiet Days. He has written a number of other books for BRF, including \u003cem\u003eServant Ministry\u003c\/em\u003e (2013), \u003cem\u003eRhythms of Grace\u003c\/em\u003e (2012), \u003cem\u003eWorking from a Place of Rest\u003c\/em\u003e (2010) and \u003cem\u003eMentoring for Spiritual Growth\u003c\/em\u003e (2008). He also contributes to \u003cem\u003eNew Daylight\u003c\/em\u003e Bible reading notes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry, winter 2022. Review by Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis exploration of the Psalms feels fresh and current for today’s world. There is a mix of thoughtful information about background, authorship and history, helpful analysis of the different types of psalms in the Bible collection, and stories. As a Christian who has read the Psalms (and books on the Psalms) many times, I was pleased with the fresh insight this book offers. The author considers seven Psalms in some depth, in order to show the different types and spiritual significance. I found the study of Psalms 69 and 88, ‘from the depths’, particularly helpful to understanding how God still loves us when it feels he is absent. The chapters are interspersed with life-stories from real people which illustrate the message and ground the book in reality. Horsfall’s style is concise and intelligent without being academic. I read it as an inspirational book, but it would be a great resource for small group study for Lent over several weeks. Each chapter has well-thought ideas for discussion. I recommend it for individuals and groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBooks for Today July 2021. Review by Paul Beasley-Murray\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDeep Calls to Deep\u003c\/em\u003e by Tony Horsfall, a former OMF missionary who has developed a ministry of mentoring and leading retreats, looks at some of the psalms written ‘from the depths’ and reflects on how 'in the deep experiences of our lives, God invites us into a deeper relationship with himself'. The 1\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e edition drew particularly on the experiences of some of the author’s friends, but in the introduction to this 2\u003csup\u003end\u003c\/sup\u003e edition Tony Horsfall shares his own story of losing his wife of 46 years to breast cancer and of his own ending up in intensive care with coronavirus. He writes: 'These have been difficult days, some of the hardest of my life, and yet I know that God is at work in me, using my suffering to transform me and prepare me for what lies ahead.' It is this experience which makes this book all the more powerful. This thought-provoking study of some of the psalms of lament includes a series of questions for group discussion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-28T08:41:39+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-28T08:40:40+00:00","vendor":"Tony Horsfall","type":"eBook","tags":["Biblical engagement","Devotional","For individuals","Glassboxx","May-21","Spirituality","Tony Horsfall"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"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":53602644099452,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800390676","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Deep Calls to Deep: Spiritual formation in the hard places of life - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":899,"weight":141,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800390676","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/deep_calls_to_deep.png?v=1730194578","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/121.png?v=1730134925"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/deep_calls_to_deep.png?v=1730194578","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":62968657903996,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/deep_calls_to_deep.png?v=1730194578"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/deep_calls_to_deep.png?v=1730194578","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":62923498422652,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/121.png?v=1730134925"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/121.png?v=1730134925","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe Psalms offer honest insights into the reality of life with God, reflecting every human emotion and situation. Through looking at some of the Psalms written 'from the depths' we can understand more fully the way God works to shape our characters and form the life of Christ within us during difficult times in life. This will enable us not only to make sense of our own history with God, but also help us to get to know God here and now, and prepare us for what may lie ahead.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUpdated second edition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/TonyHorsfall_2014_480x480.png?v=1676494125\" width=\"198\" height=\"297\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTony Horsfall is a freelance trainer and associate trainer with EQUIP, a missions programme based at Bawtry Hall near Doncaster, England. He is an elder of his local church in West Yorkshire, and , regularly travels abroad leading retreats and Quiet Days. He has written a number of other books for BRF, including \u003cem\u003eServant Ministry\u003c\/em\u003e (2013), \u003cem\u003eRhythms of Grace\u003c\/em\u003e (2012), \u003cem\u003eWorking from a Place of Rest\u003c\/em\u003e (2010) and \u003cem\u003eMentoring for Spiritual Growth\u003c\/em\u003e (2008). He also contributes to \u003cem\u003eNew Daylight\u003c\/em\u003e Bible reading notes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry, winter 2022. Review by Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis exploration of the Psalms feels fresh and current for today’s world. There is a mix of thoughtful information about background, authorship and history, helpful analysis of the different types of psalms in the Bible collection, and stories. As a Christian who has read the Psalms (and books on the Psalms) many times, I was pleased with the fresh insight this book offers. The author considers seven Psalms in some depth, in order to show the different types and spiritual significance. I found the study of Psalms 69 and 88, ‘from the depths’, particularly helpful to understanding how God still loves us when it feels he is absent. The chapters are interspersed with life-stories from real people which illustrate the message and ground the book in reality. Horsfall’s style is concise and intelligent without being academic. I read it as an inspirational book, but it would be a great resource for small group study for Lent over several weeks. Each chapter has well-thought ideas for discussion. I recommend it for individuals and groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBooks for Today July 2021. Review by Paul Beasley-Murray\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDeep Calls to Deep\u003c\/em\u003e by Tony Horsfall, a former OMF missionary who has developed a ministry of mentoring and leading retreats, looks at some of the psalms written ‘from the depths’ and reflects on how 'in the deep experiences of our lives, God invites us into a deeper relationship with himself'. The 1\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e edition drew particularly on the experiences of some of the author’s friends, but in the introduction to this 2\u003csup\u003end\u003c\/sup\u003e edition Tony Horsfall shares his own story of losing his wife of 46 years to breast cancer and of his own ending up in intensive care with coronavirus. He writes: 'These have been difficult days, some of the hardest of my life, and yet I know that God is at work in me, using my suffering to transform me and prepare me for what lies ahead.' It is this experience which makes this book all the more powerful. This thought-provoking study of some of the psalms of lament includes a series of questions for group discussion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e"}
You may also like:
Deep Calls to Deep: Spiritual formation in the hard places of life
£8.99
Digital eBook Only - The Psalms offer honest insights into the reality of life with God, reflecting every human emotion...
{"id":14698266231164,"title":"Called by God: exploring our identity in Christ","handle":"called-by-god-exploring-our-identity-in-christ-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe book will examine twelve key NT texts which speak of the Christian's calling. In days when much is spoken about vocation, this draws us back to see how the Bible speaks about the nature of Christian vocation. Each chapter will end with reflections and discussion material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 Called... loved... kept Jude 1\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 Called out of darkness 1 Peter 2:9\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 Called into fellowship 1 Corinthians 1:9\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 Called to belong Romans 1:6\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 Called to be free Galatians 5:13\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 Called to holiness 2 Timothy 1:9; 1 Peter 1:15\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 Called to peace 1 Corinthians 7:15; Colossians 3:15\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 Called to suffering 1 Peter 2:21\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9 Called to hope Ephesians 1:18; 4:4\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 Called heavenwards Philippians 3:14\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e11 Called according to his purpose Romans 8:28\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12 Called to glory 1 Thessalonians 2:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:14; 1 Peter 5:10\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Revd Dr Derek Tidball has been Principal of the London School of Theology (formerly London Bible College) since 1995. He was previously Head of the Mission Department at the Baptist Union of Great Britain, following six years as Senior Minister at Mutley Baptist Church, Plymouth. He was founder chairman of the British Church Growth Association (and President 1995-200), President of the Baptist Union of Great Britain 1990-1991, and he currently chairs the Evangelical Alliance Council. He is also the editor for The Bible Speaks Today - Themes series. He has written and contributed to many books including most recently: The Message of Leviticus (BST), IVP, 2005; Wisdom from Heaven: The Message of the Letter of James for Today, Christian Focus Books, 2003; Thinking Clearly about the Bible, Monarch, 2003; Discerning the Spirit of the Age, Kingsway, 2002; The Message of the Cross (BST), IVP, 2001. He has written Bible readings for SU's Encounter with God notes, as well as contributing to Methodist Recorder, Christian Herald, Christianity, CEN, Third Way, Ministry Today, Anvil and the Spring Harvest Study Guide (1999)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-28T09:28:16+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-28T09:27:21+00:00","vendor":"Derek Tidball","type":"eBook","tags":["For churches","For individuals","Glassboxx","Group reading","Jan-17","Spirituality"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"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":53602654224764,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465313","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Called by God: exploring our identity in Christ - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":799,"weight":183,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465313","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/134.png?v=1730134949","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/135.png?v=1730134933"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/134.png?v=1730134949","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":62923501601148,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/134.png?v=1730134949"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/134.png?v=1730134949","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":62923499307388,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/135.png?v=1730134933"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/135.png?v=1730134933","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe book will examine twelve key NT texts which speak of the Christian's calling. In days when much is spoken about vocation, this draws us back to see how the Bible speaks about the nature of Christian vocation. Each chapter will end with reflections and discussion material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 Called... loved... kept Jude 1\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 Called out of darkness 1 Peter 2:9\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 Called into fellowship 1 Corinthians 1:9\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 Called to belong Romans 1:6\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 Called to be free Galatians 5:13\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 Called to holiness 2 Timothy 1:9; 1 Peter 1:15\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 Called to peace 1 Corinthians 7:15; Colossians 3:15\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 Called to suffering 1 Peter 2:21\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9 Called to hope Ephesians 1:18; 4:4\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 Called heavenwards Philippians 3:14\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e11 Called according to his purpose Romans 8:28\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12 Called to glory 1 Thessalonians 2:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:14; 1 Peter 5:10\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Revd Dr Derek Tidball has been Principal of the London School of Theology (formerly London Bible College) since 1995. He was previously Head of the Mission Department at the Baptist Union of Great Britain, following six years as Senior Minister at Mutley Baptist Church, Plymouth. He was founder chairman of the British Church Growth Association (and President 1995-200), President of the Baptist Union of Great Britain 1990-1991, and he currently chairs the Evangelical Alliance Council. He is also the editor for The Bible Speaks Today - Themes series. He has written and contributed to many books including most recently: The Message of Leviticus (BST), IVP, 2005; Wisdom from Heaven: The Message of the Letter of James for Today, Christian Focus Books, 2003; Thinking Clearly about the Bible, Monarch, 2003; Discerning the Spirit of the Age, Kingsway, 2002; The Message of the Cross (BST), IVP, 2001. He has written Bible readings for SU's Encounter with God notes, as well as contributing to Methodist Recorder, Christian Herald, Christianity, CEN, Third Way, Ministry Today, Anvil and the Spring Harvest Study Guide (1999)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e"}
You may also like:
Called by God: exploring our identity in Christ
£7.99
Digital eBook Only - The book will examine twelve key NT texts which speak of the Christian's calling. In days...
{"id":14698397335932,"title":"Pilgrim Journeys: Pilgrimage for walkers and armchair travellers","handle":"pilgrim-journeys-pilgrimage-for-walkers-and-armchair-travellers-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eWhy do pilgrims walk so much? What do they learn? What lasting good does it do? In \u003cem\u003ePilgrim Journeys\u003c\/em\u003e, experienced pilgrim and writer Sally Welch explores the less-travelled pilgrim routes of the UK and beyond, through the eyes of the pilgrims who walk them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter explores a different aspect of pilgrimage, offering reflections and indicating some of the spiritual lessons to be learned that may be practised at home. This absorbing book shows how insights gained on the journey can be incorporated into the spiritual life of every day, bringing new ways of relationship with God and with our fellow Christians, offering support and encouragement as we face the joys and challenges of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA brief history of pilgrimage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Routes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 \u003cstrong\u003eBe true to your journey:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSt Columba's Way - Iona to St Andrews\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 \u003cstrong\u003eCarry only what is necessary:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVia Ingles - Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 \u003cstrong\u003eBe open to Go:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVia Limovigensis - V lay to Limoges\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 \u003cstrong\u003eRejoice in your companions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePilgrim's Way - Winchester to Canterbury\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 \u003cstrong\u003eInhabit the moment:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSt David's Way - Holywell to Bardsey Island\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 \u003cstrong\u003eTread lightly upon the earth:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSentiero Francescano della Pace - Assisi to Gubbio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 \u003cstrong\u003eRelease your burdens:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Jesus Trail - Tabgha to Capernaum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 \u003cstrong\u003eTrust yourself:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSt James Way - Worcester to Bristol\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9 \u003cstrong\u003eRespect the community:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThames Pilgrim Way - Oxford to Binsey\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 \u003cstrong\u003eRejoice in the journey:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSt Olav's Way - Stiklestad to Trondheim\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA practical guide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInformation for pilgrims\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch is the Vicar of Charlbury and Area Dean of Chipping Norton. An active pilgrim for over 20 years, she has lectured and led workshops on the nature and spirituality of pilgrimage and labyrinth throughout the UK. She is the editor of New Daylight and author of several books on pilgrimage. She worked with Bishop John Pritchard on the establishment of the Thames Pilgrim Way and is currently working on a Cotswold Pilgrimage Network.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Summer 2018\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview by Jeremy Harvey\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWelch takes the reader on an unexpected journey with this slim but thought-provoking companion to ten pilgrim routes in Europe and the Holy Land. Avoiding such practical details as can be found on the internet, she instead offers a themed meditation on the spiritual steps that lead on a walk towards holiness. The opening description of St Columba's Way, from Iona to St Andrew's, becomes an extended discussion of what it means to be called, including a heartfelt appraisal of her own sense of mission. Driven by a self-confessed feeling of restlessness, her attachment to pilgrimage has an authentic ring to it: the word pilgrim was first used to describe a type of perpetual wanderer, a self-imposed exile whose journey was far removed from the later understanding of a return trip to a holy site and back. She concludes by describing a talk about an expedition planned with almost military precision along a Norwegian pilgrimage route to Trondheim, which left the audience impressed but unmoved by its spiritual content. Instead her book offers a more reflective and profitable meander along pilgrim ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Julian Meetings Magazine (April 2018) Review by Anne Stamper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch, Vicar of Charlbury and Area Dean of Chipping Norton, defines pilgrimage as 'a spiritual journey to a sacred place. For hundreds of years men and women have made these journeys, hoping for healing, revelation or spiritual insight. They go to places where it is felt the gap between heaven and earth is smaller, where the action of saints may break into the lives of ordinary people, transforming them.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn active pilgrim for over 20 years, in this book she draws on those experiences of pilgrimages at home and abroad, for distances long and short, and travelling with others or by herself. This is not a travel book but at the end she gives readers practical hints and sources of information should they wish to undertake a pilgrimage themselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn each section Sally takes one pilgrim route and describes an episode from her experience of it; this then leads into a reflection. In some reflections she gives the reader, as an armchair traveller, a practical task (possibly using pencil and paper) that encourages thought about their own path in life and God's call 'to be a pilgrim'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome of her pilgrim routes are well known, such as the Via Ingles, to Santiago de Compostela, or the Pilgrims Way from Winchester to Canterbury. Others were new to me: St James Way, from Worcester to Bristol and The Thames Pilgrim Way, from Oxford to Binsey - one Sally helped to set out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn excellent synopsis of the book is given by the chapter headings: Be true to your journey; Carry only what is necessary; Be open to God; Rejoice in your companions; Inhabit the moment; Tread lightly upon the earth; Release your burdens; Trust yourself; Respect the community; Rejoice in the journey. They are also not a bad pattern for life!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Anne Stamper\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-28T10:43:58+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-28T10:39:44+00:00","vendor":"Sally Welch","type":"eBook","tags":["For individuals","Glassboxx","Jul-17","Spirituality"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"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":53602713960828,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465290","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Pilgrim Journeys: Pilgrimage for walkers and armchair travellers - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":799,"weight":166,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465290","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/148.png?v=1730134969","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/149.png?v=1730134946"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/148.png?v=1730134969","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":62923503829372,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/148.png?v=1730134969"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/148.png?v=1730134969","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":62923501240700,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/149.png?v=1730134946"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/149.png?v=1730134946","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eWhy do pilgrims walk so much? What do they learn? What lasting good does it do? In \u003cem\u003ePilgrim Journeys\u003c\/em\u003e, experienced pilgrim and writer Sally Welch explores the less-travelled pilgrim routes of the UK and beyond, through the eyes of the pilgrims who walk them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter explores a different aspect of pilgrimage, offering reflections and indicating some of the spiritual lessons to be learned that may be practised at home. This absorbing book shows how insights gained on the journey can be incorporated into the spiritual life of every day, bringing new ways of relationship with God and with our fellow Christians, offering support and encouragement as we face the joys and challenges of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA brief history of pilgrimage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Routes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 \u003cstrong\u003eBe true to your journey:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSt Columba's Way - Iona to St Andrews\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 \u003cstrong\u003eCarry only what is necessary:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVia Ingles - Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 \u003cstrong\u003eBe open to Go:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVia Limovigensis - V lay to Limoges\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 \u003cstrong\u003eRejoice in your companions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePilgrim's Way - Winchester to Canterbury\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 \u003cstrong\u003eInhabit the moment:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSt David's Way - Holywell to Bardsey Island\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 \u003cstrong\u003eTread lightly upon the earth:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSentiero Francescano della Pace - Assisi to Gubbio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 \u003cstrong\u003eRelease your burdens:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Jesus Trail - Tabgha to Capernaum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 \u003cstrong\u003eTrust yourself:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSt James Way - Worcester to Bristol\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9 \u003cstrong\u003eRespect the community:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThames Pilgrim Way - Oxford to Binsey\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 \u003cstrong\u003eRejoice in the journey:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSt Olav's Way - Stiklestad to Trondheim\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA practical guide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInformation for pilgrims\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch is the Vicar of Charlbury and Area Dean of Chipping Norton. An active pilgrim for over 20 years, she has lectured and led workshops on the nature and spirituality of pilgrimage and labyrinth throughout the UK. She is the editor of New Daylight and author of several books on pilgrimage. She worked with Bishop John Pritchard on the establishment of the Thames Pilgrim Way and is currently working on a Cotswold Pilgrimage Network.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Summer 2018\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview by Jeremy Harvey\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWelch takes the reader on an unexpected journey with this slim but thought-provoking companion to ten pilgrim routes in Europe and the Holy Land. Avoiding such practical details as can be found on the internet, she instead offers a themed meditation on the spiritual steps that lead on a walk towards holiness. The opening description of St Columba's Way, from Iona to St Andrew's, becomes an extended discussion of what it means to be called, including a heartfelt appraisal of her own sense of mission. Driven by a self-confessed feeling of restlessness, her attachment to pilgrimage has an authentic ring to it: the word pilgrim was first used to describe a type of perpetual wanderer, a self-imposed exile whose journey was far removed from the later understanding of a return trip to a holy site and back. She concludes by describing a talk about an expedition planned with almost military precision along a Norwegian pilgrimage route to Trondheim, which left the audience impressed but unmoved by its spiritual content. Instead her book offers a more reflective and profitable meander along pilgrim ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Julian Meetings Magazine (April 2018) Review by Anne Stamper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch, Vicar of Charlbury and Area Dean of Chipping Norton, defines pilgrimage as 'a spiritual journey to a sacred place. For hundreds of years men and women have made these journeys, hoping for healing, revelation or spiritual insight. They go to places where it is felt the gap between heaven and earth is smaller, where the action of saints may break into the lives of ordinary people, transforming them.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn active pilgrim for over 20 years, in this book she draws on those experiences of pilgrimages at home and abroad, for distances long and short, and travelling with others or by herself. This is not a travel book but at the end she gives readers practical hints and sources of information should they wish to undertake a pilgrimage themselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn each section Sally takes one pilgrim route and describes an episode from her experience of it; this then leads into a reflection. In some reflections she gives the reader, as an armchair traveller, a practical task (possibly using pencil and paper) that encourages thought about their own path in life and God's call 'to be a pilgrim'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome of her pilgrim routes are well known, such as the Via Ingles, to Santiago de Compostela, or the Pilgrims Way from Winchester to Canterbury. Others were new to me: St James Way, from Worcester to Bristol and The Thames Pilgrim Way, from Oxford to Binsey - one Sally helped to set out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn excellent synopsis of the book is given by the chapter headings: Be true to your journey; Carry only what is necessary; Be open to God; Rejoice in your companions; Inhabit the moment; Tread lightly upon the earth; Release your burdens; Trust yourself; Respect the community; Rejoice in the journey. They are also not a bad pattern for life!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Anne Stamper\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Pilgrim Journeys: Pilgrimage for walkers and armchair travellers
£7.99
Digital eBook Only - Why do pilgrims walk so much? What do they learn? What lasting good does it do? In Pilgrim Journeys, experienced...
{"id":14698413293948,"title":"A Franciscan Way of Life: Brother Ramon's quest for holiness","handle":"a-franciscan-way-of-life-brother-ramons-quest-for-holiness-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eBe inspired by one man's unflinching faith in God. This is the first biography of Brother Ramon. It tells of his life's pilgrimage, his quest for holiness as a Franciscan friar, his inner journey of discovery and transformation, his love of God and his influence on others. The selection from his writings which concludes the book illustrates his spiritual journey. It will be an inspiration to readers to live lives fully for Jesus Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBy way of introduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEarly days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConversion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePacifism\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe student\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Baptist minister\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBecoming an Anglican\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe quest for a solitary life\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Franciscan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOn the Lleyn\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Tymawr years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe hermitage at Glasshampton\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe great'Hullo!'\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLetters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnthology\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJourneying in faith: the pilgrimage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePraying and reflecting: meditation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlone with God: solitude\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLiving faith: in the world\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBooks by Brother Ramon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI recently happened across your book, 'A Franciscan Way of Life' and wanted to thank you for what you wrote. I knew Ramon when we were both members of SSF... My first encounter with him was when he visited Glasshampton... and I recall talking with him in the vegetable garden where I was working. Unfortunately, I can't remember anything of the conversation! However, what you wrote and the style in which you wrote it not only brought him vividly to mind but also inspired me on that 'quest for holiness'. I find that it is stirring something in me and I can hear Ramon speaking encouraging words... So thank you for your words and for bringing that brother of Francis and Jesus, a saint in our times, to life again.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn-Francis Friendship\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are all indebted to Arthur Howells for the impact of his book on Brother Ramon. His account of Brother Ramon's life is deeply moving, and the letters and anthology sections make key areas of his thought and teaching available to a wide audience. I was stirred to go and buy one of his books and I am grateful for the stimulus Arthur's book gave me to connect with Ramon's inspiring teaching on the spiritual life.He reveals him as a warm and approachable man with a great gift for teaching others and a heart filled with love for God and concern for others.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanon George Bennett\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCongratulations to Arthur Howells and BRF for producing a book which encapsulates what I knew of Br Ramon SSF. I really appreciate the way the author has blended the story of Ramon's life with extracts from Ramon's own words. And the thematic extracts from his writings provide material for individual or group reflection. Personally, I will be using the book for my daily spiritual reading, as a 'starter' for prayer. Thanks for the publication of this book which I am sure will do a lot to help keep Ramon's teaching alive.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBr Christopher John SSF, Minister General, Society of St Francis - First Order Brothers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJulian Meetings Magazine, April 2019. Review by Ann Morris \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tribute to Howells’ great friend is in three parts: biography drawing on both his own memories and those of other close friends, a selection from letters and an anthology of key writings from Brother Ramon’ s books. All seek to answer the questions: Why would a gregarious person, a gifted preacher and evangelist, embrace a hermit’s solitary life? How could this exuberant, joyful personality set self aside to listen attentively to others? \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA series of short chapters charts Ramon’s outer journey, and show how the seeds of the future were sown, germinated and blossomed. He shares how key stages of Ramon’s life - as student, conscientious objector, Baptist minister - are significant in his decision to become an Anglican. The Eucharist became central to his relationship with Christ and he was finally called to join the Franciscan community, and become a hermit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowells describes the challenges and joys of Ramon’s last illness and his belief in the great mystery of the life beyond. Embracing a breadth of spiritual traditions, he softened bigotry and prejudice with tolerance and understanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExtracts from Ramon’s letters share insights with friends. We can observe his inner journey of discovery, transformation and transfiguration in which he sets his eyes firmly on Christ. The letters capture both the big picture and the tiny details of daily life. God infused his life, whether in the ministry of hitch hiking, or in his departing: ‘The last few months yielded a spiritual journey unknown before… the dimension of love and prayer is deepening still.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe anthology has four themes, with questions for personal reflection or group discussion: calling, prayer, solitude and living in the world. This book deepens our knowledge of this man, prompting us to reflect on the universal possibility of his experience of living and dying in the love of God. Life stories may vary greatly, but all God’s people are called to incarnate Christ in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Ann Morris \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Brother Nicholas Alan SSF in 'Franciscan'\u003c\/strong\u003e, published by the Society of Saint Francis (ISSN 0532\/579X). Edition: Volume 30, Number 3, September 2018\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen I was a novice at Glasshampton a highlight of my year was the opportunity, on a fairly regular basis, of going to visit the hermit resident in the huts at the bottom of the garden. Sometimes I went alone, at other times we three novices would squeeze into one of the huts as we prayed together or celebrated the Eucharist in his work hut (the chapel hut came later). These were precious times: more precious than I then knew, given the state of his health and his all too early death. Sometimes Ramon would explain volubly and with great enthusiasm the structure of his latest book; at other times he would meekly sit and listen as we or I shared our struggles with this new and strange experience of living the religious life. But he was always there: digging the garden, binding books, singing or playing his recorder, praying through the dark hours of the early morning with the wind and rain rushing through the woods and breaking over the huts likes waves on a rocky sea-shore. For a solitary, his presence was somehow ubiquitous, and for one who spent long hours in silence his voice inhabited the souls of those who talked with him; for years after his death I could hear the inflections of his voice whenever I picked up one of his books or a stray memory crossed my mind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book by Arthur Howells is, in a way, a meditation on Ramon's life. Written by a personal friend of Ramon, it combines both biography, and a selection of Ramon's letters and quotations from his published writings. It is warmly, though not reverentially written - a gentle introduction rather than an in-depth analysis, and certainly not an expos . Much will be familiar to those who have already read some of Ramon's books, but even those who are well-used to his work will finds things that make them search the footnotes and take the originals (many here bound by Ramon) once more from the shelves. Ramon published twenty-one books, and at Glasshampton we still receive enquiries from people who come across his writings and want to visit the monastery where he spent much of his time as an SSF friar. He may not have been a saint, but, as the sub-title of this book suggests, he was certainly on a quest for holiness. May those who read this book be similarly inspired, and come to live with him a truly Franciscan way of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Bro Nicholas Alan SSF\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 31.08.18. Review by Peta Dunstan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrother Ramon SSF was one of the most well-known of Anglican Franciscans, not least because of his 20-or-so books. This volume gives short extracts from those writings and some letters, which illustrate his thoughtful and direct musings on prayer. These are preceded by a succinct narrative of his life. For those who have not come across Ramon before, this will serve as an excellent introduction, while for those who already know of him, this is a helpful reminder of his continued relevance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRamon's journey from his Welsh upbringing through to his death in 2000 at Glasshampton Monastery is told movingly. There are a few historical inaccuracies*, as on page 39: Anglican religious life was revived in the 1840s, not the 1880s; Hilfield Friary was founded by Giles, not Douglas; SSF went to Cambridge in 1939, not the 1960s. Yet these small slips do not undermine the power of the personal narrative of Ramon's sense of God, which led him from Baptist ministry to Anglican Franciscanism, and then his quest for the solitary life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRamon made the hermit life powerful in its witness and yet not something esoteric or exclusive. His way was about finding stillness, and not heroically conquering techniques of prayer. Indeed, the effectiveness of his quest for God was communicated precisely because his solitary life was gentle at the edges and accessible. He was disciplined, but not extreme, visiting his family each year, and being open to a few visitors. He loved conversation on the occasions when it was available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo, he had not become a hermit to escape people, but to seek God. In that way, he spoke to many who may not follow his solitary life in general, but, encouraged by his writings, are unafraid to seek times of solitude; for, in those moments, they, like Ramon, can come closer to the God who sustains them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDr Peta Dunstan is a Fellow of St Edmund's College, Cambridge\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*These innaccuracies have been noted and are being addressed\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProgressive Voices, June 2018. Review by Peter Varney\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis provides a comprehensive account of the life and work of the Franciscan Brother Ramon. It includes an anthology of his writings and a summary of his career. Many recent BRF publications have been by evangelical writers but this one comes closer to what interests PCN members. Ramon's career started in Welsh Baptist chapels; he had a charismatic experience, and then discovered Anglo Catholic worship and the Franciscans. This multifaceted identity is shown in his writings. Howells arranges these in sections covering pilgrimage and journey, prayer and meditation, and living in the world. All provide readers with points for further exploration. It is always my hope that spiritual writers will offer help in understanding the meaning of the cross. Ramon does not disappoint when he writes: 'the crucified Christ is also the risen Christ... the cross is the tree of life, the thorn-crowned saviour is the King of Glory reigning from his throne.' His discussion of intercessory prayer, another question for many of us, may also be found helpful: 'Prayer is communion with God; this is much wider and deeper than petition or intercession. ...Our prayer is the prayer of the cosmic Christ ... within the communion of saints it contributes to an increase of hope, light and love in the world.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book's biographical section identifies unexpected events in Ramon's search for holiness as a hermit, and his later acceptance of the cancer which forced him back into Community at Glasshampton. Here he worked for a week, in continuous pain, with Bishop Simon Barrington-Ward on a book on the Jesus prayer. After that 'week of glory' - as they called it - Ramon became much weaker. Bishop Simon returned to find him on his deathbed and reported 'I have never come away from a deathbed actually feeling exhilarated as I did then, despite the sharp sense of loss.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowells summarises Ramon's life as a journey of discovery, transformation and transfiguration. His hours spent in prayer drew him close to god. His holiness did not separate him from people but drew him to them. He saw in all a spark of the divine. This is a book that will gently challenge its readers to go deeper into their own relationship with the divine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePeter Varney\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-28T10:48:28+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-28T10:47:26+00:00","vendor":"Arthur Howells","type":"eBook","tags":["For individuals","Glassboxx","Mar-18","Spirituality"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"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":53602725200252,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857466631","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"A Franciscan Way of Life: Brother Ramon's quest for holiness - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":899,"weight":200,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857466631","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/152.png?v=1730134963","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/153.png?v=1730134967"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/152.png?v=1730134963","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":62923502846332,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/152.png?v=1730134963"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/152.png?v=1730134963","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":62923503403388,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/153.png?v=1730134967"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/153.png?v=1730134967","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eBe inspired by one man's unflinching faith in God. This is the first biography of Brother Ramon. It tells of his life's pilgrimage, his quest for holiness as a Franciscan friar, his inner journey of discovery and transformation, his love of God and his influence on others. The selection from his writings which concludes the book illustrates his spiritual journey. It will be an inspiration to readers to live lives fully for Jesus Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBy way of introduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEarly days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConversion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePacifism\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe student\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Baptist minister\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBecoming an Anglican\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe quest for a solitary life\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Franciscan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOn the Lleyn\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Tymawr years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe hermitage at Glasshampton\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe great'Hullo!'\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLetters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnthology\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJourneying in faith: the pilgrimage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePraying and reflecting: meditation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlone with God: solitude\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLiving faith: in the world\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBooks by Brother Ramon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI recently happened across your book, 'A Franciscan Way of Life' and wanted to thank you for what you wrote. I knew Ramon when we were both members of SSF... My first encounter with him was when he visited Glasshampton... and I recall talking with him in the vegetable garden where I was working. Unfortunately, I can't remember anything of the conversation! However, what you wrote and the style in which you wrote it not only brought him vividly to mind but also inspired me on that 'quest for holiness'. I find that it is stirring something in me and I can hear Ramon speaking encouraging words... So thank you for your words and for bringing that brother of Francis and Jesus, a saint in our times, to life again.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn-Francis Friendship\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are all indebted to Arthur Howells for the impact of his book on Brother Ramon. His account of Brother Ramon's life is deeply moving, and the letters and anthology sections make key areas of his thought and teaching available to a wide audience. I was stirred to go and buy one of his books and I am grateful for the stimulus Arthur's book gave me to connect with Ramon's inspiring teaching on the spiritual life.He reveals him as a warm and approachable man with a great gift for teaching others and a heart filled with love for God and concern for others.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanon George Bennett\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCongratulations to Arthur Howells and BRF for producing a book which encapsulates what I knew of Br Ramon SSF. I really appreciate the way the author has blended the story of Ramon's life with extracts from Ramon's own words. And the thematic extracts from his writings provide material for individual or group reflection. Personally, I will be using the book for my daily spiritual reading, as a 'starter' for prayer. Thanks for the publication of this book which I am sure will do a lot to help keep Ramon's teaching alive.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBr Christopher John SSF, Minister General, Society of St Francis - First Order Brothers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJulian Meetings Magazine, April 2019. Review by Ann Morris \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tribute to Howells’ great friend is in three parts: biography drawing on both his own memories and those of other close friends, a selection from letters and an anthology of key writings from Brother Ramon’ s books. All seek to answer the questions: Why would a gregarious person, a gifted preacher and evangelist, embrace a hermit’s solitary life? How could this exuberant, joyful personality set self aside to listen attentively to others? \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA series of short chapters charts Ramon’s outer journey, and show how the seeds of the future were sown, germinated and blossomed. He shares how key stages of Ramon’s life - as student, conscientious objector, Baptist minister - are significant in his decision to become an Anglican. The Eucharist became central to his relationship with Christ and he was finally called to join the Franciscan community, and become a hermit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowells describes the challenges and joys of Ramon’s last illness and his belief in the great mystery of the life beyond. Embracing a breadth of spiritual traditions, he softened bigotry and prejudice with tolerance and understanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExtracts from Ramon’s letters share insights with friends. We can observe his inner journey of discovery, transformation and transfiguration in which he sets his eyes firmly on Christ. The letters capture both the big picture and the tiny details of daily life. God infused his life, whether in the ministry of hitch hiking, or in his departing: ‘The last few months yielded a spiritual journey unknown before… the dimension of love and prayer is deepening still.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe anthology has four themes, with questions for personal reflection or group discussion: calling, prayer, solitude and living in the world. This book deepens our knowledge of this man, prompting us to reflect on the universal possibility of his experience of living and dying in the love of God. Life stories may vary greatly, but all God’s people are called to incarnate Christ in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Ann Morris \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Brother Nicholas Alan SSF in 'Franciscan'\u003c\/strong\u003e, published by the Society of Saint Francis (ISSN 0532\/579X). Edition: Volume 30, Number 3, September 2018\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen I was a novice at Glasshampton a highlight of my year was the opportunity, on a fairly regular basis, of going to visit the hermit resident in the huts at the bottom of the garden. Sometimes I went alone, at other times we three novices would squeeze into one of the huts as we prayed together or celebrated the Eucharist in his work hut (the chapel hut came later). These were precious times: more precious than I then knew, given the state of his health and his all too early death. Sometimes Ramon would explain volubly and with great enthusiasm the structure of his latest book; at other times he would meekly sit and listen as we or I shared our struggles with this new and strange experience of living the religious life. But he was always there: digging the garden, binding books, singing or playing his recorder, praying through the dark hours of the early morning with the wind and rain rushing through the woods and breaking over the huts likes waves on a rocky sea-shore. For a solitary, his presence was somehow ubiquitous, and for one who spent long hours in silence his voice inhabited the souls of those who talked with him; for years after his death I could hear the inflections of his voice whenever I picked up one of his books or a stray memory crossed my mind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book by Arthur Howells is, in a way, a meditation on Ramon's life. Written by a personal friend of Ramon, it combines both biography, and a selection of Ramon's letters and quotations from his published writings. It is warmly, though not reverentially written - a gentle introduction rather than an in-depth analysis, and certainly not an expos . Much will be familiar to those who have already read some of Ramon's books, but even those who are well-used to his work will finds things that make them search the footnotes and take the originals (many here bound by Ramon) once more from the shelves. Ramon published twenty-one books, and at Glasshampton we still receive enquiries from people who come across his writings and want to visit the monastery where he spent much of his time as an SSF friar. He may not have been a saint, but, as the sub-title of this book suggests, he was certainly on a quest for holiness. May those who read this book be similarly inspired, and come to live with him a truly Franciscan way of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Bro Nicholas Alan SSF\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 31.08.18. Review by Peta Dunstan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrother Ramon SSF was one of the most well-known of Anglican Franciscans, not least because of his 20-or-so books. This volume gives short extracts from those writings and some letters, which illustrate his thoughtful and direct musings on prayer. These are preceded by a succinct narrative of his life. For those who have not come across Ramon before, this will serve as an excellent introduction, while for those who already know of him, this is a helpful reminder of his continued relevance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRamon's journey from his Welsh upbringing through to his death in 2000 at Glasshampton Monastery is told movingly. There are a few historical inaccuracies*, as on page 39: Anglican religious life was revived in the 1840s, not the 1880s; Hilfield Friary was founded by Giles, not Douglas; SSF went to Cambridge in 1939, not the 1960s. Yet these small slips do not undermine the power of the personal narrative of Ramon's sense of God, which led him from Baptist ministry to Anglican Franciscanism, and then his quest for the solitary life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRamon made the hermit life powerful in its witness and yet not something esoteric or exclusive. His way was about finding stillness, and not heroically conquering techniques of prayer. Indeed, the effectiveness of his quest for God was communicated precisely because his solitary life was gentle at the edges and accessible. He was disciplined, but not extreme, visiting his family each year, and being open to a few visitors. He loved conversation on the occasions when it was available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo, he had not become a hermit to escape people, but to seek God. In that way, he spoke to many who may not follow his solitary life in general, but, encouraged by his writings, are unafraid to seek times of solitude; for, in those moments, they, like Ramon, can come closer to the God who sustains them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDr Peta Dunstan is a Fellow of St Edmund's College, Cambridge\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*These innaccuracies have been noted and are being addressed\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProgressive Voices, June 2018. Review by Peter Varney\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis provides a comprehensive account of the life and work of the Franciscan Brother Ramon. It includes an anthology of his writings and a summary of his career. Many recent BRF publications have been by evangelical writers but this one comes closer to what interests PCN members. Ramon's career started in Welsh Baptist chapels; he had a charismatic experience, and then discovered Anglo Catholic worship and the Franciscans. This multifaceted identity is shown in his writings. Howells arranges these in sections covering pilgrimage and journey, prayer and meditation, and living in the world. All provide readers with points for further exploration. It is always my hope that spiritual writers will offer help in understanding the meaning of the cross. Ramon does not disappoint when he writes: 'the crucified Christ is also the risen Christ... the cross is the tree of life, the thorn-crowned saviour is the King of Glory reigning from his throne.' His discussion of intercessory prayer, another question for many of us, may also be found helpful: 'Prayer is communion with God; this is much wider and deeper than petition or intercession. ...Our prayer is the prayer of the cosmic Christ ... within the communion of saints it contributes to an increase of hope, light and love in the world.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book's biographical section identifies unexpected events in Ramon's search for holiness as a hermit, and his later acceptance of the cancer which forced him back into Community at Glasshampton. Here he worked for a week, in continuous pain, with Bishop Simon Barrington-Ward on a book on the Jesus prayer. After that 'week of glory' - as they called it - Ramon became much weaker. Bishop Simon returned to find him on his deathbed and reported 'I have never come away from a deathbed actually feeling exhilarated as I did then, despite the sharp sense of loss.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowells summarises Ramon's life as a journey of discovery, transformation and transfiguration. His hours spent in prayer drew him close to god. His holiness did not separate him from people but drew him to them. He saw in all a spark of the divine. This is a book that will gently challenge its readers to go deeper into their own relationship with the divine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePeter Varney\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":14698637623676,"title":"The BRF Book of 365 Bible Reflections: with contributions from BRF authors, supporters and well-wishers","handle":"the-brf-book-of-365-bible-reflections-with-contributions-from-brf-authors-supporters-and-well-wishers-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe Bible is at the heart of BRF’s work, and this special anniversary collection is a celebration of the Bible for BRF’s centenary year. Bringing together a fantastically wide-ranging writing team of authors, supporters and well-wishers from all areas of BRF’s work, this resource is designed to help us go deeper into the story of the Bible and reflect on how we can share it in our everyday lives.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIncluding sections which lead us through the Bible narrative as well as thematic and seasonal sections, it is the perfect daily companion to resource your spiritual journey.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eContributors include: Ian Adams, John Bell, Inderjit Bhogal, Amy Boucher Pye, Stephen Cottrell, Steven Croft, Mark Greene, Isabelle Hamley, Bob Hartman, Bev Jullien, Krish Kandiah, Paul Kerensa, Ann Lewin, Bex Lewis, Chine McDonald, Lucy Moore, Rob Parsons, John Pritchard, Jennifer Rees Larcombe, Pam Rhodes, Margaret Silf, Jo Swinney, Stephen Timms, Graham Tomlin and Justin Welby.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry (digital version May 2022). Reviewed by David Sellick\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eThe year 2022 celebrates the centenary of BRF’s famous notes encouraging Bible reading and supporting faith. The 365 reflections are grouped into five sections; Seeing God in the Bible, Journeying through the Bible, Journeying through the Christian year, Together through the generations, and How should we live? Only the ‘Christian Year’ section is chronologically tied; the other sections can be dipped into individually; this is facilitated by a page ‘Index of Bible references’ at the end of the book; Readers could use this to take them to a page where the Bible passage that had stimulated the writer’s ‘reflection’ is printed matches the passage that is part of a reading set for the day on which the Reader is due to preach. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe editors selected single ‘reflections’ from the invited writers – many of great eminence – so ‘the result is a glorious range of different perspectives on God’s word’. The Bible extracts are from every book in the Bible, and come from 17 different Bible translations. Some reflections are personal, some are moving, many are challenging and thought provoking; the compilation can be used as a resource or simply read as an illustration of how just a couple of Bible verses can stimulate such a wide range profound insights into faith and practice.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by David Sellick \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Canon John Twisleton, December 2021\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA hundred years ago in January 2022 Revd Leslie Mannering of St Matthew’s Brixton circulated his first monthly leaflet of bible readings with commentaries ‘for the purpose of deepening the life of Prayer, Bible-reading and Holy Communion in each one of us’. So began what became the world-wide movement we know as BRF, the Bible Reading Fellowship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Centenary is being launched with publication of 365 bible reflections written by different contributors, including myself, geared to energise searching of scripture and submission of lives to the Word of God. As Sally Welch writes, ‘we are not a people of a book… we are children of God… we follow a person, not a page; the Word, not words’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe genius of BRF is its steering away from both biblical literalism and renegotiation of scripture to fit in with contemporary thinking. \u003cem\u003eThe BRF book of 365 Bible Reflections\u003c\/em\u003e is a series of windows to be opened daily providing ‘light to our paths’ (Psalm 119:105).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe variety of readings and contributors are structured around celebrating the transformative power of scripture and ‘BRF’s long history of coming alongside people at all stages of faith, encouraging Bible reading and everyday faith since 1922’. A third of the commentaries are constituted from daily readings journeying through Old and New Testament without Apocrypha. Another third journeys through the Christian year from Advent to Pentecost. Shorter sections include praying the Psalms, the Bible and old age and a final section linked to the marks of mission adopted by the Anglican Communion: tell, teach, tend, transform and treasure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe theme of ‘Sharing the Story’ runs through the collection of one page reflections which end appropriately with the invitation in Romans to listen more deeply to the longings of creation and deepen environmental stewardship. The book is well geared for flexible use as, for examples, deciding to use it in a season like Lent or to follow a three month tour through Old and New Testament or spend a fortnight on what the Bible has to say to older people. Each day has different scripture and contributor and that makes for ongoing freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is no word of God without power. In this book BRF provides a variety of insight from hundreds of co-authors into the transforming power of the good news of Jesus Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Canon Dr John Twisleton \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was George Eliot who coined the phrase: ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWell, when it comes to \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe BRF Book of 365 Bible Reflections\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003ethe cover is the starting point to a beautiful collection of daily readings to celebrate an organisation which has been sharing the story since 1922.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBRF reaches in to many different places in our communities and churches. From Messy Church and Parenting for Faith through to Holy Habits and Anna Chaplaincy. And still, one hundred years on, at the core of its overall ministry, alongside many other books, remains the provision of daily readings and reflections. And this book is no exception.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGathering together contributions from BRF authors, supporters and well-wishers, we are taken through the Bible and the Christian year, enabled to consider five aspects of how we can live and to cross generational barriers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut this is no ordinary set of daily readings. And that is its genius.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor it is only in Advent where the readings are dated. Lent is split in to weeks but aside from that, those seasonal times are there for you as a reader to make your own way of encountering God through scripture. The rest of the book is completely undated: and that for me, although the editors describe it as ‘controversial’, is where that genius lies. For so many of us feel guilty when we ‘fall behind’ with our daily readings. Many of us may feel that in particular periods we want to move on to a different topic or set of passages but somehow feel tied to following the timetable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd there is one other aspect which is equally brilliant. Some of the contributors are well-known. Others, like your reviewer, less well. Some are living. Some are living in glory. And they are all listed. But there’s no index. So, it’s not possible to simply look up one’s favourites writers and read only them. And why is that genius? Because it enables us to give intentional attention to God and not to people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is those two factors, alongside an indexed list of Bible passages, which for me give this book the structure that enables us to encounter God in new ways every day of the year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough its meaningful and thoughtful reflections, this book enables the reader to encounter the riches of the Bible in the complete freedom that God both allows and wants for us. It provides a wealth of biblical insights combined with practical reflections and suggestions for living out our faith in modern times. May it be a rich blessing to you as you encounter God’s love through it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-28T12:56:58+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-28T12:55:47+00:00","vendor":"Karen Laister and Olivia Warburton","type":"eBook","tags":["Centenary Collection","Devotional","For individuals","Glassboxx","oct-21","Prayer"],"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":53602802925948,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800391734","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The BRF Book of 365 Bible Reflections: with contributions from BRF authors, supporters and well-wishers - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":1499,"weight":770,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800391734","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/170.png?v=1730134963","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/171.png?v=1730134936"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/170.png?v=1730134963","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":62923502879100,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/170.png?v=1730134963"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/170.png?v=1730134963","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":62923499602300,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/171.png?v=1730134936"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/171.png?v=1730134936","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe Bible is at the heart of BRF’s work, and this special anniversary collection is a celebration of the Bible for BRF’s centenary year. Bringing together a fantastically wide-ranging writing team of authors, supporters and well-wishers from all areas of BRF’s work, this resource is designed to help us go deeper into the story of the Bible and reflect on how we can share it in our everyday lives.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIncluding sections which lead us through the Bible narrative as well as thematic and seasonal sections, it is the perfect daily companion to resource your spiritual journey.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eContributors include: Ian Adams, John Bell, Inderjit Bhogal, Amy Boucher Pye, Stephen Cottrell, Steven Croft, Mark Greene, Isabelle Hamley, Bob Hartman, Bev Jullien, Krish Kandiah, Paul Kerensa, Ann Lewin, Bex Lewis, Chine McDonald, Lucy Moore, Rob Parsons, John Pritchard, Jennifer Rees Larcombe, Pam Rhodes, Margaret Silf, Jo Swinney, Stephen Timms, Graham Tomlin and Justin Welby.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry (digital version May 2022). Reviewed by David Sellick\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eThe year 2022 celebrates the centenary of BRF’s famous notes encouraging Bible reading and supporting faith. The 365 reflections are grouped into five sections; Seeing God in the Bible, Journeying through the Bible, Journeying through the Christian year, Together through the generations, and How should we live? Only the ‘Christian Year’ section is chronologically tied; the other sections can be dipped into individually; this is facilitated by a page ‘Index of Bible references’ at the end of the book; Readers could use this to take them to a page where the Bible passage that had stimulated the writer’s ‘reflection’ is printed matches the passage that is part of a reading set for the day on which the Reader is due to preach. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe editors selected single ‘reflections’ from the invited writers – many of great eminence – so ‘the result is a glorious range of different perspectives on God’s word’. The Bible extracts are from every book in the Bible, and come from 17 different Bible translations. Some reflections are personal, some are moving, many are challenging and thought provoking; the compilation can be used as a resource or simply read as an illustration of how just a couple of Bible verses can stimulate such a wide range profound insights into faith and practice.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by David Sellick \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Canon John Twisleton, December 2021\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA hundred years ago in January 2022 Revd Leslie Mannering of St Matthew’s Brixton circulated his first monthly leaflet of bible readings with commentaries ‘for the purpose of deepening the life of Prayer, Bible-reading and Holy Communion in each one of us’. So began what became the world-wide movement we know as BRF, the Bible Reading Fellowship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Centenary is being launched with publication of 365 bible reflections written by different contributors, including myself, geared to energise searching of scripture and submission of lives to the Word of God. As Sally Welch writes, ‘we are not a people of a book… we are children of God… we follow a person, not a page; the Word, not words’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe genius of BRF is its steering away from both biblical literalism and renegotiation of scripture to fit in with contemporary thinking. \u003cem\u003eThe BRF book of 365 Bible Reflections\u003c\/em\u003e is a series of windows to be opened daily providing ‘light to our paths’ (Psalm 119:105).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe variety of readings and contributors are structured around celebrating the transformative power of scripture and ‘BRF’s long history of coming alongside people at all stages of faith, encouraging Bible reading and everyday faith since 1922’. A third of the commentaries are constituted from daily readings journeying through Old and New Testament without Apocrypha. Another third journeys through the Christian year from Advent to Pentecost. Shorter sections include praying the Psalms, the Bible and old age and a final section linked to the marks of mission adopted by the Anglican Communion: tell, teach, tend, transform and treasure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe theme of ‘Sharing the Story’ runs through the collection of one page reflections which end appropriately with the invitation in Romans to listen more deeply to the longings of creation and deepen environmental stewardship. The book is well geared for flexible use as, for examples, deciding to use it in a season like Lent or to follow a three month tour through Old and New Testament or spend a fortnight on what the Bible has to say to older people. Each day has different scripture and contributor and that makes for ongoing freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is no word of God without power. In this book BRF provides a variety of insight from hundreds of co-authors into the transforming power of the good news of Jesus Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Canon Dr John Twisleton \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was George Eliot who coined the phrase: ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWell, when it comes to \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe BRF Book of 365 Bible Reflections\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003ethe cover is the starting point to a beautiful collection of daily readings to celebrate an organisation which has been sharing the story since 1922.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBRF reaches in to many different places in our communities and churches. From Messy Church and Parenting for Faith through to Holy Habits and Anna Chaplaincy. And still, one hundred years on, at the core of its overall ministry, alongside many other books, remains the provision of daily readings and reflections. And this book is no exception.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGathering together contributions from BRF authors, supporters and well-wishers, we are taken through the Bible and the Christian year, enabled to consider five aspects of how we can live and to cross generational barriers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut this is no ordinary set of daily readings. And that is its genius.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor it is only in Advent where the readings are dated. Lent is split in to weeks but aside from that, those seasonal times are there for you as a reader to make your own way of encountering God through scripture. The rest of the book is completely undated: and that for me, although the editors describe it as ‘controversial’, is where that genius lies. For so many of us feel guilty when we ‘fall behind’ with our daily readings. Many of us may feel that in particular periods we want to move on to a different topic or set of passages but somehow feel tied to following the timetable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd there is one other aspect which is equally brilliant. Some of the contributors are well-known. Others, like your reviewer, less well. Some are living. Some are living in glory. And they are all listed. But there’s no index. So, it’s not possible to simply look up one’s favourites writers and read only them. And why is that genius? Because it enables us to give intentional attention to God and not to people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is those two factors, alongside an indexed list of Bible passages, which for me give this book the structure that enables us to encounter God in new ways every day of the year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough its meaningful and thoughtful reflections, this book enables the reader to encounter the riches of the Bible in the complete freedom that God both allows and wants for us. It provides a wealth of biblical insights combined with practical reflections and suggestions for living out our faith in modern times. May it be a rich blessing to you as you encounter God’s love through it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The BRF Book of 365 Bible Reflections: with contributions from BRF authors, supporters and well-wishers
£14.99
Digital eBook Only - The Bible is at the heart of BRF’s work, and this special anniversary collection is a...
{"id":14698673734012,"title":"Sensing the Divine: John's word made flesh","handle":"sensing-the-divine-johns-word-made-flesh-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThis compelling, inspiring book is an invigorating rereading of the fourth gospel by a well-known spirituality writer who has lived some years in the Holy Land. Uniquely, it approaches John's gospel by exploring how he uses the senses, both physical and spiritual, in his encounter with Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. This refreshing appreciation of the gospel will activate and stimulate our own discoveries and spiritual quest, not only of the gospel, but also of God's world, ourselves and our mission.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Revd Canon Dr Andrew D. Mayes is Priest of St Barnabas, Limassol and the Spirituality Adviser for the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf. He is an international speaker and the author of several books on spirituality, including Journey to the Centre of the Soul (BRF, 2017).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Winter 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an ambitious, intriguing and enthusiastic book written by an expert and learned spiritual adviser. Mayes’ aim is to re-interpret the gospel of John and present it as a sensuous and tactile history – an emotional history of Jesus’ ministry that represents a quite radical re-appraisal. For example, strong links between John and the Song of Solomon are drawn out. The author balances each chapter with a parallel commentary on relevant spirituality. He uses a host of ancient (Hebrew), medieval and modern spiritual writings, concentrating especially on Celtic and Ignatian sources in order to promote spiritual reawakening and maturity of Christian practice. In my view the book does not quite succeed. The language is sometimes over-exuberant and, while the gospel analysis is thought-provoking, it is sometimes slightly shallow. The emotional and sensuous aspects of Jesus’ ministry are not exclusive to John, for example, though the book rather ignores this point. Nonetheless, there is much good, original material here, and this is a valuable read for private study or group teaching.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Alice Burdett\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform July\/August 2019. Review by Susan Durber, Minister of Taunton URC, Somerset\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew Mayes is Spirituality Advisor for the Anglican Diocese of Cyprus, and brings to his ministry and to this book a deep knowledge of the Middle East, especially the places where Jesus’ ministry took place. If John’s gospel has a reputation for being abstract and conceptual, this book helps any reader to see it as profoundly rooted in the realities of daily life, in a particular place and time. It dwells on time and place, on empirical experiences of taste, touch, sight, sound and smell, and how God is made known in such ways. The book urges us to ‘unfold the sensuous gospel’ and reminds us that this is the gospel in which the Word becomes flesh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book moves through the senses, exploring how they emerge in John’s gospel and adding varied and liberal quotations from Christian history on each of the senses too. There is plenty of material here for someone preparing a retreat, or the book could work as a kind of retreat for a lone reader too: it has questions for reflection as well as narrative and biblical study.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book offers some fascinating insights into the gospel and, for me, these were the most helpful sections. There are so many distinctive things about John’s gospel – the Bethesda story, and miracle at Cana, and the many references to ‘the garden’, among them. It is good to notice how much Jesus goes on pilgrimage in this gospel and to reflect on all that might signify.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes points were perhaps stretched too far (do 30 references to touching really need a count?) and many quotations and exclamations marks sometimes distract from the distinctive contribution of the author. But this is certainly a useful book for providing a quiet day, or resourcing a church group. The book serves as a helpful inspiration to reflection, preaching and teaching.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Susan Durber, Minister of Taunton URC, Somerset\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Canon John Twisleton, June 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI’ve been puzzling over John’s Gospel all my life so I approached Andrew Mayes’s new book with hesitancy. I was rewarded by a commentary starting away from the spiritual and theological in space, time and the senses that somewhat disarmed my questioning. Andrew’s experience of the Holy Land coupled to that of the spiritual direction network equips him to approach John’s account of Christ from a novel perspective helpful to those who struggle with the literal. ‘Sensing the Divine’ has the sub-title ‘John’s word made flesh’. It starts with imaginative entry into the apostle John’s putting pen to scroll in Ephesus where ‘the very word ‘flesh’ took on a meaning that was visceral, earthy, full of passion’. It’s a great asset to this book that its author knows the ground John knew as well as ‘the intimacy and ultimacy of Jesus, his transcendence and tenderness’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn’s symbol is the eagle on account of the perceived sublimity of his Gospel. Augustine saw in it ‘teaching soar(ing) to heights far loftier than those attained by the other three evangelists, and it was his wish to carry our hearts with him on his flight… for John spoke of the divinity of our Lord as no other has ever spoken’. The author has a refreshingly different vantage point. ‘It is the contention of this book that the fourth gospel is rooted in the dust, dirt and beauty of the earth. It brims with sensuality, alerting and activating our senses, both bodily and spiritual… pervaded by a physicality, a materiality, shot through with transcendence, teeming with divine life’. To Mayes Irenaeus rather than Augustine captures the heart of John when he says ‘the glory of God is a human being fully alive’. Jesus Christ, Word made flesh, makes God real to our senses through vulnerability, word and sacrament and helps us into life in all its exuberance (John 10:10).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor John knowledge of God comes from relationship with Jesus Christ which goes beyond the contemporary intellectualism of Plato or Gnostic acquisition of secret ideas allied to despising the body. The book starts by celebrating the gospel of John's emphasis on space and time moving on to how it engages touching, seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling in reawakening life in all its fullness through knowing Jesus (John 17:3). Drawing on Ephrem (d.373) we are called to see Jesus: ‘Let our prayer be a mirror, Lord, placed before your face; then your fair beauty will be imprinted on its luminous surface’. Teresa of Avila is commentator on the listening in ‘subversive silence’ invited by St John. Building from the Cana miracle Mayes invites us with John to taste eternity at the Eucharist with a pithy, evocative summary of this rite at the heart of Christianity. The chapter on smell draws on Johannine scholar Raymond Brown’s observation that the use of myrrh ‘and aloes’ at Christ’s tomb evokes the eroticism of Song of Songs 4:9-16. In the last chapter we are reminded how John’s call to mission has three visceral images of washing one another’s feet, bearing fruit and the breath of the Spirit. The disciples mission ‘is communicated and received in the feel of cold water on sweaty feet, the visualisation of dangling succulent grapes, the experience of breath upon their faces’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI appreciated the weaving in of concise summaries on different schools of Christian spirituality like Ignatian meditation, Teresa of Avila, Benedictine tradition, lectio divina as well as the questions for reflection and prayer exercises provided after each chapter. ‘Sensing the Divine’ attempts and seems to succeed in earthing John’s gospel in contemporary human reality, for, to repeat one of its Merton quotes: ‘let the reality of what's real sink into you… for through real things we can reach him who is infinitely real’. Why? Because ‘the word was made flesh’ (John 1:14). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCanon John Twisleton 5 June 2019\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-28T13:16:18+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-28T13:15:17+00:00","vendor":"Andrew D. Mayes","type":"eBook","tags":["Apr-19","Biblical engagement","For individuals","Glassboxx","Spirituality"],"price":1099,"price_min":1099,"price_max":1099,"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":53602831237500,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857466594","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Sensing the Divine: John's word made flesh - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":1099,"weight":1,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857466594","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/178.png?v=1730134969","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/179.png?v=1730134919"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/178.png?v=1730134969","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":62923503599996,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/178.png?v=1730134969"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/178.png?v=1730134969","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":62923497505148,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/179.png?v=1730134919"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/179.png?v=1730134919","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThis compelling, inspiring book is an invigorating rereading of the fourth gospel by a well-known spirituality writer who has lived some years in the Holy Land. Uniquely, it approaches John's gospel by exploring how he uses the senses, both physical and spiritual, in his encounter with Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. This refreshing appreciation of the gospel will activate and stimulate our own discoveries and spiritual quest, not only of the gospel, but also of God's world, ourselves and our mission.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Revd Canon Dr Andrew D. Mayes is Priest of St Barnabas, Limassol and the Spirituality Adviser for the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf. He is an international speaker and the author of several books on spirituality, including Journey to the Centre of the Soul (BRF, 2017).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Winter 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an ambitious, intriguing and enthusiastic book written by an expert and learned spiritual adviser. Mayes’ aim is to re-interpret the gospel of John and present it as a sensuous and tactile history – an emotional history of Jesus’ ministry that represents a quite radical re-appraisal. For example, strong links between John and the Song of Solomon are drawn out. The author balances each chapter with a parallel commentary on relevant spirituality. He uses a host of ancient (Hebrew), medieval and modern spiritual writings, concentrating especially on Celtic and Ignatian sources in order to promote spiritual reawakening and maturity of Christian practice. In my view the book does not quite succeed. The language is sometimes over-exuberant and, while the gospel analysis is thought-provoking, it is sometimes slightly shallow. The emotional and sensuous aspects of Jesus’ ministry are not exclusive to John, for example, though the book rather ignores this point. Nonetheless, there is much good, original material here, and this is a valuable read for private study or group teaching.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Alice Burdett\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform July\/August 2019. Review by Susan Durber, Minister of Taunton URC, Somerset\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew Mayes is Spirituality Advisor for the Anglican Diocese of Cyprus, and brings to his ministry and to this book a deep knowledge of the Middle East, especially the places where Jesus’ ministry took place. If John’s gospel has a reputation for being abstract and conceptual, this book helps any reader to see it as profoundly rooted in the realities of daily life, in a particular place and time. It dwells on time and place, on empirical experiences of taste, touch, sight, sound and smell, and how God is made known in such ways. The book urges us to ‘unfold the sensuous gospel’ and reminds us that this is the gospel in which the Word becomes flesh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book moves through the senses, exploring how they emerge in John’s gospel and adding varied and liberal quotations from Christian history on each of the senses too. There is plenty of material here for someone preparing a retreat, or the book could work as a kind of retreat for a lone reader too: it has questions for reflection as well as narrative and biblical study.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book offers some fascinating insights into the gospel and, for me, these were the most helpful sections. There are so many distinctive things about John’s gospel – the Bethesda story, and miracle at Cana, and the many references to ‘the garden’, among them. It is good to notice how much Jesus goes on pilgrimage in this gospel and to reflect on all that might signify.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes points were perhaps stretched too far (do 30 references to touching really need a count?) and many quotations and exclamations marks sometimes distract from the distinctive contribution of the author. But this is certainly a useful book for providing a quiet day, or resourcing a church group. The book serves as a helpful inspiration to reflection, preaching and teaching.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Susan Durber, Minister of Taunton URC, Somerset\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Canon John Twisleton, June 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI’ve been puzzling over John’s Gospel all my life so I approached Andrew Mayes’s new book with hesitancy. I was rewarded by a commentary starting away from the spiritual and theological in space, time and the senses that somewhat disarmed my questioning. Andrew’s experience of the Holy Land coupled to that of the spiritual direction network equips him to approach John’s account of Christ from a novel perspective helpful to those who struggle with the literal. ‘Sensing the Divine’ has the sub-title ‘John’s word made flesh’. It starts with imaginative entry into the apostle John’s putting pen to scroll in Ephesus where ‘the very word ‘flesh’ took on a meaning that was visceral, earthy, full of passion’. It’s a great asset to this book that its author knows the ground John knew as well as ‘the intimacy and ultimacy of Jesus, his transcendence and tenderness’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn’s symbol is the eagle on account of the perceived sublimity of his Gospel. Augustine saw in it ‘teaching soar(ing) to heights far loftier than those attained by the other three evangelists, and it was his wish to carry our hearts with him on his flight… for John spoke of the divinity of our Lord as no other has ever spoken’. The author has a refreshingly different vantage point. ‘It is the contention of this book that the fourth gospel is rooted in the dust, dirt and beauty of the earth. It brims with sensuality, alerting and activating our senses, both bodily and spiritual… pervaded by a physicality, a materiality, shot through with transcendence, teeming with divine life’. To Mayes Irenaeus rather than Augustine captures the heart of John when he says ‘the glory of God is a human being fully alive’. Jesus Christ, Word made flesh, makes God real to our senses through vulnerability, word and sacrament and helps us into life in all its exuberance (John 10:10).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor John knowledge of God comes from relationship with Jesus Christ which goes beyond the contemporary intellectualism of Plato or Gnostic acquisition of secret ideas allied to despising the body. The book starts by celebrating the gospel of John's emphasis on space and time moving on to how it engages touching, seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling in reawakening life in all its fullness through knowing Jesus (John 17:3). Drawing on Ephrem (d.373) we are called to see Jesus: ‘Let our prayer be a mirror, Lord, placed before your face; then your fair beauty will be imprinted on its luminous surface’. Teresa of Avila is commentator on the listening in ‘subversive silence’ invited by St John. Building from the Cana miracle Mayes invites us with John to taste eternity at the Eucharist with a pithy, evocative summary of this rite at the heart of Christianity. The chapter on smell draws on Johannine scholar Raymond Brown’s observation that the use of myrrh ‘and aloes’ at Christ’s tomb evokes the eroticism of Song of Songs 4:9-16. In the last chapter we are reminded how John’s call to mission has three visceral images of washing one another’s feet, bearing fruit and the breath of the Spirit. The disciples mission ‘is communicated and received in the feel of cold water on sweaty feet, the visualisation of dangling succulent grapes, the experience of breath upon their faces’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI appreciated the weaving in of concise summaries on different schools of Christian spirituality like Ignatian meditation, Teresa of Avila, Benedictine tradition, lectio divina as well as the questions for reflection and prayer exercises provided after each chapter. ‘Sensing the Divine’ attempts and seems to succeed in earthing John’s gospel in contemporary human reality, for, to repeat one of its Merton quotes: ‘let the reality of what's real sink into you… for through real things we can reach him who is infinitely real’. Why? Because ‘the word was made flesh’ (John 1:14). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCanon John Twisleton 5 June 2019\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Sensing the Divine: John's word made flesh
£10.99
Digital eBook Only - This compelling, inspiring book is an invigorating rereading of the fourth gospel by a well-known spirituality...
{"id":14698839835004,"title":"Turned by Divine Love: Starting again with God and with others","handle":"turned-by-divine-love-starting-again-with-god-and-with-others-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThis book, the fruit of prayer, theological reflection and rich human experience, evokes fresh praying and thinking about all the key relationships in our lives, beginning with God. Drawing on the rich Christian traditions of both east and west, it speaks of theology and spirituality, to the head and the heart. It is a book of hope, encouraging us all to make a fresh start with God and, entering more fully into the relationship of love to which he invites us, to go out and to witness to this love. In this unique bringing together of the riches of the Christian east and west is the call to hear God's gracious voice today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a spirituality book which urges contemplation, stillness and a good, hard look at ourselves. The author draws on quotes from many different church traditions (eastern and western) to show that this is a global, biblical call rather than a cultural one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter has multiple spaces devoted to contemplation - 'Pause to pray' and 'Pause to ponder'. These can be made much of and give weight to the book's focus on stillness and the examination of your heart. Drawing inspiration and quotations from all walks of the Christian life, from all centuries, also gives it a truly ecumenical feel and approach - this is for everyone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book John Stroyan gives us something of immense beauty and energising hope drawn from the faith and spiritual vision of many centuries. He refreshes the old and gives new life to what has aged. That this is the gift of a contemplative teacher and a bishop in the church of our time is itself a source of hope and a wonderfully surprising cause to celebrate. Laurence Freeman OSB\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn Stroyan is the Bishop of Warwick. He is the UK President of the Community of the Cross of Nails, Co-Chair of the Reuilly Contact Group and President of the Association for Promoting Retreats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Autumn 2019. Review by April McIntyre\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLooking for a wise and inspirational book to draw you deeper into the loving mystery of God’s presence and enrich your ministry? This slim volume by Bishop John Stroyan may be just what you are looking for. It discusses our need to turn constantly back to God, as a sunflower turns its face to the sun, rather than rushing into activity and expecting God to bless the results. Written in short sections helpful for pondering and praying, the book draws on a wide variety of sources from eastern and western traditions: from saints and mystics, writers, poets and theologians, with numerous Bible quotations, contemporary anecdotes plus some stunning colour illustrations. I found it one of the most intelligent, affirming books I have read for a while, with helpful new insights derived from the author’s understanding of Hebrew and Greek texts. Though primarily an aid to the personal spiritual life and ideal for use on quiet days or retreats, there is also much that could be utilised in teaching and preaching, particularly on prayer, forgiveness, unity and, above all, love.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by April McIntyre\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-28T14:49:42+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-28T14:48:34+00:00","vendor":"John Stroyan","type":"eBook","tags":["For individuals","Glassboxx","Mar-19","Spirituality"],"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":53602914926972,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857467577","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Turned by Divine Love: Starting again with God and with others - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":999,"weight":600,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857467577","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/180.png?v=1730134969","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/181.png?v=1730134939"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/180.png?v=1730134969","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":62923503731068,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/180.png?v=1730134969"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/180.png?v=1730134969","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":62923500421500,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/181.png?v=1730134939"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/181.png?v=1730134939","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThis book, the fruit of prayer, theological reflection and rich human experience, evokes fresh praying and thinking about all the key relationships in our lives, beginning with God. Drawing on the rich Christian traditions of both east and west, it speaks of theology and spirituality, to the head and the heart. It is a book of hope, encouraging us all to make a fresh start with God and, entering more fully into the relationship of love to which he invites us, to go out and to witness to this love. In this unique bringing together of the riches of the Christian east and west is the call to hear God's gracious voice today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a spirituality book which urges contemplation, stillness and a good, hard look at ourselves. The author draws on quotes from many different church traditions (eastern and western) to show that this is a global, biblical call rather than a cultural one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter has multiple spaces devoted to contemplation - 'Pause to pray' and 'Pause to ponder'. These can be made much of and give weight to the book's focus on stillness and the examination of your heart. Drawing inspiration and quotations from all walks of the Christian life, from all centuries, also gives it a truly ecumenical feel and approach - this is for everyone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book John Stroyan gives us something of immense beauty and energising hope drawn from the faith and spiritual vision of many centuries. He refreshes the old and gives new life to what has aged. That this is the gift of a contemplative teacher and a bishop in the church of our time is itself a source of hope and a wonderfully surprising cause to celebrate. Laurence Freeman OSB\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn Stroyan is the Bishop of Warwick. He is the UK President of the Community of the Cross of Nails, Co-Chair of the Reuilly Contact Group and President of the Association for Promoting Retreats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Autumn 2019. Review by April McIntyre\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLooking for a wise and inspirational book to draw you deeper into the loving mystery of God’s presence and enrich your ministry? This slim volume by Bishop John Stroyan may be just what you are looking for. It discusses our need to turn constantly back to God, as a sunflower turns its face to the sun, rather than rushing into activity and expecting God to bless the results. Written in short sections helpful for pondering and praying, the book draws on a wide variety of sources from eastern and western traditions: from saints and mystics, writers, poets and theologians, with numerous Bible quotations, contemporary anecdotes plus some stunning colour illustrations. I found it one of the most intelligent, affirming books I have read for a while, with helpful new insights derived from the author’s understanding of Hebrew and Greek texts. Though primarily an aid to the personal spiritual life and ideal for use on quiet days or retreats, there is also much that could be utilised in teaching and preaching, particularly on prayer, forgiveness, unity and, above all, love.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by April McIntyre\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Digital eBook Only - This book, the fruit of prayer, theological reflection and rich human experience, evokes fresh praying and...
{"id":14698915463548,"title":"Jesus said, 'I am': Finding life in the everyday","handle":"jesus-said-i-am-finding-life-in-the-everyday-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eDrawing on the imagery of the Hebrew scriptures, Jesus identifies himself as the 'I am' of Israel's narrative. Through sensitive retelling, thoughtful discussion and creative exercises, Andrea Skevington shows the transforming power of Jesus' words. Each chapter focuses on a different 'I am' saying and offers ideas for reflection and response, including suggestions for further study, prayer and meditation, creative response, 'life and service' practical outreach, music suggestions and further reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJesus said, 'I am' integrates faith and imagination, story and study, helping reader towards a well-grounded and more profound faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrea Skevington lives in Suffolk with her family. She writes for both adults and children, winning the Christian Book of the Year award (Speaking Volumes) for her retelling, The Lion Classic Bible (Lion Hudson, 2011). She also preaches and leads Bible studies and children's groups, creative writing workshops and retreats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo read Andrea's lockdown blog and read some of her lockdown poems click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/writer-poet-and-blogger-andrea-skevington-reflects-on-jesus-i-am-sayings-in-light-of-lockdown\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry digital edition 2. Review by Rosemary Walters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubtitled ‘Finding Life in the Everyday’\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e, \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003enearly all the chapters in this book are built on specific ‘I Am’ sayings of Jesus. Its great strength is the combination in each chapter of contextual and theological analysis, reflections for study and contemplation and a variety of creative ideas. This makes it valuable in a variety of settings: retreats, study days, weekly courses based on each chapter, as well as Fresh Expressions and Messy Church. The theological background in each chapter is concise yet informative and the study questions are challenging. The emphasis in the creative response sections invites reflection and action based on personal experience and the prayer resources could equally well be used in formal and informal liturgical settings. The scope of reference is wide, poets, philosophers and a variety of theological material, helpful for those preaching as well as group and individual contexts. Andrea Skevington says in her introduction that writing this book has changed the way she sees following Jesus. Her vision for the book, that it will take the reader deeper into the adventure of discovering who Jesus is, and who they are as individuals comes alive from the very start when she begins exploring the implications of the phrase ‘I am’. The connections between Old Testament history and concepts of God and the teachings of Jesus moves naturally in each chapter to links with contemporary experience and opportunity for action. This book is a valuable resource for ministry and personal reflection. It lives up to its subtitle of ‘Finding Life in the Everyday’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Rosemary Walters \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWoman Alive: WA Book Club April 2019. Review by Amy Boucher-Pye\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis month I'm reading ...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI love having a book that I really want to share with you. Some months I flail around, starting a novel and discarding it before moving on to a life story or an exploration of Christian discipleship. But sometimes a wonderful book comes along that I can highlight unreservedly, such as Andrea Skevington's\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eJesus said, 'I am'.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn it she delves into the 'I am' sayings of Jesus according to John's Gospel. In the Greek Jesus says\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eego eimi\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e24 times, seven of which have become the 'I am' sayings. Andrea explores these (from 'I am the bread of life' to 'I am the good shepherd' to 'I am the true vine') and also the interesting story of the woman at the well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI love how she splits her chapters into halves. First she digs into the particular story, unpacking the context of what Jesus experienced. The second half moves to reflection and response, including searching questions for individual pondering or group discussion. She also suggests various creative responses, such as writing, photography,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003electio divina,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eand other exercises.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo give you a flavour, let's look at the story of the woman at the well (John 4). Andrea sets the story in its context - that of conflict, not only between the Jews and the Samaritans, but also between Jesus and the Pharisees. Jesus stops at the well that Jacob gave to Joseph, which reminds the reader of the long history of God's people. Here Jesus acts as a peacemaker in the midst of conflict. He speaks to one ostracised by society - a woman who has had many husbands. We might judge this woman, but as Andrea observes, in that day, men easily acquired divorces and early death was common.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJesus humbly asks the woman for a drink. He recognises her as made in the image of God as he cuts through her layers of shame and hiding. Seeing her for who she is, he sets her free. She in turn leaves behind the water jug and goes forth joyfully to share the good news with those who were shaming her. Perhaps that jug, Andrea observes, symbolises the old life left behind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter exploring the story (with more depth than I've conveyed here), Andrea leads us into some questions, including, 'Are there people you would be reluctant to talk to and drink with? If so, why?' I particularly like her creative response of choosing a striking phrase from the Bible story; hers is 'the well is deep'. We sit with that phrase, playing with it through poetry or prose, writing a story or jotting down some thoughts about it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're looking for a book to deepen your faith and love for Jesus, give this one a try. You'll be enriched and encouraged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Amy Boucher-Pye, Editor WA Book Club\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform, April 2019. Review by Catherine Ball\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hebrew scriptures record God’s revelation of the name of the Godhead to Moses as: ‘I am who I am.’ Jesus was the long-awaited Jewish Messiah, but not the type of Messiah expected by his contemporaries. He was not a rich and powerful prince or a trained priest in the temple of Jerusalem. His ministry was not to lead an army to attack and overthrow Rome, but to lay down his life for the world. Yet, he could only accomplish this if the legal and religious authorities did not realise who he was and what he had come to do.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo those who had ears to hear and eyes to see, Andrea Skevington argues, Jesus reveals himself as the Son of Man and Son of God in a most original and startling way in his famous ‘I am’ sayings: ‘I am the bread of life.’ ‘I am the light of the world.’ ‘I am the good shepherd.’ ‘I am the gate for the sheep.’ ‘I am the resurrection and the life.’ ‘I am the way, the truth and the life.’ ‘I am the true vine.’ As Skevington says, ‘I am’ is such a common construction in every language; it is how we define ourselves, but it is also a very deep mystery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter of this book explores one of the stories in which Jesus says, ‘I am…’ It looks at its context and characters and shows the transforming power of Jesus’ words for his listeners. Skevington goes beyond the classic seven ‘I am’ statements, also including Jesus’ words to the woman at the well and what he said when he was confronted by soldiers in the garden of Gethsemane: ‘I am he for whom you are looking.’ Each time, Skevington includes a prayer and meditation and gives suggestions for further study and some creative responses in service and practical outreach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book could be used by individuals for their own personal faith development or used as a study guide for group discussions. It would make an excellent Lent course!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCatherine Ball is Minister of the Free Church, St Ives and Fenstanton United Reformed Church\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e ______________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview on https:\/\/monasteriesoftheheart.org\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a unique look at the things Jesus says about himself. It has a few pages of retelling and discussion of each passage, followed by a huge quantity of suggestions for responses -questions to invite thinking, prayer and meditation and creative ideas, with drawing, writing and making, getting out and about in creation and suggestions for activism, service and worship. It is such a rich resource that in one small book there is enough to return to again and again. A real delight of practical theology. Andrea has a blog where you can explore sections from her work as a gift. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times Round up May 2019. Review by Pieter J Lalleman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuthor and amateur-theologian Skevington presents nine chapters of material on the ‘I am’ sayings of Jesus in John’s Gospel. She deals with Jesus as the bread of life (chapter 3), the light of the world (4), the good shepherd and the gate (together in 5), the resurrection and the life (6), the way, the truth and the life (7), and the true vine (8). The short ninth and final chapter is about Jesus’ saying ‘I am he’ in John 18:5.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChapter 1 discusses the revelation of God’s name ‘I Am’ (Yahweh) to Moses in Exodus 3 and chapter 2 is about Jesus and the women at the well, to whom he says that he is the Messiah, using the same words ‘I am’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first part of each chapter contains the full text of the Scripture passage and a study of it, the second part offers numerous suggestions for ‘reflection and response’: questions, references to similar passages with questions about them, prayers, suggestions for activities, suggestions for further reading, and much more. For example, after ‘I am the bread of life’ we are invited to bake bread, to reflect on avoiding waste and to consider fasting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSkevington’s explanations of Scripture are attractive and generally to the point, although occasionally driven by association rather than by strict interpretation. She fills some Greek words with more meaning than they have in themselves. The suggested responses are naturally more diverse and the ideas for further study touch on the entire Christian life. This means that in the end this positive book reaches far and wide. It will surely help attentive readers in their life of faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore about the author and her books can be found on her website. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/andreaskevington.com\/\"\u003ehttps:\/\/andreaskevington.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd Dr Pieter J. Lalleman teaches Bible at Spurgeon's College\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-28T15:30:48+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-28T15:29:42+00:00","vendor":"Andrea Skevington","type":"eBook","tags":["Biblical engagement","Devotional","For individuals","Glassboxx","Jan-19","Spirituality"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"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":53602941698428,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465689","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Jesus said, 'I am': Finding life in the everyday - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":899,"weight":180,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465689","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/186.png?v=1730134970","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/187.png?v=1730134957"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/186.png?v=1730134970","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":62923503698300,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/186.png?v=1730134970"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/186.png?v=1730134970","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":62923502158204,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/187.png?v=1730134957"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/187.png?v=1730134957","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eDrawing on the imagery of the Hebrew scriptures, Jesus identifies himself as the 'I am' of Israel's narrative. Through sensitive retelling, thoughtful discussion and creative exercises, Andrea Skevington shows the transforming power of Jesus' words. Each chapter focuses on a different 'I am' saying and offers ideas for reflection and response, including suggestions for further study, prayer and meditation, creative response, 'life and service' practical outreach, music suggestions and further reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJesus said, 'I am' integrates faith and imagination, story and study, helping reader towards a well-grounded and more profound faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrea Skevington lives in Suffolk with her family. She writes for both adults and children, winning the Christian Book of the Year award (Speaking Volumes) for her retelling, The Lion Classic Bible (Lion Hudson, 2011). She also preaches and leads Bible studies and children's groups, creative writing workshops and retreats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo read Andrea's lockdown blog and read some of her lockdown poems click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/writer-poet-and-blogger-andrea-skevington-reflects-on-jesus-i-am-sayings-in-light-of-lockdown\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry digital edition 2. Review by Rosemary Walters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubtitled ‘Finding Life in the Everyday’\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e, \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003enearly all the chapters in this book are built on specific ‘I Am’ sayings of Jesus. Its great strength is the combination in each chapter of contextual and theological analysis, reflections for study and contemplation and a variety of creative ideas. This makes it valuable in a variety of settings: retreats, study days, weekly courses based on each chapter, as well as Fresh Expressions and Messy Church. The theological background in each chapter is concise yet informative and the study questions are challenging. The emphasis in the creative response sections invites reflection and action based on personal experience and the prayer resources could equally well be used in formal and informal liturgical settings. The scope of reference is wide, poets, philosophers and a variety of theological material, helpful for those preaching as well as group and individual contexts. Andrea Skevington says in her introduction that writing this book has changed the way she sees following Jesus. Her vision for the book, that it will take the reader deeper into the adventure of discovering who Jesus is, and who they are as individuals comes alive from the very start when she begins exploring the implications of the phrase ‘I am’. The connections between Old Testament history and concepts of God and the teachings of Jesus moves naturally in each chapter to links with contemporary experience and opportunity for action. This book is a valuable resource for ministry and personal reflection. It lives up to its subtitle of ‘Finding Life in the Everyday’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Rosemary Walters \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWoman Alive: WA Book Club April 2019. Review by Amy Boucher-Pye\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis month I'm reading ...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI love having a book that I really want to share with you. Some months I flail around, starting a novel and discarding it before moving on to a life story or an exploration of Christian discipleship. But sometimes a wonderful book comes along that I can highlight unreservedly, such as Andrea Skevington's\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eJesus said, 'I am'.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn it she delves into the 'I am' sayings of Jesus according to John's Gospel. In the Greek Jesus says\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eego eimi\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e24 times, seven of which have become the 'I am' sayings. Andrea explores these (from 'I am the bread of life' to 'I am the good shepherd' to 'I am the true vine') and also the interesting story of the woman at the well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI love how she splits her chapters into halves. First she digs into the particular story, unpacking the context of what Jesus experienced. The second half moves to reflection and response, including searching questions for individual pondering or group discussion. She also suggests various creative responses, such as writing, photography,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003electio divina,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eand other exercises.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo give you a flavour, let's look at the story of the woman at the well (John 4). Andrea sets the story in its context - that of conflict, not only between the Jews and the Samaritans, but also between Jesus and the Pharisees. Jesus stops at the well that Jacob gave to Joseph, which reminds the reader of the long history of God's people. Here Jesus acts as a peacemaker in the midst of conflict. He speaks to one ostracised by society - a woman who has had many husbands. We might judge this woman, but as Andrea observes, in that day, men easily acquired divorces and early death was common.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJesus humbly asks the woman for a drink. He recognises her as made in the image of God as he cuts through her layers of shame and hiding. Seeing her for who she is, he sets her free. She in turn leaves behind the water jug and goes forth joyfully to share the good news with those who were shaming her. Perhaps that jug, Andrea observes, symbolises the old life left behind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter exploring the story (with more depth than I've conveyed here), Andrea leads us into some questions, including, 'Are there people you would be reluctant to talk to and drink with? If so, why?' I particularly like her creative response of choosing a striking phrase from the Bible story; hers is 'the well is deep'. We sit with that phrase, playing with it through poetry or prose, writing a story or jotting down some thoughts about it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're looking for a book to deepen your faith and love for Jesus, give this one a try. You'll be enriched and encouraged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Amy Boucher-Pye, Editor WA Book Club\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform, April 2019. Review by Catherine Ball\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hebrew scriptures record God’s revelation of the name of the Godhead to Moses as: ‘I am who I am.’ Jesus was the long-awaited Jewish Messiah, but not the type of Messiah expected by his contemporaries. He was not a rich and powerful prince or a trained priest in the temple of Jerusalem. His ministry was not to lead an army to attack and overthrow Rome, but to lay down his life for the world. Yet, he could only accomplish this if the legal and religious authorities did not realise who he was and what he had come to do.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo those who had ears to hear and eyes to see, Andrea Skevington argues, Jesus reveals himself as the Son of Man and Son of God in a most original and startling way in his famous ‘I am’ sayings: ‘I am the bread of life.’ ‘I am the light of the world.’ ‘I am the good shepherd.’ ‘I am the gate for the sheep.’ ‘I am the resurrection and the life.’ ‘I am the way, the truth and the life.’ ‘I am the true vine.’ As Skevington says, ‘I am’ is such a common construction in every language; it is how we define ourselves, but it is also a very deep mystery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter of this book explores one of the stories in which Jesus says, ‘I am…’ It looks at its context and characters and shows the transforming power of Jesus’ words for his listeners. Skevington goes beyond the classic seven ‘I am’ statements, also including Jesus’ words to the woman at the well and what he said when he was confronted by soldiers in the garden of Gethsemane: ‘I am he for whom you are looking.’ Each time, Skevington includes a prayer and meditation and gives suggestions for further study and some creative responses in service and practical outreach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book could be used by individuals for their own personal faith development or used as a study guide for group discussions. It would make an excellent Lent course!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCatherine Ball is Minister of the Free Church, St Ives and Fenstanton United Reformed Church\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e ______________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview on https:\/\/monasteriesoftheheart.org\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a unique look at the things Jesus says about himself. It has a few pages of retelling and discussion of each passage, followed by a huge quantity of suggestions for responses -questions to invite thinking, prayer and meditation and creative ideas, with drawing, writing and making, getting out and about in creation and suggestions for activism, service and worship. It is such a rich resource that in one small book there is enough to return to again and again. A real delight of practical theology. Andrea has a blog where you can explore sections from her work as a gift. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times Round up May 2019. Review by Pieter J Lalleman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuthor and amateur-theologian Skevington presents nine chapters of material on the ‘I am’ sayings of Jesus in John’s Gospel. She deals with Jesus as the bread of life (chapter 3), the light of the world (4), the good shepherd and the gate (together in 5), the resurrection and the life (6), the way, the truth and the life (7), and the true vine (8). The short ninth and final chapter is about Jesus’ saying ‘I am he’ in John 18:5.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChapter 1 discusses the revelation of God’s name ‘I Am’ (Yahweh) to Moses in Exodus 3 and chapter 2 is about Jesus and the women at the well, to whom he says that he is the Messiah, using the same words ‘I am’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first part of each chapter contains the full text of the Scripture passage and a study of it, the second part offers numerous suggestions for ‘reflection and response’: questions, references to similar passages with questions about them, prayers, suggestions for activities, suggestions for further reading, and much more. For example, after ‘I am the bread of life’ we are invited to bake bread, to reflect on avoiding waste and to consider fasting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSkevington’s explanations of Scripture are attractive and generally to the point, although occasionally driven by association rather than by strict interpretation. She fills some Greek words with more meaning than they have in themselves. The suggested responses are naturally more diverse and the ideas for further study touch on the entire Christian life. This means that in the end this positive book reaches far and wide. It will surely help attentive readers in their life of faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore about the author and her books can be found on her website. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/andreaskevington.com\/\"\u003ehttps:\/\/andreaskevington.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd Dr Pieter J. Lalleman teaches Bible at Spurgeon's College\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Jesus said, 'I am': Finding life in the everyday
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Digital eBook Only - Drawing on the imagery of the Hebrew scriptures, Jesus identifies himself as the 'I am' of...
{"id":14698926440828,"title":"Journey to the Centre of the Soul: A handbook for explorers","handle":"journey-to-the-centre-of-the-soul-a-handbook-for-explorers-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThis unique and ground-breaking book is a summons to a subterranean spiritual adventure, an odyssey of the soul. If you let it, it will invigorate and inspire a search for something deeper in the spiritual life, and will link you with trusted spiritual guides to support you as you progress in a journey of discovery. \u003cem\u003eJourney to the Centre of the Soul\u003c\/em\u003e mines the rich seams of Christian spirituality, risks the depths, faces the darkness and make astonishing, transformative discoveries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 Reading the geology of the soul: your spiritual history\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 Entering the cave of the heart: going deeper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 Plunging beneath the waters: the hidden river of prayer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 Carving out cisterns: resources and reserves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 Tunnelling beneath the rock: developing communications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 Plummeting into the abyss: descending into the depths of God\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 Facing the dragons: the dark side\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 Mining buried treasure: unearthing hidden gems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9 Calling from below: subversive prophetic voices\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 Treading lightly - and moving forwards\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI warmly commend Andrew Mayes' 'Journey to the Centre of the Soul' having always enjoyed his writings and derived much encouragement from them. Andrew is able to draw together the wisdom of the ages, from the Fathers, through Byzantium and the Middle Ages, up to the Modern Age. He also infuses this sweep of history with his own imagination and gives readers rich insights as contemporary spiritual needs come into focus.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Bishop Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book on spirituality, but not the fashionable kind: in the author's words, 'narcissistic, self-centred and all about self-empowerment.' Andrew Mayes offers a radical alternative, to be found in a costly journey into the very depths of humanity. Through silence, solitude, detachment and receptivity that journey leads to what he calls 'prophetic spirituality' and an encounter with the 'imprint of divine teaching'. It's not an easy read, but it unlocks some stubborn doors on the way to wonderful possibilities. An important book and possibly unique.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Revd Canon David Winter \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Journey to the Centre of the Soul' is no invitation to introspection. The journey it's about is God's to the caves of Bethlehem, the Mount of Olives and Christ's empty tomb lightening our darkness. As God is all present seeking him in things below rather than above is a creative ploy by Andrew Mayes in tackling superficiality, the curse of our age. An experienced spiritual director versed in Christian authors, Fr Mayes is well equipped by his knowledge of the Holy Land to bring Scripture alive in contexts which reach the unreachable parts of us. There are ten chapters each ending with questions for reflection useful for groups as well as individuals, and a prayer exercise. The handbook is imaginative, well structured and easy to read.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Canon John Twisleton \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Revd Canon Dr Andrew D. Mayes is the Spirituality Adviser for the Diocese of Chichester, where he previously served as director of clergy and lay training. He is an international speaker and teaches at the London Centre for Spirituality, as well as leading retreats across the UK. He is also the author of several books on spirituality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Summer 2018\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview by Rona Orme\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis may be a spiritual book for explorers, as it is subtitled, but it certainly is not for beginners. It is for those well-versed in the scriptures and with a rudimentary knowledge of some mystical writers. A degree of comfort with theological vocabulary will also help. Not a quick or easy read, this book will reward slow, reflective reading. As an extended metaphor of underground landscape to encourage spiritual awareness, it is original and stimulating. Some may find there is too much geological information. The prayer exercises in each chapter are imaginative and varied. The book could be used as the basis for a retreat or with an experienced home group. Spiritual directors and those looking for fresh imagery for the work of the Spirit will find much of value here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Rona Orme\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times review by Peter McGeary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the past few months, I have had to lead quiet days for different groups of men and women preparing for ordination. Not having done much of this kind of thing, I was aware that, in my inexperience, I was using far too many words to communicate far too many things. I only hope that they got something out of it all.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew Mayes uses plenty of words in his book, but he does so in a much more focused way than I did, to get the reader to concentrate more closely on particular aspects of the spiritual life. He is an experienced retreat-giver, and knows that any words he uses are there to instil prayer and reflection in the reader.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than throw out lots of ideas to see if some of them will stick, he uses each chapter to drill down and distil reflection on an aspect of the spiritual life: one's spiritual history, resources that can help, confronting darkness in prayer, being open to surprising things, and so on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMayes spent several years living and working in the Holy Land, and this experience gives shape to the text: each chapter comes out from the ground, so to speak, as an observation on some aspect of the geology or geography of a place leads to reflections on the spiritual life and what we can learn. This is, I suppose, a kind of 'contextual spirituality'. Each chapter ends with questions to ponder and an exercise to do, which helps to make the book usable by groups as well as individuals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bible has bequeathed to us an inheritance of imagery which Christians cannot help but believe: the ground and what is below is the place of burial, death, the underworld, damnation. To apprehend God, we need to look up and ascend. And many are the writers who have helped this imagery along, with their circles of hell or their spiritual mountains.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMayes is rightly not content with this: digging down, going underground, is to do here with profundity, truthfulness, and substance: the journey that can be exhilarating, frightening, and difficult, but which leads to transformation and true enrichment, bringing one closer to the One who is beyond all images.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Revd Peter McGeary is the Vicar of St Mary's Cable Street, in East London and a Priest-Vicar at Westminster Abbey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Canon John Twisleton\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI read this book on pilgrimage to Lourdes so its theme of God revealing himself in caves chimed in with my experience there though the book is built around Holy Land pilgrimage. The title 'Journey to the Centre of the Soul' is not primarily an invitation to introspection. The journey it's about is God's to the caves of Bethlehem, the Mount of Olives and Christ's empty tomb lightening our darkness. As God is all present, seeking him in things below rather than above is a refreshing 'subterranean spiritual adventure, an odyssey of the soul' led by the ever-creative Andrew Mayes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuperficiality is the curse of our age, the author declaims as he opens up rich seams of Christian spirituality to assist our transformation from the inside out. An experienced spiritual director versed in Christian authors, Fr Mayes is well equipped by his knowledge of the Holy Land to bring Scripture alive in contexts which reach the unreachable parts of us. As I viewed the Lourdes Grotto where Bernadette unearthed the healing stream I found myself, in Andrew Mayes' words, 'slipping into the abyss of God's love... for... Christ is abiding, residing at the centre of being. \u003cem\u003eHe\u003c\/em\u003e is in fact the very centre of the soul!'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Journey to the Centre of the Soul' has ten chapters each ending with questions for reflection, useful for groups as well as individuals, and a prayer exercise. I liked the Eckhart quote about the Spirit of God as a great underground river and the question: 'What is the evidence, outer or inner, in your life that indicates the hidden, secret presence of the Spirit deep within?'. The associated prayer exercise builds expectation on Jesus as giver of the Spirit. The chapter on 'Facing the dragons: the dark side' ends with a meditation on the demoniac of Mark 5:1-20 and what it is to 'live among the tombs' with a reflection on a Richard Rohr quotation: 'The path of descent is the path of transformation. Darkness, failure, relapse, death and woundedness are our primary teachers, rather than ideas or doctrines.'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe power of the book is its rooting of Christian spirituality in the bible and provocative spatial images with appeal to wisdom across traditions 'from Hadewijch to Soelle, Rolle to Rohr, Meister Eckhart to Moltmann and Angela of Toligno to Roman Williams' (BRF press release). It ends with a helpful and typically provocative examination of spirituality itself tackling the persistent dualism between the holy and the profane, the other-worldly and the worldly. As a spiritual handbook it is imaginative, well structured and easy to read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanon John Twisleton, Haywards Heath\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-28T15:38:38+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-28T15:36:13+00:00","vendor":"Andrew D. Mayes","type":"eBook","tags":["For individuals","Glassboxx","Jun-17","Spirituality"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"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":53602944778620,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465856","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Journey to the Centre of the Soul: A handbook for explorers - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":899,"weight":197,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465856","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/188.png?v=1730134961","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/189.png?v=1730134957"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/188.png?v=1730134961","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":62923502518652,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/188.png?v=1730134961"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/188.png?v=1730134961","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":62923502354812,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/189.png?v=1730134957"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/189.png?v=1730134957","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThis unique and ground-breaking book is a summons to a subterranean spiritual adventure, an odyssey of the soul. If you let it, it will invigorate and inspire a search for something deeper in the spiritual life, and will link you with trusted spiritual guides to support you as you progress in a journey of discovery. \u003cem\u003eJourney to the Centre of the Soul\u003c\/em\u003e mines the rich seams of Christian spirituality, risks the depths, faces the darkness and make astonishing, transformative discoveries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 Reading the geology of the soul: your spiritual history\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 Entering the cave of the heart: going deeper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 Plunging beneath the waters: the hidden river of prayer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 Carving out cisterns: resources and reserves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 Tunnelling beneath the rock: developing communications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 Plummeting into the abyss: descending into the depths of God\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 Facing the dragons: the dark side\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 Mining buried treasure: unearthing hidden gems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9 Calling from below: subversive prophetic voices\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 Treading lightly - and moving forwards\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI warmly commend Andrew Mayes' 'Journey to the Centre of the Soul' having always enjoyed his writings and derived much encouragement from them. Andrew is able to draw together the wisdom of the ages, from the Fathers, through Byzantium and the Middle Ages, up to the Modern Age. He also infuses this sweep of history with his own imagination and gives readers rich insights as contemporary spiritual needs come into focus.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Bishop Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book on spirituality, but not the fashionable kind: in the author's words, 'narcissistic, self-centred and all about self-empowerment.' Andrew Mayes offers a radical alternative, to be found in a costly journey into the very depths of humanity. Through silence, solitude, detachment and receptivity that journey leads to what he calls 'prophetic spirituality' and an encounter with the 'imprint of divine teaching'. It's not an easy read, but it unlocks some stubborn doors on the way to wonderful possibilities. An important book and possibly unique.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Revd Canon David Winter \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Journey to the Centre of the Soul' is no invitation to introspection. The journey it's about is God's to the caves of Bethlehem, the Mount of Olives and Christ's empty tomb lightening our darkness. As God is all present seeking him in things below rather than above is a creative ploy by Andrew Mayes in tackling superficiality, the curse of our age. An experienced spiritual director versed in Christian authors, Fr Mayes is well equipped by his knowledge of the Holy Land to bring Scripture alive in contexts which reach the unreachable parts of us. There are ten chapters each ending with questions for reflection useful for groups as well as individuals, and a prayer exercise. The handbook is imaginative, well structured and easy to read.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Canon John Twisleton \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Revd Canon Dr Andrew D. Mayes is the Spirituality Adviser for the Diocese of Chichester, where he previously served as director of clergy and lay training. He is an international speaker and teaches at the London Centre for Spirituality, as well as leading retreats across the UK. He is also the author of several books on spirituality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Summer 2018\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview by Rona Orme\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis may be a spiritual book for explorers, as it is subtitled, but it certainly is not for beginners. It is for those well-versed in the scriptures and with a rudimentary knowledge of some mystical writers. A degree of comfort with theological vocabulary will also help. Not a quick or easy read, this book will reward slow, reflective reading. As an extended metaphor of underground landscape to encourage spiritual awareness, it is original and stimulating. Some may find there is too much geological information. The prayer exercises in each chapter are imaginative and varied. The book could be used as the basis for a retreat or with an experienced home group. Spiritual directors and those looking for fresh imagery for the work of the Spirit will find much of value here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Rona Orme\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times review by Peter McGeary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the past few months, I have had to lead quiet days for different groups of men and women preparing for ordination. Not having done much of this kind of thing, I was aware that, in my inexperience, I was using far too many words to communicate far too many things. I only hope that they got something out of it all.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew Mayes uses plenty of words in his book, but he does so in a much more focused way than I did, to get the reader to concentrate more closely on particular aspects of the spiritual life. He is an experienced retreat-giver, and knows that any words he uses are there to instil prayer and reflection in the reader.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than throw out lots of ideas to see if some of them will stick, he uses each chapter to drill down and distil reflection on an aspect of the spiritual life: one's spiritual history, resources that can help, confronting darkness in prayer, being open to surprising things, and so on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMayes spent several years living and working in the Holy Land, and this experience gives shape to the text: each chapter comes out from the ground, so to speak, as an observation on some aspect of the geology or geography of a place leads to reflections on the spiritual life and what we can learn. This is, I suppose, a kind of 'contextual spirituality'. Each chapter ends with questions to ponder and an exercise to do, which helps to make the book usable by groups as well as individuals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bible has bequeathed to us an inheritance of imagery which Christians cannot help but believe: the ground and what is below is the place of burial, death, the underworld, damnation. To apprehend God, we need to look up and ascend. And many are the writers who have helped this imagery along, with their circles of hell or their spiritual mountains.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMayes is rightly not content with this: digging down, going underground, is to do here with profundity, truthfulness, and substance: the journey that can be exhilarating, frightening, and difficult, but which leads to transformation and true enrichment, bringing one closer to the One who is beyond all images.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Revd Peter McGeary is the Vicar of St Mary's Cable Street, in East London and a Priest-Vicar at Westminster Abbey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Canon John Twisleton\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI read this book on pilgrimage to Lourdes so its theme of God revealing himself in caves chimed in with my experience there though the book is built around Holy Land pilgrimage. The title 'Journey to the Centre of the Soul' is not primarily an invitation to introspection. The journey it's about is God's to the caves of Bethlehem, the Mount of Olives and Christ's empty tomb lightening our darkness. As God is all present, seeking him in things below rather than above is a refreshing 'subterranean spiritual adventure, an odyssey of the soul' led by the ever-creative Andrew Mayes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuperficiality is the curse of our age, the author declaims as he opens up rich seams of Christian spirituality to assist our transformation from the inside out. An experienced spiritual director versed in Christian authors, Fr Mayes is well equipped by his knowledge of the Holy Land to bring Scripture alive in contexts which reach the unreachable parts of us. As I viewed the Lourdes Grotto where Bernadette unearthed the healing stream I found myself, in Andrew Mayes' words, 'slipping into the abyss of God's love... for... Christ is abiding, residing at the centre of being. \u003cem\u003eHe\u003c\/em\u003e is in fact the very centre of the soul!'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Journey to the Centre of the Soul' has ten chapters each ending with questions for reflection, useful for groups as well as individuals, and a prayer exercise. I liked the Eckhart quote about the Spirit of God as a great underground river and the question: 'What is the evidence, outer or inner, in your life that indicates the hidden, secret presence of the Spirit deep within?'. The associated prayer exercise builds expectation on Jesus as giver of the Spirit. The chapter on 'Facing the dragons: the dark side' ends with a meditation on the demoniac of Mark 5:1-20 and what it is to 'live among the tombs' with a reflection on a Richard Rohr quotation: 'The path of descent is the path of transformation. Darkness, failure, relapse, death and woundedness are our primary teachers, rather than ideas or doctrines.'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe power of the book is its rooting of Christian spirituality in the bible and provocative spatial images with appeal to wisdom across traditions 'from Hadewijch to Soelle, Rolle to Rohr, Meister Eckhart to Moltmann and Angela of Toligno to Roman Williams' (BRF press release). It ends with a helpful and typically provocative examination of spirituality itself tackling the persistent dualism between the holy and the profane, the other-worldly and the worldly. As a spiritual handbook it is imaginative, well structured and easy to read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanon John Twisleton, Haywards Heath\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Journey to the Centre of the Soul: A handbook for explorers
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Digital eBook Only - This unique and ground-breaking book is a summons to a subterranean spiritual adventure, an odyssey of...
{"id":14698948329852,"title":"The BRF Book of 100 Prayers: Resourcing your spiritual journey","handle":"the-brf-book-of-100-prayers-resourcing-your-spiritual-journey","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eAn illustrated collection of prayers by Martyn Payne. Prayer is at the heart of BRFʼs work, and this special illustrated anniversary collection is a celebration of prayer for BRFʼs centenary year. It can be used in a range of different settings, from individual devotions to corporate worship. Including sections on prayers of preparation, seasonal prayers, and themed prayers for special times and hard times, it is the perfect daily companion to resource your spiritual journey.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart 1: Approaching God\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePart 2: Prayers for the journey\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePart 3: Seasons of the Christian year\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePart 4: Together through the generations\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePart 5: How should we live?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8IEyVK5wrZI\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFormerly part of BRFʼs Messy Church team, Martyn Payne is BRFʼs prayer advocate and a gifted storyteller whose previous books The Big Story (2011) and Creative Ways to Tell a Bible Story (2012) demonstrate the variety of approaches he uses to bring the Bible alive for children and adults alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Summer 2023. Review by Liz Pacey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor those of us who regularly write prayers, this book has immediate appeal. A celebration of BRF’s centenary year, the slim, attractively bound volume is a joy to hold. Most prayers were written and shared online during the pandemic, and it is very special to reflect on words of encouragement from those difficult times. The book also covers a wider timespan, containing prayers and excerpts written at the beginning of the BRF ministry. It is wonderful to look back and see how prayer has truly shaped a ministry and made it bloom. The book has five categories: Approaching God; Prayers for the Journey; Seasons of the Christian Year; Together through the generations; How should we live? Each short daily prayer is accompanied by a thought, many of which are quotations from a wide variety of spiritual leaders, past and present. It encourages us to take the space to pray, meditate and wonder on our own, and then be prepared to be catapulted into the heady joy of sharing. A book to keep and, maybe, buy an extra copy as a gift.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Liz Pacey \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCountry Way Autumn 2022\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003eThis is a small hardback book with a ribbon book mark. It would easily fit into a small back or not take up much space in a rucksack. This book has been published to commemorate the centenary of the Bible Reading Foundation to ‘Resource Your Spiritual Journey’. In the foreword, it reminds us that the world was fighting a pandemic in 1918, just as we were fighting our own pandemic in 2020 and tells us that nearly all of the prayers written in this book were done so during the lockdown of Covid-19. The prayers are divided into five sections which can be used in either a church setting or by individuals. What I liked best about this book is that not only do you have the prayers, but there are also little quotes or thoughts and occasionally a bible verse, written on each page. These little messages helped me to think more deeply about what had been written in the prayers and definitely guided me on my journey. This book would make a lovely gift for a friend or loved one, whether they are just starting out on their spiritual journey or are well travelled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMethodist Recorder 26.08.22. Review by Judith Lampard\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eIn order to celebrate its centenary, BRF has published this treasury of prayers. Appropriately, The BRF Book of 100 Prayers: Resourcing your Spiritual Journey by Martin Payne begins with its Centenary Prayer thanking God for the growth of the work, from its local beginnings to its worldwide reach today. The Rev Leslie Mannering’s challenging words to his congregation in Brixton, south London, 100 years ago are remembered: ‘How can St Matthew’s become a spiritual force?… Only if our congregation as a solid whole realises that prayer and intercession is their supreme work as Christians.’ This is still BRFs’ vision today. Currently BRF has four areas of ministry: Anna Chaplaincy, offering spiritual care in older life; Living Faith; Messy Church and Parenting for Faith. Many readers will be aware of the regular prayer resources the charity produces. This book is a most welcome addition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eMartyn Payne reminds readers that at the end of the First World War, the so-called Spanish flu killed around 50 million people. A century later the coronavirus pandemic spread rapidly around the world, again causing millions of deaths. Many of these prayers were composed at the time of this pandemic, some appearing initially on social media. With the similarity of emotions of fear, anxiety and loss, at both the start and close of this centenary, BRF is again encouraging people to ‘get a move on’ spiritually, as the need for prayer is as urgent today as it was a century ago.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThese 100 new prayers are intended for private and public use and are divided into five sections: Approaching God, Prayers for the journey, Seasons of the year, Together through the generations, and How should we live? The text is accessible, concise, with well-chosen language and illustrations to complement the words. In addition to the numbered prayers, there are thoughts, comments and biblical quotes offering inspiration, hope and encouragement to readers on their personal spiritual journeys.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe BRF Book of 100 Prayers, in addition to the useful, excellent, content, comes with an attractive cover and a ribbon marker and would be very suitable as a gift on significant occasions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eReviewed by Judith Lampard, a local preacher in the City Road circuit.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-28T15:49:05+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-28T15:48:16+00:00","vendor":"Martyn Payne","type":"eBook","tags":["Biblical engagement","Centenary Collection","Devotional","Glassboxx","Prayer"],"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":53602954969468,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800391697","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The BRF Book of 100 Prayers: Resourcing your spiritual journey - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":1299,"weight":200,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800391697","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/194.png?v=1730134967","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/196.png?v=1730134948"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/194.png?v=1730134967","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":62923503468924,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/194.png?v=1730134967"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/194.png?v=1730134967","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":62923501535612,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/196.png?v=1730134948"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/196.png?v=1730134948","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eAn illustrated collection of prayers by Martyn Payne. Prayer is at the heart of BRFʼs work, and this special illustrated anniversary collection is a celebration of prayer for BRFʼs centenary year. It can be used in a range of different settings, from individual devotions to corporate worship. Including sections on prayers of preparation, seasonal prayers, and themed prayers for special times and hard times, it is the perfect daily companion to resource your spiritual journey.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart 1: Approaching God\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePart 2: Prayers for the journey\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePart 3: Seasons of the Christian year\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePart 4: Together through the generations\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePart 5: How should we live?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8IEyVK5wrZI\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFormerly part of BRFʼs Messy Church team, Martyn Payne is BRFʼs prayer advocate and a gifted storyteller whose previous books The Big Story (2011) and Creative Ways to Tell a Bible Story (2012) demonstrate the variety of approaches he uses to bring the Bible alive for children and adults alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Summer 2023. Review by Liz Pacey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor those of us who regularly write prayers, this book has immediate appeal. A celebration of BRF’s centenary year, the slim, attractively bound volume is a joy to hold. Most prayers were written and shared online during the pandemic, and it is very special to reflect on words of encouragement from those difficult times. The book also covers a wider timespan, containing prayers and excerpts written at the beginning of the BRF ministry. It is wonderful to look back and see how prayer has truly shaped a ministry and made it bloom. The book has five categories: Approaching God; Prayers for the Journey; Seasons of the Christian Year; Together through the generations; How should we live? Each short daily prayer is accompanied by a thought, many of which are quotations from a wide variety of spiritual leaders, past and present. It encourages us to take the space to pray, meditate and wonder on our own, and then be prepared to be catapulted into the heady joy of sharing. A book to keep and, maybe, buy an extra copy as a gift.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Liz Pacey \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCountry Way Autumn 2022\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003eThis is a small hardback book with a ribbon book mark. It would easily fit into a small back or not take up much space in a rucksack. This book has been published to commemorate the centenary of the Bible Reading Foundation to ‘Resource Your Spiritual Journey’. In the foreword, it reminds us that the world was fighting a pandemic in 1918, just as we were fighting our own pandemic in 2020 and tells us that nearly all of the prayers written in this book were done so during the lockdown of Covid-19. The prayers are divided into five sections which can be used in either a church setting or by individuals. What I liked best about this book is that not only do you have the prayers, but there are also little quotes or thoughts and occasionally a bible verse, written on each page. These little messages helped me to think more deeply about what had been written in the prayers and definitely guided me on my journey. This book would make a lovely gift for a friend or loved one, whether they are just starting out on their spiritual journey or are well travelled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMethodist Recorder 26.08.22. Review by Judith Lampard\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eIn order to celebrate its centenary, BRF has published this treasury of prayers. Appropriately, The BRF Book of 100 Prayers: Resourcing your Spiritual Journey by Martin Payne begins with its Centenary Prayer thanking God for the growth of the work, from its local beginnings to its worldwide reach today. The Rev Leslie Mannering’s challenging words to his congregation in Brixton, south London, 100 years ago are remembered: ‘How can St Matthew’s become a spiritual force?… Only if our congregation as a solid whole realises that prayer and intercession is their supreme work as Christians.’ This is still BRFs’ vision today. Currently BRF has four areas of ministry: Anna Chaplaincy, offering spiritual care in older life; Living Faith; Messy Church and Parenting for Faith. Many readers will be aware of the regular prayer resources the charity produces. This book is a most welcome addition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eMartyn Payne reminds readers that at the end of the First World War, the so-called Spanish flu killed around 50 million people. A century later the coronavirus pandemic spread rapidly around the world, again causing millions of deaths. Many of these prayers were composed at the time of this pandemic, some appearing initially on social media. With the similarity of emotions of fear, anxiety and loss, at both the start and close of this centenary, BRF is again encouraging people to ‘get a move on’ spiritually, as the need for prayer is as urgent today as it was a century ago.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThese 100 new prayers are intended for private and public use and are divided into five sections: Approaching God, Prayers for the journey, Seasons of the year, Together through the generations, and How should we live? The text is accessible, concise, with well-chosen language and illustrations to complement the words. In addition to the numbered prayers, there are thoughts, comments and biblical quotes offering inspiration, hope and encouragement to readers on their personal spiritual journeys.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe BRF Book of 100 Prayers, in addition to the useful, excellent, content, comes with an attractive cover and a ribbon marker and would be very suitable as a gift on significant occasions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eReviewed by Judith Lampard, a local preacher in the City Road circuit.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
The BRF Book of 100 Prayers: Resourcing your spiritual journey
£12.99
Digital eBook Only - An illustrated collection of prayers by Martyn Payne. Prayer is at the heart of BRFʼs work, and...
{"id":14699209949564,"title":"When You Pray: Daily Bible reflections on the Lord's Prayer","handle":"when-you-pray-daily-bible-reflections-on-the-lords-prayer-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eIn this updated edition of a classic text, Joanna Collicutt shows how growing as a Christian is rooted in the prayer Jesus gave us. As we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we express our relationship with God, absorb gospel values and are also motivated to live them out. As we pray to the Father, in union with the Son, through the power of the Spirit, so we begin to take on the character of Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRevd Canon Dr Joanna Collicutt is Karl Jaspers Lecturer in Psychology and Spirituality at Ripon College Cuddesdon. She is also an associate minister in an Oxfordshire parish. Her other books include \u003cem\u003eThe Psychology of Christian Character Formation\u003c\/em\u003e (SCM, 2015), \u003cem\u003eThinking of You: A resource for the spiritual care of people with dementia\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2017) and \u003cem\u003eSeriously Messy: Making space for families to talk about death and life together\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2019).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Her literary style is delightfully unstuffy, tight, direct, and humorous. Collicutt comes across as a familiar friend, a fellow traveller who understands and empathises with the human condition, boldly walking with you to draw you to your true home.’\u003cbr\u003eDavid Wilbourne, former Assistant Bishop of Llandaff\u003cbr\u003ePreviously published as a BRF Lent Book.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-28T18:03:18+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-28T18:03:18+00:00","vendor":"Joanna Collicutt","type":"eBook","tags":["Devotional","For individuals","Glassboxx","Prayer"],"price":1099,"price_min":1099,"price_max":1099,"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":53603091808636,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857468680","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":71603692536188,"product_id":14699209949564,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-10-28T17:02:25+00:00","updated_at":"2024-10-28T17:02:27+00:00","alt":null,"width":1303,"height":2000,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/166.png?v=1730134947","variant_ids":[53603091808636]},"available":true,"name":"When You Pray: Daily Bible reflections on the Lord's Prayer - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":1099,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857468680","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":62923501306236,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/166.png?v=1730134947"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/166.png?v=1730134947","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/167.png?v=1730134921"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/166.png?v=1730134947","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":62923501306236,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/166.png?v=1730134947"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/166.png?v=1730134947","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":62923497636220,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/167.png?v=1730134921"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/167.png?v=1730134921","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eIn this updated edition of a classic text, Joanna Collicutt shows how growing as a Christian is rooted in the prayer Jesus gave us. As we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we express our relationship with God, absorb gospel values and are also motivated to live them out. As we pray to the Father, in union with the Son, through the power of the Spirit, so we begin to take on the character of Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRevd Canon Dr Joanna Collicutt is Karl Jaspers Lecturer in Psychology and Spirituality at Ripon College Cuddesdon. She is also an associate minister in an Oxfordshire parish. Her other books include \u003cem\u003eThe Psychology of Christian Character Formation\u003c\/em\u003e (SCM, 2015), \u003cem\u003eThinking of You: A resource for the spiritual care of people with dementia\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2017) and \u003cem\u003eSeriously Messy: Making space for families to talk about death and life together\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2019).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Her literary style is delightfully unstuffy, tight, direct, and humorous. Collicutt comes across as a familiar friend, a fellow traveller who understands and empathises with the human condition, boldly walking with you to draw you to your true home.’\u003cbr\u003eDavid Wilbourne, former Assistant Bishop of Llandaff\u003cbr\u003ePreviously published as a BRF Lent Book.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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When You Pray: Daily Bible reflections on the Lord's Prayer
£10.99
Digital eBook Only - In this updated edition of a classic text, Joanna Collicutt shows how growing as a Christian...
{"id":14777003540860,"title":"New Daylight January-April 2025: Sustaining your daily journey with the Bible","handle":"new-daylight-january-april-2025-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eEach 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2025-01-27T07:06:43+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-29T08:22:54+00:00","vendor":"BRFonline","type":"eBook","tags":["Bible reading notes","Biblical engagement","BRN eBook","Devotional","Discipleship","For churches","For individuals","Glassboxx","New Daylight"],"price":499,"price_min":499,"price_max":499,"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":53603367059836,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800393790","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"New Daylight January-April 2025: Sustaining your daily journey with the Bible - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":499,"weight":107,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800393790","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/202.png?v=1730980338","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/203.png?v=1730980318"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/202.png?v=1730980338","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":63001489834364,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/202.png?v=1730980338"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/202.png?v=1730980338","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":63001485541756,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/203.png?v=1730980318"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/203.png?v=1730980318","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eEach 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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New Daylight January-April 2025: Sustaining your daily journey with the Bible
£4.99
Digital eBook Only - Each issue of New Daylight provides four months of daily Bible readings and comment, with a regular team...
{"id":14777094832508,"title":"Augustine's Life of Prayer, Learning and Love: Lessons for Christian living","handle":"augustines-life-of-prayer-learning-and-love-lessons-for-christian-living-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eWhat can we learn from Augustine? \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere are many books that tell the life story of Augustine and how he has been fundamental in shaping Western Christian theology and practice. This is not one of them. This book is about how he became a Christian – the problems he faced; the doubts he struggled with. It is about how he made sense of his belief in God, and shared it with other people. It is about how he learned to read the Bible, and to pray. And it is about the word which is at the heart of his Christian life – love. It concludes with moments of prayer from Augustine’s life, in which he glimpses visions of God, encouraging the reader to take their own next steps in discipleship.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"347\" width=\"260\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/CallyHammond_480x480.jpg?v=1676495070\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 15px; float: left;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCally Hammond studied ancient history and literature before becoming ordained in 1998. After serving as a parish priest in Bedfordshire, she was appointed Dean of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, where she teaches New Testament Greek and early Christian history. She has published a trilogy of books on prayer, and her new edition and translation of the Confessions of St Augustine was published in 2014–16. Cally was one of the judges for the Church Times 100 Best Christian Books selection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis engaging and handy little book is a great gift to every person who is trying to give the Christian life a go. It is brilliant, sensible catechesis to guide us through the ups and downs, the joys and frustrations, of life with God (and with each other) - at times helpfully frank, at times exposing the textures of complexity. In Cally Hammond's writing we are guided by one who has clearly lived, breathed, studied, and prayed with St Augustine's words and ideas, and found in his own struggles and paradoxes windows into our contemporary condition - as humans, as Christians, as a Church in progress. This book deserves a long life indeed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd James Crockford, Dean of Chapel and Fellow, Jesus College, Cambridge\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; color: black;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eAn extraordinary book, beautiful in its eloquence and simplicity, it resonates at a deep level. What I admire most is the author’s ability not to look over her shoulder to the scholarly community, but to address the ordinary reader without diminishing or simplifying the depth and complexity of Augustine’s ideas. Next semester, when I teach the Confessions again, I'd like to incorporate this book in some form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eProfessor Tarmo Toom\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eI am so grateful for this delightful and accessible introduction to Augustine, one of the most fascinating figures of Christian history. Here is the wonder and challenge of the Christian faith through Augustine's most personal of writings, skilfully interpreted to show how our most human struggles and longings can bring us to the love of God.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRevd Angela Tilby, Canon Emeritus of Christ Church, Oxford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Spring 2020. Review by Hugh Morley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCally Hammond has written a trilogy of books on prayer and recently published her new edition and translation of Augustine’s Confessions. She has studied ancient history and literature and now teaches New Testament Greek and early Christian history at Cambridge. The result is an intriguing book with each chapter following a similar format, analysing parts of Augustine’s life, interspersed with quotations from his works, followed by a ‘Bible passage for reflection’, questions for discussion and a prayer drawn from his writings. The nine chapters take us on a journey through Augustine’s life where the author explores issues such as his faith, conversion, teaching, prayer, his deep devotional life and the struggle he experienced in faith. This book is packed with insights into the great man’s life. Many books have been written about Augustine, but here is one which will encourage us to delve deeper into his Confessions in a new way: a book for personal interest that could well be used in small groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Hugh Morley\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Church Times 13.9.19. Review by John Binns\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis new book brings Augustine into the present, says John Binns \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSt Augustine was one of the Early Church’s great theologians. He left a huge collection of writings, on theology, biblical commentary, society, and politics, including hundreds of sermons. Among them was a book that has become known as the \u003cem\u003eConfessions.\u003c\/em\u003e Most of it is autobiographical, and it can be described as the first Christian autobiography. In it, he reveals his inner thoughts, struggles, and temptations as he slowly comes to faith, and then as he continues to think, pray and teach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCally Hammond has recently published a major two-volume edition and translation of the \u003cem\u003eConfessions\u003c\/em\u003e, which addresses historical, theological and critical issues. Here she returns to the \u003cem\u003eConfessions\u003c\/em\u003e, but with a very different approach. She wants us to understand Augustine’s faith journey and to discover that the things that concerned him are the same as those which concern us. So the faith that Augustine discovers and builds can shape and support us in our journey as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are nine sections, each discussing a theme of faith, such as how we come to faith, how we should read the Bible, how we grow in faith after baptism, why there are conflicts and divisions within the Church, and how we can best worship in a community and pray privately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are frequent extracts from the \u003cem\u003eConfessions\u003c\/em\u003e, in Hammond’s own lively and engaging translation; she then shows the thinking behind them and grounds them in a contemporary setting by placing her own stories and experiences alongside. She firmly avoids all academic and critical comment, not even providing references to the extracts that she chooses. Each section finishes with a Bible passage, some questions for discussion and a prayer. This locates the book very firmly within the Christian life of the reader.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book brings one of the great thinkers of the past vividly into the present. I found many thoughts and ideas that made sense to me and will form part of my own faith. It is a wonderful book, which can be used for individual study and could also be an absorbing discussion-starter for a group work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Revd Dr John Binns is Visiting Professor at the Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies, Cambridge.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you thought that all St Augustine ever talked about was ‘original sin’ then this book will enrich your mind. As the author Cally Hammond puts it, ‘In public, Augustine was bishop, a leader in the church and in society, an intellectual giant.’ Yet, like so many of us, he was, she says ‘in private, often needy of reassurance, guidance and affirmation.’ And that is key to this excellent book – amidst his greatness, Augustine of Hippo was just like so many of us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving written her own translation of the 13 books of Augustine’s autobiographical \u003cem\u003eConfessions \u003c\/em\u003e(which she draws upon for much of this book), as well as being Dean of a Cambridge University college, one would be forgiven for expecting an academic treatise. But Cally Hammond’s writing is far from that. It is accessible, engaging and reflects her own response to the joy and wonder which Augustine experiences in his journey of faith. It is a compelling and uplifting read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCally Hammond opens up many aspects of Augustine’s life and relates them not only to the context in which he lived but also to our modern day, 21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e century joys and difficulties. She explains how Augustine struggled with parts of the Bible, argued with others, fought to overcome heresy and schism, and enjoyed doing something that was wrong: ‘I was loathsome and I loved it,’ he wrote at one point. As he grew older, his views changed, and his faith developed a deeper understanding of God. His life was about faith seeking understanding, as ours is to be.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCally Hammond explains how as a preacher, teacher and Bible scholar, Augustine provides a model for today’s leaders: ‘His task was to preach Christ, not himself,’ she writes. ‘And it was no good, he knew, preaching to people in a way that went over their heads.’ We also learn how Augustine developed a life of prayer both with others and by himself. One chapter includes fascinating accounts of the visions he received in which he experienced the joy and wonder of knowing God. Cally Hammond’s accounts of these are particularly compelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book or surprises: the most unexpected and beautiful of which is the poetry written by this great man of God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo what of original sin? Once again, Cally Hammond explains very clearly what Augustine meant and what he didn’t: ‘Augustine would have agreed completely that life in this world exposes us to all sorts of sin. But he knew that the only reason sin affects us is our inborn inability to resist doing wrong. And that is not something we just pick up as life goes along; it is fundamental to who we are… Augustine did not shy away from teaching a doctrine just because it was hard.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe see painted a picture of man who was, like many people, often very different on the public-facing, outside than on the private, God-facing inside. Yet they all go to make up the man who Augustine of Hippo. But this awareness provides a valuable learning point also: ‘This is something I always encourage people to reflect on and remember,’ writes Cally Hammond, ‘that it is a mistake… to compare the outside of other people’s lives with the inside of our own life.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCally Hammond has given us a very accessible and easy to read book about one of the great, early church figures. She demonstrates how all of us can not only learn from him and but also experience some of what he experienced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e______________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-29T09:16:15+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-29T09:13:52+00:00","vendor":"Cally Hammond","type":"eBook","tags":["For individuals","Glassboxx","Jul-19","Prayer","Spirituality"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"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":53603409592700,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857467140","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Augustine's Life of Prayer, Learning and Love: Lessons for Christian living - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":899,"weight":200,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857467140","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/204.png?v=1730980375","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/205.png?v=1730980373"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/204.png?v=1730980375","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":63001498550652,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/204.png?v=1730980375"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/204.png?v=1730980375","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":63001497829756,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/205.png?v=1730980373"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/205.png?v=1730980373","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eWhat can we learn from Augustine? \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere are many books that tell the life story of Augustine and how he has been fundamental in shaping Western Christian theology and practice. This is not one of them. This book is about how he became a Christian – the problems he faced; the doubts he struggled with. It is about how he made sense of his belief in God, and shared it with other people. It is about how he learned to read the Bible, and to pray. And it is about the word which is at the heart of his Christian life – love. It concludes with moments of prayer from Augustine’s life, in which he glimpses visions of God, encouraging the reader to take their own next steps in discipleship.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"347\" width=\"260\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/CallyHammond_480x480.jpg?v=1676495070\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 15px; float: left;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCally Hammond studied ancient history and literature before becoming ordained in 1998. After serving as a parish priest in Bedfordshire, she was appointed Dean of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, where she teaches New Testament Greek and early Christian history. She has published a trilogy of books on prayer, and her new edition and translation of the Confessions of St Augustine was published in 2014–16. Cally was one of the judges for the Church Times 100 Best Christian Books selection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis engaging and handy little book is a great gift to every person who is trying to give the Christian life a go. It is brilliant, sensible catechesis to guide us through the ups and downs, the joys and frustrations, of life with God (and with each other) - at times helpfully frank, at times exposing the textures of complexity. In Cally Hammond's writing we are guided by one who has clearly lived, breathed, studied, and prayed with St Augustine's words and ideas, and found in his own struggles and paradoxes windows into our contemporary condition - as humans, as Christians, as a Church in progress. This book deserves a long life indeed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd James Crockford, Dean of Chapel and Fellow, Jesus College, Cambridge\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; color: black;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eAn extraordinary book, beautiful in its eloquence and simplicity, it resonates at a deep level. What I admire most is the author’s ability not to look over her shoulder to the scholarly community, but to address the ordinary reader without diminishing or simplifying the depth and complexity of Augustine’s ideas. Next semester, when I teach the Confessions again, I'd like to incorporate this book in some form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eProfessor Tarmo Toom\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eI am so grateful for this delightful and accessible introduction to Augustine, one of the most fascinating figures of Christian history. Here is the wonder and challenge of the Christian faith through Augustine's most personal of writings, skilfully interpreted to show how our most human struggles and longings can bring us to the love of God.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRevd Angela Tilby, Canon Emeritus of Christ Church, Oxford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Spring 2020. Review by Hugh Morley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCally Hammond has written a trilogy of books on prayer and recently published her new edition and translation of Augustine’s Confessions. She has studied ancient history and literature and now teaches New Testament Greek and early Christian history at Cambridge. The result is an intriguing book with each chapter following a similar format, analysing parts of Augustine’s life, interspersed with quotations from his works, followed by a ‘Bible passage for reflection’, questions for discussion and a prayer drawn from his writings. The nine chapters take us on a journey through Augustine’s life where the author explores issues such as his faith, conversion, teaching, prayer, his deep devotional life and the struggle he experienced in faith. This book is packed with insights into the great man’s life. Many books have been written about Augustine, but here is one which will encourage us to delve deeper into his Confessions in a new way: a book for personal interest that could well be used in small groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Hugh Morley\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Church Times 13.9.19. Review by John Binns\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis new book brings Augustine into the present, says John Binns \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSt Augustine was one of the Early Church’s great theologians. He left a huge collection of writings, on theology, biblical commentary, society, and politics, including hundreds of sermons. Among them was a book that has become known as the \u003cem\u003eConfessions.\u003c\/em\u003e Most of it is autobiographical, and it can be described as the first Christian autobiography. In it, he reveals his inner thoughts, struggles, and temptations as he slowly comes to faith, and then as he continues to think, pray and teach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCally Hammond has recently published a major two-volume edition and translation of the \u003cem\u003eConfessions\u003c\/em\u003e, which addresses historical, theological and critical issues. Here she returns to the \u003cem\u003eConfessions\u003c\/em\u003e, but with a very different approach. She wants us to understand Augustine’s faith journey and to discover that the things that concerned him are the same as those which concern us. So the faith that Augustine discovers and builds can shape and support us in our journey as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are nine sections, each discussing a theme of faith, such as how we come to faith, how we should read the Bible, how we grow in faith after baptism, why there are conflicts and divisions within the Church, and how we can best worship in a community and pray privately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are frequent extracts from the \u003cem\u003eConfessions\u003c\/em\u003e, in Hammond’s own lively and engaging translation; she then shows the thinking behind them and grounds them in a contemporary setting by placing her own stories and experiences alongside. She firmly avoids all academic and critical comment, not even providing references to the extracts that she chooses. Each section finishes with a Bible passage, some questions for discussion and a prayer. This locates the book very firmly within the Christian life of the reader.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book brings one of the great thinkers of the past vividly into the present. I found many thoughts and ideas that made sense to me and will form part of my own faith. It is a wonderful book, which can be used for individual study and could also be an absorbing discussion-starter for a group work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Revd Dr John Binns is Visiting Professor at the Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies, Cambridge.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you thought that all St Augustine ever talked about was ‘original sin’ then this book will enrich your mind. As the author Cally Hammond puts it, ‘In public, Augustine was bishop, a leader in the church and in society, an intellectual giant.’ Yet, like so many of us, he was, she says ‘in private, often needy of reassurance, guidance and affirmation.’ And that is key to this excellent book – amidst his greatness, Augustine of Hippo was just like so many of us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving written her own translation of the 13 books of Augustine’s autobiographical \u003cem\u003eConfessions \u003c\/em\u003e(which she draws upon for much of this book), as well as being Dean of a Cambridge University college, one would be forgiven for expecting an academic treatise. But Cally Hammond’s writing is far from that. It is accessible, engaging and reflects her own response to the joy and wonder which Augustine experiences in his journey of faith. It is a compelling and uplifting read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCally Hammond opens up many aspects of Augustine’s life and relates them not only to the context in which he lived but also to our modern day, 21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e century joys and difficulties. She explains how Augustine struggled with parts of the Bible, argued with others, fought to overcome heresy and schism, and enjoyed doing something that was wrong: ‘I was loathsome and I loved it,’ he wrote at one point. As he grew older, his views changed, and his faith developed a deeper understanding of God. His life was about faith seeking understanding, as ours is to be.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCally Hammond explains how as a preacher, teacher and Bible scholar, Augustine provides a model for today’s leaders: ‘His task was to preach Christ, not himself,’ she writes. ‘And it was no good, he knew, preaching to people in a way that went over their heads.’ We also learn how Augustine developed a life of prayer both with others and by himself. One chapter includes fascinating accounts of the visions he received in which he experienced the joy and wonder of knowing God. Cally Hammond’s accounts of these are particularly compelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book or surprises: the most unexpected and beautiful of which is the poetry written by this great man of God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo what of original sin? Once again, Cally Hammond explains very clearly what Augustine meant and what he didn’t: ‘Augustine would have agreed completely that life in this world exposes us to all sorts of sin. But he knew that the only reason sin affects us is our inborn inability to resist doing wrong. And that is not something we just pick up as life goes along; it is fundamental to who we are… Augustine did not shy away from teaching a doctrine just because it was hard.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe see painted a picture of man who was, like many people, often very different on the public-facing, outside than on the private, God-facing inside. Yet they all go to make up the man who Augustine of Hippo. But this awareness provides a valuable learning point also: ‘This is something I always encourage people to reflect on and remember,’ writes Cally Hammond, ‘that it is a mistake… to compare the outside of other people’s lives with the inside of our own life.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCally Hammond has given us a very accessible and easy to read book about one of the great, early church figures. She demonstrates how all of us can not only learn from him and but also experience some of what he experienced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e______________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Augustine's Life of Prayer, Learning and Love: Lessons for Christian living
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Digital eBook Only - What can we learn from Augustine? There are many books that tell the life story of...
{"id":14777102336380,"title":"Prayer in the Making: Trying it, talking it, sustaining it","handle":"prayer-in-the-making-trying-it-talking-it-sustaining-it-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\" data-mce-style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eFrom the author of \u003cem\u003eFaith in the Making. \u003c\/em\u003eBooks on prayer can so often make us feel challenged but guilty. Not this one! \u003cem\u003ePrayer in the Making\u003c\/em\u003e is a book for everyone wanting to pray more confidently. Because we are all different, we need to find the prayer life that fits with who God made us to be. Lyndall Bywater explores twelve different types of prayer, helping us to find the ones which best suit us and our lifestyles. She certainly challenges us, but leaves us ready to talk confidently with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead Lyndall's Lockdown blog \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/lyndall-bywater-author-of-prayer-in-the-making-and-faith-in-the-making-learn-a-lot-from-her-least-favourite-bible-verse-in-her-lockdown-reflection\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/lyndall-bywater-author-of-prayer-in-the-making-and-faith-in-the-making-learn-a-lot-from-her-least-favourite-bible-verse-in-her-lockdown-reflection\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLyndall Bywater is a freelance speaker and writer, specialising in the subject of prayer. Having worked for ten years as The Salvation Army's UK prayer coordinator, she is now part of Connecting the Isles and works with the Europe team of 24-7 Prayer. She also heads up Canterbury Boiler Room, an interdenominational prayer community, and contributes to BRF's Day by Day with God Bible reading notes. She is married to Phil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Autumn 2019. Review by Richard Appleton\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChristian lives are about relationships – with neighbours, friends, family and God. Healthy relationships demand healthy communication. Our route of communication with God is with prayer, both structured and spontaneous. As with any genre of communication, prayer is not always easy, and guidance is often needed. This book provides a scripturally-themed and practical guide to help us improve our prayer lives. It uses twelve different prayer topics: Encounter, Worship, Listening, Stillness, Action, Intercession, Strategy, Restoration, Voice and body, Scripture, Warfare, and Resilience, each with a dedicated chapter in a practicable format for both individual and groups. Readers will be enriched by many or all of these chapters. Two phrases stand out: ‘Stop trying to make yourself a different shape when you pray’, a theme mirrored in the chapter on resilience; and ‘Remember he made you just the way you are. He doesn’t want you to emulate someone else’s prayer rhythm’. Another phrase, ‘Let prayer permeate everything we do’, echoes Paul’s striking exhortation to ‘Pray continually’ (1 Thessalonians 5: 17) – an exhortation which should mould our communication and strengthen our personal relationship with God. This book will help us achieve this, but only with God’s grace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Richard Appleton\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e___________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Alistair Barton, Director of Pray for Scotland\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have read my fair share of books on prayer – about ways of praying, the power of prayer, answers to prayer, praise and prayer – and more. When I started reading Lyndall’s new book I did wonder if I would find anything new, so I was intrigued by Roy Searle’s introduction, and in particular this comment: 'B\u003cem\u003eut if you are looking for a practical and encouraging book on how we might pray, this book will be very helpful.'\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI’m pleased to say Lyndall’s book lives up to Roy’s description. Over 12 chapters she covers a wide variety of types of prayer and methods of praying in a straightforward yet very profound way, with practical examples and personal testimony to support the ‘theory’. Her aim is to encourage us, wherever we are on our prayer journey, to keep going, to persevere, knowing that no matter how short or long, how eloquent or stuttering, every prayer is valuable and every prayer is heard and appreciated by Father God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs one who constantly deals with the challenge of creating space to pray in the busyness of life and often uses ‘arrow prayers’, I particularly appreciated Chapter 7 on Strategy, but there are many other ‘nuggets of gold’ to be unearthed in Lyndall’s book. I encourage you to go prospecting and find your own in its pages!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Alistair Barton, Director, Prayer for Scotland \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Jani Rubery, Trustee of 24-7 Prayer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor those interested in how to go deeper in prayer, this book will build confidence and excitement about the possibility of what can be achieved through prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf your aim is to be an instrument of prayer, that helps transform, rebuild and reform our world, nation, communities, churches and families - then this is the book for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePrayer in the Making\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eis like being given a DIY toolkit for helping us create a more effective and fulfilling prayer life. For some, the tools will be familiar but the methods outlined in the book will help you to use them in ways which are possibly new, innovative and grounded. For those who may be somewhat familiar with the tools, but have not known how to use them, then Lyndall's insights will help you explore and experiment in order to become more comfortable using different ways of praying personally as well as corporately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI highly recommend\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003ePrayer in the Making\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003efor use as an individual, small group or wider church community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Jani Rubery, Trustee of 24-7 Prayer, executive coach and spiritual mentor\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ehave known Lyndall for years through Connecting the Isles and always appreciated her clarity of thought and expression. I wouldn't normally rush to buy or read a book on prayer. However, having read this one I find myself both encouraged and inspired. I really appreciated the practical aids that are found in every chapter and the sense of grounded reality. I liked it a lot.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eDaphne Godwin, The Ffald-y-Brenin Trust\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI am delighted to endorse Lyndall Bywater's book, Prayer in the Making. Lyndall lives and practices what she preaches; the messenger incarnates the message.\u003cbr\u003eSo many books about prayer lead to a confusion regarding what our personal prayer life is supposed to look like. Condemnation quickly weighs on our hearts. But here, Lyndall writes from the heart about relationship, not performance. Love, not law. Grace to be ourselves and enter into the discovery of how and where God might meet us in our own personal, unique way. Acceptance by Jesus beats failure and condemnation any day. Read this book and enjoy being a Life in the Making.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eRoy Godwin Executive Director, The Ffald-y-Brenin Trust\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-29T09:23:44+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-29T09:18:31+00:00","vendor":"Lyndall Bywater","type":"eBook","tags":["For individuals","Glassboxx","Group reading","Jan-19","Prayer"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"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":53603410280828,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857468024","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Prayer in the Making: Trying it, talking it, sustaining it - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":899,"weight":181,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857468024","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/206.png?v=1730980387","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/207.png?v=1730980258"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/206.png?v=1730980387","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":63001502024060,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/206.png?v=1730980387"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/206.png?v=1730980387","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":63001471877500,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/207.png?v=1730980258"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/207.png?v=1730980258","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\" data-mce-style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eFrom the author of \u003cem\u003eFaith in the Making. \u003c\/em\u003eBooks on prayer can so often make us feel challenged but guilty. Not this one! \u003cem\u003ePrayer in the Making\u003c\/em\u003e is a book for everyone wanting to pray more confidently. Because we are all different, we need to find the prayer life that fits with who God made us to be. Lyndall Bywater explores twelve different types of prayer, helping us to find the ones which best suit us and our lifestyles. She certainly challenges us, but leaves us ready to talk confidently with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead Lyndall's Lockdown blog \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/lyndall-bywater-author-of-prayer-in-the-making-and-faith-in-the-making-learn-a-lot-from-her-least-favourite-bible-verse-in-her-lockdown-reflection\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/lyndall-bywater-author-of-prayer-in-the-making-and-faith-in-the-making-learn-a-lot-from-her-least-favourite-bible-verse-in-her-lockdown-reflection\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLyndall Bywater is a freelance speaker and writer, specialising in the subject of prayer. Having worked for ten years as The Salvation Army's UK prayer coordinator, she is now part of Connecting the Isles and works with the Europe team of 24-7 Prayer. She also heads up Canterbury Boiler Room, an interdenominational prayer community, and contributes to BRF's Day by Day with God Bible reading notes. She is married to Phil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Autumn 2019. Review by Richard Appleton\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChristian lives are about relationships – with neighbours, friends, family and God. Healthy relationships demand healthy communication. Our route of communication with God is with prayer, both structured and spontaneous. As with any genre of communication, prayer is not always easy, and guidance is often needed. This book provides a scripturally-themed and practical guide to help us improve our prayer lives. It uses twelve different prayer topics: Encounter, Worship, Listening, Stillness, Action, Intercession, Strategy, Restoration, Voice and body, Scripture, Warfare, and Resilience, each with a dedicated chapter in a practicable format for both individual and groups. Readers will be enriched by many or all of these chapters. Two phrases stand out: ‘Stop trying to make yourself a different shape when you pray’, a theme mirrored in the chapter on resilience; and ‘Remember he made you just the way you are. He doesn’t want you to emulate someone else’s prayer rhythm’. Another phrase, ‘Let prayer permeate everything we do’, echoes Paul’s striking exhortation to ‘Pray continually’ (1 Thessalonians 5: 17) – an exhortation which should mould our communication and strengthen our personal relationship with God. This book will help us achieve this, but only with God’s grace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Richard Appleton\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e___________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Alistair Barton, Director of Pray for Scotland\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have read my fair share of books on prayer – about ways of praying, the power of prayer, answers to prayer, praise and prayer – and more. When I started reading Lyndall’s new book I did wonder if I would find anything new, so I was intrigued by Roy Searle’s introduction, and in particular this comment: 'B\u003cem\u003eut if you are looking for a practical and encouraging book on how we might pray, this book will be very helpful.'\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI’m pleased to say Lyndall’s book lives up to Roy’s description. Over 12 chapters she covers a wide variety of types of prayer and methods of praying in a straightforward yet very profound way, with practical examples and personal testimony to support the ‘theory’. Her aim is to encourage us, wherever we are on our prayer journey, to keep going, to persevere, knowing that no matter how short or long, how eloquent or stuttering, every prayer is valuable and every prayer is heard and appreciated by Father God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs one who constantly deals with the challenge of creating space to pray in the busyness of life and often uses ‘arrow prayers’, I particularly appreciated Chapter 7 on Strategy, but there are many other ‘nuggets of gold’ to be unearthed in Lyndall’s book. I encourage you to go prospecting and find your own in its pages!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Alistair Barton, Director, Prayer for Scotland \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Jani Rubery, Trustee of 24-7 Prayer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor those interested in how to go deeper in prayer, this book will build confidence and excitement about the possibility of what can be achieved through prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf your aim is to be an instrument of prayer, that helps transform, rebuild and reform our world, nation, communities, churches and families - then this is the book for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePrayer in the Making\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eis like being given a DIY toolkit for helping us create a more effective and fulfilling prayer life. For some, the tools will be familiar but the methods outlined in the book will help you to use them in ways which are possibly new, innovative and grounded. For those who may be somewhat familiar with the tools, but have not known how to use them, then Lyndall's insights will help you explore and experiment in order to become more comfortable using different ways of praying personally as well as corporately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI highly recommend\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003ePrayer in the Making\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003efor use as an individual, small group or wider church community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Jani Rubery, Trustee of 24-7 Prayer, executive coach and spiritual mentor\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ehave known Lyndall for years through Connecting the Isles and always appreciated her clarity of thought and expression. I wouldn't normally rush to buy or read a book on prayer. However, having read this one I find myself both encouraged and inspired. I really appreciated the practical aids that are found in every chapter and the sense of grounded reality. I liked it a lot.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eDaphne Godwin, The Ffald-y-Brenin Trust\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI am delighted to endorse Lyndall Bywater's book, Prayer in the Making. Lyndall lives and practices what she preaches; the messenger incarnates the message.\u003cbr\u003eSo many books about prayer lead to a confusion regarding what our personal prayer life is supposed to look like. Condemnation quickly weighs on our hearts. But here, Lyndall writes from the heart about relationship, not performance. Love, not law. Grace to be ourselves and enter into the discovery of how and where God might meet us in our own personal, unique way. Acceptance by Jesus beats failure and condemnation any day. Read this book and enjoy being a Life in the Making.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eRoy Godwin Executive Director, The Ffald-y-Brenin Trust\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Prayer in the Making: Trying it, talking it, sustaining it
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Digital eBook Only - From the author of Faith in the Making. Books on prayer can so often make us...
{"id":14777126420860,"title":"Home by Another Route: Reimagining today's church","handle":"home-by-another-route-reimagining-todays-church-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003ePaul Bradbury believes that a movement of the Holy Spirit is beginning to renew and reform today's church - a church marginalised and 'in exile'. Following on from Stepping into Grace, Bradbury takes the prophet's powerful image of dry skeletal human remains coming to life through the miraculous work of the Spirit of God to encourage and inspire the contemporary church to seek renewal through the Spirit. This is a compelling and prophetic book - a must-read for today's church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Bradbury is a pioneer minister in the Church of England. He leads a missional community, based in Poole, with a vision to connect with unchurched people and support and train others involved in new forms of church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo read Paul's lockdown blog click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/paul-bradbury-guest-blog\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is powerful stuff from Paul Bradbury holding out Ezekiel as an example for leadership and pioneer ministry in our times. He draws wonderful insights from this old Bible prophet for a church that has essentially been exiled. His writing is really well crafted with lovely turns of phrase and it's a book that is both a fairly easy read but also runs deep. I found it inspiring and challenging in equal measure.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJonny Baker, Director of Mission Education, CMS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHome by Another Route uses the metaphor of exile to describe the place of the 21st Century Church in a post Christendom world. It argues that a new ecclesial narrative can be found by understanding who we were, the acceptance of what we have lost and through this the discovery of who we might be. This book offers a valuable framework for those seeking to pioneer a future expression of church.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Ed Olsworth-Peter, National Adviser for Pioneer Development\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy creatively using metaphors of exile and home, along with insights from Ezekiel, Paul explores how exile can encourage our imaginations to rethink and retool what church might look like. I found this book to be challenging and hopeful for the place of the church in our world, encouraging a humble and decentered posture that might just make church more attractive to a generation that craves authenticity and integrity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCathy Ross, Lecturer in Contextual Theology, Ripon College, Cuddesdon, and MA Coordinator for Pioneer Leadership Training at CMS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times, 13 March 2020. Review by the Rt Rev Paul Bayes, the Bishop of Liverpool\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Bradbury has a vision for the future of the Church. His account recognises and accepts the reality of the chaotic, fluid culture of the West. In such a context, he says, ‘Perhaps… the most fruitful way to explore our place as the Church in the maelstrom of the world is to play with story.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bible is a good resource for playing with story – this complicated library of books which, certainly in the case of the Hebrew scriptures, has nothing direct to say about the preferred shape of the Christian Church. In its stories it is possible to find many echoes and pre-echoes of the way we might want to do things today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor example, similar reflections have found their home in the Book of Nehemiah, which can be read as a series of helpful hints on building a Church as well as building a wall. Managerial and devotional lessons – vision, perseverance, prayer, teamwork – can be found in Nehemiah for the Churches and their leaders, if you can skate over some of the less politically correct stories in that interesting book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBradbury, on the other hand, draws on bleaker stories – in particular the image of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37. He seeks to discern the Spirit moving among the bones today. As he does so, he shapes an attractive vision of the Church – a light, innovative, relational community, counter-cultural in its radical sharing, critical of consumerism and of an instrumental obsession with growth and prosperity. He finds in Ezekiel both the motivation for his own preferred way of being the Church, and the reassurance that God’s inspired word prefigures the choices that he and his community have made.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBradbury’s approach rhymes interestingly with that of more conservative defenders of the inherited parish system, those who ask us simply to hold our nerve in hope, faithful to that which we have received, not changing a thing, waiting for the bones to reconnect. Like them, Bradbury is critical of an anxious Church that simply wants to find a winning formula and clone it. Unlike them, he sees the need to explore a radical ‘re-imagination’ of the ways things are, and could be, when Christians gather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis book will therefore rattle many bones among those of us who explore and debate the renewing and reforming of the Church. For this reason, I recommend it gladly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by the Rt Rev Paul Bayes, the Bishop of Liverpool\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Autumn 2019. Review by Rosemary Medhurst\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDoes contemporary British Christianity, and the loss of influence of the church as an institution, have much in common with the experience of exile? This comparison focuses on Ezekiel, and particularly the vision of dry bones. ‘Can these bones live?’ is the question, and Ezekiel watches them restored. But God is doing a new thing, then beyond the structures of monarchy and temple, now beyond the structures of inherited church. Bradbury encourages us to venture out to participate in God’s initiatives – ‘missio dei’ – rather than continuing to try to pull people in. He warns provocatively against denial, even against overvaluing large busy churches, and promotes nurturing the various fresh expressions along the spectrum away from traditional church. This is a short book, but well supported by references, many from Brueggemann, including the health warning that ‘the usefulness of a metaphor for rereading our own context is that it is not claimed to be a one-to-one match’. Indeed, but an encouragement to share Ezekiel’s step into the unknown with the response: ‘Sovereign Lord, you alone know’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Rosemary Medhurst\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform, May 2019. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Ruth Maxey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Bradbury is an Anglican pioneer minister who started a fascinating fresh expression in Poole – a missional community called ‘Reconnect’ that is living out a new way of being Church. He therefore brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to the topic of ‘reimagining today’s Church’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a misleadingly thin book, as the content is anything but thin! It’s heart is an in-depth analysis of the exilic period, with a particular focus on Ezekiel’s vision of the dry bones in Ezekiel 37. From this detailed biblical and historical analysis, Bradbury draws parallels with the context the Church finds itself in today. As Christian communities, we are also in exile, often looking back longingly and trying to recreate and maintain our old ways in a foreign land. We are often either in despair at the loss of the past, or looking to some kind of assimilation. Bradbury maintains that we need to see the creative opportunities that our present context offers us, as we allow the Spirit to work through us in new and exciting ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe phrase ‘home by another route’ comes from the story of the journey of the magi in Matthew’s Gospel. The magi do return home, but they are changed by their encounter and return by another route. The Church is also called to ‘return by another route’, we cannot simply try to do the old things better, we need to find another route. Bradbury rightly claims that ‘recreating Jerusalem in the landscape of Babylon is not an option’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs someone who is part of a community that is seeking to reimagine the Church, I was very much drawn to the topic. But this is not a practical ‘how to’ book, it is one to take time with, to chew over, to re-read. It is not a book for someone looking for simple answers on how to reimagine the Church today. This is a book for those who are prepared to think deeply and theologically about the context in which we find ourselves, and to look to the wealth of biblical tradition for wisdom and inspiration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRuth Maxey is a pioneer minister at Church without Walls, Milton Keynes\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInspire, March 2019. Review by John Woods\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a readable reflection on Ezekiel’s Dry Bones passage in Ezekiel Chapter 37. The author sees the prophet as a pioneer, who has a fresh God-given take on what can be done on the present and the future. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePaul Bradbury leads what he calls a missional community attached to the Church of England; he views the UK Church as a community in exile. By this the author means that the Church should operate within a society where Christianity does not provide the primary language or narrative for most people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBradbury finds a breath-taking hope of a homecoming in Ezekiel’s message to the exiles. Yet this homecoming, if it is to occur, might involve coming back by another route.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author provides a useful spectrum for assessing the nature of church leadership: Church Replicators, who repeat that which has always been done; Pioneer Adaptors, who use things like Messy Church and Café Church to create fresh zones for people to explore Christianity, and Pioneer Innovators who use more explorative, low-key ways to get alongside those who are seeking to make sense of life, God and the universe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found this book to be a stimulating read but wondered if at times it fell between the stools of being an academic or a popular treatment. I think I would also have liked a little bit more meat on the bones concerning how Pioneer innovators “venture into the edges of postmodern culture”.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat said here is a timely invitation to reimagine the way we do church, that is open to the breath of the Spirit and seeks to be shaped to come alongside those beyond the “usual suspects”!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJohn Woods is pastor of Lancing Tabernacle in West Sussex\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIrish Methodist Newsletter. Review by Stephen Skuce, \u003cspan\u003eDistrict Superintendent, North Western District\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe world has changed significantly over the past 50 years. The church has not necessarily changed as much. Consequently, the two are a bit more disconnected than they previously were. This isn’t a breaking news story but it’s how we understand and respond to this that is crucial. Paul Bradbury reflects on this with an understanding that the church today finds itself in exile, albeit that society has moved on and the church is somewhat marooned.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEzekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones is the thread that holds this book together. Each chapter takes a different aspect of the prophet’s vision, with the recurring questions as to whether the bones (or church) can live again. Based on his experience as a pioneer minister, Bradbury avoids platitudes or somewhat mechanical solutions. He views the problem as primarily a spiritual problem that needs a spiritual answer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book’s title recognises that the church is not able to return to what it was. The visit of the Wise Men to Jesus changed their lives and following God’s warning, they went home by a different route. Bradbury argues that church restoration and renewal of the past is no longer for today, and we as the church need to find another route to our home, or place of peace, safety and prosperity. ‘Recreating Jerusalem in the landscape of Babylon is not an option’ (p.85). Those in exile start to understand how God is with them, not in the ways of the past which are gone, but in the new strange world they find themselves a bit reluctantly in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday people are still interested in spirituality and understanding who God is. They no longer focus this search on the church but rather follow numerous alternative ways. Indeed, perhaps this is now the norm and the church is one of the alternatives. This is all part of the uncomfortable place that is exile. Bradbury reflects on his pioneer ministry with the Church of England in Poole in southern England. I don’t think this shows us a model as to how to respond. It does show us one response and challenges us to find our own ways to respond to living in exile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUltimately ‘all our efforts at refounding, renewal, reform will be nothing unless they are built on a renewal of our reliance on God’ (p105). That is both our challenge and direction\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Rev’d Dr Stephen Skuce, District Superintendent, North Western District\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-29T09:28:41+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-29T09:27:32+00:00","vendor":"Paul Bradbury","type":"eBook","tags":["Church life","Feb-19","For churches","For individuals","Glassboxx","Spirituality"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"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":53603551740284,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857466327","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Home by Another Route: Reimagining today's church - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":799,"weight":151,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857466327","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/210.png?v=1730980396","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/211.png?v=1730980384"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/210.png?v=1730980396","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":63001504219516,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/210.png?v=1730980396"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/210.png?v=1730980396","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":63001501303164,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/211.png?v=1730980384"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/211.png?v=1730980384","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003ePaul Bradbury believes that a movement of the Holy Spirit is beginning to renew and reform today's church - a church marginalised and 'in exile'. Following on from Stepping into Grace, Bradbury takes the prophet's powerful image of dry skeletal human remains coming to life through the miraculous work of the Spirit of God to encourage and inspire the contemporary church to seek renewal through the Spirit. This is a compelling and prophetic book - a must-read for today's church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Bradbury is a pioneer minister in the Church of England. He leads a missional community, based in Poole, with a vision to connect with unchurched people and support and train others involved in new forms of church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo read Paul's lockdown blog click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/paul-bradbury-guest-blog\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is powerful stuff from Paul Bradbury holding out Ezekiel as an example for leadership and pioneer ministry in our times. He draws wonderful insights from this old Bible prophet for a church that has essentially been exiled. His writing is really well crafted with lovely turns of phrase and it's a book that is both a fairly easy read but also runs deep. I found it inspiring and challenging in equal measure.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJonny Baker, Director of Mission Education, CMS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHome by Another Route uses the metaphor of exile to describe the place of the 21st Century Church in a post Christendom world. It argues that a new ecclesial narrative can be found by understanding who we were, the acceptance of what we have lost and through this the discovery of who we might be. This book offers a valuable framework for those seeking to pioneer a future expression of church.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Ed Olsworth-Peter, National Adviser for Pioneer Development\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy creatively using metaphors of exile and home, along with insights from Ezekiel, Paul explores how exile can encourage our imaginations to rethink and retool what church might look like. I found this book to be challenging and hopeful for the place of the church in our world, encouraging a humble and decentered posture that might just make church more attractive to a generation that craves authenticity and integrity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCathy Ross, Lecturer in Contextual Theology, Ripon College, Cuddesdon, and MA Coordinator for Pioneer Leadership Training at CMS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times, 13 March 2020. Review by the Rt Rev Paul Bayes, the Bishop of Liverpool\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Bradbury has a vision for the future of the Church. His account recognises and accepts the reality of the chaotic, fluid culture of the West. In such a context, he says, ‘Perhaps… the most fruitful way to explore our place as the Church in the maelstrom of the world is to play with story.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bible is a good resource for playing with story – this complicated library of books which, certainly in the case of the Hebrew scriptures, has nothing direct to say about the preferred shape of the Christian Church. In its stories it is possible to find many echoes and pre-echoes of the way we might want to do things today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor example, similar reflections have found their home in the Book of Nehemiah, which can be read as a series of helpful hints on building a Church as well as building a wall. Managerial and devotional lessons – vision, perseverance, prayer, teamwork – can be found in Nehemiah for the Churches and their leaders, if you can skate over some of the less politically correct stories in that interesting book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBradbury, on the other hand, draws on bleaker stories – in particular the image of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37. He seeks to discern the Spirit moving among the bones today. As he does so, he shapes an attractive vision of the Church – a light, innovative, relational community, counter-cultural in its radical sharing, critical of consumerism and of an instrumental obsession with growth and prosperity. He finds in Ezekiel both the motivation for his own preferred way of being the Church, and the reassurance that God’s inspired word prefigures the choices that he and his community have made.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBradbury’s approach rhymes interestingly with that of more conservative defenders of the inherited parish system, those who ask us simply to hold our nerve in hope, faithful to that which we have received, not changing a thing, waiting for the bones to reconnect. Like them, Bradbury is critical of an anxious Church that simply wants to find a winning formula and clone it. Unlike them, he sees the need to explore a radical ‘re-imagination’ of the ways things are, and could be, when Christians gather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis book will therefore rattle many bones among those of us who explore and debate the renewing and reforming of the Church. For this reason, I recommend it gladly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by the Rt Rev Paul Bayes, the Bishop of Liverpool\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Autumn 2019. Review by Rosemary Medhurst\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDoes contemporary British Christianity, and the loss of influence of the church as an institution, have much in common with the experience of exile? This comparison focuses on Ezekiel, and particularly the vision of dry bones. ‘Can these bones live?’ is the question, and Ezekiel watches them restored. But God is doing a new thing, then beyond the structures of monarchy and temple, now beyond the structures of inherited church. Bradbury encourages us to venture out to participate in God’s initiatives – ‘missio dei’ – rather than continuing to try to pull people in. He warns provocatively against denial, even against overvaluing large busy churches, and promotes nurturing the various fresh expressions along the spectrum away from traditional church. This is a short book, but well supported by references, many from Brueggemann, including the health warning that ‘the usefulness of a metaphor for rereading our own context is that it is not claimed to be a one-to-one match’. Indeed, but an encouragement to share Ezekiel’s step into the unknown with the response: ‘Sovereign Lord, you alone know’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Rosemary Medhurst\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform, May 2019. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Ruth Maxey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Bradbury is an Anglican pioneer minister who started a fascinating fresh expression in Poole – a missional community called ‘Reconnect’ that is living out a new way of being Church. He therefore brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to the topic of ‘reimagining today’s Church’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a misleadingly thin book, as the content is anything but thin! It’s heart is an in-depth analysis of the exilic period, with a particular focus on Ezekiel’s vision of the dry bones in Ezekiel 37. From this detailed biblical and historical analysis, Bradbury draws parallels with the context the Church finds itself in today. As Christian communities, we are also in exile, often looking back longingly and trying to recreate and maintain our old ways in a foreign land. We are often either in despair at the loss of the past, or looking to some kind of assimilation. Bradbury maintains that we need to see the creative opportunities that our present context offers us, as we allow the Spirit to work through us in new and exciting ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe phrase ‘home by another route’ comes from the story of the journey of the magi in Matthew’s Gospel. The magi do return home, but they are changed by their encounter and return by another route. The Church is also called to ‘return by another route’, we cannot simply try to do the old things better, we need to find another route. Bradbury rightly claims that ‘recreating Jerusalem in the landscape of Babylon is not an option’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs someone who is part of a community that is seeking to reimagine the Church, I was very much drawn to the topic. But this is not a practical ‘how to’ book, it is one to take time with, to chew over, to re-read. It is not a book for someone looking for simple answers on how to reimagine the Church today. This is a book for those who are prepared to think deeply and theologically about the context in which we find ourselves, and to look to the wealth of biblical tradition for wisdom and inspiration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRuth Maxey is a pioneer minister at Church without Walls, Milton Keynes\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInspire, March 2019. Review by John Woods\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a readable reflection on Ezekiel’s Dry Bones passage in Ezekiel Chapter 37. The author sees the prophet as a pioneer, who has a fresh God-given take on what can be done on the present and the future. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePaul Bradbury leads what he calls a missional community attached to the Church of England; he views the UK Church as a community in exile. By this the author means that the Church should operate within a society where Christianity does not provide the primary language or narrative for most people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBradbury finds a breath-taking hope of a homecoming in Ezekiel’s message to the exiles. Yet this homecoming, if it is to occur, might involve coming back by another route.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author provides a useful spectrum for assessing the nature of church leadership: Church Replicators, who repeat that which has always been done; Pioneer Adaptors, who use things like Messy Church and Café Church to create fresh zones for people to explore Christianity, and Pioneer Innovators who use more explorative, low-key ways to get alongside those who are seeking to make sense of life, God and the universe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found this book to be a stimulating read but wondered if at times it fell between the stools of being an academic or a popular treatment. I think I would also have liked a little bit more meat on the bones concerning how Pioneer innovators “venture into the edges of postmodern culture”.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat said here is a timely invitation to reimagine the way we do church, that is open to the breath of the Spirit and seeks to be shaped to come alongside those beyond the “usual suspects”!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJohn Woods is pastor of Lancing Tabernacle in West Sussex\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIrish Methodist Newsletter. Review by Stephen Skuce, \u003cspan\u003eDistrict Superintendent, North Western District\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe world has changed significantly over the past 50 years. The church has not necessarily changed as much. Consequently, the two are a bit more disconnected than they previously were. This isn’t a breaking news story but it’s how we understand and respond to this that is crucial. Paul Bradbury reflects on this with an understanding that the church today finds itself in exile, albeit that society has moved on and the church is somewhat marooned.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEzekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones is the thread that holds this book together. Each chapter takes a different aspect of the prophet’s vision, with the recurring questions as to whether the bones (or church) can live again. Based on his experience as a pioneer minister, Bradbury avoids platitudes or somewhat mechanical solutions. He views the problem as primarily a spiritual problem that needs a spiritual answer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book’s title recognises that the church is not able to return to what it was. The visit of the Wise Men to Jesus changed their lives and following God’s warning, they went home by a different route. Bradbury argues that church restoration and renewal of the past is no longer for today, and we as the church need to find another route to our home, or place of peace, safety and prosperity. ‘Recreating Jerusalem in the landscape of Babylon is not an option’ (p.85). Those in exile start to understand how God is with them, not in the ways of the past which are gone, but in the new strange world they find themselves a bit reluctantly in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday people are still interested in spirituality and understanding who God is. They no longer focus this search on the church but rather follow numerous alternative ways. Indeed, perhaps this is now the norm and the church is one of the alternatives. This is all part of the uncomfortable place that is exile. Bradbury reflects on his pioneer ministry with the Church of England in Poole in southern England. I don’t think this shows us a model as to how to respond. It does show us one response and challenges us to find our own ways to respond to living in exile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUltimately ‘all our efforts at refounding, renewal, reform will be nothing unless they are built on a renewal of our reliance on God’ (p105). That is both our challenge and direction\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Rev’d Dr Stephen Skuce, District Superintendent, North Western District\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Home by Another Route: Reimagining today's church
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{"id":14777141330300,"title":"A Better Song to Sing: Finding life again through the invitations of Jesus","handle":"a-better-song-to-sing-finding-life-again-through-the-invitations-of-jesus-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eMany sincere followers of Jesus are secretly disappointed, dissatisfied and quietly desperate for more than they are currently experiencing. That more is found as we respond to the invitations of Jesus, which hold out to us the hope of dynamic change, of a truly vibrant, transformed life – a better song to sing. Each chapter explores one specific invitation, drawing out its possible implications for our lives, and suggests a spiritual practice or reflection to help us ground that invitation in our present-day reality.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAbout the author\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 15px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/MagsinFergusFalls_480x480.jpg?v=1676493905\" width=\"142\" height=\"189\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags was a missionary in Asia for over 20 years before returning to the UK and joining the faculty at Redcliffe College where she lectured on Spiritual Formation and on Soul Care. A retreat leader and spiritual director, she is passionate about helping others nurture their relationship with God in life-giving, life-sustaining ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHer critically acclaimed first book is \u003cem\u003eGod among the Ruins\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2018).\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead Mags' Lockdown blog \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/mags-duggan-author-of-the-best-selling-god-among-the-ruins-and-the-soon-to-be-published-a-better-song-to-sing-muses-on-what-shes-achieved-during-lockdown\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTony Horsfall\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePersonal transformation is at the heart of discipleship yet so many experience only superficial change. Here is a book to take you deeper in the journey to wholeness and Christlikeness and blow away your spiritual blues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags Duggan first helps us to understand the call of Jesus to experience the abundant life he offers. Then she asks us to look inwards, gently inviting us to face up to the issues preventing us from real change. Finally, with much grace, and sharing examples from her own life, she gives us practical tools by which we can find freedom, healing and release.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a small book but it packs a big punch. \u003cem\u003eA Better Song to Sing\u003c\/em\u003e will strike the right note for many who long to find greater fulfilment in their walk with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Spring 2021. Review by Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is not about hymns or worship songs. It is a book for those of us who know, deep down, that there must be more to life as a disciple than we are experiencing right now. Mags Duggan has clearly been there herself, and writes about searching for ‘a better song to sing’ in life through the invitations of Jesus – life in all its fullness, release from the grave, water for the thirsty, fulfilment of our deep desires, trusting and being at home with him. I was especially moved by the last chapter, where the author writes of Jesus inviting me to be at home with him – a place of heartfelt welcome and ease where I may sit down with him, love and be loved. Mags Duggan writes with grace. The theology is winning, thoughtful and intelligent, not academic. There are personal stories of success and failure, and ideas to try. We need more books like this. I recommend it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIrish Methodist Newsletter. Review by Stephen Skuce\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘I have listened to many sincere followers of Jesus as they’ve shared with me how worn out, bored, disappointed and frustrated they feel about the life they are living – and how ashamed and guilty they are for feeling this way’. We do not always experience life in all its fullness, and Mags Duggan writes to such as us to offer us counsel and pointers in how to follow the nudging of the Holy Spirit that there is indeed much more than many of us are experiencing. ‘Our lives can be full of good and helpful things, our time may be spent well and productively, and yet we can feel like our hearts, our souls, the very core of who we are, are sometimes achingly empty’.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuggan offers us four spiritual practices that can assist our journeys. She points us to prayers for release, to praying with and through the gospels, to stopping, and circle or Caim prayers that many of us will be familiar with as part of our Celtic Christian heritage. As I read this book I was reminded of Andrew Roberts’ \u003cem\u003eHoly Habits.\u003c\/em\u003e There are a number of such resources that remind us of the practices or habits that support and enhance our faith. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eA Better Song to Sing\u003c\/em\u003e Duggan is helping us think specifically about when we have somehow lost the joy of our faith. It's far from a superficial ‘quick fix’ manual, but a text that is challenging as it causes us to look within, and find God’s strength to better emerge out. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHer comments on ‘stopping’ particularly resonated with me and are based on Mark 6:31-32 where Jesus and the disciples head away to be alone, to find a still point in their day. I have cultivated a daily still point. Part of my fairly minimal contribution to the smooth running of the Skuce household is doing the dishes. There is a dishwasher, but it just sits and stares with reproach at me. I don’t care. When I do the dishes I switch off. I do a simple action that has a start, middle and end. I’ll do it again in the near future, but those particular few dishes are completed. I need to do the dishes on my own but that is likely part of my many personality issues. In the simple task I find stillness, and I know I need to find stillness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike a lot of recent BRF books, \u003cem\u003eA Better Song to Sing\u003c\/em\u003e is a fairly quick read, is straightforward but has depth. This is well worth reading for more than just encouragement in our faith, but pointers to what actually nourishes us. In the struggles of life that the pandemic has brought, our wellbeing has come a bit more to the fore. This is just the sort of book to help our faith better help our whole being.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Revd Dr Stephen Skuce, District Superintendent, North Western District\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatherine Young, \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDirector, Global Language and Development Services\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e International Language Services \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSIL\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe opening pages of this book recount a memorable scene from \u003cem\u003e'Educating Rita\u003c\/em\u003e' when Rita’s mother sobs 'There must be better songs to sing than this,' and my heart lurched because that has, on numerous occasions, been the cry of my heart – there must be more to life than what feels mundane and pedestrian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI follow the living God and I crave 'life in all its fullness'. Mags Duggan's book spoke to my heart, my soul and will, I trust, enable me to confidently, enthusiastically, willing and without fear put my trust in the One who has invited me to step to the edge and fly. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe invitations of Jesus, spread through the New Testament, encourage me to draw close to Him and grow in trust of the One who loves me and remind me that I am precious to Him. He yearns for me to respond. Why do I hesitate, I wonder? Each chapter of this book examines a different Biblical invitation and, in a wonderfully accessible style, challenges me to wholeness and new vibrancy in my walk with Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags’ writing – beautifully rich with metaphor - integrates rigorous theological reflection, reflections from her own extensive cross-cultural experience and references to popular culture which emphasises the holistic nature of the call to wholeness. I particularly appreciated the spiritual exercises that are included at the end of each chapter. They caused me to take each chapter and reflect – to consume each chapter carefully in small bites rather than guzzle the complete book hungrily in a few short sittings. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe image of the desert in Chapter 3 was particularly meaningful to me: the unproductive expanse that needs to be watered in order to yield the harvest that was intended. I feel thirsty, I know I am thirsty but I need to intentionally and deliberately drink to experience the 'hydrated soul' through which life and energy can flow to bring refreshment to the parched spirit of others. The final chapter brings the message of the book to a resounding crescendo underscoring that there is risk in commitment – but also joy, hope and freedom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Catherine Young\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-29T09:35:07+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-29T09:33:39+00:00","vendor":"Mags Duggan","type":"eBook","tags":["For individuals","Glassboxx","Jul-20","Pastoral care","Prayer","Spirituality","Women"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"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":53603641950588,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857468772","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":71653022269820,"product_id":14777141330300,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-11-07T11:53:15+00:00","updated_at":"2024-11-07T11:53:18+00:00","alt":null,"width":1303,"height":2000,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/214.png?v=1730980398","variant_ids":[53603641950588]},"available":true,"name":"A Better Song to Sing: Finding life again through the invitations of Jesus - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":899,"weight":600,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857468772","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":63001504448892,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/214.png?v=1730980398"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/214.png?v=1730980398","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/215.png?v=1730980393"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/214.png?v=1730980398","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":63001504448892,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/214.png?v=1730980398"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/214.png?v=1730980398","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":63001503596924,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/215.png?v=1730980393"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/215.png?v=1730980393","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eMany sincere followers of Jesus are secretly disappointed, dissatisfied and quietly desperate for more than they are currently experiencing. That more is found as we respond to the invitations of Jesus, which hold out to us the hope of dynamic change, of a truly vibrant, transformed life – a better song to sing. Each chapter explores one specific invitation, drawing out its possible implications for our lives, and suggests a spiritual practice or reflection to help us ground that invitation in our present-day reality.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAbout the author\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 15px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/MagsinFergusFalls_480x480.jpg?v=1676493905\" width=\"142\" height=\"189\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags was a missionary in Asia for over 20 years before returning to the UK and joining the faculty at Redcliffe College where she lectured on Spiritual Formation and on Soul Care. A retreat leader and spiritual director, she is passionate about helping others nurture their relationship with God in life-giving, life-sustaining ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHer critically acclaimed first book is \u003cem\u003eGod among the Ruins\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2018).\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead Mags' Lockdown blog \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/mags-duggan-author-of-the-best-selling-god-among-the-ruins-and-the-soon-to-be-published-a-better-song-to-sing-muses-on-what-shes-achieved-during-lockdown\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTony Horsfall\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePersonal transformation is at the heart of discipleship yet so many experience only superficial change. Here is a book to take you deeper in the journey to wholeness and Christlikeness and blow away your spiritual blues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags Duggan first helps us to understand the call of Jesus to experience the abundant life he offers. Then she asks us to look inwards, gently inviting us to face up to the issues preventing us from real change. Finally, with much grace, and sharing examples from her own life, she gives us practical tools by which we can find freedom, healing and release.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a small book but it packs a big punch. \u003cem\u003eA Better Song to Sing\u003c\/em\u003e will strike the right note for many who long to find greater fulfilment in their walk with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Spring 2021. Review by Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is not about hymns or worship songs. It is a book for those of us who know, deep down, that there must be more to life as a disciple than we are experiencing right now. Mags Duggan has clearly been there herself, and writes about searching for ‘a better song to sing’ in life through the invitations of Jesus – life in all its fullness, release from the grave, water for the thirsty, fulfilment of our deep desires, trusting and being at home with him. I was especially moved by the last chapter, where the author writes of Jesus inviting me to be at home with him – a place of heartfelt welcome and ease where I may sit down with him, love and be loved. Mags Duggan writes with grace. The theology is winning, thoughtful and intelligent, not academic. There are personal stories of success and failure, and ideas to try. We need more books like this. I recommend it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIrish Methodist Newsletter. Review by Stephen Skuce\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘I have listened to many sincere followers of Jesus as they’ve shared with me how worn out, bored, disappointed and frustrated they feel about the life they are living – and how ashamed and guilty they are for feeling this way’. We do not always experience life in all its fullness, and Mags Duggan writes to such as us to offer us counsel and pointers in how to follow the nudging of the Holy Spirit that there is indeed much more than many of us are experiencing. ‘Our lives can be full of good and helpful things, our time may be spent well and productively, and yet we can feel like our hearts, our souls, the very core of who we are, are sometimes achingly empty’.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuggan offers us four spiritual practices that can assist our journeys. She points us to prayers for release, to praying with and through the gospels, to stopping, and circle or Caim prayers that many of us will be familiar with as part of our Celtic Christian heritage. As I read this book I was reminded of Andrew Roberts’ \u003cem\u003eHoly Habits.\u003c\/em\u003e There are a number of such resources that remind us of the practices or habits that support and enhance our faith. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eA Better Song to Sing\u003c\/em\u003e Duggan is helping us think specifically about when we have somehow lost the joy of our faith. It's far from a superficial ‘quick fix’ manual, but a text that is challenging as it causes us to look within, and find God’s strength to better emerge out. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHer comments on ‘stopping’ particularly resonated with me and are based on Mark 6:31-32 where Jesus and the disciples head away to be alone, to find a still point in their day. I have cultivated a daily still point. Part of my fairly minimal contribution to the smooth running of the Skuce household is doing the dishes. There is a dishwasher, but it just sits and stares with reproach at me. I don’t care. When I do the dishes I switch off. I do a simple action that has a start, middle and end. I’ll do it again in the near future, but those particular few dishes are completed. I need to do the dishes on my own but that is likely part of my many personality issues. In the simple task I find stillness, and I know I need to find stillness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike a lot of recent BRF books, \u003cem\u003eA Better Song to Sing\u003c\/em\u003e is a fairly quick read, is straightforward but has depth. This is well worth reading for more than just encouragement in our faith, but pointers to what actually nourishes us. In the struggles of life that the pandemic has brought, our wellbeing has come a bit more to the fore. This is just the sort of book to help our faith better help our whole being.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Revd Dr Stephen Skuce, District Superintendent, North Western District\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatherine Young, \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDirector, Global Language and Development Services\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e International Language Services \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSIL\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe opening pages of this book recount a memorable scene from \u003cem\u003e'Educating Rita\u003c\/em\u003e' when Rita’s mother sobs 'There must be better songs to sing than this,' and my heart lurched because that has, on numerous occasions, been the cry of my heart – there must be more to life than what feels mundane and pedestrian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI follow the living God and I crave 'life in all its fullness'. Mags Duggan's book spoke to my heart, my soul and will, I trust, enable me to confidently, enthusiastically, willing and without fear put my trust in the One who has invited me to step to the edge and fly. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe invitations of Jesus, spread through the New Testament, encourage me to draw close to Him and grow in trust of the One who loves me and remind me that I am precious to Him. He yearns for me to respond. Why do I hesitate, I wonder? Each chapter of this book examines a different Biblical invitation and, in a wonderfully accessible style, challenges me to wholeness and new vibrancy in my walk with Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags’ writing – beautifully rich with metaphor - integrates rigorous theological reflection, reflections from her own extensive cross-cultural experience and references to popular culture which emphasises the holistic nature of the call to wholeness. I particularly appreciated the spiritual exercises that are included at the end of each chapter. They caused me to take each chapter and reflect – to consume each chapter carefully in small bites rather than guzzle the complete book hungrily in a few short sittings. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe image of the desert in Chapter 3 was particularly meaningful to me: the unproductive expanse that needs to be watered in order to yield the harvest that was intended. I feel thirsty, I know I am thirsty but I need to intentionally and deliberately drink to experience the 'hydrated soul' through which life and energy can flow to bring refreshment to the parched spirit of others. The final chapter brings the message of the book to a resounding crescendo underscoring that there is risk in commitment – but also joy, hope and freedom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Catherine Young\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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A Better Song to Sing: Finding life again through the invitations of Jesus
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Digital eBook Only - Many sincere followers of Jesus are secretly disappointed, dissatisfied and quietly desperate for more than they...
{"id":14777399771516,"title":"Unveiled: Women of the Old Testament and the choices they made","handle":"unveiled-women-of-the-old-testament-and-the-choices-they-made","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSome women of the Hebrew scriptures are well known, but many others are barely remembered. Even when they are, we often don’t pause on them long enough to think about what we might learn from them. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eUnveiled\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e, written with frankness and humour and illustrated with striking artwork from a young Oxford-based artist, explores the stories of 40 women in 40 days. Each reflection ends with a short application to everyday life, guidance for further thought and a prayer. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/zkfUWYTJkd0\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatch our series of short videos on biblical women by author Clare Hayns on YouTube\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFollow the link: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/c\/BRFcharity\/videos\" title=\"Unveiled Series by Clare Hayns\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/c\/BRFcharity\/videos\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/garden-song-exploring-the-psalms-through-paintings-reflections-and-prayers\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/garden_song.png?v=1721593535\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eClare Hayns is College Chaplain at Christ Church, Oxford. She grew up in rural Buckinghamshire, her childhood more Pony Club than church youth group. Pre-ordination she was a social worker and then ran an events company. She is married to John, an entertainer, and has three creative sons, the eldest of whom is the illustrator of this book.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBorn in 1997, Micah Hayns is a contemporary classical painter from Oxford. He takes the classical techniques and tradition of the old masters, whom he studied at the Florence Academy of Art, and infuses them with a contemporary aesthetic, inspired by street art, abstract expressionism and collage. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProgressive Voices issue 42 September 2022. Review by Jenny Jacobs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a beautifully produced, delightfully chunky little book and although the theology is conservative, I have to admit I loved it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClare and Micah are a mother and son, writer and artist team. Each short chapter features a different woman (or occasionally group) from the Hebrew Bible and is headed with one of Micah’s accomplished and thoughtful illustrations. A short Bible excerpt is followed by exegesis and reflection, trying to imagine all that is not said, explain the context, and relate it to the lives of women today. Each ends with a short prayer, which are varied and well chosen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe project started as a blog for every day of Lent. So there are forty short chapters, themed into groups (such as Women at Work, #ThemToo and ‘Strident’ Women) Each chapter has a soubriquet summing up the woman in question; for example, Athaliah: The Vengeful Queen and (she couldn’t resist!) Delilah: why, why why?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough I knew who Miriam was, there are certainly women featured here of whom I’ve never heard – some are so overlooked that they are not even named, except, perhaps, as someone’s wife, but all have played a role significant enough to make them worthy of mention in the Bible. And one of the beauties of the book is the way Clare brings these women back from out of the shadows and shines a sympathetic light on them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book also reminds us how bizarre, brutal and downright bonkers some of the Hebrew Bible tales are to a modern sensibility. Rape, murder, love, lust, infertility, poverty, bereavement, wisdom and the supernatural – all are here and all are given their due. I learnt stores I didn’t know, I was entertained and made to think by Clare’s contributions, and Micah’s artwork takes this volume to a whole other level. Very enjoyable and useful little book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Jenny Jacobs\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry spring\/summer 2022. Review by Clare Disbrey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI can thoroughly recommend this lovely book. It tells the stories of 40 women in the Old Testament, highlighting the choices that they made in often very limiting circumstances. Each of the women is beautifully illustrated by the author’s son. Micah Hayns studied art in Florence but brings a contemporary feel to his drawings which sensitively reflect the characters of these women, several of whom I had never noticed in the Bible before - Jochebed and Rizpah being two. Clare Hayns is Chaplain at Christ Church College, Oxford. She is a great storyteller and she adds a reflection after each story, and prayers, which come from a great variety of sources. These make this a book a fine way of enlivening your Bible study and of getting to know the Old Testament better, either alone or in a group. It deals quite thoughtfully with the problems some of these old stories raise for us and suggests some ways of understanding them. This book would make a lovely gift.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Clare Disbrey \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Jules Middleton: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pickingapplesofgold.com\/unveiled-book-review\"\u003eApples of Gold\u003c\/a\u003e 18.11.21\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eUnveiled\u003c\/em\u003e is the kind of book I wish I had written. Highlighting \u0026amp; exploring some of the women of the Old Testament, Clare brings to the fore women we have heard of and those given only the briefest of mentions, that we have probably all glossed over. \u003cem\u003eUnveiled\u003c\/em\u003e is a beautiful reflection of women of the Old Testament, drawing the reader across passages and books of the bible to the wider narrative, alongside contemporary connections. Together with the beautiful illustrations from professional artist Micah Hayns (who also happens to be Clare’s son) this book is a rich resource.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eUnveiled\u003c\/em\u003e focuses on 40 women of the Old Testament, divided into sections focussing on themes like motherhood, prophetic women, bad girls and more. For each woman there is a passage of scripture, a section about her and her narrative, followed by a short reflection and a prayer. These are accompanied by Micah’s illustrations which are contemporary and yet culturally sensitive and really bring the women’s stories to life, enabling the reader to picture how they might have looked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClare seeks to lift the veil enabling us to see into the lives of these women as real women, with all their positive characteristics and their flaws. She gives us the background info that we may not have known, the context in which these women lived out their daily lives, points to their faith – or lack of, and she doesn’t shy away from some of the more difficult stories like that of Dinah or Tamar, in the #MeToo section.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is not just for women either, it would be a welcome accompaniment to anyone’s journey of Christian faith, helping the reader to have a deeper understanding of some of the Old Testament stories and people. Clare asks questions to challenge the reader on their own understanding and faith, calling us to reflect some of the attributes of the women she highlights; like courage, faith and compassion for example. Originally written as a Lent challenge, looking at a woman a day for 40 days, the book would lend itself well to a Lent study but is a wonderful book in its own right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI’ve worked my way through this book over the last few weeks but I know I’ll be dipping into it again and again. It would also make a great Christmas present!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Jules Middleton on her blog: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pickingapplesofgold.com\/unveiled-book-review\"\u003ePicking Apples of Gold\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Julia Baldwin, Chaplain, Brasenose College, Oxford\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eUnveiled\u003c\/em\u003e is arresting. Clare and Micah weave a rich tapestry of inspiring words and striking images to bring the women of the Old Testament to life in all their beauty, curiosity and strangeness. Each character portrait draws us in to dwell on their contextual reality as well as forging connections and resonances with the present day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a bold and beautiful book, which enables the reader to reflect deeply on the complexity and questions of life, not just for these Old Testament women but for all people today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy bringing to light long-forgotten female figures of the Old Testament, Clare and Micah renew our passion and wonder at the wildness of the women of the Bible and God's love for them, us and all people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJulia Baldwin, Chaplain, Brasenose College, Oxford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Helen Barnes, team rector Cherwell Valley Benefice\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI originally read Unveiled as a daily blog throughout Lent in 2020. I’m not a person who is spiritually organised and I struggle with regular prayer times, or study times, preferring to deepen my faith as the Spirit leads me. However, and it’s a big however, I read this every day. Not only did I read it every day, but I looked forward to reading it every day. I’ve never done that before. On reflection it is not just because it is about women, it is because it is because most of the women in Unveiled were almost inconsequential. Yet Clare looks deeper into what little we know about them and makes them intrinsic to the story of God in the bible. We all know that each of us is important to God, but Unveiled provides the proof that even the most seemingly unimportant people have a major place in God’s heart. I cannot recommend this book enough.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReviewed by \u003cem\u003eRevd Helen C. Barnes \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eTeam Rector \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eCherwell Valley Benefice\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Sarah Brush, Tutor in Pastoral Theology, Rippon College Cuddesdon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA wonderful book in which to re-encounter in word and image the familiar faces from the Hebrew Scriptures as well as discover less familiar women, named and unnamed. I found new insights into those better-known women such as Sarah, Naomi and Delilah through the imaginative representations in art and the beautiful prayers and insightful reflections. The connections between those eyes which look out at us from the page and our current lived experience were particularly striking. I have enjoyed dipping in at random as well as seeking out those women about whom I want to know more. This would be a great daily devotional for Lent or for another season whether your knowledge of scripture is small or great.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Sarah Brush\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Megan Chester\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI loved reading \u003cem\u003eUnveiled. \u003c\/em\u003eIt turns out, the Old Testament is packed full of wonderful women. Who knew? \u003cem\u003eUnveiled\u003c\/em\u003e allows readers to spend time with biblical women, getting to know their stories and learning from their lives. From Eve to Miriam, Abigail to Jezebel - Clare's words and Micah's artworks remind us of these women's realness and relevance. They were powerful, resilient influential and beautiful. They were also imperfect, overlooked, mistreated and discontent. Sound familiar? \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome chapters helped me to look at familiar stories in fresh ways - to see the book of Ruth primarily as a story of intergenerational female friendship rather than a romance, for example. Other chapters told me stories I had forgotten or perhaps never knew, such as Mrs Samson's disastrous wedding. In an accessible way, this book encourages deep thought about how these women's stories can bring us closer to God. Looking at Micah's paintings feels like seeing into souls. Clare's words expound this. Together they facilitate and focus reflection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-29T11:45:22+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-29T11:44:37+00:00","vendor":"Clare Hayns","type":"eBook","tags":["For individuals","Glassboxx","oct-21","Spirituality","Women"],"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":53603960226172,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800390737","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Unveiled: Women of the Old Testament and the choices they made - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":1499,"weight":500,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800390737","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/5_7851d03f-46bb-4604-9173-7d1bdf6d40a8.png?v=1730992117","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/6_9461127f-657b-4674-b67f-c1f5077c5f63.png?v=1730992117"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/5_7851d03f-46bb-4604-9173-7d1bdf6d40a8.png?v=1730992117","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":63003111915900,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1080,"width":1080,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/5_7851d03f-46bb-4604-9173-7d1bdf6d40a8.png?v=1730992117"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1080,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/5_7851d03f-46bb-4604-9173-7d1bdf6d40a8.png?v=1730992117","width":1080},{"alt":null,"id":63003111752060,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1080,"width":1080,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/6_9461127f-657b-4674-b67f-c1f5077c5f63.png?v=1730992117"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1080,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/6_9461127f-657b-4674-b67f-c1f5077c5f63.png?v=1730992117","width":1080}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSome women of the Hebrew scriptures are well known, but many others are barely remembered. Even when they are, we often don’t pause on them long enough to think about what we might learn from them. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eUnveiled\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e, written with frankness and humour and illustrated with striking artwork from a young Oxford-based artist, explores the stories of 40 women in 40 days. Each reflection ends with a short application to everyday life, guidance for further thought and a prayer. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/zkfUWYTJkd0\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatch our series of short videos on biblical women by author Clare Hayns on YouTube\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFollow the link: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/c\/BRFcharity\/videos\" title=\"Unveiled Series by Clare Hayns\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/c\/BRFcharity\/videos\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/garden-song-exploring-the-psalms-through-paintings-reflections-and-prayers\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/garden_song.png?v=1721593535\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eClare Hayns is College Chaplain at Christ Church, Oxford. She grew up in rural Buckinghamshire, her childhood more Pony Club than church youth group. Pre-ordination she was a social worker and then ran an events company. She is married to John, an entertainer, and has three creative sons, the eldest of whom is the illustrator of this book.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBorn in 1997, Micah Hayns is a contemporary classical painter from Oxford. He takes the classical techniques and tradition of the old masters, whom he studied at the Florence Academy of Art, and infuses them with a contemporary aesthetic, inspired by street art, abstract expressionism and collage. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProgressive Voices issue 42 September 2022. Review by Jenny Jacobs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a beautifully produced, delightfully chunky little book and although the theology is conservative, I have to admit I loved it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClare and Micah are a mother and son, writer and artist team. Each short chapter features a different woman (or occasionally group) from the Hebrew Bible and is headed with one of Micah’s accomplished and thoughtful illustrations. A short Bible excerpt is followed by exegesis and reflection, trying to imagine all that is not said, explain the context, and relate it to the lives of women today. Each ends with a short prayer, which are varied and well chosen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe project started as a blog for every day of Lent. So there are forty short chapters, themed into groups (such as Women at Work, #ThemToo and ‘Strident’ Women) Each chapter has a soubriquet summing up the woman in question; for example, Athaliah: The Vengeful Queen and (she couldn’t resist!) Delilah: why, why why?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough I knew who Miriam was, there are certainly women featured here of whom I’ve never heard – some are so overlooked that they are not even named, except, perhaps, as someone’s wife, but all have played a role significant enough to make them worthy of mention in the Bible. And one of the beauties of the book is the way Clare brings these women back from out of the shadows and shines a sympathetic light on them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book also reminds us how bizarre, brutal and downright bonkers some of the Hebrew Bible tales are to a modern sensibility. Rape, murder, love, lust, infertility, poverty, bereavement, wisdom and the supernatural – all are here and all are given their due. I learnt stores I didn’t know, I was entertained and made to think by Clare’s contributions, and Micah’s artwork takes this volume to a whole other level. Very enjoyable and useful little book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Jenny Jacobs\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry spring\/summer 2022. Review by Clare Disbrey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI can thoroughly recommend this lovely book. It tells the stories of 40 women in the Old Testament, highlighting the choices that they made in often very limiting circumstances. Each of the women is beautifully illustrated by the author’s son. Micah Hayns studied art in Florence but brings a contemporary feel to his drawings which sensitively reflect the characters of these women, several of whom I had never noticed in the Bible before - Jochebed and Rizpah being two. Clare Hayns is Chaplain at Christ Church College, Oxford. She is a great storyteller and she adds a reflection after each story, and prayers, which come from a great variety of sources. These make this a book a fine way of enlivening your Bible study and of getting to know the Old Testament better, either alone or in a group. It deals quite thoughtfully with the problems some of these old stories raise for us and suggests some ways of understanding them. This book would make a lovely gift.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Clare Disbrey \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Jules Middleton: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pickingapplesofgold.com\/unveiled-book-review\"\u003eApples of Gold\u003c\/a\u003e 18.11.21\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eUnveiled\u003c\/em\u003e is the kind of book I wish I had written. Highlighting \u0026amp; exploring some of the women of the Old Testament, Clare brings to the fore women we have heard of and those given only the briefest of mentions, that we have probably all glossed over. \u003cem\u003eUnveiled\u003c\/em\u003e is a beautiful reflection of women of the Old Testament, drawing the reader across passages and books of the bible to the wider narrative, alongside contemporary connections. Together with the beautiful illustrations from professional artist Micah Hayns (who also happens to be Clare’s son) this book is a rich resource.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eUnveiled\u003c\/em\u003e focuses on 40 women of the Old Testament, divided into sections focussing on themes like motherhood, prophetic women, bad girls and more. For each woman there is a passage of scripture, a section about her and her narrative, followed by a short reflection and a prayer. These are accompanied by Micah’s illustrations which are contemporary and yet culturally sensitive and really bring the women’s stories to life, enabling the reader to picture how they might have looked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClare seeks to lift the veil enabling us to see into the lives of these women as real women, with all their positive characteristics and their flaws. She gives us the background info that we may not have known, the context in which these women lived out their daily lives, points to their faith – or lack of, and she doesn’t shy away from some of the more difficult stories like that of Dinah or Tamar, in the #MeToo section.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is not just for women either, it would be a welcome accompaniment to anyone’s journey of Christian faith, helping the reader to have a deeper understanding of some of the Old Testament stories and people. Clare asks questions to challenge the reader on their own understanding and faith, calling us to reflect some of the attributes of the women she highlights; like courage, faith and compassion for example. Originally written as a Lent challenge, looking at a woman a day for 40 days, the book would lend itself well to a Lent study but is a wonderful book in its own right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI’ve worked my way through this book over the last few weeks but I know I’ll be dipping into it again and again. It would also make a great Christmas present!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Jules Middleton on her blog: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pickingapplesofgold.com\/unveiled-book-review\"\u003ePicking Apples of Gold\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Julia Baldwin, Chaplain, Brasenose College, Oxford\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eUnveiled\u003c\/em\u003e is arresting. Clare and Micah weave a rich tapestry of inspiring words and striking images to bring the women of the Old Testament to life in all their beauty, curiosity and strangeness. Each character portrait draws us in to dwell on their contextual reality as well as forging connections and resonances with the present day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a bold and beautiful book, which enables the reader to reflect deeply on the complexity and questions of life, not just for these Old Testament women but for all people today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy bringing to light long-forgotten female figures of the Old Testament, Clare and Micah renew our passion and wonder at the wildness of the women of the Bible and God's love for them, us and all people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJulia Baldwin, Chaplain, Brasenose College, Oxford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Helen Barnes, team rector Cherwell Valley Benefice\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI originally read Unveiled as a daily blog throughout Lent in 2020. I’m not a person who is spiritually organised and I struggle with regular prayer times, or study times, preferring to deepen my faith as the Spirit leads me. However, and it’s a big however, I read this every day. Not only did I read it every day, but I looked forward to reading it every day. I’ve never done that before. On reflection it is not just because it is about women, it is because it is because most of the women in Unveiled were almost inconsequential. Yet Clare looks deeper into what little we know about them and makes them intrinsic to the story of God in the bible. We all know that each of us is important to God, but Unveiled provides the proof that even the most seemingly unimportant people have a major place in God’s heart. I cannot recommend this book enough.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReviewed by \u003cem\u003eRevd Helen C. Barnes \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eTeam Rector \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eCherwell Valley Benefice\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Sarah Brush, Tutor in Pastoral Theology, Rippon College Cuddesdon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA wonderful book in which to re-encounter in word and image the familiar faces from the Hebrew Scriptures as well as discover less familiar women, named and unnamed. I found new insights into those better-known women such as Sarah, Naomi and Delilah through the imaginative representations in art and the beautiful prayers and insightful reflections. The connections between those eyes which look out at us from the page and our current lived experience were particularly striking. I have enjoyed dipping in at random as well as seeking out those women about whom I want to know more. This would be a great daily devotional for Lent or for another season whether your knowledge of scripture is small or great.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Sarah Brush\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Megan Chester\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI loved reading \u003cem\u003eUnveiled. \u003c\/em\u003eIt turns out, the Old Testament is packed full of wonderful women. Who knew? \u003cem\u003eUnveiled\u003c\/em\u003e allows readers to spend time with biblical women, getting to know their stories and learning from their lives. From Eve to Miriam, Abigail to Jezebel - Clare's words and Micah's artworks remind us of these women's realness and relevance. They were powerful, resilient influential and beautiful. They were also imperfect, overlooked, mistreated and discontent. Sound familiar? \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome chapters helped me to look at familiar stories in fresh ways - to see the book of Ruth primarily as a story of intergenerational female friendship rather than a romance, for example. Other chapters told me stories I had forgotten or perhaps never knew, such as Mrs Samson's disastrous wedding. In an accessible way, this book encourages deep thought about how these women's stories can bring us closer to God. Looking at Micah's paintings feels like seeing into souls. Clare's words expound this. Together they facilitate and focus reflection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e"}
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Unveiled: Women of the Old Testament and the choices they made
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{"id":14777406718332,"title":"This Crown of Comfort: God’s seven calls to women in distress","handle":"this-crown-of-comfort-god-s-seven-calls-to-women-in-distress","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eGod loves women. He deeply cares for those of us who are broken and hurt. And just as he helped his beloved Jerusalem find healing in her brokenness, he does the same for us. For he cried out seven double imperatives to her in the book of Isaiah, seven steps to restore her to wholeness, and he cries out the same to us. But he doesn’t begin by scolding us; instead, he comforts. His first double imperative is, ‘Comfort, comfort,’ despite what has happened in our lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn This Crown of Comfort, Eva Leaf shares stories from her own life and from the lives of other women of how God met them in their brokenness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/cwM5gQbkiI4?si=HQcCMOpHpSxVQVNR\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/UkXt_VjH0a0?si=LG9XcXiaufbUQSZd\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEva Leaf became a Christian at the age of 14 and attended a Canadian Bible College in her twenties. For the last 32 years, she has been a Navigator rep and has just stepped down from leading the Navigators publications team. She lives in Warwickshire, is married and has four grown-up children. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements \u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘This is a compelling read; a book to be read slowly and reflectively – although I sometimes struggled to do that as I found myself eager to read the next chapter! The stories Eva recounts from her own life and from the lives of others are often heartbreakingly sad – but her focus isn’t on the heartbreak but on the hope and encouragement which she has gleaned from a life soaked in the truth of Scripture. I found familiar passages from Isaiah’s prophecy coming alive in fresh and transformative ways as Eva unwrapped their relevance for our lives. The opportunity for more focused reflection at the end of each chapter also helps ground what we’ve read within the reality of our own circumstances. I’m already looking forward to reading this book again – even more slowly, more reflectively.’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMags Duggan, author, retreat leader and speaker\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘\u003cem\u003eThis Crown of Comfort\u003c\/em\u003e conveys seven powerful messages from Isaiah about God’s tender heart towards Jerusalem. The author skillfully intertwines her many personal stories with the messages to illuminate God’s unfailing love to his people. This book is an easy read yet rich with insights, comfort and encouragement – a must for anyone who seeks healing and desires to experience God afresh.’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnissa Chung, UKCP registered psychotherapist and supervisor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘\u003cem\u003eThis Crown of Comfort\u003c\/em\u003e is the wondrous feast that God prepares for us in the presence of our enemies, a feast that David speaks of in Psalm 23. How full the table is – a rich and delicious harvest that Eva Leaf has gathered from the book of Isaiah. No matter how broken we are or how hurt, God knows, and he calls us to come to him and receive and savour his love and care so that we can share that love and care with other women. A wonderful book for women to read and study together.’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLee Merrill Byrd, author, publisher and editor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘Both reflective and instructive, Eva takes us on a deeply personal journey that comforts and reassures. No matter how broken or hurt we are, we are given in this excellent book the tools or ‘the calls of God’ to build a bridge to healing and wholeness. This book reminds us of God’s deep love for us in our time of greatest need and provides a spiritual balm for every situation.’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDawn Braithwaite, solicitor and consultant\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘Who would you go to in a difficult situation or time of distress? Well, I would most certainly consider Eva Leaf. A trusted friend, a confidant with life experience and biblical insight, she provides readers with great insight to the very God of comfort that we all so need – men and women. While written to women, this is a treasure trove coming from the seven calls of God found in Isaiah. Thank you, Eva, for being courageous enough to live this… and then to so very thoughtfully share!’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDon Pape, literary agent, Pape Commons\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘Eva takes you on a valuable journey to see life’s inexplicable and sometimes relentless pains, from God’s viewpoint. Her journey is set in the landscape of God’s beautiful promises for comfort, for restoration and ultimately for transformation. These scriptures are illuminated sensitively by life stories. Each chapter provides the option for a personal reflection, encounter and healing. There is much to linger over and explore along the way, in order to gain new vistas and perspectives, that bring both life and hope.’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFiona Oommen, business general manager and leadership coach\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis Crown of Comfort readers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘I began reading this book at a pace, as the stories and insights are riveting, but I knew I wanted to go through it again at a slower pace, processing what God was saying to me. I began journalling using the questions at the end of each chapter. My friend said she was having the same experience, so we agreed to go through the questions together. I have just sent a copy to another friend who is feeling lost but has recently experienced God’s comfort. We're going to read and discuss it together too!’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘I am so thankful to have experienced God’s comfort as I read the words of truth and wisdom on each page of this book. I have been able to relearn truth of how God views me and who He says I am. The book is written in such a way that it helped me to process and reflect and I was then able to move forward on the journey of being able to forgive with God’s help whilst receiving comfort only God can give. It is a book that has massively shaped and transformed the past few months of my life as I grieve many hurts. It has really helped me to experience God as a God who comforts whilst walking through pain. I will be sure to pass on this book to those I come alongside who also need that gentle reminder of a God who is with them in life’s hurt and pain.’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTransforming Ministry January 2024. Review by Liz Pacey\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is written about women and primarily (but not exclusively) for women. It takes us chapter by chapter through the seven double imperatives (e.g., ‘comfort, comfort my people’) that God issues to a broken Jerusalem in the book of Isaiah. There is a progression through these calls: Comfort; Awake, rise up; Awake, get dressed; Depart; Build up; Pass through; Build up. Each chapter contains reflections on the Bible verses, alongside illustrations from the author’s personal experience and that of many others. We are blessed by being allowed to share in such powerful experiences and insights; and there is much practical advice about moving on. This is a book that addresses deep distress and needs and promises even deeper solutions and hope. In the reflections at the end of each chapter it becomes ‘close and personal’. We are encouraged to look deeply into our troubles and ourselves, to write our thoughts and reflect through the day. Whether we are hurting ourselves or seeking to share comfort with those around, there is plenty here to touch our hearts – as God touched Jerusalem.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Liz Pacey\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-29T11:50:18+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-29T11:48:36+00:00","vendor":"Eva Leaf","type":"eBook","tags":["Biblical engagement","Devotional","For individuals","For Women","Glassboxx","Pastoral care","Women"],"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":53603962651004,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392090","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"This Crown of Comfort: God’s seven calls to women in distress - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":999,"weight":185,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392090","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/238.png?v=1730980392","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/239.png?v=1730980389"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/238.png?v=1730980392","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":63001503302012,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/238.png?v=1730980392"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/238.png?v=1730980392","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":63001502351740,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/239.png?v=1730980389"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/239.png?v=1730980389","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eGod loves women. He deeply cares for those of us who are broken and hurt. And just as he helped his beloved Jerusalem find healing in her brokenness, he does the same for us. For he cried out seven double imperatives to her in the book of Isaiah, seven steps to restore her to wholeness, and he cries out the same to us. But he doesn’t begin by scolding us; instead, he comforts. His first double imperative is, ‘Comfort, comfort,’ despite what has happened in our lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn This Crown of Comfort, Eva Leaf shares stories from her own life and from the lives of other women of how God met them in their brokenness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/cwM5gQbkiI4?si=HQcCMOpHpSxVQVNR\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/UkXt_VjH0a0?si=LG9XcXiaufbUQSZd\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEva Leaf became a Christian at the age of 14 and attended a Canadian Bible College in her twenties. For the last 32 years, she has been a Navigator rep and has just stepped down from leading the Navigators publications team. She lives in Warwickshire, is married and has four grown-up children. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements \u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘This is a compelling read; a book to be read slowly and reflectively – although I sometimes struggled to do that as I found myself eager to read the next chapter! The stories Eva recounts from her own life and from the lives of others are often heartbreakingly sad – but her focus isn’t on the heartbreak but on the hope and encouragement which she has gleaned from a life soaked in the truth of Scripture. I found familiar passages from Isaiah’s prophecy coming alive in fresh and transformative ways as Eva unwrapped their relevance for our lives. The opportunity for more focused reflection at the end of each chapter also helps ground what we’ve read within the reality of our own circumstances. I’m already looking forward to reading this book again – even more slowly, more reflectively.’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMags Duggan, author, retreat leader and speaker\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘\u003cem\u003eThis Crown of Comfort\u003c\/em\u003e conveys seven powerful messages from Isaiah about God’s tender heart towards Jerusalem. The author skillfully intertwines her many personal stories with the messages to illuminate God’s unfailing love to his people. This book is an easy read yet rich with insights, comfort and encouragement – a must for anyone who seeks healing and desires to experience God afresh.’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnissa Chung, UKCP registered psychotherapist and supervisor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘\u003cem\u003eThis Crown of Comfort\u003c\/em\u003e is the wondrous feast that God prepares for us in the presence of our enemies, a feast that David speaks of in Psalm 23. How full the table is – a rich and delicious harvest that Eva Leaf has gathered from the book of Isaiah. No matter how broken we are or how hurt, God knows, and he calls us to come to him and receive and savour his love and care so that we can share that love and care with other women. A wonderful book for women to read and study together.’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLee Merrill Byrd, author, publisher and editor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘Both reflective and instructive, Eva takes us on a deeply personal journey that comforts and reassures. No matter how broken or hurt we are, we are given in this excellent book the tools or ‘the calls of God’ to build a bridge to healing and wholeness. This book reminds us of God’s deep love for us in our time of greatest need and provides a spiritual balm for every situation.’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDawn Braithwaite, solicitor and consultant\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘Who would you go to in a difficult situation or time of distress? Well, I would most certainly consider Eva Leaf. A trusted friend, a confidant with life experience and biblical insight, she provides readers with great insight to the very God of comfort that we all so need – men and women. While written to women, this is a treasure trove coming from the seven calls of God found in Isaiah. Thank you, Eva, for being courageous enough to live this… and then to so very thoughtfully share!’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDon Pape, literary agent, Pape Commons\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘Eva takes you on a valuable journey to see life’s inexplicable and sometimes relentless pains, from God’s viewpoint. Her journey is set in the landscape of God’s beautiful promises for comfort, for restoration and ultimately for transformation. These scriptures are illuminated sensitively by life stories. Each chapter provides the option for a personal reflection, encounter and healing. There is much to linger over and explore along the way, in order to gain new vistas and perspectives, that bring both life and hope.’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFiona Oommen, business general manager and leadership coach\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis Crown of Comfort readers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘I began reading this book at a pace, as the stories and insights are riveting, but I knew I wanted to go through it again at a slower pace, processing what God was saying to me. I began journalling using the questions at the end of each chapter. My friend said she was having the same experience, so we agreed to go through the questions together. I have just sent a copy to another friend who is feeling lost but has recently experienced God’s comfort. We're going to read and discuss it together too!’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘I am so thankful to have experienced God’s comfort as I read the words of truth and wisdom on each page of this book. I have been able to relearn truth of how God views me and who He says I am. The book is written in such a way that it helped me to process and reflect and I was then able to move forward on the journey of being able to forgive with God’s help whilst receiving comfort only God can give. It is a book that has massively shaped and transformed the past few months of my life as I grieve many hurts. It has really helped me to experience God as a God who comforts whilst walking through pain. I will be sure to pass on this book to those I come alongside who also need that gentle reminder of a God who is with them in life’s hurt and pain.’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTransforming Ministry January 2024. Review by Liz Pacey\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is written about women and primarily (but not exclusively) for women. It takes us chapter by chapter through the seven double imperatives (e.g., ‘comfort, comfort my people’) that God issues to a broken Jerusalem in the book of Isaiah. There is a progression through these calls: Comfort; Awake, rise up; Awake, get dressed; Depart; Build up; Pass through; Build up. Each chapter contains reflections on the Bible verses, alongside illustrations from the author’s personal experience and that of many others. We are blessed by being allowed to share in such powerful experiences and insights; and there is much practical advice about moving on. This is a book that addresses deep distress and needs and promises even deeper solutions and hope. In the reflections at the end of each chapter it becomes ‘close and personal’. We are encouraged to look deeply into our troubles and ourselves, to write our thoughts and reflect through the day. Whether we are hurting ourselves or seeking to share comfort with those around, there is plenty here to touch our hearts – as God touched Jerusalem.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Liz Pacey\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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This Crown of Comfort: God’s seven calls to women in distress
£9.99
Digital eBook Only - God loves women. He deeply cares for those of us who are broken and hurt. And...
{"id":14779311489404,"title":"Stepping into Grace: Moving beyond ambition to contemplative mission","handle":"stepping-into-grace-moving-beyond-ambition-to-contemplative-mission-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eJourney with the prophet Jonah... Written by someone with experience of pioneering mission, reflecting on the Jonah story in the light of his experience, Stepping into Grace finds powerful connections between the call and mission of Jonah and the mission context of our own time. Using the narrative thread of the biblical story to explore themes of ambition, vocation, spirituality, mission, leadership and personal growth, it argues for a ministry rooted in grace, where who we are becoming in Christ provides a foundation for our participation in the mission of God. This unique journey takes us to a place of grace where the work of God, in shaping who we are, finds space alongside what we feel called to do.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the people of the Bible needed to work out their choices and challenges of God and faith they told a story. Paul Bradbury has done the same. He has listened, wrestled and travelled with Jonah's story through his own calling. The result is honest, creative and transforming.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e David Runcorn, author of Dust and Glory (BRF, 2015) \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo quote the paraphrase: \"God's strength shows up best in weak people.\" This book unpacks that truth in a refreshingly humble, inspiring and personal way. A must read for aspiring pioneer leaders.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Phil Potter, Leader of Fresh Expressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased in Poole Paul is a pioneer minister in the Church of England leading a missional community with a vision to connect with unchurched people. Writer, birdwatcher, runner, cricketer. Married to Emily with 2 children. Paul has written a book for SPCK in the past.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Church Time 31 March 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProphet to pioneers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSteven Croft finds a study of Jonah to be required reading\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Book of Jonah is bigger than it looks. Four short chapters of parable, drama, and psalm hide uneasily among the minor prophets. The story delights children and defies the literalists. Jonah's story, read well, draws us into an ever deepening reflection on our calling and life and service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Bradbury's short guide to Jonah is also somewhat bigger than it looks. There are seven short chapters on themes that arise jointly from the text and from Paul's experience of pioneer ministry in Poole. The chapters explore big themes: ambition, fear, chaos, darkness, limits, grace and the contemplative life. For me, the most helpful chapters were the first and the last.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book owes an acknowledged debt to Eugene Peterson's profound reflection on Jonah (Under the Unpredictable Plant: A study in vocational holiness, Eerdmans, 1992), which I have read at almost every vocational junction. The insights from text and context here are fresh. Peterson's book is shaped to be a call to a long obedience in the same direction. Bradbury is wrestling with the call to pioneer in new forms and places and styles. He challenges some emerging myths about new forms of ministry and wrestles with some classic temptations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe scholarship is excellent. I enjoyed most the careful attention to the Hebrew texts. Bradbury quotes Rowan Williams, Richard Rohr, Pope Benedict, Brene Brown, and many others. The writing is in parts very clear and in other parts very dense and concentrated. The author has almost too much to say in some of the chapters for the space available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePioneer ministry is still a relatively recent development in the Church of England's long experience of ministry. The literature remains small, and I am not aware of many books that offer biblical and theological reflection in this depth. I hope that Stepping into Grace will find a place on reading lists for those considering ordination and those being formed for pioneer ministry. It would be a good Lenten companion for anyone wanting to reflect on ministry and discipleship in any context. The reader should be prepared for challenge as well as fresh insight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Dr Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-30T07:51:43+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-30T07:50:19+00:00","vendor":"Paul Bradbury","type":"eBook","tags":["Biblical engagement","For individuals","Glassboxx","Mission","Nov-16","Spirituality"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"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":53604686201212,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465276","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Stepping into Grace: Moving beyond ambition to contemplative mission - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":799,"weight":164,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465276","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/245.png?v=1730980374","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/246.png?v=1730980378"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/245.png?v=1730980374","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":63001497960828,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/245.png?v=1730980374"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/245.png?v=1730980374","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":63001499533692,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/246.png?v=1730980378"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/246.png?v=1730980378","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eJourney with the prophet Jonah... Written by someone with experience of pioneering mission, reflecting on the Jonah story in the light of his experience, Stepping into Grace finds powerful connections between the call and mission of Jonah and the mission context of our own time. Using the narrative thread of the biblical story to explore themes of ambition, vocation, spirituality, mission, leadership and personal growth, it argues for a ministry rooted in grace, where who we are becoming in Christ provides a foundation for our participation in the mission of God. This unique journey takes us to a place of grace where the work of God, in shaping who we are, finds space alongside what we feel called to do.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the people of the Bible needed to work out their choices and challenges of God and faith they told a story. Paul Bradbury has done the same. He has listened, wrestled and travelled with Jonah's story through his own calling. The result is honest, creative and transforming.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e David Runcorn, author of Dust and Glory (BRF, 2015) \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo quote the paraphrase: \"God's strength shows up best in weak people.\" This book unpacks that truth in a refreshingly humble, inspiring and personal way. A must read for aspiring pioneer leaders.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Phil Potter, Leader of Fresh Expressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased in Poole Paul is a pioneer minister in the Church of England leading a missional community with a vision to connect with unchurched people. Writer, birdwatcher, runner, cricketer. Married to Emily with 2 children. Paul has written a book for SPCK in the past.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Church Time 31 March 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProphet to pioneers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSteven Croft finds a study of Jonah to be required reading\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Book of Jonah is bigger than it looks. Four short chapters of parable, drama, and psalm hide uneasily among the minor prophets. The story delights children and defies the literalists. Jonah's story, read well, draws us into an ever deepening reflection on our calling and life and service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Bradbury's short guide to Jonah is also somewhat bigger than it looks. There are seven short chapters on themes that arise jointly from the text and from Paul's experience of pioneer ministry in Poole. The chapters explore big themes: ambition, fear, chaos, darkness, limits, grace and the contemplative life. For me, the most helpful chapters were the first and the last.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book owes an acknowledged debt to Eugene Peterson's profound reflection on Jonah (Under the Unpredictable Plant: A study in vocational holiness, Eerdmans, 1992), which I have read at almost every vocational junction. The insights from text and context here are fresh. Peterson's book is shaped to be a call to a long obedience in the same direction. Bradbury is wrestling with the call to pioneer in new forms and places and styles. He challenges some emerging myths about new forms of ministry and wrestles with some classic temptations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe scholarship is excellent. I enjoyed most the careful attention to the Hebrew texts. Bradbury quotes Rowan Williams, Richard Rohr, Pope Benedict, Brene Brown, and many others. The writing is in parts very clear and in other parts very dense and concentrated. The author has almost too much to say in some of the chapters for the space available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePioneer ministry is still a relatively recent development in the Church of England's long experience of ministry. The literature remains small, and I am not aware of many books that offer biblical and theological reflection in this depth. I hope that Stepping into Grace will find a place on reading lists for those considering ordination and those being formed for pioneer ministry. It would be a good Lenten companion for anyone wanting to reflect on ministry and discipleship in any context. The reader should be prepared for challenge as well as fresh insight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Dr Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Stepping into Grace: Moving beyond ambition to contemplative mission
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{"id":14779524055420,"title":"Engaging the Word","handle":"engaging-the-word-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003ePeter Phillips is convinced that the church in the West is not devouring the Bible or meditating on the word as it should, and therefore is spiritually malnourished and failing to thrive. Engaging the Word will transform the Bible engagement habits of Christian disciples, improving the health of the church by opening up new opportunities for drawing on God's word and new life as a result.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEngaging the Word sets out what biblical literacy means and what it looks like in our contemporary culture, exploring the benefits of biblical literacy for those who follow Jesus and for Christian leaders as local theologians and preachers. It also presents a series of practical explorations of the role of the Bible, which help us to reach up to God, reach in to develop our own identity in Christ and reach out to others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Bible and the word of God\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBiblical literacy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe mediated Bible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiscipleship and the Bible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReaching up: spirituality\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReaching in: congregational well-being\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReaching out: engaging the world\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat a gift of a book! Peter Phillips seems to hold out the Bible to us afresh, drawing us back to the power and grace of the word of God. In this accessible book, he brings vast learning and deep understanding to explore our modern Christian engagement with the Bible. There is challenge and insight for all here, and those who read it will come out enriched, challenged, and inspired to re-engage more deeply with God's word. I shall be recommending this to everyone!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Mark Tanner, Bishop of Berwick \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis thought-provoking book explores the question of what place the Bible does and should have in Christian discipleship. It combines helpful in-depth thinking with an easy to read accessible style and is well worth a read for anyone reflecting on patterns of Christian discipleship in the 21st century.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Paula Gooder Theologian in Residence at the Bible Society \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book Pete Philips takes seriously God, the church and the Bible. In doing so there is a challenge for each us as we face the most pressing question facing the church today - how do we share our experience of God? Pete offers grounded ways in which the Good News can be encountered afresh and offered to the world.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Gareth Powell Secretary of the Methodist Conference \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEngaging the Word is a must for individual disciples and Christian communities. Here in this book, Pete Phillips uses theology, history and practical wisdom to show why. From the first disciples to the digital disciples of the 21st century there is much to learn.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e David Wilkinson, The Principal, St Johns College, Durham University \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/PeterPhillips_480x480.jpg?v=1676496974\" width=\"269\" height=\"359\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRevd Dr Peter Phillips is a Methodist minister and Director of CODEC, a research centre housed at St John's College, Durham University. For many years, he served as New Testament Tutor on the staff of Cliff College. He has a great interest in the New Testament and in communicating the faith in a digital age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreach Magazine (Summer 2018). Review by Alan Rashleigh\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo save readers from becoming stressed by trying to understand the subtitle, Peter has very helpfully opened his introduction with the words: 'This book is about the relationship between the reading of the Bible and following Jesus'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLater he asks the question, 'Can we be better Christians by engaging more with the Bible?' The fundamental purpose of the bible is surely to inspire mere mortals to aspire to be more like our Saviour and to follow in his footsteps. The problem comes because many people are unfamiliar with biblical language, as it is couched in terms not in everyday use. Hence the purpose of this book is to understand what the Bible is really about, and how we should use it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is a call to action. It looks at how, by engaging with the Bible, our understanding of our journey in the Christian life will be transformed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are similar books which seek to achieve the same objectives, mainly by exhorting their readers to follow the instructions laid down in the Bible. This book is different, and to some may seem to be controversial. It argues that the Bible is not a rule book or instruction manual, rather it is a guide to enable followers to 'crank up' their own engines of Christian discipleship, with a few additives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book explores biblical literacy (engagement with the Word of God) and discipleship (engagement with the world). This is not surprising as Peter was a tutor at Cliff College, and among his other 'duties' was encouraging students to engage with the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe uses examples of the writings of Augustine, Aldred and Erasmus, as well as the way in which mystery plays have helped people understand biblical stories. Being a Methodist, it would be remiss of Peter not to have included passages written by John Wesley too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book also explores what it means to engage with the Word of God in a world where contemporary communication is focused on the digital.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a well-written, readable book which provides practical advice to those reading the Bible who want to put what they have read to practical use in the world. It is in itself 'engaging' and very worthwhile reading,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Alan Rashleigh\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform Magazine (February 2018). Review by Robert Pope, Director of Studies in Church History and Doctrine at Westminster College, Cambridge\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat place does the Bible have in renewing Christian witness in the 21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e century? This book has two basic premises. First, biblical literacy has declined, resulting not only in a lack of biblical knowledge but also in an inability to identify the biblical references which are deeply embedded in western culture. Second, biblical literacy comes not through reading in isolation alone but by reading with others in prayerful discernment of God's address to us today. The first claim is supported by survey findings and, if true - the author suggests - renders the church impotent. The second is supported by appealing to theologians - including Wesley, Bonhoeffer, von Balthasar and Hauerwas - and it inspires the proclamation of the gospel in deed as well as in word. It also results in 'noticing the presence of the word everywhere we look'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChristianity, the author argues, possesses a message that cannot be jettisoned in favour of a superficial appeal to the contemporary zeitgeist. Phillips reminds us of the need for shared community values, inspired by the collective hearing of God's word, rather than any quest for personal fulfilment alone. Only this, Phillips believes, can offer redemption to a world increasingly characterised by narratives of destruction through terrorism, violence, displacement, isolation and fragmentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaders might feel they know much of this. They might regret that advice on practical implementation comes rather late, and is, perhaps, a little muted. But as the United Reformed Church moves forward with its vision of missional discipleship and its 'Walking the Way: Living the life of Jesus today' emphasis, this book might offer a challenge and an inspiration, as well as a resource, to proclaim the Gospel afresh in our day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Robert Pope, Director of Studies in Church History and Doctrine at Westminster College, Cambridge\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Thomas Creedy (blogger)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'm reviewing a book by a former lecturer and friend, Peter Phillips, known by many as the Director of CODEC in Durham. This book blends two passions of Pete's that I share - biblical literacy and Christian discipleship. \u003cem\u003eEngaging the Word: Biblical literacy and Christian discipleship\u003c\/em\u003e is a hidden gem of a book, bringing together Pete's wide learning, statistics, and a fierce commitment to the Bible. This is a book well worth reading - and spending time with. This book helpfully does three things - gives us a potted understanding of what the Bible is, who is reading it, and why it matters. Let me start with a quote, slightly shortened:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'\u003cem\u003eThe Bible, Webster said, is 'the vessel which bears God's majestic presence'. Recall too that Augustine had used a similar image: 'Scripture is the vehicle that God provides for us to travel to our true home along the road established by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. In the Bible, God comes to address us, to invite us into relationship with him.\u003c\/em\u003e''\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePete begins with a couple of great chapters - The Bible and the word of God and Biblical literacy - that serve as a sort of roadmap for where he's coming from. Throughout both of these chapters, there is a real excitement about the Bible, and the possibilities that come in the Christian life from reading and engaging with it. Pete calls the Bible 'the engine for Christian discipleship', and this is a really helpful image in my mind. Of course, the Bible is more than this (but surely not less than this), and Pete walks us through this and three other understandings of what the Bible 'is'. Having given us a sense of what the Bible is, we turn to the tricky concept of biblical literacy, and without spoiling the book his suggestions are thoroughgoingly Trinitarian, church-oriented and dynamic. This is not just head knowledge - the Bible challenges Christian disciples to be transformed - and this is made clear throughout. Having set the scene with two very helpful chapters (the first is a brilliant explanation in reasonably normal English as to what the Bible is, the latter distilling a complex discussion into a simple output), Pete moves on to two chapters about the way we use the Bible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChapter three, 'The mediated Bible'\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003eis a careful look at how Christians (and others) have engaged with the Bible over time. Pete walks us through a sort of print time machine, looking at key folk in church history and how they engaged with the Bible. We think about 'The Didache' (an early Christian text), Augustine, Aldred, the mystery plays, Erasmus, and Wesley. This chapter makes for an intriguing overview, helping today's reader to root practices of Bible engagement in the past, and also providing food for thought in the way we might approach the Bible today. Chapter four, 'Discipleship and the Bible', is one of the best bits of recent writing on that topic that I've read. Rooted in the words of the Bible, and taking the imagery of the Disciples on the way to Emmaus, Pete makes a strong and passionate case for not just having the Bible as a central part of our discipleship, but thinking about soaking ourselves in it, marinating in it like meat before cooking. With helpful lessons from von Balthasar and Bonhoeffer, Pete encourages us to move from passive to active faith, with the Bible as a key part of that. With this in mind, we readers approach the final part of the book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe final three chapters of 'Engaging the Word' cover the three aspects of discipleship that Pete wants to bring the Bible to bear on: reaching up (spirituality), reaching in (congregational well-being) and reaching out (engaging the world). Key to all of this - and a theme that comes through throughout the book - is community. Or, as Pete puts it, quoting Stanley Hauerwas;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'\u003cem\u003e'\u003c\/em\u003eA place where God is forming a family out of strangers'. That language resonates with the models of discipleship from Bonhoeffer and von Balthasar: the sense that we become disciples by sharing together in small groups, in communities, learning from one another, becoming friends and family, as we eat and drink and be together. Learning through open commensality, by opening ourselves up to one another and allowing God's word to\u003cem\u003e soak us in his presence\u003c\/em\u003e' From this place - this Bible-drenched community - flows the outpouring of discipleship. Woven in amongst these final three chapters is a deeply biblical emphasis on community and doing the stuff of the Kingdom of God - with some helpful practical suggestions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall, then, this is a brilliant book. Pete wears his learning lightly, brings together statistics and concepts in a way that makes a lot of sense, and offers us some excellent practical suggestions. If, like me, you are about to start (or do already) leading a small group, this is a great book to read to shape your thinking. If you are interested in Biblical literacy, or what Christians think of the Bible, then this is a book that is well worth reading. For those involved in church leadership of any kind, even if it feels more practical and less Bible-y than you might like, this is a helpful book to remind us where the engine is, how it works, and why we need to use it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Thomas Creedy.\u003c\/em\u003e https:\/\/www.thomascreedy.com\/book-review-engaging-the-word\/\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-30T09:32:52+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-30T09:31:48+00:00","vendor":"Peter M. Phillips","type":"eBook","tags":["Biblical engagement","For churches","Glassboxx","Mission","Oct-17"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"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":53604757012860,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465863","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Engaging the Word - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":799,"weight":201,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465863","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/275.png?v=1730980385","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/276.png?v=1730980325"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/275.png?v=1730980385","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":63001501565308,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/275.png?v=1730980385"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/275.png?v=1730980385","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":63001486819708,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/276.png?v=1730980325"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/276.png?v=1730980325","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003ePeter Phillips is convinced that the church in the West is not devouring the Bible or meditating on the word as it should, and therefore is spiritually malnourished and failing to thrive. Engaging the Word will transform the Bible engagement habits of Christian disciples, improving the health of the church by opening up new opportunities for drawing on God's word and new life as a result.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEngaging the Word sets out what biblical literacy means and what it looks like in our contemporary culture, exploring the benefits of biblical literacy for those who follow Jesus and for Christian leaders as local theologians and preachers. It also presents a series of practical explorations of the role of the Bible, which help us to reach up to God, reach in to develop our own identity in Christ and reach out to others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Bible and the word of God\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBiblical literacy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe mediated Bible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiscipleship and the Bible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReaching up: spirituality\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReaching in: congregational well-being\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReaching out: engaging the world\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat a gift of a book! Peter Phillips seems to hold out the Bible to us afresh, drawing us back to the power and grace of the word of God. In this accessible book, he brings vast learning and deep understanding to explore our modern Christian engagement with the Bible. There is challenge and insight for all here, and those who read it will come out enriched, challenged, and inspired to re-engage more deeply with God's word. I shall be recommending this to everyone!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Mark Tanner, Bishop of Berwick \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis thought-provoking book explores the question of what place the Bible does and should have in Christian discipleship. It combines helpful in-depth thinking with an easy to read accessible style and is well worth a read for anyone reflecting on patterns of Christian discipleship in the 21st century.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Paula Gooder Theologian in Residence at the Bible Society \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book Pete Philips takes seriously God, the church and the Bible. In doing so there is a challenge for each us as we face the most pressing question facing the church today - how do we share our experience of God? Pete offers grounded ways in which the Good News can be encountered afresh and offered to the world.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Gareth Powell Secretary of the Methodist Conference \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEngaging the Word is a must for individual disciples and Christian communities. Here in this book, Pete Phillips uses theology, history and practical wisdom to show why. From the first disciples to the digital disciples of the 21st century there is much to learn.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e David Wilkinson, The Principal, St Johns College, Durham University \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/PeterPhillips_480x480.jpg?v=1676496974\" width=\"269\" height=\"359\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRevd Dr Peter Phillips is a Methodist minister and Director of CODEC, a research centre housed at St John's College, Durham University. For many years, he served as New Testament Tutor on the staff of Cliff College. He has a great interest in the New Testament and in communicating the faith in a digital age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreach Magazine (Summer 2018). Review by Alan Rashleigh\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo save readers from becoming stressed by trying to understand the subtitle, Peter has very helpfully opened his introduction with the words: 'This book is about the relationship between the reading of the Bible and following Jesus'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLater he asks the question, 'Can we be better Christians by engaging more with the Bible?' The fundamental purpose of the bible is surely to inspire mere mortals to aspire to be more like our Saviour and to follow in his footsteps. The problem comes because many people are unfamiliar with biblical language, as it is couched in terms not in everyday use. Hence the purpose of this book is to understand what the Bible is really about, and how we should use it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is a call to action. It looks at how, by engaging with the Bible, our understanding of our journey in the Christian life will be transformed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are similar books which seek to achieve the same objectives, mainly by exhorting their readers to follow the instructions laid down in the Bible. This book is different, and to some may seem to be controversial. It argues that the Bible is not a rule book or instruction manual, rather it is a guide to enable followers to 'crank up' their own engines of Christian discipleship, with a few additives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book explores biblical literacy (engagement with the Word of God) and discipleship (engagement with the world). This is not surprising as Peter was a tutor at Cliff College, and among his other 'duties' was encouraging students to engage with the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe uses examples of the writings of Augustine, Aldred and Erasmus, as well as the way in which mystery plays have helped people understand biblical stories. Being a Methodist, it would be remiss of Peter not to have included passages written by John Wesley too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book also explores what it means to engage with the Word of God in a world where contemporary communication is focused on the digital.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a well-written, readable book which provides practical advice to those reading the Bible who want to put what they have read to practical use in the world. It is in itself 'engaging' and very worthwhile reading,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Alan Rashleigh\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform Magazine (February 2018). Review by Robert Pope, Director of Studies in Church History and Doctrine at Westminster College, Cambridge\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat place does the Bible have in renewing Christian witness in the 21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e century? This book has two basic premises. First, biblical literacy has declined, resulting not only in a lack of biblical knowledge but also in an inability to identify the biblical references which are deeply embedded in western culture. Second, biblical literacy comes not through reading in isolation alone but by reading with others in prayerful discernment of God's address to us today. The first claim is supported by survey findings and, if true - the author suggests - renders the church impotent. The second is supported by appealing to theologians - including Wesley, Bonhoeffer, von Balthasar and Hauerwas - and it inspires the proclamation of the gospel in deed as well as in word. It also results in 'noticing the presence of the word everywhere we look'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChristianity, the author argues, possesses a message that cannot be jettisoned in favour of a superficial appeal to the contemporary zeitgeist. Phillips reminds us of the need for shared community values, inspired by the collective hearing of God's word, rather than any quest for personal fulfilment alone. Only this, Phillips believes, can offer redemption to a world increasingly characterised by narratives of destruction through terrorism, violence, displacement, isolation and fragmentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaders might feel they know much of this. They might regret that advice on practical implementation comes rather late, and is, perhaps, a little muted. But as the United Reformed Church moves forward with its vision of missional discipleship and its 'Walking the Way: Living the life of Jesus today' emphasis, this book might offer a challenge and an inspiration, as well as a resource, to proclaim the Gospel afresh in our day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Robert Pope, Director of Studies in Church History and Doctrine at Westminster College, Cambridge\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Thomas Creedy (blogger)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'm reviewing a book by a former lecturer and friend, Peter Phillips, known by many as the Director of CODEC in Durham. This book blends two passions of Pete's that I share - biblical literacy and Christian discipleship. \u003cem\u003eEngaging the Word: Biblical literacy and Christian discipleship\u003c\/em\u003e is a hidden gem of a book, bringing together Pete's wide learning, statistics, and a fierce commitment to the Bible. This is a book well worth reading - and spending time with. This book helpfully does three things - gives us a potted understanding of what the Bible is, who is reading it, and why it matters. Let me start with a quote, slightly shortened:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'\u003cem\u003eThe Bible, Webster said, is 'the vessel which bears God's majestic presence'. Recall too that Augustine had used a similar image: 'Scripture is the vehicle that God provides for us to travel to our true home along the road established by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. In the Bible, God comes to address us, to invite us into relationship with him.\u003c\/em\u003e''\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePete begins with a couple of great chapters - The Bible and the word of God and Biblical literacy - that serve as a sort of roadmap for where he's coming from. Throughout both of these chapters, there is a real excitement about the Bible, and the possibilities that come in the Christian life from reading and engaging with it. Pete calls the Bible 'the engine for Christian discipleship', and this is a really helpful image in my mind. Of course, the Bible is more than this (but surely not less than this), and Pete walks us through this and three other understandings of what the Bible 'is'. Having given us a sense of what the Bible is, we turn to the tricky concept of biblical literacy, and without spoiling the book his suggestions are thoroughgoingly Trinitarian, church-oriented and dynamic. This is not just head knowledge - the Bible challenges Christian disciples to be transformed - and this is made clear throughout. Having set the scene with two very helpful chapters (the first is a brilliant explanation in reasonably normal English as to what the Bible is, the latter distilling a complex discussion into a simple output), Pete moves on to two chapters about the way we use the Bible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChapter three, 'The mediated Bible'\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003eis a careful look at how Christians (and others) have engaged with the Bible over time. Pete walks us through a sort of print time machine, looking at key folk in church history and how they engaged with the Bible. We think about 'The Didache' (an early Christian text), Augustine, Aldred, the mystery plays, Erasmus, and Wesley. This chapter makes for an intriguing overview, helping today's reader to root practices of Bible engagement in the past, and also providing food for thought in the way we might approach the Bible today. Chapter four, 'Discipleship and the Bible', is one of the best bits of recent writing on that topic that I've read. Rooted in the words of the Bible, and taking the imagery of the Disciples on the way to Emmaus, Pete makes a strong and passionate case for not just having the Bible as a central part of our discipleship, but thinking about soaking ourselves in it, marinating in it like meat before cooking. With helpful lessons from von Balthasar and Bonhoeffer, Pete encourages us to move from passive to active faith, with the Bible as a key part of that. With this in mind, we readers approach the final part of the book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe final three chapters of 'Engaging the Word' cover the three aspects of discipleship that Pete wants to bring the Bible to bear on: reaching up (spirituality), reaching in (congregational well-being) and reaching out (engaging the world). Key to all of this - and a theme that comes through throughout the book - is community. Or, as Pete puts it, quoting Stanley Hauerwas;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'\u003cem\u003e'\u003c\/em\u003eA place where God is forming a family out of strangers'. That language resonates with the models of discipleship from Bonhoeffer and von Balthasar: the sense that we become disciples by sharing together in small groups, in communities, learning from one another, becoming friends and family, as we eat and drink and be together. Learning through open commensality, by opening ourselves up to one another and allowing God's word to\u003cem\u003e soak us in his presence\u003c\/em\u003e' From this place - this Bible-drenched community - flows the outpouring of discipleship. Woven in amongst these final three chapters is a deeply biblical emphasis on community and doing the stuff of the Kingdom of God - with some helpful practical suggestions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall, then, this is a brilliant book. Pete wears his learning lightly, brings together statistics and concepts in a way that makes a lot of sense, and offers us some excellent practical suggestions. If, like me, you are about to start (or do already) leading a small group, this is a great book to read to shape your thinking. If you are interested in Biblical literacy, or what Christians think of the Bible, then this is a book that is well worth reading. For those involved in church leadership of any kind, even if it feels more practical and less Bible-y than you might like, this is a helpful book to remind us where the engine is, how it works, and why we need to use it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Thomas Creedy.\u003c\/em\u003e https:\/\/www.thomascreedy.com\/book-review-engaging-the-word\/\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Engaging the Word
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{"id":14779532935548,"title":"Journey to Contentment: Pilgrimage principles for everyday life","handle":"journey-to-contentment-pilgrimage-principles-for-everyday-life","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eUsing the metaphor of pilgrimage, Sally Welch walks alongside us as leader and guide, but also fellow traveller, to explore how we can understand this biblical principle and make it our own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is divided into sections of a journey, beginning with the preparations necessary before setting out, exploring the obstacles which might be put in our path and sharing ways in which the journey can be made easier and more productive. At the end of each reflection there is a suggestion for an activity or prayer to enable the reader to apply the learning to their own life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch is the editor of BRF's \u003cem\u003eNew Daylight\u003c\/em\u003e Bible reading notes. She is Vicar of Charlbury with Shorthampton and diocesan spirituality adviser in the Diocese of Oxford. A writer and lecturer on spirituality, she is particularly interested in pilgrimage and labyrinth and has made many pilgrimages both in England and Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry, digital edition 2. Review by Roger Thornington\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlways wanted to go on a step-free pilgrimage? Then this is the book for you! Sally Welch takes us through 52 steps, all from the comfort of your favourite armchair, on a journey to explore how we might reach an inner contentment on our Christian journey through life. Her metaphor is taken from the life of John Bunyan’s pilgrim – ‘Christian’. Eight sections – ‘Before we begin’, ’Stepping out in faith’, ‘Finding the rhythm of the way’, ‘The dangers of discontent’, ’The path of contentment : living lightly’, ‘… keeping focussed’, ‘… facing affliction’, and finally ‘Finding contentment’ – contain the 52 steps. Each step is quite short – some Bible verses, maybe an anecdote, a spiritual application and finally an exercise – a practical task or an inner reflection and a focus for prayer. Even if there are no hills, bad weather or difficulties in finding our way, these aspects are presented as inner challenges – are we content to accept an easy path through life or are we serious in pursuit of our Christian discipleship? This challenging book will be my constant companion on my inner pilgrimage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Roger Thornington \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Julian Meetings Magazine, April 2021. Review by Helen Lems\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch edits and contributes to the Bible Reading Fellowship’s \u003cem\u003eNew Daylight \u003c\/em\u003eBible reading notes. This book is a rich and useful resource to help deepen your spiritual life. The central theme of contentment, particularly its biblical understanding, is approached using the metaphor of a pilgrimage journey. The author is your companion and guide along the way, rather than an expert with all the answers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe groups 52 reflections into eight sections, with headings such as 'Stepping out in faith' and 'The dangers of discontent’. She suggests reading one each week. They have much to offer both to those just starting out and those who are further along the way on the journey of spiritual exploration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach reflection relates to the section theme and precedes a short Bible passage. Then there are some suggestions for further personal reflection. Keeping a journal could be a useful aide to record these, so that they could be revisited later.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is one to keep revisiting, not only at different times of the year but at different stages of life. It would be a useful resource for a retreat or quiet day or to use at home. It could be used at the same season e.g. Advent or Lent, over several years rather than weekly over a year. Both would work equally well. It is tempting to look at headings and skip some sections and focus on others, but if you can resist this then the spiritual rewards could be deeper. I look forward to exploring it further at a more leisurely pace!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Helen Lems\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 13.11.20. Review by Leigh Hatts\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘THE realisation creeps on us gradually that we are in this for the long haul, that life has changed and we may never return to how it was,’ Sally Welch writes in \u003cem\u003eJourney to Contentment\u003c\/em\u003e. This is one of the many moments when the book has both resonance and answers for living during the ongoing pandemic, and especially for those suddenly like Martha, with endless caring or domestic duties. Although written before the virus hit us, it manages to be a prescient book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch, a parish priest, is best known as a Bible Reading Fellowship editor [\u003cem\u003eNew Daylight\u003c\/em\u003e Bible reading notes] and pilgrimage leader. She is also the keeper of Oxford diocese’s giant travelling labyrinth, which is often thrown down at big events to encourage contemplation. But this book is initially for solo indoor reading along the road on which the author says that she, too, is seeking contentment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith 52 short ‘sections’, it can be a two-month journey or a year-long exploration. Each section starts with a scripture quotation, including psalms, from the NRSV, followed by a reflection. The conclusion is always a suggested activity or exercise, which, the writer admits, some will skip, although planting seeds for our prayer space must appeal to many. The themes, such as ,Finding the rhythm of the way’, climax in various paths of contentment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo meditate on St Paul’s suggestion that we ‘run with perseverance’, there are surprising motivational quotations from Jesse Owens, Marilyn Monroe, and Oprah Winfrey. Towards the end, we are encouraged, like the pilgrim, to talk to fellow travellers and so find mutual support and companionship to do God’s work better. The reward, it is suggested, can be happiness and living longer. The book turns out to be an enjoyable and easy-to-read course for living in the new normal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Leigh Hatts, author of ‘Walking The Pilgrims’ Way’ (Cicerone, 2017).\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Salvationist 25.7.20\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview by Major Noreen Batt\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReading this guide brought a helpful dimension to the prospect of going on a journey to contentment right in the midst of the rawness of life. As Sally Welch observes: ‘Contentment is not a secret, but it is a mystery… it is learned, and the lessons can be hard work.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are guided to prepare for the journey, to step out in faith, find the rhythm of how to walk well, encounter challenges on the way and discover the mystery of contentment as we go. Written in 52 short chapters, it feels like a pocketbook that you could take on a pilgrimage – thoughts to mull over at the beginning or end of the day, guidance to ponder over a cup of coffee and insights to wonder about in between.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Scriptures given for each step are carefully placed stepping stones that you don’t always expect, but that adds interest. In each chapter there is a suggested exercise that offers a variety of responses, from spiritual disciplines to artwork, from creative to practical responses, from gardening to decluttering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book you could use by yourself for daily devotions or – if you wanted to dwell on the insights for longer and exercise them in your life – as a weekly guide. Alternatively, you could use it as a pilgrimage guide with a small group of fellow pilgrims and enjoy companionship along the way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs we gradually emerge from lockdown, Sally’s reflection on Ezekiel’s vision of the dry bones particularly resonates: ‘Deprived of the structure that sustained his life, he must find a new way of thinking and believing. With the old supports destroyed, hope must be sought – and found – in a new place.’ This book offers a gentle, thoughtful companion on the pilgrim way. You just might want to pop it in your rucksack!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch is a well-established figure in the ministry and mission of BRF and her latest book reflects her skill as a writer, vocation as a priest and capacity as a spirituality advisor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing the metaphor of pilgrimage, she takes us on a journey from preparation to destination. Like any pilgrimage (literal or metaphorical) such journeys involve stepping out in faith, finding rhythms, carrying a load, overcoming difficulties and keeping focused on where God is leading us towards. Like any pilgrimage this is a book not to be rushed, nor to dawdle through.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore setting out on a journey it is important to check one’s route and what that comprises of. The same is true of this book. The book is divided into 52 sections – but the reader should avoid thinking that means reading one per week. Indeed, Sally Welch encourages the reader to take one per day but, such is the depth of content and the nature of the exercise included in each section that, this reviewer would suggest, more time is needed to fully get the most out of the pilgrimage. Slightly confusingly, these 52 sections are divided in to 8 larger parts, also called sections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut that aside, there is plenty in these pages to get to grips with. It is both challenging and reassuring to know that many people thrive and struggle in the Christian life of pilgrimage and our journey towards contentment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-30T09:37:11+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-30T09:35:56+00:00","vendor":"Sally Welch","type":"eBook","tags":["Devotional","For individuals","Glassboxx","May-20","Spirituality"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"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":53604759306620,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465931","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Journey to Contentment: Pilgrimage principles for everyday life - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":899,"weight":100,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465931","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/277.png?v=1730980247","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/278.png?v=1730980332"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/277.png?v=1730980247","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":63001469321596,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/277.png?v=1730980247"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/277.png?v=1730980247","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":63001488916860,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/278.png?v=1730980332"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/278.png?v=1730980332","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eUsing the metaphor of pilgrimage, Sally Welch walks alongside us as leader and guide, but also fellow traveller, to explore how we can understand this biblical principle and make it our own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is divided into sections of a journey, beginning with the preparations necessary before setting out, exploring the obstacles which might be put in our path and sharing ways in which the journey can be made easier and more productive. At the end of each reflection there is a suggestion for an activity or prayer to enable the reader to apply the learning to their own life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch is the editor of BRF's \u003cem\u003eNew Daylight\u003c\/em\u003e Bible reading notes. She is Vicar of Charlbury with Shorthampton and diocesan spirituality adviser in the Diocese of Oxford. A writer and lecturer on spirituality, she is particularly interested in pilgrimage and labyrinth and has made many pilgrimages both in England and Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry, digital edition 2. Review by Roger Thornington\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlways wanted to go on a step-free pilgrimage? Then this is the book for you! Sally Welch takes us through 52 steps, all from the comfort of your favourite armchair, on a journey to explore how we might reach an inner contentment on our Christian journey through life. Her metaphor is taken from the life of John Bunyan’s pilgrim – ‘Christian’. Eight sections – ‘Before we begin’, ’Stepping out in faith’, ‘Finding the rhythm of the way’, ‘The dangers of discontent’, ’The path of contentment : living lightly’, ‘… keeping focussed’, ‘… facing affliction’, and finally ‘Finding contentment’ – contain the 52 steps. Each step is quite short – some Bible verses, maybe an anecdote, a spiritual application and finally an exercise – a practical task or an inner reflection and a focus for prayer. Even if there are no hills, bad weather or difficulties in finding our way, these aspects are presented as inner challenges – are we content to accept an easy path through life or are we serious in pursuit of our Christian discipleship? This challenging book will be my constant companion on my inner pilgrimage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Roger Thornington \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Julian Meetings Magazine, April 2021. Review by Helen Lems\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch edits and contributes to the Bible Reading Fellowship’s \u003cem\u003eNew Daylight \u003c\/em\u003eBible reading notes. This book is a rich and useful resource to help deepen your spiritual life. The central theme of contentment, particularly its biblical understanding, is approached using the metaphor of a pilgrimage journey. The author is your companion and guide along the way, rather than an expert with all the answers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe groups 52 reflections into eight sections, with headings such as 'Stepping out in faith' and 'The dangers of discontent’. She suggests reading one each week. They have much to offer both to those just starting out and those who are further along the way on the journey of spiritual exploration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach reflection relates to the section theme and precedes a short Bible passage. Then there are some suggestions for further personal reflection. Keeping a journal could be a useful aide to record these, so that they could be revisited later.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is one to keep revisiting, not only at different times of the year but at different stages of life. It would be a useful resource for a retreat or quiet day or to use at home. It could be used at the same season e.g. Advent or Lent, over several years rather than weekly over a year. Both would work equally well. It is tempting to look at headings and skip some sections and focus on others, but if you can resist this then the spiritual rewards could be deeper. I look forward to exploring it further at a more leisurely pace!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Helen Lems\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 13.11.20. Review by Leigh Hatts\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘THE realisation creeps on us gradually that we are in this for the long haul, that life has changed and we may never return to how it was,’ Sally Welch writes in \u003cem\u003eJourney to Contentment\u003c\/em\u003e. This is one of the many moments when the book has both resonance and answers for living during the ongoing pandemic, and especially for those suddenly like Martha, with endless caring or domestic duties. Although written before the virus hit us, it manages to be a prescient book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch, a parish priest, is best known as a Bible Reading Fellowship editor [\u003cem\u003eNew Daylight\u003c\/em\u003e Bible reading notes] and pilgrimage leader. She is also the keeper of Oxford diocese’s giant travelling labyrinth, which is often thrown down at big events to encourage contemplation. But this book is initially for solo indoor reading along the road on which the author says that she, too, is seeking contentment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith 52 short ‘sections’, it can be a two-month journey or a year-long exploration. Each section starts with a scripture quotation, including psalms, from the NRSV, followed by a reflection. The conclusion is always a suggested activity or exercise, which, the writer admits, some will skip, although planting seeds for our prayer space must appeal to many. The themes, such as ,Finding the rhythm of the way’, climax in various paths of contentment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo meditate on St Paul’s suggestion that we ‘run with perseverance’, there are surprising motivational quotations from Jesse Owens, Marilyn Monroe, and Oprah Winfrey. Towards the end, we are encouraged, like the pilgrim, to talk to fellow travellers and so find mutual support and companionship to do God’s work better. The reward, it is suggested, can be happiness and living longer. The book turns out to be an enjoyable and easy-to-read course for living in the new normal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Leigh Hatts, author of ‘Walking The Pilgrims’ Way’ (Cicerone, 2017).\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Salvationist 25.7.20\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview by Major Noreen Batt\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReading this guide brought a helpful dimension to the prospect of going on a journey to contentment right in the midst of the rawness of life. As Sally Welch observes: ‘Contentment is not a secret, but it is a mystery… it is learned, and the lessons can be hard work.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are guided to prepare for the journey, to step out in faith, find the rhythm of how to walk well, encounter challenges on the way and discover the mystery of contentment as we go. Written in 52 short chapters, it feels like a pocketbook that you could take on a pilgrimage – thoughts to mull over at the beginning or end of the day, guidance to ponder over a cup of coffee and insights to wonder about in between.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Scriptures given for each step are carefully placed stepping stones that you don’t always expect, but that adds interest. In each chapter there is a suggested exercise that offers a variety of responses, from spiritual disciplines to artwork, from creative to practical responses, from gardening to decluttering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book you could use by yourself for daily devotions or – if you wanted to dwell on the insights for longer and exercise them in your life – as a weekly guide. Alternatively, you could use it as a pilgrimage guide with a small group of fellow pilgrims and enjoy companionship along the way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs we gradually emerge from lockdown, Sally’s reflection on Ezekiel’s vision of the dry bones particularly resonates: ‘Deprived of the structure that sustained his life, he must find a new way of thinking and believing. With the old supports destroyed, hope must be sought – and found – in a new place.’ This book offers a gentle, thoughtful companion on the pilgrim way. You just might want to pop it in your rucksack!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch is a well-established figure in the ministry and mission of BRF and her latest book reflects her skill as a writer, vocation as a priest and capacity as a spirituality advisor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing the metaphor of pilgrimage, she takes us on a journey from preparation to destination. Like any pilgrimage (literal or metaphorical) such journeys involve stepping out in faith, finding rhythms, carrying a load, overcoming difficulties and keeping focused on where God is leading us towards. Like any pilgrimage this is a book not to be rushed, nor to dawdle through.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore setting out on a journey it is important to check one’s route and what that comprises of. The same is true of this book. The book is divided into 52 sections – but the reader should avoid thinking that means reading one per week. Indeed, Sally Welch encourages the reader to take one per day but, such is the depth of content and the nature of the exercise included in each section that, this reviewer would suggest, more time is needed to fully get the most out of the pilgrimage. Slightly confusingly, these 52 sections are divided in to 8 larger parts, also called sections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut that aside, there is plenty in these pages to get to grips with. It is both challenging and reassuring to know that many people thrive and struggle in the Christian life of pilgrimage and our journey towards contentment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Journey to Contentment: Pilgrimage principles for everyday life
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{"id":14779545813372,"title":"Praying the Way: with Matthew, Mark, Luke and John","handle":"praying-the-way-with-matthew-mark-luke-and-john-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThrough raw and authentic prayers, based on the gospel stories, Terry Hinks leads readers into the heart of the gospels the more clearly to see the needs and joys of today's world. This highly original book helps readers to pray out of, and with, the words of Jesus and to discover the joy of prayer as a two-way conversation - listening as much as speaking to God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerry Hinks' book is a multi-layered gift. At once, it both offers prayers that can enrich personal devotions and public worship and enables insightfully novel theological reflection upon some very familiar material. I am grateful for it myself and warmly commend it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Nigel Uden, URC General Assembly Moderator 2018 - 2020\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerry Hinks is a gifted wordsmith. His latest book, Praying the Way with Matthew, Mark, Luke and John consists of 160 amazingly fresh prayers - 40 for each gospel - in which Scripture becomes the springboard for the soul. I know of no other prayer resource quite like it. I found these prayers not just stimulating and broadening, but also deeply challenging. This is a book not to be read - but to be used. I warmly commend it to anyone looking for a more authentic relationship with God.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Beasley-Murray, 'Church Matters'\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerry Hinks has thought and written over many years about ways that the gospels can inspire and inform our praying. Now this mature collection of prayers draws on important texts from across the four gospels and from all around the themes of the Christian year. The primary tone is reflective, coming near to God in measured, thoughtful praise, and with deep confidence and hope. The language is both reverent and accessible, moving yet not complicated. These prayers would work very well in a church service, and would be equally helpful in a small house group or in private devotion. This book deserves to circulate widely, and I suspect that many copies will become well-worn in the course of the years. This is a resource to return to, time and again, for one's own faith and in the service of others.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Revd John Proctor, General Secretary, The United Reformed Church\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerry Hinks' thoughtful and useful prayers help us better understand the Jesus presented in each of the gospels. The book is very helpful for personal devotional use, but also an invaluable resource for leaders of worship.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAndy Braunston, Coordinator of URC Daily Devotion Project\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerry writes with freshness and honesty to all those who, like him, are trying to walk Christ's way. Like a seasoned traveller, he crafts prayers - inspired by the four gospels - that act as a way marker for his fellow travellers. I warmly commend this resource to enable us all to pray the way before turning back to the challenges that await us on the road.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Richard Church, Deputy General Secretary (Discipleship) of The United Reformed Church\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Praying the Way, Terry Hinks has developed his work around the four gospels into a thoughtful and accessible resource for prayer. He takes Jesus' life and relationship with his heavenly Father as a starting point for exploring our own life of prayer. This book, while primarily designed as an aid to personal devotion, will, I am sure, be a source of material for many worship leaders.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Clare Downing, Moderator of the Wessex Synod\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerry Hinks is a United Reformed Church minister, serving churches in Hereford, Reading and Romsey before moving to two churches in the High Wycombe area. He served as Secretary to the URC Doctrine Prayer and Worship Committee and contributed the Order of Daily Worship to the URC's Service Book Worship. He is the author of a number of books on prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader website, 6 March 2019. Review by Laura Hillman.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis collection of prayers and meditations is firmly anchored in the four gospels. An introduction to each section highlights the characteristics of prayer in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The reader is invited to follow 'the way', a life based on prayer leading to action and changed attitudes. The author has obviously thought hard and long about the lessons to be learned and the strength to be gained from meditating on the scriptures. Each prayer is introduced by a sentence from the relevant gospel with a reference to the longer passage from which it is drawn. The language is refreshingly simple and direct with sparing and effective use of imagery. Although rooted in the Bible, the text has multiple references to life in the 21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ecentury. As well as being a springboard for personal prayer these readings will provide new insights for preachers and study group leaders looking for a fresh take on a well-known text.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Laura Hillman\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.readers.cofe.anglican.org\/resources\"\u003ewww.readers.cofe.anglican.org\/resources\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e_______________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform Magazine, Dec 2018-Jan2019, reviewed by John Proctor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerry Hinks has thought and written over many years about ways in which the gospels can inspire and shape our praying. His long ministry, across four United Reformed Church pastorates, has certainly deepened and developed this work, and now he has provided us with a rich collection of mature prayers, drawing on important texts from across the four gospels and around the themes of the Christian year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePraying the Way \u003c\/em\u003econtains 160 prayers in all - 40 based on passages in each of the gospels. Most of them are short - between about 100 and 150 words in length - and, while Hinks has a recognisable mood and approach, there is definitely no single pattern of length, rhythm or style. The primary tone is reflective, drawing near to God in measured, thoughtful praise, with deep confidence and hope, yet often with searching humility too. The language is both reverent and accessible, often moving, never complex.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe prayers in \u003cem\u003ePraying the Way\u003c\/em\u003e would work well in church worship and could be equally helpful in a house group or for private use. They would connect most deeply with Christians who were reasonably familiar with the bibilcal material, and who were glad to have their thoughts taken to new places in their praying. Worship leaders will welcome the book, not least because the prayers relate so directly and obviously to scripture passages, many of which appear in the Revised Common Lectionary used in Sunday services.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA few sample snippets from the book with show the counterpoint of freshness and familiarity. The prayer based on Matthew 18:12-13 talks of 'sheep, ready to be counted, not to send us to sleep, but to waken us to your kingdom'. The one on Mark 2:1-12 says: 'Let us praise God for friends who carry us through the darkest of times'. The prayer for Luke 15:8-10 asks: 'Holy Spirit, sweep through the dust of my life'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book deserves to be widely known and well used, and many copies will surely become well-worn in the course of the years. This is a resource to return to, time and again, for one's own faith and in the service of others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJohn Proctor is General Secretary of the United Reformed Church\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e This is a real treasure trove. Here are 40 readings and prayers for each of the 4 Gospels; 160 pages of wisdom, illumination, inspiration and motivation with helpful introductions and an Appendix suggesting ways in which these jewels can be made to sparkle. What is found here is not just the product of academic study but of rich pastoral experience in grass-roots ministry serving churches in Hereford, Reading, Romsey and High Wycombe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe value of these crisp reflections is that they can be used systematically to travel through the Gospels or they can be dipped into. They are also a valuable starting point for sermon preparation because of their pithy headings and the prayers which give further insight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI warmly commend this creative devotional book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Tom Stuckey, a Former President of the Methodist Church in Britain\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Baptist Times, 16.01.19. Reviewed by Keith Parr\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found myself in a rather beautiful place in late October.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is this beautiful little Baptist church in beautiful Bunessan on the beautiful Isle of Mull in beautiful Scotland. Everything about it is, well beautiful! The people smile an outrageous amount, the weather is always clement (unless it's cold and raining which happens quite a lot) and the view from the pulpit... oh my, I could wax lyrical about the view from the pulpit for hours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found myself in this beautiful place clutching this book I'd promised to review. I don't normally use much liturgy or many written prayers when I lead worship, but decided to take \u003cem\u003ePraying the Way\u003c\/em\u003e for a trial run this Sunday morning, knowing after the service I could ask all of the congregation if it helped or hindered their encounter with Jesus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is how it works: Terry Hinks has written prayers around various passages in the four Gospels. As I was preaching on John 4:1-42 (Jesus and the woman at the well) after the reading, I used the prayer based on that passage. Leading the prayer felt a little odd, but that could be put down to my lack of practice with this form of praying. The congregation, though, all seemed to appreciate the structure and pauses (which I put in), especially because it related to the reading and the sermon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI probably wouldn't have purchased this, but it is the kind of book that I will know I can dip into if needs be. If your church uses liturgical language you will like this a lot. If you don't, then it isn't a bad idea to have these resources around, and this is not a bad place to start.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Keith Parr, the minister at Maghull Baptist Church north of Liverpool\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-30T09:42:13+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-30T09:41:22+00:00","vendor":"Terry Hinks","type":"eBook","tags":["Biblical engagement","For individuals","Glassboxx","Oct-18","Prayer"],"price":1099,"price_min":1099,"price_max":1099,"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":53604764680572,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857467171","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Praying the Way: with Matthew, Mark, Luke and John - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":1099,"weight":248,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857467171","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/281.png?v=1730980241","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/282.png?v=1730980330"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/281.png?v=1730980241","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":63001467912572,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/281.png?v=1730980241"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/281.png?v=1730980241","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":63001488753020,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/282.png?v=1730980330"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/282.png?v=1730980330","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThrough raw and authentic prayers, based on the gospel stories, Terry Hinks leads readers into the heart of the gospels the more clearly to see the needs and joys of today's world. This highly original book helps readers to pray out of, and with, the words of Jesus and to discover the joy of prayer as a two-way conversation - listening as much as speaking to God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerry Hinks' book is a multi-layered gift. At once, it both offers prayers that can enrich personal devotions and public worship and enables insightfully novel theological reflection upon some very familiar material. I am grateful for it myself and warmly commend it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Nigel Uden, URC General Assembly Moderator 2018 - 2020\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerry Hinks is a gifted wordsmith. His latest book, Praying the Way with Matthew, Mark, Luke and John consists of 160 amazingly fresh prayers - 40 for each gospel - in which Scripture becomes the springboard for the soul. I know of no other prayer resource quite like it. I found these prayers not just stimulating and broadening, but also deeply challenging. This is a book not to be read - but to be used. I warmly commend it to anyone looking for a more authentic relationship with God.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Beasley-Murray, 'Church Matters'\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerry Hinks has thought and written over many years about ways that the gospels can inspire and inform our praying. Now this mature collection of prayers draws on important texts from across the four gospels and from all around the themes of the Christian year. The primary tone is reflective, coming near to God in measured, thoughtful praise, and with deep confidence and hope. The language is both reverent and accessible, moving yet not complicated. These prayers would work very well in a church service, and would be equally helpful in a small house group or in private devotion. This book deserves to circulate widely, and I suspect that many copies will become well-worn in the course of the years. This is a resource to return to, time and again, for one's own faith and in the service of others.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Revd John Proctor, General Secretary, The United Reformed Church\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerry Hinks' thoughtful and useful prayers help us better understand the Jesus presented in each of the gospels. The book is very helpful for personal devotional use, but also an invaluable resource for leaders of worship.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAndy Braunston, Coordinator of URC Daily Devotion Project\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerry writes with freshness and honesty to all those who, like him, are trying to walk Christ's way. Like a seasoned traveller, he crafts prayers - inspired by the four gospels - that act as a way marker for his fellow travellers. I warmly commend this resource to enable us all to pray the way before turning back to the challenges that await us on the road.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Richard Church, Deputy General Secretary (Discipleship) of The United Reformed Church\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Praying the Way, Terry Hinks has developed his work around the four gospels into a thoughtful and accessible resource for prayer. He takes Jesus' life and relationship with his heavenly Father as a starting point for exploring our own life of prayer. This book, while primarily designed as an aid to personal devotion, will, I am sure, be a source of material for many worship leaders.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Clare Downing, Moderator of the Wessex Synod\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerry Hinks is a United Reformed Church minister, serving churches in Hereford, Reading and Romsey before moving to two churches in the High Wycombe area. He served as Secretary to the URC Doctrine Prayer and Worship Committee and contributed the Order of Daily Worship to the URC's Service Book Worship. He is the author of a number of books on prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader website, 6 March 2019. Review by Laura Hillman.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis collection of prayers and meditations is firmly anchored in the four gospels. An introduction to each section highlights the characteristics of prayer in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The reader is invited to follow 'the way', a life based on prayer leading to action and changed attitudes. The author has obviously thought hard and long about the lessons to be learned and the strength to be gained from meditating on the scriptures. Each prayer is introduced by a sentence from the relevant gospel with a reference to the longer passage from which it is drawn. The language is refreshingly simple and direct with sparing and effective use of imagery. Although rooted in the Bible, the text has multiple references to life in the 21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ecentury. As well as being a springboard for personal prayer these readings will provide new insights for preachers and study group leaders looking for a fresh take on a well-known text.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Laura Hillman\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.readers.cofe.anglican.org\/resources\"\u003ewww.readers.cofe.anglican.org\/resources\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e_______________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform Magazine, Dec 2018-Jan2019, reviewed by John Proctor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerry Hinks has thought and written over many years about ways in which the gospels can inspire and shape our praying. His long ministry, across four United Reformed Church pastorates, has certainly deepened and developed this work, and now he has provided us with a rich collection of mature prayers, drawing on important texts from across the four gospels and around the themes of the Christian year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePraying the Way \u003c\/em\u003econtains 160 prayers in all - 40 based on passages in each of the gospels. Most of them are short - between about 100 and 150 words in length - and, while Hinks has a recognisable mood and approach, there is definitely no single pattern of length, rhythm or style. The primary tone is reflective, drawing near to God in measured, thoughtful praise, with deep confidence and hope, yet often with searching humility too. The language is both reverent and accessible, often moving, never complex.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe prayers in \u003cem\u003ePraying the Way\u003c\/em\u003e would work well in church worship and could be equally helpful in a house group or for private use. They would connect most deeply with Christians who were reasonably familiar with the bibilcal material, and who were glad to have their thoughts taken to new places in their praying. Worship leaders will welcome the book, not least because the prayers relate so directly and obviously to scripture passages, many of which appear in the Revised Common Lectionary used in Sunday services.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA few sample snippets from the book with show the counterpoint of freshness and familiarity. The prayer based on Matthew 18:12-13 talks of 'sheep, ready to be counted, not to send us to sleep, but to waken us to your kingdom'. The one on Mark 2:1-12 says: 'Let us praise God for friends who carry us through the darkest of times'. The prayer for Luke 15:8-10 asks: 'Holy Spirit, sweep through the dust of my life'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book deserves to be widely known and well used, and many copies will surely become well-worn in the course of the years. This is a resource to return to, time and again, for one's own faith and in the service of others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJohn Proctor is General Secretary of the United Reformed Church\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e This is a real treasure trove. Here are 40 readings and prayers for each of the 4 Gospels; 160 pages of wisdom, illumination, inspiration and motivation with helpful introductions and an Appendix suggesting ways in which these jewels can be made to sparkle. What is found here is not just the product of academic study but of rich pastoral experience in grass-roots ministry serving churches in Hereford, Reading, Romsey and High Wycombe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe value of these crisp reflections is that they can be used systematically to travel through the Gospels or they can be dipped into. They are also a valuable starting point for sermon preparation because of their pithy headings and the prayers which give further insight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI warmly commend this creative devotional book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Tom Stuckey, a Former President of the Methodist Church in Britain\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Baptist Times, 16.01.19. Reviewed by Keith Parr\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found myself in a rather beautiful place in late October.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is this beautiful little Baptist church in beautiful Bunessan on the beautiful Isle of Mull in beautiful Scotland. Everything about it is, well beautiful! The people smile an outrageous amount, the weather is always clement (unless it's cold and raining which happens quite a lot) and the view from the pulpit... oh my, I could wax lyrical about the view from the pulpit for hours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found myself in this beautiful place clutching this book I'd promised to review. I don't normally use much liturgy or many written prayers when I lead worship, but decided to take \u003cem\u003ePraying the Way\u003c\/em\u003e for a trial run this Sunday morning, knowing after the service I could ask all of the congregation if it helped or hindered their encounter with Jesus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is how it works: Terry Hinks has written prayers around various passages in the four Gospels. As I was preaching on John 4:1-42 (Jesus and the woman at the well) after the reading, I used the prayer based on that passage. Leading the prayer felt a little odd, but that could be put down to my lack of practice with this form of praying. The congregation, though, all seemed to appreciate the structure and pauses (which I put in), especially because it related to the reading and the sermon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI probably wouldn't have purchased this, but it is the kind of book that I will know I can dip into if needs be. If your church uses liturgical language you will like this a lot. If you don't, then it isn't a bad idea to have these resources around, and this is not a bad place to start.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Keith Parr, the minister at Maghull Baptist Church north of Liverpool\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
Praying the Way: with Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
£10.99
Digital eBook Only - Through raw and authentic prayers, based on the gospel stories, Terry Hinks leads readers into the...
{"id":14779665449340,"title":"Could This Be God?: Bumping into God in the everyday","handle":"could-this-be-god-bumping-into-god-in-the-everyday-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eIn a series of pithy, poignant and profound short readings, this book explores the intersection of faith and life. Spotting parables in the everyday, it equips readers to explore whether they might be bumping into God without realising it. Heartening and often funny, it applies biblical truth in a way that both fascinates and liberates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI couldn't stop smiling as I read this wonderful book. Don't mistake its light touch, practical stance and humorous style for shallowness. It conveys great spiritual wisdom.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Derek Tidball, formerly Principal of London Bible College, currently Visiting Scholar at Spurgeon's College London \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrian Harris shows us that life's seemingly insignificant moments really do matter. Why? Because God can be found in them. Written with grace, cheer and deep reflection 'Could this be God?' is a delightful read that will bring inspiration each day.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Sheridan Voysey, speaker, broadcaster and author \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDr Brian Harris has been the Principal of Perth's Vose Seminary since the start of 2004. Born in South Africa, and a New Zealander by citizenship, he is married to Rosemary and they have three adult children and one grandchild.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn demand as a speaker, teacher and writer, Brian speaks at conferences, theological colleges and churches around Australia as well as in other parts of the world. He has a special focus on training leaders\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe serves as a director of Christian Schools Australia, chairs the Carey Group (and is also pastor at large for the Carey movement), is the vice-president of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Theological Schools, is a member of the Commission on Theological Education and Spiritual Formation of the Baptist World Alliance, and is an external advisor to the board of Perth's Riverview Church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe has served as a visiting international scholar at Carson Newman University in the USA. He is the author of several books, including a book on leadership, The Tortoise Usually Wins: Biblical Reflections on Quiet Leadership (Paternoster, 2013). His latest book The Big Picture: Building Blocks for a Christian World View (Paternoster, 2015) has just been released. He writes a popular monthly column for Perth's The Advocate newspaper, and hosts a growing blog at brianharrisauthor.com.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Rapport - Lee Abbey magazine Jan - April 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a series of pithy, poignant and profound short readings, this book explores the intersection of faith and life. Spotting parables in the everyday, it equips readers to explore whether they might be bumping into God without realising it. Heartening and often funny, it applies biblical truth in a way that both fascinates and liberates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Church Times 24 March 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose who miss Lionel Blue's take on life can be reassured that he has been reincarnated as Brian Harris, principal of a Baptist seminary in Perth, Australia. In Could this be God?, Harris presents 88 brief personal reflections on Life, Growing Faith, the Bible and Prayer, the Church, Our World, and the Seasons. He has a sharp and observant eye, is insightful, healthily self-deprecating, and effortlessly moves between the sacred and the secular.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book teems with bons mots: 'Goliath is the sort of person you'd hate to sit behind at the movies,' 'God writes straight with crooked lines,' 'The lost sheep and the prodigal son were dechurched people,' and 'Interruptions are my work.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe is scathing about a purring church and those in love with the wrong world, and bids us all 'to hit a six for Jesus!' Harris repeatedly bats sixers that fly way over the cricket stadium. I even forgave him for ascribing Newman's prayer 'Lord, support us all the day long of this troublous life ...', a favourite of mine, to the Scottish Prayer Book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by The Rt Revd David Wilbourne, Assistant Bishop of Llandaff\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-30T10:33:44+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-30T10:32:47+00:00","vendor":"Brian Harris","type":"eBook","tags":["For individuals","Glassboxx","Sep-16","Spirituality"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"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":53604827890044,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465016","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Could This Be God?: Bumping into God in the everyday - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":899,"weight":238,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465016","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/295.png?v=1730980371","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/296.png?v=1730980250"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/295.png?v=1730980371","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":63001497534844,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/295.png?v=1730980371"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/295.png?v=1730980371","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":63001469747580,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/296.png?v=1730980250"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/296.png?v=1730980250","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eIn a series of pithy, poignant and profound short readings, this book explores the intersection of faith and life. Spotting parables in the everyday, it equips readers to explore whether they might be bumping into God without realising it. Heartening and often funny, it applies biblical truth in a way that both fascinates and liberates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI couldn't stop smiling as I read this wonderful book. Don't mistake its light touch, practical stance and humorous style for shallowness. It conveys great spiritual wisdom.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Derek Tidball, formerly Principal of London Bible College, currently Visiting Scholar at Spurgeon's College London \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrian Harris shows us that life's seemingly insignificant moments really do matter. Why? Because God can be found in them. Written with grace, cheer and deep reflection 'Could this be God?' is a delightful read that will bring inspiration each day.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Sheridan Voysey, speaker, broadcaster and author \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDr Brian Harris has been the Principal of Perth's Vose Seminary since the start of 2004. Born in South Africa, and a New Zealander by citizenship, he is married to Rosemary and they have three adult children and one grandchild.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn demand as a speaker, teacher and writer, Brian speaks at conferences, theological colleges and churches around Australia as well as in other parts of the world. He has a special focus on training leaders\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe serves as a director of Christian Schools Australia, chairs the Carey Group (and is also pastor at large for the Carey movement), is the vice-president of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Theological Schools, is a member of the Commission on Theological Education and Spiritual Formation of the Baptist World Alliance, and is an external advisor to the board of Perth's Riverview Church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe has served as a visiting international scholar at Carson Newman University in the USA. He is the author of several books, including a book on leadership, The Tortoise Usually Wins: Biblical Reflections on Quiet Leadership (Paternoster, 2013). His latest book The Big Picture: Building Blocks for a Christian World View (Paternoster, 2015) has just been released. He writes a popular monthly column for Perth's The Advocate newspaper, and hosts a growing blog at brianharrisauthor.com.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Rapport - Lee Abbey magazine Jan - April 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a series of pithy, poignant and profound short readings, this book explores the intersection of faith and life. Spotting parables in the everyday, it equips readers to explore whether they might be bumping into God without realising it. Heartening and often funny, it applies biblical truth in a way that both fascinates and liberates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Church Times 24 March 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose who miss Lionel Blue's take on life can be reassured that he has been reincarnated as Brian Harris, principal of a Baptist seminary in Perth, Australia. In Could this be God?, Harris presents 88 brief personal reflections on Life, Growing Faith, the Bible and Prayer, the Church, Our World, and the Seasons. He has a sharp and observant eye, is insightful, healthily self-deprecating, and effortlessly moves between the sacred and the secular.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book teems with bons mots: 'Goliath is the sort of person you'd hate to sit behind at the movies,' 'God writes straight with crooked lines,' 'The lost sheep and the prodigal son were dechurched people,' and 'Interruptions are my work.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe is scathing about a purring church and those in love with the wrong world, and bids us all 'to hit a six for Jesus!' Harris repeatedly bats sixers that fly way over the cricket stadium. I even forgave him for ascribing Newman's prayer 'Lord, support us all the day long of this troublous life ...', a favourite of mine, to the Scottish Prayer Book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by The Rt Revd David Wilbourne, Assistant Bishop of Llandaff\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
Could This Be God?: Bumping into God in the everyday
£8.99
Digital eBook Only - In a series of pithy, poignant and profound short readings, this book explores the intersection of...