Devotional
Titles to resource your spiritual journey. A range of resources that provide readings, reflections and prayers to develop a life of faith based on a daily encounter with Jesus.
Looking for seasonal devotional reading? Try our Lent or Advent & Christmas collections.
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{"id":7537591713983,"title":"Loving My Neighbour: A Lenten Journey","handle":"loving-my-neighbour","description":"\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLenten readings and reflections consider how to love in truth, love the vulnerable and the suffering, embrace difference, care for our world, love ourselves, and love to the very end. It’s never been more important to understand how much God loves us and how much he wants us to love each other. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLoving My Neighbour\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e takes us on a journey through the challenging terrain of how we can truly love one another, individually and in our communities. Daily Bible readings and reflections from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day explore how we can love in truth, love the vulnerable and the suffering, embrace difference, care for our world, and love ourselves as God loves us. Holy Week brings us back to reflect on Christ on the cross, who loved us to the very end.\u003c\/span\u003e","published_at":"2023-09-11T15:06:09+01:00","created_at":"2023-09-11T15:06:09+01:00","vendor":"Inderjit Bhogal, Joanna Collicutt, David Gregory, Esther Kuku, Sanjee Perera, Gemma Simmonds, John Swinton","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Devotional","Easter","Lent","seasonal","Upcoming titles"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":42483329106111,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392151","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Loving My Neighbour: A Lenten Journey","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":999,"weight":220,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392151","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/LovingMyNeighbour.jpg?v=1694441274"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/LovingMyNeighbour.jpg?v=1694441274","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":27499683414207,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/LovingMyNeighbour.jpg?v=1694441274"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/LovingMyNeighbour.jpg?v=1694441274","width":1535}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLenten readings and reflections consider how to love in truth, love the vulnerable and the suffering, embrace difference, care for our world, love ourselves, and love to the very end. It’s never been more important to understand how much God loves us and how much he wants us to love each other. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLoving My Neighbour\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e takes us on a journey through the challenging terrain of how we can truly love one another, individually and in our communities. Daily Bible readings and reflections from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day explore how we can love in truth, love the vulnerable and the suffering, embrace difference, care for our world, and love ourselves as God loves us. Holy Week brings us back to reflect on Christ on the cross, who loved us to the very end.\u003c\/span\u003e"}
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Loving My Neighbour: A Lenten Journey
£9.99
Lenten readings and reflections consider how to love in truth, love the vulnerable and the suffering, embrace difference, care for...
{"id":7537586372799,"title":"Holding Onto Hope: 40 days of God’s encouragement through art and reflections","handle":"holding-onto-hope-40-days-of-god-s-encouragement-through-art-and-reflections","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAmy Boucher Pye and Leo Boucher return with a 40-day journey exploring the themes of hope and new life through vivid biblical images, Holding onto Hope can be used through Lent or during any 40-day period. We start with how all creation praises God, from the flowers of the field to the streams in the desert and the trees clapping their hands. We then explore the agricultural pattern of sowing, growing and harvesting before moving to the gracious promises and invitations God makes to his people, such as how he writes eternity onto our hearts. Next come compelling images of God as our help and refuge, including God being our shade and rear guard, before seeing how God changes his people – he clothes us, renews our minds and strengthens us. Finally, we focus on our new life in Christ through images such as new wineskins, the imperishable seed and the city to come.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmy Boucher-Pye \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cimg height=\"116\" width=\"174\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/AmyBoucherPye_480x480.jpg?v=1676495733\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 20px; float: right;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003eAmy is a writer and speaker with a thousand devotional reflections in print, including with New Daylight and Our Daily Bread. She has previously written The Living Cross and Celebrating Christmas for BRF Ministries.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.amyboucherpye.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ewww.amyboucherpye.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeo Boucher \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeo is a retired data systems analyst who paints in his art shack and volunteers with his church and other organisations, including teaching art to seniors at retirement communities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2023-09-11T14:46:37+01:00","created_at":"2023-09-11T14:46:37+01:00","vendor":"Amy Boucher Pye \/ Leo Boucher","type":"Hardback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Devotional","Easter","New Titles","Pastoral care","Spirituality","Upcoming titles"],"price":1299,"price_min":1299,"price_max":1299,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":42483323470015,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392007","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":34819061874879,"product_id":7537586372799,"position":1,"created_at":"2023-09-11T14:46:37+01:00","updated_at":"2023-09-11T14:46:39+01:00","alt":null,"width":1949,"height":1831,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/HoldingontoHope.jpg?v=1694439999","variant_ids":[42483323470015]},"available":true,"name":"Holding Onto Hope: 40 days of God’s encouragement through art and reflections","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":1299,"weight":492,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392007","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":27499625840831,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.064,"height":1831,"width":1949,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/HoldingontoHope.jpg?v=1694439999"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/HoldingontoHope.jpg?v=1694439999"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/HoldingontoHope.jpg?v=1694439999","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":27499625840831,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.064,"height":1831,"width":1949,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/HoldingontoHope.jpg?v=1694439999"},"aspect_ratio":1.064,"height":1831,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/HoldingontoHope.jpg?v=1694439999","width":1949}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAmy Boucher Pye and Leo Boucher return with a 40-day journey exploring the themes of hope and new life through vivid biblical images, Holding onto Hope can be used through Lent or during any 40-day period. We start with how all creation praises God, from the flowers of the field to the streams in the desert and the trees clapping their hands. We then explore the agricultural pattern of sowing, growing and harvesting before moving to the gracious promises and invitations God makes to his people, such as how he writes eternity onto our hearts. Next come compelling images of God as our help and refuge, including God being our shade and rear guard, before seeing how God changes his people – he clothes us, renews our minds and strengthens us. Finally, we focus on our new life in Christ through images such as new wineskins, the imperishable seed and the city to come.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmy Boucher-Pye \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cimg height=\"116\" width=\"174\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/AmyBoucherPye_480x480.jpg?v=1676495733\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 20px; float: right;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003eAmy is a writer and speaker with a thousand devotional reflections in print, including with New Daylight and Our Daily Bread. She has previously written The Living Cross and Celebrating Christmas for BRF Ministries.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.amyboucherpye.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ewww.amyboucherpye.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeo Boucher \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeo is a retired data systems analyst who paints in his art shack and volunteers with his church and other organisations, including teaching art to seniors at retirement communities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Holding Onto Hope: 40 days of God’s encouragement through art and reflections
£12.99
Amy Boucher Pye and Leo Boucher return with a 40-day journey exploring the themes of hope and new life through...
{"id":7537582244031,"title":"The Upper Room: An Introduction","handle":"the-upper-room-an-introduction","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e31 selected Bible passages and reflections to introduce people to The Upper Room daily resource. For over 80 years, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Upper Room\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e has encouraged people everywhere to share their stories of faith. Today it is translated into more than 30 languages and can be found in over 100 countries. From small groups to large congregations, these meditations spark conversations and continue to bring people of faith together.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal for\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• New Christians \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Those attending or running Christian basics\/introduction courses such as post-Alpha, Emmaus or The Being With Course\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Church leaders to give to their congregations to encourage daily Bible reading and for occasions such as Bible Sunday or international days of prayer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Those who appreciate testimony-style devotionals based on real-life experience\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDaniele Och is the Production Manager for BRF Ministries\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Dan_Och_480x480.jpg?v=1694439739\" width=\"157\" height=\"157\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2023-09-11T14:18:33+01:00","created_at":"2023-09-11T14:18:33+01:00","vendor":"Daniele Och","type":"Paperback","tags":["Bible reading notes","Biblical engagement","Devotional","For individuals","New Titles","Upcoming titles"],"price":299,"price_min":299,"price_max":299,"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":42483307217087,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392335","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Upper Room: An Introduction","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":299,"weight":40,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392335","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/UpperRoomAnIntroduction.jpg?v=1694438418"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/UpperRoomAnIntroduction.jpg?v=1694438418","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":27499566432447,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.719,"height":1972,"width":1417,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/UpperRoomAnIntroduction.jpg?v=1694438418"},"aspect_ratio":0.719,"height":1972,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/UpperRoomAnIntroduction.jpg?v=1694438418","width":1417}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e31 selected Bible passages and reflections to introduce people to The Upper Room daily resource. For over 80 years, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Upper Room\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e has encouraged people everywhere to share their stories of faith. Today it is translated into more than 30 languages and can be found in over 100 countries. From small groups to large congregations, these meditations spark conversations and continue to bring people of faith together.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal for\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• New Christians \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Those attending or running Christian basics\/introduction courses such as post-Alpha, Emmaus or The Being With Course\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Church leaders to give to their congregations to encourage daily Bible reading and for occasions such as Bible Sunday or international days of prayer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Those who appreciate testimony-style devotionals based on real-life experience\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDaniele Och is the Production Manager for BRF Ministries\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Dan_Och_480x480.jpg?v=1694439739\" width=\"157\" height=\"157\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The Upper Room: An Introduction
£2.99
31 selected Bible passages and reflections to introduce people to The Upper Room daily resource. For over 80 years, The Upper...
{"id":7536411312319,"title":"The Upper Room January - April 2024: Where the world meets to pray","handle":"the-upper-room-january-april-2024-where-the-world-meets-to-pray","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Upper Room is a unique publication which has a worldwide readership of some three million, with over 70 different editions in 40 languages. Unlike most Bible Reading Notes, the readings and reflections in The Upper Room are written exclusively by the readers themselves who seek to share the insights of their faith with others. Each day's reading contains a Bible passage to read (you will need to use a Bible), a reflection on the passage and prayer followed by a Thought for the Day and a suggested Prayer Focus for the day. There is also a set of small group questions provided each week to fuel discussions within your house group, with a prayer partner or just with friends in church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEditor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEach day's reflection is written by a different reader from around the world. The notes are compiled by The Upper Room, and then edited by Daniele Och.\u003c\/span\u003e","published_at":"2023-09-07T16:35:57+01:00","created_at":"2023-09-07T16:35:57+01:00","vendor":"Daniele Och","type":"Paperback","tags":["Bible reading notes","Biblical engagement","Devotional","For individuals"],"price":495,"price_min":495,"price_max":495,"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":42480046244031,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392618","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Upper Room January - April 2024: Where the world meets to pray","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":495,"weight":105,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392618","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/UpperRoom_Jan24.jpg?v=1694100958"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/UpperRoom_Jan24.jpg?v=1694100958","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":27490179875007,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.719,"height":1972,"width":1417,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/UpperRoom_Jan24.jpg?v=1694100958"},"aspect_ratio":0.719,"height":1972,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/UpperRoom_Jan24.jpg?v=1694100958","width":1417}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Upper Room is a unique publication which has a worldwide readership of some three million, with over 70 different editions in 40 languages. Unlike most Bible Reading Notes, the readings and reflections in The Upper Room are written exclusively by the readers themselves who seek to share the insights of their faith with others. Each day's reading contains a Bible passage to read (you will need to use a Bible), a reflection on the passage and prayer followed by a Thought for the Day and a suggested Prayer Focus for the day. There is also a set of small group questions provided each week to fuel discussions within your house group, with a prayer partner or just with friends in church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEditor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEach day's reflection is written by a different reader from around the world. The notes are compiled by The Upper Room, and then edited by Daniele Och.\u003c\/span\u003e"}
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The Upper Room January - April 2024: Where the world meets to pray
£4.95
The Upper Room is a unique publication which has a worldwide readership of some three million, with over 70 different...
{"id":7536407380159,"title":"Day by Day with God January - April 2024: Rooting women's lives in the Bible","handle":"day-by-day-with-god-january-april-2024-rooting-womens-lives-in-the-bible","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDay by Day with God are Bible reading notes specifically written for women. All the contributors are women and write from a woman's perspective. The entries for each day contain a suggested Bible reading, with the key verse written out in full, a helpful comment that engages heart and mind and a short reflection or prayer. The regular team of contributors are excellent writers. Whatever your current situation in life, you will be inspired and encouraged by these notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eContributors in this issue:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHelen Williams\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRuth Akinradewo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDi Archer\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2023-09-07T16:27:12+01:00","created_at":"2023-09-07T16:27:12+01:00","vendor":"Jackie Harris","type":"Paperback","tags":["Bible reading notes","Day by Day with God","Devotional","For individuals"],"price":495,"price_min":495,"price_max":495,"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":42480038412479,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392564","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Day by Day with God January - April 2024: Rooting women's lives in the Bible","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":495,"weight":95,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392564","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/DaybyDaywithGod_Jan24.jpg?v=1694100433"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/DaybyDaywithGod_Jan24.jpg?v=1694100433","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":27490139898047,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.719,"height":1972,"width":1417,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/DaybyDaywithGod_Jan24.jpg?v=1694100433"},"aspect_ratio":0.719,"height":1972,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/DaybyDaywithGod_Jan24.jpg?v=1694100433","width":1417}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDay by Day with God are Bible reading notes specifically written for women. All the contributors are women and write from a woman's perspective. The entries for each day contain a suggested Bible reading, with the key verse written out in full, a helpful comment that engages heart and mind and a short reflection or prayer. The regular team of contributors are excellent writers. Whatever your current situation in life, you will be inspired and encouraged by these notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eContributors in this issue:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHelen Williams\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRuth Akinradewo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDi Archer\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Day by Day with God January - April 2024: Rooting women's lives in the Bible
£4.95
Day by Day with God are Bible reading notes specifically written for women. All the contributors are women and write...
{"id":7515651047615,"title":"Knowing You, Jesus: following Jesus through the gospels in a year","handle":"knowing-you-jesus","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eInspired by the famous prayer of Richard of Chichester ‘to see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly and follow thee more nearly... day by day', this 365-day devotional encourages faith formation and intentional discipleship. Tony Horsfall, Mags Duggan, John Ayrton, Jenny Brown, Melinda Hendry and Steve Aisthorpe present a detailed, chronological exploration of the life of Jesus of Nazareth, drawing from all four gospels. As we immerse ourselves in the gospel story, may we not only understand it better but experience transformation into the likeness of Christ our Saviour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• New Christians and those wanting to rediscover or deepen faith \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Those who enjoy using a one-year devotional \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Those who have enjoyed other books by Tony Horsfall and Mags Duggan, and BRF Bible reading notes to which the writers have contributed \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Church leaders recommending resources for Bible weeks\/Bible Sunday \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Those mentoring and discipling others\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTony Horsfall\u003c\/strong\u003e is an author and retreat leader with a lifetime’s experience in mentoring others, including church leaders and missionaries, both in Britain and overseas.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #00aaff;\"\u003e\u003ca style=\"color: #00aaff;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.charistraining.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ewww.charistraining.co.uk\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMags Duggan\u003c\/strong\u003e is an author, retreat leader, spiritual director and former lecturer.\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eJenny Brown\u003c\/strong\u003e is senior staff worker with Friends International, an experienced mentor and a lay reader. She has previously worked at All Souls, Langham Place and with UCCF.\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Ayrton\u003c\/strong\u003e is an ordained Baptist minister. Formerly a staff worker with UCCF, he is now involved in a member care role with Interserve.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMelinda Hendry\u003c\/strong\u003e is Ministry Development Lead at Living Leadership, working particularly with women in ministry for their spiritual health and formation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSteve Aisthorpe\u003c\/strong\u003e is a leader, facilitator, coach, researcher and author, with extensive experience in education, international development and faith-based organisations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","published_at":"2023-07-19T12:21:54+01:00","created_at":"2023-07-17T17:13:01+01:00","vendor":"Tony Horsfall,","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Christmas","Devotional","Discipleship","New Titles","Upcoming titles"],"price":1999,"price_min":1999,"price_max":1999,"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":42419316523199,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800391857","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Knowing You, Jesus: following Jesus through the gospels in a year","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":1999,"weight":525,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800391857","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/KnowingYou_Jesus.jpg?v=1689763339"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/KnowingYou_Jesus.jpg?v=1689763339","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":27312105816255,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.667,"height":2764,"width":1843,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/KnowingYou_Jesus.jpg?v=1689763339"},"aspect_ratio":0.667,"height":2764,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/KnowingYou_Jesus.jpg?v=1689763339","width":1843}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eInspired by the famous prayer of Richard of Chichester ‘to see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly and follow thee more nearly... day by day', this 365-day devotional encourages faith formation and intentional discipleship. Tony Horsfall, Mags Duggan, John Ayrton, Jenny Brown, Melinda Hendry and Steve Aisthorpe present a detailed, chronological exploration of the life of Jesus of Nazareth, drawing from all four gospels. As we immerse ourselves in the gospel story, may we not only understand it better but experience transformation into the likeness of Christ our Saviour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• New Christians and those wanting to rediscover or deepen faith \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Those who enjoy using a one-year devotional \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Those who have enjoyed other books by Tony Horsfall and Mags Duggan, and BRF Bible reading notes to which the writers have contributed \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Church leaders recommending resources for Bible weeks\/Bible Sunday \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Those mentoring and discipling others\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTony Horsfall\u003c\/strong\u003e is an author and retreat leader with a lifetime’s experience in mentoring others, including church leaders and missionaries, both in Britain and overseas.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #00aaff;\"\u003e\u003ca style=\"color: #00aaff;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.charistraining.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ewww.charistraining.co.uk\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMags Duggan\u003c\/strong\u003e is an author, retreat leader, spiritual director and former lecturer.\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eJenny Brown\u003c\/strong\u003e is senior staff worker with Friends International, an experienced mentor and a lay reader. She has previously worked at All Souls, Langham Place and with UCCF.\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Ayrton\u003c\/strong\u003e is an ordained Baptist minister. Formerly a staff worker with UCCF, he is now involved in a member care role with Interserve.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMelinda Hendry\u003c\/strong\u003e is Ministry Development Lead at Living Leadership, working particularly with women in ministry for their spiritual health and formation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSteve Aisthorpe\u003c\/strong\u003e is a leader, facilitator, coach, researcher and author, with extensive experience in education, international development and faith-based organisations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e"}
You may also like:
Knowing You, Jesus: following Jesus through the gospels in a year
£19.99
Inspired by the famous prayer of Richard of Chichester ‘to see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly and follow...
{"id":7487718621375,"title":"An Advent Manifesto","handle":"an-advent-manifesto","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe message of the kingdom of God: an ecology of equality and peace, and an economy of justice. Hope from beyond, sent to the present, is what Advent asks us to reckon with. Hope consists of God’s jump leads sent from the future through time and space, wired right into our present pains, panics, and predicaments. How can the light of Christ illuminate this present darkness? This book engages with two great Christmas hymns: the Magnificat and Benedictus. It is also rooted in poets, prophets and the theology and devotional writing of the black theologian and mentor to Martin Luther King Jr., Howard Thurman. Using the lectio divina approach to passages drawn from Isaiah and Luke, An Advent Manifesto is an invitation to pray and practise that most ancient Advent prayer, ‘Come, Lord Jesus, come.’ \u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003eWorried that your book won't arrive in time for the start of An Advent Manifesto's readings? Don't be, we've put together a digital download of the first week so you can stay up to date while your book is on the way, we've got you covered! Just click on the \u003cstrong\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/strong\u003e button to view.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Very Revd Professor Martyn Percy is the former Dean of Christ Church, Oxford and from 2004 to 2014 was Principal of Ripon College, Cuddesdon. Prior to that he was Director of the Lincoln Theological Institute and has also been Chaplain and Director of Studies at Christ’s College, Cambridge. He writes and teaches on culture, faith, values and public life. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Matters: Books for Today 17.11.23. Review by Paul Beasley-Murray\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAn Advent Manifesto\u003c\/em\u003e by Martyn Percy, former dean of Christ Church, Oxford, consists of readings, prayers, and ‘contemplations’, which stretch from the beginning of Advent right through to Candlemas in February. This is a ‘political’ book for it engages with 'the business of who receives what, when, where and how'. The author has an attractive writing style. Without hesitation I warmly commend this study guide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 27.10.23. Review by Peter McGeary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey say that less is more. The most memorable sermons in my experience have been concise and apparently spontaneous. Anyone can go on and on about a given subject; it takes real skill and time to boil down what one wants to say to a few paragraphs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdvent is in many ways my favourite part of the liturgical year. Frustratingly brief, it is bursting with themes of memory, presence, and expectation. There is too much to take in in the time available, it would seem, which can make Advent a tricky season to write about.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMartyn Percy has spent a lot of his ministry in academic circles, but in this book he wears his learning lightly. The principle of ‘less is more’ applies here. In this series of daily reflections, Percy concentrates on drilling down into passages from the prophet Isaiah, and the beginning of St Luke’s Gospel. He resists the temptation to use a wide variety of scriptural texts (there is enough of that in the liturgical lectionary already), and this gives his book a deeper focus on particular texts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach week of Advent has a particular overarching text from Luke (annunciation, visitation, Magnificat, and Benedictus). Weekdays consist of a short reflection on a section of the text, followed by a prayer and some points for contemplation. A slight change of gear at the weekend comprises a canticle from Isaiah, reflection, prayer, and contemplation intended more to link up with that Sunday’s liturgy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is a shift again in the days before and after Christmas, and there is material, too, for the new year and the feasts of the Epiphany and Candlemas. This format works well, because there is deliberately not too much to take in: the author knows that we will be busy with other things; so any Advent discipline that we give ourselves needs to be do-able.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book would be a good way of taking a short time each day to remind ourselves of the ancient themes of Advent, not as an exercise in spiritual archaeology, but as a way of making present the ancient challenges of the season: calls to repentance and change, that we might find again, in the author’s words, ‘the politics of paradise and consequences of God’s love’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd Peter McGeary is the Vicar of St Mary’s, Cable Street, in east London, and a Priest-Vicar of Westminster Abbey.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times online. Reviewed by John Matthews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an interesting volume with some differences from other Advent books. One is that Percy uses the Revised New Jerusalem Bible. He explains why at the end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother is that, rather than ranging over a wide variety of scriptures, which he calls the ‘snacking approach’, Percy limits himself to the first two chapters of Luke’s gospel on weekdays and passages from Isaiah at weekends. On some days just a verse or two is offered for reflection. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA third difference is that Percy’s approach is not to exegete the text but to approach it from the point of view of ‘lectio divina’ or sacred reading. He explains the four steps of this, along with much else, in the 20 pages which precede the daily comments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFar from expounding the short passage for the day, many of Percy’s comments, although often insightful and worthwhile, make no reference at all to the text or its subject matter. This allows him to range more widely, including some interesting comments on Aramaic concerning the beatitudes and some new beatitudes from the poet, Scott Cairns, and Pope Francis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach day’s reflection is followed by a prayer, and a question and comment for contemplation. The inside covers include colour illustrations of two nativity paintings by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, which Percy discusses. These are good to have, though rather small.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome of the author’s phrases are striking, like ‘grace is expansive as well as expensive’ (124) and ‘John the Baptist did not prepare the way for something that would be conformist, comfortable or convenient’ (192).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOthers are more questionable. Is God really like a prowling lion, ready to pounce? (51) And did the angels really sing to the shepherds ‘because no one else was listening’? (177).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book takes us beyond Advent and Christmas into Epiphany and also includes a week beginning with Candlemas. So there is more material here than in most Advent books.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like a ‘day-by-day’ Advent book, and are open to something a bit different, this one is worth a try.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJohn Matthews is a retired Baptist minister living in Rushden, Northants.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e","published_at":"2023-05-09T17:52:01+01:00","created_at":"2023-05-09T17:52:01+01:00","vendor":"Martyn Percy","type":"Paperback","tags":["Advent","Biblical engagement","Devotional","New Titles","Upcoming titles"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":42347655069887,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800390942","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"An Advent Manifesto","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":999,"weight":245,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800390942","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/AnAdventManifesto.jpg?v=1683651123"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/AnAdventManifesto.jpg?v=1683651123","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":27039811698879,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/AnAdventManifesto.jpg?v=1683651123"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/AnAdventManifesto.jpg?v=1683651123","width":1535}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe message of the kingdom of God: an ecology of equality and peace, and an economy of justice. Hope from beyond, sent to the present, is what Advent asks us to reckon with. Hope consists of God’s jump leads sent from the future through time and space, wired right into our present pains, panics, and predicaments. How can the light of Christ illuminate this present darkness? This book engages with two great Christmas hymns: the Magnificat and Benedictus. It is also rooted in poets, prophets and the theology and devotional writing of the black theologian and mentor to Martin Luther King Jr., Howard Thurman. Using the lectio divina approach to passages drawn from Isaiah and Luke, An Advent Manifesto is an invitation to pray and practise that most ancient Advent prayer, ‘Come, Lord Jesus, come.’ \u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003eWorried that your book won't arrive in time for the start of An Advent Manifesto's readings? Don't be, we've put together a digital download of the first week so you can stay up to date while your book is on the way, we've got you covered! Just click on the \u003cstrong\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/strong\u003e button to view.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Very Revd Professor Martyn Percy is the former Dean of Christ Church, Oxford and from 2004 to 2014 was Principal of Ripon College, Cuddesdon. Prior to that he was Director of the Lincoln Theological Institute and has also been Chaplain and Director of Studies at Christ’s College, Cambridge. He writes and teaches on culture, faith, values and public life. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Matters: Books for Today 17.11.23. Review by Paul Beasley-Murray\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAn Advent Manifesto\u003c\/em\u003e by Martyn Percy, former dean of Christ Church, Oxford, consists of readings, prayers, and ‘contemplations’, which stretch from the beginning of Advent right through to Candlemas in February. This is a ‘political’ book for it engages with 'the business of who receives what, when, where and how'. The author has an attractive writing style. Without hesitation I warmly commend this study guide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 27.10.23. Review by Peter McGeary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey say that less is more. The most memorable sermons in my experience have been concise and apparently spontaneous. Anyone can go on and on about a given subject; it takes real skill and time to boil down what one wants to say to a few paragraphs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdvent is in many ways my favourite part of the liturgical year. Frustratingly brief, it is bursting with themes of memory, presence, and expectation. There is too much to take in in the time available, it would seem, which can make Advent a tricky season to write about.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMartyn Percy has spent a lot of his ministry in academic circles, but in this book he wears his learning lightly. The principle of ‘less is more’ applies here. In this series of daily reflections, Percy concentrates on drilling down into passages from the prophet Isaiah, and the beginning of St Luke’s Gospel. He resists the temptation to use a wide variety of scriptural texts (there is enough of that in the liturgical lectionary already), and this gives his book a deeper focus on particular texts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach week of Advent has a particular overarching text from Luke (annunciation, visitation, Magnificat, and Benedictus). Weekdays consist of a short reflection on a section of the text, followed by a prayer and some points for contemplation. A slight change of gear at the weekend comprises a canticle from Isaiah, reflection, prayer, and contemplation intended more to link up with that Sunday’s liturgy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is a shift again in the days before and after Christmas, and there is material, too, for the new year and the feasts of the Epiphany and Candlemas. This format works well, because there is deliberately not too much to take in: the author knows that we will be busy with other things; so any Advent discipline that we give ourselves needs to be do-able.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book would be a good way of taking a short time each day to remind ourselves of the ancient themes of Advent, not as an exercise in spiritual archaeology, but as a way of making present the ancient challenges of the season: calls to repentance and change, that we might find again, in the author’s words, ‘the politics of paradise and consequences of God’s love’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd Peter McGeary is the Vicar of St Mary’s, Cable Street, in east London, and a Priest-Vicar of Westminster Abbey.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times online. Reviewed by John Matthews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an interesting volume with some differences from other Advent books. One is that Percy uses the Revised New Jerusalem Bible. He explains why at the end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother is that, rather than ranging over a wide variety of scriptures, which he calls the ‘snacking approach’, Percy limits himself to the first two chapters of Luke’s gospel on weekdays and passages from Isaiah at weekends. On some days just a verse or two is offered for reflection. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA third difference is that Percy’s approach is not to exegete the text but to approach it from the point of view of ‘lectio divina’ or sacred reading. He explains the four steps of this, along with much else, in the 20 pages which precede the daily comments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFar from expounding the short passage for the day, many of Percy’s comments, although often insightful and worthwhile, make no reference at all to the text or its subject matter. This allows him to range more widely, including some interesting comments on Aramaic concerning the beatitudes and some new beatitudes from the poet, Scott Cairns, and Pope Francis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach day’s reflection is followed by a prayer, and a question and comment for contemplation. The inside covers include colour illustrations of two nativity paintings by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, which Percy discusses. These are good to have, though rather small.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome of the author’s phrases are striking, like ‘grace is expansive as well as expensive’ (124) and ‘John the Baptist did not prepare the way for something that would be conformist, comfortable or convenient’ (192).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOthers are more questionable. Is God really like a prowling lion, ready to pounce? (51) And did the angels really sing to the shepherds ‘because no one else was listening’? (177).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book takes us beyond Advent and Christmas into Epiphany and also includes a week beginning with Candlemas. So there is more material here than in most Advent books.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like a ‘day-by-day’ Advent book, and are open to something a bit different, this one is worth a try.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJohn Matthews is a retired Baptist minister living in Rushden, Northants.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e"}
You may also like:
An Advent Manifesto
£9.99
The message of the kingdom of God: an ecology of equality and peace, and an economy of justice. Hope from...
{"id":7422307336383,"title":"This Crown of Comfort: God’s seven calls to women in distress","handle":"this-crown-of-comfort","description":"\u003cp\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\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\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\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","published_at":"2023-01-03T12:57:16+00:00","created_at":"2023-01-03T12:49:38+00:00","vendor":"Eva Leaf","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Devotional","For individuals","For Women","New Titles","Parenting for Faith books","Pastoral care","Upcoming titles"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":42164481294527,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392083","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":33880199430335,"product_id":7422307336383,"position":1,"created_at":"2023-01-03T12:49:39+00:00","updated_at":"2023-01-03T12:49:45+00:00","alt":null,"width":1535,"height":2339,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/ThisCrownofComfort.jpg?v=1672750185","variant_ids":[42164481294527]},"available":true,"name":"This Crown of Comfort: God’s seven calls to women in distress - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":185,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392083","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":26487358324927,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/ThisCrownofComfort.jpg?v=1672750185"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/ThisCrownofComfort.jpg?v=1672750185","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/Portraitsoftcoverbook5.5x8.5inthehandsofawomanwearingabluesweater_ThisCrownofComfort.png?v=1681832721"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/ThisCrownofComfort.jpg?v=1672750185","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":26487358324927,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/ThisCrownofComfort.jpg?v=1672750185"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/ThisCrownofComfort.jpg?v=1672750185","width":1535},{"alt":"Woman wearing a blue sweater and jeans holding a paperback of This Crown of Comfort by Eva Leaf published by BRF ","id":26961458888895,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.5,"height":2666,"width":4000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/Portraitsoftcoverbook5.5x8.5inthehandsofawomanwearingabluesweater_ThisCrownofComfort.png?v=1681832721"},"aspect_ratio":1.5,"height":2666,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/Portraitsoftcoverbook5.5x8.5inthehandsofawomanwearingabluesweater_ThisCrownofComfort.png?v=1681832721","width":4000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\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\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\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\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"}
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This Crown of Comfort: God’s seven calls to women in distress
£9.99
God loves women. He deeply cares for those of us who are broken and hurt. And just as he helped...
{"id":7367030177983,"title":"At Home and Out and About","handle":"at-home-and-out-and-about","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Across a year’s worth of weekly reflections, Gordon Giles focuses on objects, scenes, activities and places, drawing out spiritual insights to help us reflect on what we have learned as we venture out again after months of restriction, absence and anxiety. From Easter, through the changing seasons to the following Easter, we are led to consider: What is it like spiritually to stop wearing masks? What does a beach say to us after coronavirus? How has Zoom affected us during lockdown and how do we now relate to technology as a medium of fellowship? Where is Christ amid our restrictions and our releases?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e• Readers of Lent and Advent books who have enjoyed the previous two in this series\u003cbr\u003e• Anyone who wants to reflect on the world in which they live in the light of recent events\u003cbr\u003e• Those who enjoy and are concerned for the natural world\u003cbr\u003e• Church groups reading together or privately\u003cbr\u003e• Churches looking for material related to the seasons of the year or the church calendar\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/span\u003e\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\/GordonGiles1_480x480.jpg?v=1676494801\" width=\"131\" height=\"233\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGordon Giles is Canon Chancellor of Rochester Cathedral. He is the author of several books and the editor of BRF’s New Daylight Bible reading notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry September 2023. Review by Betty Taylor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book provided two surprises. The first was to discover that the pandemic had affected 52 areas of our lives, from masks to Zoom, from furlough to haircuts; and secondly that these meditations were to last for a whole year, from Easter to Easter. I decided to choose a special moment in the week – maybe a Sunday afternoon – to delve into the next topic. You may think that the pandemic is best allowed to rest, but Giles steers us sensitively through, encouraging us ‘to reflect on what has changed and to engage with what has not’. We are to go out and about with a God who never changes and whose love is ever constant. Each meditation is biblically inspired and supported by scientific and statistical knowledge. All conclude with a prayer. Although I would recommend individual reading, there are questions for group discussion. We have so much to learn from our Covid experiences. This book motivates us to view those years in a fresh light as we journey onward in ‘faith, hope and love.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Betty Taylor\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e","published_at":"2022-10-10T15:03:23+01:00","created_at":"2022-10-10T15:03:22+01:00","vendor":"Gordon Giles","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Devotional","For individuals","Pastoral care","Prayer","seasonal","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":41997437501631,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800391154","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":33430822748351,"product_id":7367030177983,"position":1,"created_at":"2022-10-10T15:03:22+01:00","updated_at":"2022-10-10T15:03:24+01:00","alt":null,"width":1535,"height":2339,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/AtHomeandOutandAbout.jpg?v=1665410604","variant_ids":[41997437501631]},"available":true,"name":"At Home and Out and About - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":219,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800391154","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":26021152489663,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/AtHomeandOutandAbout.jpg?v=1665410604"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/AtHomeandOutandAbout.jpg?v=1665410604"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/AtHomeandOutandAbout.jpg?v=1665410604","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":26021152489663,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/AtHomeandOutandAbout.jpg?v=1665410604"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/AtHomeandOutandAbout.jpg?v=1665410604","width":1535}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Across a year’s worth of weekly reflections, Gordon Giles focuses on objects, scenes, activities and places, drawing out spiritual insights to help us reflect on what we have learned as we venture out again after months of restriction, absence and anxiety. From Easter, through the changing seasons to the following Easter, we are led to consider: What is it like spiritually to stop wearing masks? What does a beach say to us after coronavirus? How has Zoom affected us during lockdown and how do we now relate to technology as a medium of fellowship? Where is Christ amid our restrictions and our releases?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e• Readers of Lent and Advent books who have enjoyed the previous two in this series\u003cbr\u003e• Anyone who wants to reflect on the world in which they live in the light of recent events\u003cbr\u003e• Those who enjoy and are concerned for the natural world\u003cbr\u003e• Church groups reading together or privately\u003cbr\u003e• Churches looking for material related to the seasons of the year or the church calendar\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/span\u003e\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\/GordonGiles1_480x480.jpg?v=1676494801\" width=\"131\" height=\"233\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGordon Giles is Canon Chancellor of Rochester Cathedral. He is the author of several books and the editor of BRF’s New Daylight Bible reading notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry September 2023. Review by Betty Taylor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book provided two surprises. The first was to discover that the pandemic had affected 52 areas of our lives, from masks to Zoom, from furlough to haircuts; and secondly that these meditations were to last for a whole year, from Easter to Easter. I decided to choose a special moment in the week – maybe a Sunday afternoon – to delve into the next topic. You may think that the pandemic is best allowed to rest, but Giles steers us sensitively through, encouraging us ‘to reflect on what has changed and to engage with what has not’. We are to go out and about with a God who never changes and whose love is ever constant. Each meditation is biblically inspired and supported by scientific and statistical knowledge. All conclude with a prayer. Although I would recommend individual reading, there are questions for group discussion. We have so much to learn from our Covid experiences. This book motivates us to view those years in a fresh light as we journey onward in ‘faith, hope and love.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Betty Taylor\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e"}
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At Home and Out and About
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Across a year’s worth of weekly reflections, Gordon Giles focuses on objects, scenes, activities and places, drawing out spiritual insights...
{"id":7367026409663,"title":"World Turned Upside Down","handle":"world-turned-upside-down","description":"\u003cp\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":"2022-10-10T14:51:44+01:00","created_at":"2022-10-10T14:51:42+01:00","vendor":"Alison Morgan","type":"Paperback","tags":["Bereavement","Biblical engagement","Devotional","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":41997426426047,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800391666","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":33430612476095,"product_id":7367026409663,"position":1,"created_at":"2022-10-10T14:51:42+01:00","updated_at":"2022-10-10T14:51:44+01:00","alt":null,"width":1535,"height":2339,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/WorldTurnedUpsideDown.jpg?v=1665409904","variant_ids":[41997426426047]},"available":true,"name":"World Turned Upside Down - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":1299,"weight":286,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800391666","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":26020938743999,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/WorldTurnedUpsideDown.jpg?v=1665409904"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/WorldTurnedUpsideDown.jpg?v=1665409904"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/WorldTurnedUpsideDown.jpg?v=1665409904","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":26020938743999,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/WorldTurnedUpsideDown.jpg?v=1665409904"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/WorldTurnedUpsideDown.jpg?v=1665409904","width":1535}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\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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{"id":7130706116799,"title":"The BRF Book of 100 Prayers: Resourcing your spiritual journey","handle":"the-brf-book-of-100-prayers","description":"\u003cp\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":"2022-01-20T17:07:09+00:00","created_at":"2022-01-10T16:46:29+00:00","vendor":"Martyn Payne","type":"Hardback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Centenary Collection","Devotional","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":41214473273535,"title":"Hardback","option1":"Hardback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800391475","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":31387119091903,"product_id":7130706116799,"position":1,"created_at":"2022-01-10T16:46:29+00:00","updated_at":"2022-10-05T15:17:17+01:00","alt":null,"width":1000,"height":1603,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800391475.jpg?v=1664979437","variant_ids":[41214473273535,42020299407551]},"available":true,"name":"The BRF Book of 100 Prayers: Resourcing your spiritual journey - Hardback","public_title":"Hardback","options":["Hardback"],"price":1299,"weight":200,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800391475","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":23845249319103,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.624,"height":1603,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800391475.jpg?v=1664979437"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":42020299407551,"title":"EPUB","option1":"EPUB","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800391697","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":31387119091903,"product_id":7130706116799,"position":1,"created_at":"2022-01-10T16:46:29+00:00","updated_at":"2022-10-05T15:17:17+01:00","alt":null,"width":1000,"height":1603,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800391475.jpg?v=1664979437","variant_ids":[41214473273535,42020299407551]},"available":true,"name":"The BRF Book of 100 Prayers: Resourcing your spiritual journey - EPUB","public_title":"EPUB","options":["EPUB"],"price":1299,"weight":200,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":23845249319103,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.624,"height":1603,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800391475.jpg?v=1664979437"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800391475.jpg?v=1664979437"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800391475.jpg?v=1664979437","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":23845249319103,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.624,"height":1603,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800391475.jpg?v=1664979437"},"aspect_ratio":0.624,"height":1603,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800391475.jpg?v=1664979437","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\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"}
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The BRF Book of 100 Prayers: Resourcing your spiritual journey
£12.99
An illustrated collection of prayers by Martyn Payne. Prayer is at the heart of BRFʼs work, and this special illustrated anniversary...
{"id":7130654015679,"title":"The Jesus Prayer","handle":"the-jesus-prayer","description":"\u003cp\u003eʻLord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.ʼ\u003cbr\u003eThis ancient prayer has been known and loved by generations of Christians for hundreds of years. It is a way of entering into the river of prayer which flows from the heart of God: the prayer of God himself, as Jesus continually prays for his people and for the world he loves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimon Barrington-Ward teaches us how to use the Jesus Prayer as a devotional practice, and opens up the Bible passages that are crucial to understanding it. ʻWritten out of long experience, Simon Barrington-Ward's book is one of the clearest, practical and most timely introductions available.ʼ David Runcorn, author of Spirituality Workbook: A guide for explorers, pilgrims and seekers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAbout the author\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Right Reverend Simon Barrington-Ward was General Secretary of CMS from 1975 to 1985, became Bishop of Coventry in 1985 and retired to Cambridge in 1997. He travelled widely, speaking on prayer and spirituality, and died in April 2020.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Julian Meetings Magazine December 2022. Review by Ann Moran\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bible Reading Fellowship (BRF) have reprinted Simon Barrington-Ward‘s book on The Jesus Prayer as part of their Centenary Classics Collection. First published in 1996, this new edition, a reprint of the 2007 2nd edition, is a hard-back that is a beautiful object to see and handle, and a pleasure to read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book remains one of the best introductions to the Jesus Prayer. Quite short, it contains a huge amount of wisdom, guidance and scholarship, all expressed in clear and simple language. The BRF website has an excerpt to read, including the list of contents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimon Barrington-Ward tells about his own discovery of the prayer and its practice. He gives much information on the biblical roots of the prayer, its early use by the Desert Fathers and its development from Evagrius in the 4th century through to the present day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book gives clear instruction on how to practice the prayer, its value in intercession and the use of the traditional Orthodox knotted prayer cord, called a Chotki (Russian) or Komboskini (Greek). Barrington-Ward speaks from his own experience of the prayer, and was known for always carrying a prayer cord with him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book includes an excellent bibliography for those who want to learn more. However, it is not knowledge that is important but the practice of the prayer, which is very simple. It‘s a practice of the presence of God, and it is being in that presence, relaxed and alert.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Ann Moran \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2022-01-17T17:11:52+00:00","created_at":"2022-01-10T15:02:25+00:00","vendor":"Simon Barrington-Ward","type":"Hardback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Centenary Classics","Centenary Collection","Devotional","May-22","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":41214237343935,"title":"Hardback","option1":"Hardback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800390874","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Jesus Prayer - Hardback","public_title":"Hardback","options":["Hardback"],"price":1499,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800390874","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390874_cb0574e3-5dbc-4322-9ecb-935b5c1642cb.jpg?v=1648471771"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390874_cb0574e3-5dbc-4322-9ecb-935b5c1642cb.jpg?v=1648471771","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":24524116361407,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390874_cb0574e3-5dbc-4322-9ecb-935b5c1642cb.jpg?v=1648471771"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390874_cb0574e3-5dbc-4322-9ecb-935b5c1642cb.jpg?v=1648471771","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eʻLord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.ʼ\u003cbr\u003eThis ancient prayer has been known and loved by generations of Christians for hundreds of years. It is a way of entering into the river of prayer which flows from the heart of God: the prayer of God himself, as Jesus continually prays for his people and for the world he loves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimon Barrington-Ward teaches us how to use the Jesus Prayer as a devotional practice, and opens up the Bible passages that are crucial to understanding it. ʻWritten out of long experience, Simon Barrington-Ward's book is one of the clearest, practical and most timely introductions available.ʼ David Runcorn, author of Spirituality Workbook: A guide for explorers, pilgrims and seekers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAbout the author\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Right Reverend Simon Barrington-Ward was General Secretary of CMS from 1975 to 1985, became Bishop of Coventry in 1985 and retired to Cambridge in 1997. He travelled widely, speaking on prayer and spirituality, and died in April 2020.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Julian Meetings Magazine December 2022. Review by Ann Moran\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bible Reading Fellowship (BRF) have reprinted Simon Barrington-Ward‘s book on The Jesus Prayer as part of their Centenary Classics Collection. First published in 1996, this new edition, a reprint of the 2007 2nd edition, is a hard-back that is a beautiful object to see and handle, and a pleasure to read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book remains one of the best introductions to the Jesus Prayer. Quite short, it contains a huge amount of wisdom, guidance and scholarship, all expressed in clear and simple language. The BRF website has an excerpt to read, including the list of contents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimon Barrington-Ward tells about his own discovery of the prayer and its practice. He gives much information on the biblical roots of the prayer, its early use by the Desert Fathers and its development from Evagrius in the 4th century through to the present day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book gives clear instruction on how to practice the prayer, its value in intercession and the use of the traditional Orthodox knotted prayer cord, called a Chotki (Russian) or Komboskini (Greek). Barrington-Ward speaks from his own experience of the prayer, and was known for always carrying a prayer cord with him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book includes an excellent bibliography for those who want to learn more. However, it is not knowledge that is important but the practice of the prayer, which is very simple. It‘s a practice of the presence of God, and it is being in that presence, relaxed and alert.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Ann Moran \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The Jesus Prayer
£14.99
ʻLord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.ʼThis ancient prayer has been known and loved by generations of...
{"id":6841099911359,"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","description":"\u003cp\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":"2021-08-12T08:55:48+01:00","created_at":"2021-07-28T21:00:55+01:00","vendor":"Karen Laister and Olivia Warburton","type":"Jacketed hardback","tags":["Centenary Collection","Devotional","For individuals","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":40313752944831,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800391000","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The BRF Book of 365 Bible Reflections: with contributions from BRF authors, supporters and well-wishers","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":1499,"weight":770,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800391000","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800391000.jpg?v=1627502457"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800391000.jpg?v=1627502457","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":21874976325823,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.654,"height":1800,"width":1177,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800391000.jpg?v=1627502457"},"aspect_ratio":0.654,"height":1800,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800391000.jpg?v=1627502457","width":1177}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\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
The Bible is at the heart of BRF’s work, and this special anniversary collection is a celebration of the Bible...
{"id":6264536400063,"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","description":"\u003cp\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\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":"2021-01-15T09:49:41+00:00","created_at":"2021-01-15T09:44:39+00:00","vendor":"Tony Horsfall","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Devotional","For individuals","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":37979944779967,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800390669","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":23444839760063,"product_id":6264536400063,"position":1,"created_at":"2021-01-15T09:49:04+00:00","updated_at":"2021-01-15T09:49:04+00:00","alt":null,"width":1000,"height":1524,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390669.jpg?v=1610704144","variant_ids":[37979944779967]},"available":true,"name":"Deep Calls to Deep: Spiritual formation in the hard places of life - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":141,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800390669","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":15614494834879,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390669.jpg?v=1610704144"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390669.jpg?v=1610704144"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390669.jpg?v=1610704144","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":15614494834879,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390669.jpg?v=1610704144"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390669.jpg?v=1610704144","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\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\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"}
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Deep Calls to Deep: Spiritual formation in the hard places of life
£8.99
The Psalms offer honest insights into the reality of life with God, reflecting every human emotion and situation. Through looking...
{"id":6260225605823,"title":"Comfortable Words: a call to restoration: Reflections on Isaiah 40–55","handle":"comfortable-words-a-call-to-restoration-reflections-on-isaiah-40-55","description":"\u003cp\u003e‘Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God…’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough nine reflections, Steven Croft examines what these ‘comfortable words’ have to say to us. Each reflection begins from a passage of scripture taken from Isaiah 40—55: the song of an unnamed prophet who sings at the end of the exile to call God’s people home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe prophet sings of love and forgiveness, of new hope and strength in God, to rekindle courage in the hearts of God’s people. The prophet sings of a new kind of leadership, based on humility and gentleness. The prophet sings to tell us not to be afraid even in the face of death. These are comfortable words the whole world needs to hear afresh in this season.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft is the Bishop of Oxford. He has a passion for mission and evangelism and for finding creative ways of sharing the gospel, and is the co-author of the Emmaus and Pilgrim courses, both of which seek to help people engage with the Christian faith.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Winter 2021. Review by Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith direct regard for our locked-down world and our emergence from it, this book, based on Isaiah 40-55, is right up-to-date. Croft has written nine compelling reflections on some of Isaiah’s warmest and most yearning prophetic messages. Beginning with ‘Comfort, comfort my people’, Croft follows the prophet through the words written some 2,500 years ago as God’s message to a subdued and exiled people whose identity had been stripped away, but whom God was calling to return and rebuild. The people then needed strength renewed, fears faced, hearts refreshed, and vision expanded. Croft brings light to these prophecies as they applied to the people of the exile, and, because the prophecies point to Jesus, to us – people of the Covid lockdown. The author’s style is inspirational and heart-warming. As I read it, I felt a sense of identity with Isaiah’s original readers, and that I wanted to respond for today. It is a fine read for any disciple, and will be a valuable resource to anyone preaching from these chapters of Isaiah. Recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Donato Tallo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a Benedictine Oblate, Lectio Divina plays an important part in my life, and I recently chose to read these Isaiah 40-55 reflections, written by the Bishop of Oxford during the first lockdown of 2020. The original podcasts were published by BRF in the spring of 2021.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book of the prophet Isaiah is not one of the easiest to digest but Bishop Steven's short and meaningful reflections on key sections between chapters 40-55 are excellent. He relates these passages directly to the Covid-19 situation as it was during the first lockdown but also writes with a forward-looking perspective for the world, for the church and for individuals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaking a few weeks to read this book enabled the text of the prophet himself and the reflections and thoughts offered by the Bishop of Oxford to really sink in. While reading the Holy Bible is important it is even more important to ponder on scripture and listen to what the text is really saying, and the Bishop has helped to bring important sections of the book of Isaiah to life. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLove, forgiveness, comfort and not being fearful are all key themes in Isaiah 40-55; chapter 40 famously opens with the word ‘comfort’. Comfortable words are needed now more than ever and, as the bishop points out, many of the problems faced by the world and indeed the church before the pandemic have been exacerbated. The humility of servant leadership is another theme in Isaiah, and if the church is to be the face of Christ on earth and support a society recovering from the impact of Covid-19, humility, courage and God-focused approaches will all be necessary and are all concepts explored effectively in these reflections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe opening words of Isaiah 43 of Isaiah remind us that God is always with us: a comfort that is very much needed in these difficult times. This delightful book gives the reader much to think about and many suggestions for how to turn reflections into actions to help support individuals and communities as they recover from the pandemic. I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone wanting to deepen their knowledge of the book of Isaiah, but I recommend it particularly to people in leadership positions across all denominations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an extremely timely publication. Originally written and delivered as a series of podcasts for the Diocese of Oxford in Autumn 2020, Bishop Steven Croft offers nine reflections on the songs of the unnamed prophet who we know as Isaiah.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith references as diverse at Emeli Sandé and John Denver, Dad’s Army and Pilgrim’s Progress, Steven Croft explores Isaiah 40-55 and the message of comfort the songs of the prophet bring for each of us and our world at this time of pandemic. ‘These songs are such a good place to begin to recentre our calling and to find strength and hope again,’ he writes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Comfort, O comfort my people.’ And what comfort we need today. As the comforter, the Holy Spirit brings both the strength for living and the ability not to be afraid. We are God’s servants, chosen ones and friends, Bishop Steven writes. We live as servants ‘grounded in a call of God’: and the author calls upon the church to raise up servant leaders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeath, such a painful feature of Covid times, is tackled head on – we are to face the reality and the prospect of dying and prepare for it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe word comfort means ‘with strength’ and Steven Croft reminds us that in these times of both difficulty and emergence, we are invited to return to the Lord and go out with joy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘With all my heart,’ Bishop Steven writes, ‘I want to say to you: have the courage in this time to go deeper into God and deeper into your faith and draw on the great reservoirs of courage God gives to people in these seasons.’ Amen to that.\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":"2021-01-13T11:20:39+00:00","created_at":"2021-01-13T11:09:36+00:00","vendor":"Steven Croft","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Devotional","Mar-21"],"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":37965891010751,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800391055","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Comfortable Words: a call to restoration: Reflections on Isaiah 40–55","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":799,"weight":185,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800391055","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800391055.jpg?v=1612431183"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800391055.jpg?v=1612431183","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":15777497743551,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800391055.jpg?v=1612431183"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800391055.jpg?v=1612431183","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e‘Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God…’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough nine reflections, Steven Croft examines what these ‘comfortable words’ have to say to us. Each reflection begins from a passage of scripture taken from Isaiah 40—55: the song of an unnamed prophet who sings at the end of the exile to call God’s people home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe prophet sings of love and forgiveness, of new hope and strength in God, to rekindle courage in the hearts of God’s people. The prophet sings of a new kind of leadership, based on humility and gentleness. The prophet sings to tell us not to be afraid even in the face of death. These are comfortable words the whole world needs to hear afresh in this season.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft is the Bishop of Oxford. He has a passion for mission and evangelism and for finding creative ways of sharing the gospel, and is the co-author of the Emmaus and Pilgrim courses, both of which seek to help people engage with the Christian faith.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Winter 2021. Review by Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith direct regard for our locked-down world and our emergence from it, this book, based on Isaiah 40-55, is right up-to-date. Croft has written nine compelling reflections on some of Isaiah’s warmest and most yearning prophetic messages. Beginning with ‘Comfort, comfort my people’, Croft follows the prophet through the words written some 2,500 years ago as God’s message to a subdued and exiled people whose identity had been stripped away, but whom God was calling to return and rebuild. The people then needed strength renewed, fears faced, hearts refreshed, and vision expanded. Croft brings light to these prophecies as they applied to the people of the exile, and, because the prophecies point to Jesus, to us – people of the Covid lockdown. The author’s style is inspirational and heart-warming. As I read it, I felt a sense of identity with Isaiah’s original readers, and that I wanted to respond for today. It is a fine read for any disciple, and will be a valuable resource to anyone preaching from these chapters of Isaiah. Recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Donato Tallo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a Benedictine Oblate, Lectio Divina plays an important part in my life, and I recently chose to read these Isaiah 40-55 reflections, written by the Bishop of Oxford during the first lockdown of 2020. The original podcasts were published by BRF in the spring of 2021.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book of the prophet Isaiah is not one of the easiest to digest but Bishop Steven's short and meaningful reflections on key sections between chapters 40-55 are excellent. He relates these passages directly to the Covid-19 situation as it was during the first lockdown but also writes with a forward-looking perspective for the world, for the church and for individuals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaking a few weeks to read this book enabled the text of the prophet himself and the reflections and thoughts offered by the Bishop of Oxford to really sink in. While reading the Holy Bible is important it is even more important to ponder on scripture and listen to what the text is really saying, and the Bishop has helped to bring important sections of the book of Isaiah to life. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLove, forgiveness, comfort and not being fearful are all key themes in Isaiah 40-55; chapter 40 famously opens with the word ‘comfort’. Comfortable words are needed now more than ever and, as the bishop points out, many of the problems faced by the world and indeed the church before the pandemic have been exacerbated. The humility of servant leadership is another theme in Isaiah, and if the church is to be the face of Christ on earth and support a society recovering from the impact of Covid-19, humility, courage and God-focused approaches will all be necessary and are all concepts explored effectively in these reflections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe opening words of Isaiah 43 of Isaiah remind us that God is always with us: a comfort that is very much needed in these difficult times. This delightful book gives the reader much to think about and many suggestions for how to turn reflections into actions to help support individuals and communities as they recover from the pandemic. I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone wanting to deepen their knowledge of the book of Isaiah, but I recommend it particularly to people in leadership positions across all denominations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an extremely timely publication. Originally written and delivered as a series of podcasts for the Diocese of Oxford in Autumn 2020, Bishop Steven Croft offers nine reflections on the songs of the unnamed prophet who we know as Isaiah.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith references as diverse at Emeli Sandé and John Denver, Dad’s Army and Pilgrim’s Progress, Steven Croft explores Isaiah 40-55 and the message of comfort the songs of the prophet bring for each of us and our world at this time of pandemic. ‘These songs are such a good place to begin to recentre our calling and to find strength and hope again,’ he writes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Comfort, O comfort my people.’ And what comfort we need today. As the comforter, the Holy Spirit brings both the strength for living and the ability not to be afraid. We are God’s servants, chosen ones and friends, Bishop Steven writes. We live as servants ‘grounded in a call of God’: and the author calls upon the church to raise up servant leaders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeath, such a painful feature of Covid times, is tackled head on – we are to face the reality and the prospect of dying and prepare for it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe word comfort means ‘with strength’ and Steven Croft reminds us that in these times of both difficulty and emergence, we are invited to return to the Lord and go out with joy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘With all my heart,’ Bishop Steven writes, ‘I want to say to you: have the courage in this time to go deeper into God and deeper into your faith and draw on the great reservoirs of courage God gives to people in these seasons.’ Amen to that.\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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Comfortable Words: a call to restoration: Reflections on Isaiah 40–55
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{"id":6241520812223,"title":"Green Reflections: Biblical inspiration for sustainable living","handle":"green-reflections-biblical-inspiration-for-sustainable-living","description":"\u003cp\u003eHow should we look after the world we inhabit?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMartin and Margot Hodson bring together scientific and theological wisdom to offer 62 reflections inspired by passages from the Bible in a thoughtful exploration that encourages both reflection and response. Themes include The Wisdom of Trees, Landscapes of Promise and Sharing Resources.\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\/MartinandMargotHodsonlatestApril2021_480x480.jpg?v=1676493999\" width=\"252\" height=\"201\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDr. Martin Hodson\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis a plant scientist and environmental biologist and has over 100 publications mostly in international science journals. He teaches at both of the universities in Oxford and is the Principal Tutor for the distance learning course, Christian Rural and Environmental Studies (CRES). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eRev. Margot Hodson\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis Theology and Education Director for the John Ray Initiative (JRI), an organisation connecting Environment, Science, and Christianity. She is also a Vicar in the Oxford Diocese. The Hodsons have published widely together on Christianity and the environment, and have several books including A Christian Guide to Environmental Issues (BRF, second edition).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Winter 2021. Review by Liz Pacey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis slim volume lives up to its subtitle and is packed with ‘Biblical inspiration for sustainable living’. A mixture of theological and pastoral themes, the subjects include: biblical guidelines for understanding the environment; Christian reflections on environmental issues; and sharing resources. Less obviously titled, but very intriguing, are the chapters labelled ‘Landscapes of promise’, ‘Storms and fair weather’, and ‘The wisdom of trees’. I found myself absolutely fascinated by the last one. All the reflections inspire us to take better care of God’s wonderful creation. If read as daily notes there are enough for two months, but potential uses extend much further: group studies, quiet days, sermon pointers. There is a useful index of Bible references, and a concise but thorough list of further reading and websites. With resources like these there is really no excuse for Readers to be ignorant of the state of our world. Martin Beek’s beautiful artwork scattered throughout the pages helps make the book one to treasure, and perhaps the thoughtful and energising pastoral gift you were looking for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Liz Pacey\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProgressive Voices, issue 38, September 2021. Review by Stuart Hannabuss\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMartin and Margot Hodson bring together scientific and theological wisdom to offer 62 biblical reflections. Clearly laid out and accompanied by pictures by Martin Beek, it is an attractive guide for church groups, pastors, and young people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book celebrates the ‘world charged with the grandeur of God’ (from the poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins). The book alerts and reminds us of the fragility of the natural world and need for stewardship and responsibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey divide things into six categories (each made up of passages, commentaries, and prayers, each a double-page opening): Biblical guidelines, sharing resources, trees and weather and landscapes, and rounding up with Christian reflections on environmental issues. There are times when the metaphors are pushed to the limit (the almond tree stays active through time and so should we as we get older; rain falls on the desert, a symbol of hope if you suffer loss; rivers keep moving, so don’t look back with regret).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut most reflections make good sense as environmental theology, and are topical and grounded in good practical sense (like food banks, global debt, hospitality, what churches can do). Throughout quotations from OT and NT are used to make the point. We can trust in God yet we only have ourselves to blame if we don’t step up to the plate. God’s gift of creation is under threat, and Green Reflections is a timely resource offering hope and challenge. ‘This century is going to be tough’, they sign off.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Stuart Hannabuss\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaversham Bridge, August 2021. Review by Meryl Beek\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot long ago, were you watching the BBC’s Springwatch TV programme? If so, you will have noticed a new feature. For a few moments, instead of the enthusiastic chatter of the presenters, we were asked to join in a ‘Mindful Moment’. This was a quiet time to enjoy a beautiful landscape, an animal at play or perhaps a close up of a bee entering a wild flower. Whatever part of the natural world was used, we were encouraged to feel part of it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen we pick up a new book called ‘Green Reflections’, by Martin and Margot Hodson, we are invited to go one stage further. Here our natural world is linked with biblical interpretation. There are sixty short meditations, accompanied by colourful paintings of the countryside. This book contains something for everybody. Starting with ‘The wisdom of trees’ through to ‘Sharing resources’ and ‘Storms and fair weather’, it ends with ‘Christian reflections on environmental issues.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hodsons have been busy. A second edition of their book ‘A Christian guide to Environmental Issues’ has also been published this year. It has been fully revised and is absolutely oozing with information. This is presented under eight headings which include biodiversity, climate change, population and energy. It will be invaluable for study group leaders and others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCaversham Bridge is a church and community newspaper: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.cavershambridge.org\"\u003ewww.cavershambridge.org\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Kate Lemon: One25\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA lovely small book for the creative amongst you as it offers a host of psalms, prayers and sections from the bible to inspire:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYour own worship\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe worship of others\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChristian events – harvest festival or activities focussed on climate change\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe chapters are short and illustrated by Martin Beck. Altogether a great practical guide to living ethically.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2021-01-04T16:45:44+00:00","created_at":"2021-01-04T16:27:09+00:00","vendor":"Martin Hodson and Margot Hodson","type":"Paperback","tags":["Apr-21","Devotional","Environmental issues","Gift","Mission"],"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":37913264324799,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800390683","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Green Reflections: Biblical inspiration for sustainable living - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":348,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800390683","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":37913264357567,"title":"PDF","option1":"PDF","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800390690","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":28494356938943,"product_id":6241520812223,"position":2,"created_at":"2021-04-23T15:47:04+01:00","updated_at":"2021-04-23T15:47:04+01:00","alt":null,"width":650,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0683.jpg?v=1619189224","variant_ids":[37913264357567]},"available":true,"name":"Green Reflections: Biblical inspiration for sustainable living - PDF","public_title":"PDF","options":["PDF"],"price":899,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800390683","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":20799693979839,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":650,"width":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0683.jpg?v=1619189224"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390683.jpg?v=1619189224","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0683.jpg?v=1619189224"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390683.jpg?v=1619189224","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":15522036547775,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1000,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390683.jpg?v=1619189224"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390683.jpg?v=1619189224","width":1000},{"alt":null,"id":20799693979839,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":650,"width":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0683.jpg?v=1619189224"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0683.jpg?v=1619189224","width":650}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eHow should we look after the world we inhabit?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMartin and Margot Hodson bring together scientific and theological wisdom to offer 62 reflections inspired by passages from the Bible in a thoughtful exploration that encourages both reflection and response. Themes include The Wisdom of Trees, Landscapes of Promise and Sharing Resources.\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\/MartinandMargotHodsonlatestApril2021_480x480.jpg?v=1676493999\" width=\"252\" height=\"201\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDr. Martin Hodson\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis a plant scientist and environmental biologist and has over 100 publications mostly in international science journals. He teaches at both of the universities in Oxford and is the Principal Tutor for the distance learning course, Christian Rural and Environmental Studies (CRES). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eRev. Margot Hodson\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis Theology and Education Director for the John Ray Initiative (JRI), an organisation connecting Environment, Science, and Christianity. She is also a Vicar in the Oxford Diocese. The Hodsons have published widely together on Christianity and the environment, and have several books including A Christian Guide to Environmental Issues (BRF, second edition).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Winter 2021. Review by Liz Pacey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis slim volume lives up to its subtitle and is packed with ‘Biblical inspiration for sustainable living’. A mixture of theological and pastoral themes, the subjects include: biblical guidelines for understanding the environment; Christian reflections on environmental issues; and sharing resources. Less obviously titled, but very intriguing, are the chapters labelled ‘Landscapes of promise’, ‘Storms and fair weather’, and ‘The wisdom of trees’. I found myself absolutely fascinated by the last one. All the reflections inspire us to take better care of God’s wonderful creation. If read as daily notes there are enough for two months, but potential uses extend much further: group studies, quiet days, sermon pointers. There is a useful index of Bible references, and a concise but thorough list of further reading and websites. With resources like these there is really no excuse for Readers to be ignorant of the state of our world. Martin Beek’s beautiful artwork scattered throughout the pages helps make the book one to treasure, and perhaps the thoughtful and energising pastoral gift you were looking for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Liz Pacey\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProgressive Voices, issue 38, September 2021. Review by Stuart Hannabuss\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMartin and Margot Hodson bring together scientific and theological wisdom to offer 62 biblical reflections. Clearly laid out and accompanied by pictures by Martin Beek, it is an attractive guide for church groups, pastors, and young people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book celebrates the ‘world charged with the grandeur of God’ (from the poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins). The book alerts and reminds us of the fragility of the natural world and need for stewardship and responsibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey divide things into six categories (each made up of passages, commentaries, and prayers, each a double-page opening): Biblical guidelines, sharing resources, trees and weather and landscapes, and rounding up with Christian reflections on environmental issues. There are times when the metaphors are pushed to the limit (the almond tree stays active through time and so should we as we get older; rain falls on the desert, a symbol of hope if you suffer loss; rivers keep moving, so don’t look back with regret).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut most reflections make good sense as environmental theology, and are topical and grounded in good practical sense (like food banks, global debt, hospitality, what churches can do). Throughout quotations from OT and NT are used to make the point. We can trust in God yet we only have ourselves to blame if we don’t step up to the plate. God’s gift of creation is under threat, and Green Reflections is a timely resource offering hope and challenge. ‘This century is going to be tough’, they sign off.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Stuart Hannabuss\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaversham Bridge, August 2021. Review by Meryl Beek\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot long ago, were you watching the BBC’s Springwatch TV programme? If so, you will have noticed a new feature. For a few moments, instead of the enthusiastic chatter of the presenters, we were asked to join in a ‘Mindful Moment’. This was a quiet time to enjoy a beautiful landscape, an animal at play or perhaps a close up of a bee entering a wild flower. Whatever part of the natural world was used, we were encouraged to feel part of it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen we pick up a new book called ‘Green Reflections’, by Martin and Margot Hodson, we are invited to go one stage further. Here our natural world is linked with biblical interpretation. There are sixty short meditations, accompanied by colourful paintings of the countryside. This book contains something for everybody. Starting with ‘The wisdom of trees’ through to ‘Sharing resources’ and ‘Storms and fair weather’, it ends with ‘Christian reflections on environmental issues.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hodsons have been busy. A second edition of their book ‘A Christian guide to Environmental Issues’ has also been published this year. It has been fully revised and is absolutely oozing with information. This is presented under eight headings which include biodiversity, climate change, population and energy. It will be invaluable for study group leaders and others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCaversham Bridge is a church and community newspaper: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.cavershambridge.org\"\u003ewww.cavershambridge.org\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Kate Lemon: One25\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA lovely small book for the creative amongst you as it offers a host of psalms, prayers and sections from the bible to inspire:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYour own worship\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe worship of others\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChristian events – harvest festival or activities focussed on climate change\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe chapters are short and illustrated by Martin Beck. Altogether a great practical guide to living ethically.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Green Reflections: Biblical inspiration for sustainable living
£8.99
How should we look after the world we inhabit? Martin and Margot Hodson bring together scientific and theological wisdom to...
{"id":4861586342027,"title":"Opening Our Lives: Devotional readings for Lent","handle":"opening-our-lives","description":"\u003cp\u003eLent is not about giving up or taking up, but a radical opening up: the opening up of our lives to God’s transformative kingdom.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat is the challenge Trystan Owain Hughes sets in Opening Our Lives. Through practical daily devotions he calls on us to open our eyes to God’s presence, our ears to his call, our hearts to his love, our ways to his will, our actions to his compassion and our pain to his peace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/playlist?list=PLuriCfRleXWxp6g5D4nqeb18EY8EtD8ff\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Opening Our Lives Video Series \" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Picture1_600x600.png?v=1667841091\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\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, \u003cem\u003eReal God in the Real World\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eLiving the Prayer\u003c\/em\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\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Trystan Owain Hughes offers material for each day of Lent through to Easter, drawing on literature, theology, scripture and easily appreciated events from his own daily life and the lives of others. The breadth of some of the sources upon which he draws is nor more evident than in the book’s bibliography. I thank him for the work which he has done to provide such an accessible, stimulating, and refreshing resource.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Davies, archbishop of Wales\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Using a rich blend of story, insight and commentary, Trystan guides us on a Lenten journey of grace. As he encourages us to open ourselves to God and his loving kingdom, he gently challenges us to yield to the One who loves us. Sign up to the journey – you won’t regret it!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmy Boucher Pye, author of The Living Cross\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘These rich, accessible reflections are full of stories, insight, humour and wisdom that will enable you to truly open your eyes and heart to what God is doing around you as you explore the strange gifts that the disciplines of Lent brings.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGraham Tomlin, bishop of Kensington\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, digital edition 2. Review by Laura Hillier\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter a year of unwanted restrictions imposed on all our lives by the pandemic this book, subtitled \u003cem\u003eDevotional Readings for Lent\u003c\/em\u003e, will provide a welcome tonic. A Bible passage from the Old or New Testament for each day of Lent is followed by the author’s reflections with suggestions for ways to open up our lives to the leading of God’s Spirit. Each week has an overall theme as we are invited to open our eyes, ears, hearts, ways, actions, pain and finally our world to the power of hope. As we contemplate the world around us the author gently leads us to see the commonplace through God’s eyes so that the mundane is transformed into moments of goodness, truth and beauty. Active waiting in stillness and silence leads on to actions grounded in wisdom, peace and love. This is an immensely readable book enlivened with the author’s reminiscences and enriched with references to a wide variety of spiritual writers. Written with passing references to Covid, the wisdom and insight in this book should outlast the current situation and prove a valuable resource, not only for Lent. The book concludes with suggestions for its use in small group discussions, even though this year these might be online rather than in person.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Laura Hillier \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 22.01.21 Lent book round up by Philip Welsh\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eOpening Our Lives\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e is organised around the conviction that Lent is not just a time to give up or to take up, but to open up. Trystan Owain Hughes provides for each day a short Bible passage, a personal reflection and a simple suggestion for prayer or meditation. These form a weekly series illustrating different dimensions of opening our lives: to God’s presence, his call, his love, his will, his compassion, and his peace and hope.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRanging widely within his controlling metaphor, his commentary is highly anecdotal and largely personal, often drawing on his family life and upbringing in Wales, frequently introducing other Christian thinkers, but always linked to the Bible passage. This makes for easy, attractive, and thought-provoking reading, and it comes as no surprise that the author is a regular radio contributor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOpening Our Lives\u003c\/em\u003e is not for those looking for Bible study or theological exploration, or resistant to hearing about the author’s children or bad back. But if you want to spend a few minutes each day reading the Bible in company with a thoughtful, amiable, and mildly garrulous Welshman, this might be just the thing. There are well-judged questions for group use.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2021-04-14T10:36:39+01:00","created_at":"2020-05-04T14:39:58+01:00","vendor":"Trystan Owain Hughes","type":"Paperback","tags":["Devotional","Kindle","Lent","Nov-20"],"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":34889865920664,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857468826","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Opening Our Lives: Devotional readings for Lent - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":217,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857468826","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468826.jpg?v=1588599599"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468826.jpg?v=1588599599","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":7711791284363,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468826.jpg?v=1588599599"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468826.jpg?v=1588599599","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eLent is not about giving up or taking up, but a radical opening up: the opening up of our lives to God’s transformative kingdom.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat is the challenge Trystan Owain Hughes sets in Opening Our Lives. Through practical daily devotions he calls on us to open our eyes to God’s presence, our ears to his call, our hearts to his love, our ways to his will, our actions to his compassion and our pain to his peace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/playlist?list=PLuriCfRleXWxp6g5D4nqeb18EY8EtD8ff\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Opening Our Lives Video Series \" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Picture1_600x600.png?v=1667841091\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\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, \u003cem\u003eReal God in the Real World\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eLiving the Prayer\u003c\/em\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\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Trystan Owain Hughes offers material for each day of Lent through to Easter, drawing on literature, theology, scripture and easily appreciated events from his own daily life and the lives of others. The breadth of some of the sources upon which he draws is nor more evident than in the book’s bibliography. I thank him for the work which he has done to provide such an accessible, stimulating, and refreshing resource.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Davies, archbishop of Wales\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Using a rich blend of story, insight and commentary, Trystan guides us on a Lenten journey of grace. As he encourages us to open ourselves to God and his loving kingdom, he gently challenges us to yield to the One who loves us. Sign up to the journey – you won’t regret it!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmy Boucher Pye, author of The Living Cross\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘These rich, accessible reflections are full of stories, insight, humour and wisdom that will enable you to truly open your eyes and heart to what God is doing around you as you explore the strange gifts that the disciplines of Lent brings.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGraham Tomlin, bishop of Kensington\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, digital edition 2. Review by Laura Hillier\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter a year of unwanted restrictions imposed on all our lives by the pandemic this book, subtitled \u003cem\u003eDevotional Readings for Lent\u003c\/em\u003e, will provide a welcome tonic. A Bible passage from the Old or New Testament for each day of Lent is followed by the author’s reflections with suggestions for ways to open up our lives to the leading of God’s Spirit. Each week has an overall theme as we are invited to open our eyes, ears, hearts, ways, actions, pain and finally our world to the power of hope. As we contemplate the world around us the author gently leads us to see the commonplace through God’s eyes so that the mundane is transformed into moments of goodness, truth and beauty. Active waiting in stillness and silence leads on to actions grounded in wisdom, peace and love. This is an immensely readable book enlivened with the author’s reminiscences and enriched with references to a wide variety of spiritual writers. Written with passing references to Covid, the wisdom and insight in this book should outlast the current situation and prove a valuable resource, not only for Lent. The book concludes with suggestions for its use in small group discussions, even though this year these might be online rather than in person.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Laura Hillier \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 22.01.21 Lent book round up by Philip Welsh\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eOpening Our Lives\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e is organised around the conviction that Lent is not just a time to give up or to take up, but to open up. Trystan Owain Hughes provides for each day a short Bible passage, a personal reflection and a simple suggestion for prayer or meditation. These form a weekly series illustrating different dimensions of opening our lives: to God’s presence, his call, his love, his will, his compassion, and his peace and hope.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRanging widely within his controlling metaphor, his commentary is highly anecdotal and largely personal, often drawing on his family life and upbringing in Wales, frequently introducing other Christian thinkers, but always linked to the Bible passage. This makes for easy, attractive, and thought-provoking reading, and it comes as no surprise that the author is a regular radio contributor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOpening Our Lives\u003c\/em\u003e is not for those looking for Bible study or theological exploration, or resistant to hearing about the author’s children or bad back. But if you want to spend a few minutes each day reading the Bible in company with a thoughtful, amiable, and mildly garrulous Welshman, this might be just the thing. There are well-judged questions for group use.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
Opening Our Lives: Devotional readings for Lent
£8.99
Lent is not about giving up or taking up, but a radical opening up: the opening up of our lives...
{"id":4853345976459,"title":"The Celtic Year: A rhythm of prayer and meditation for the eight points of the Celtic year","handle":"the-celtic-year-a-rhythm-of-prayer-and-meditation-for-the-eight-points-of-the-celtic-year","description":"\u003cp\u003e‘David Cole is a careful, wise and skilful writer and guide.’\u003cbr\u003eThe Revd Canon Professor James Woodward, Principal, Sarum College, Salisbury\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFollowing the ancient rhythm of the Celtic year, these prayers, meditations and liturgies will help you focus on the natural flow of life as it changes around you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased on the eight points of the Celtic year – the four season changes, and the four midpoints of each season – and moving from winter to spring, summer and harvest, each of the eight sections includes a liturgy for a full service, a week of daily readings, guided contemplations and a selection of prayers and blessings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreviously a full-time church minister, David Cole is an international spiritual teacher and retreat leader, an award-winning author and the Deputy Guardian for the Community of Aidan and Hilda. He is also the founder of Waymark Ministries, which creates opportunities for people to engage with the Christian message.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing the Celtic year and reconnecting with the cycles of the earth’s turning in relation to the sun, moon and seasons, David Cole provides a rich diet of biblically based daily devotions which will sustain, challenge and comfort all who follow them.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProfessor Ian Bradley, emeritus professor of cultural and spiritual history, University of St Andrews, and author of Following the Celtic Way\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCountless people have long been crying out for a book such as this. It is well researched, beautifully crafted, and will, I think, become a classic.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRay Simpson, founding guardian of the International Community of Aidan and Hilda (aidanandhilda.org)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid has provided us with a beautifully crafted, richly resourced and easy-to-use worship book that will enable us to worship our God in tune with the seasons. I felt my heart lifted by the compelling blend of ancient stories of faith, enlivening scriptures, thoughtful reflections and earthy, yet heaven-touching, prayers and blessings.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMichael Mitton, leader of international Celtic pilgrimages and author of Restoring the Woven Cord\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Celtic Year: A rhythm of prayer and meditation for the eight points of the Celtic year, \u003c\/em\u003eDavid Cole, Abingdon: 2020, 160 pp, £8.99, 9780857469687\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews \u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/transformingministrymagazine.co.uk\/the-celtic-year\/\"\u003eonline\u003c\/a\u003e November 2020. Review by Margaret Tinsley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Cole is well known and respected for the books he has already produced on Celtic Advent, Celtic Saints and Celtic Lent. This new work focuses on the eight points of the Celtic year: the four seasons, and the midpoints of each season. Each of these sections contains an introduction, a liturgy, daily devotions and prayers and blessings. Perhaps, in these uncertain days, like our Celtic forebears, we need to connect more to the cycles of the year and appreciate the flow from samhain, or winter, to imbolc (spring) then to beltane or summer and, finally, lughnasa or lammas, which is autumn. Reading this book is an ideal way to do so, with meaningful and moving liturgies and daily devotions covering a theme for each day of the week, starting with creation on Mondays and leading us through incarnation, the Holy Spirit, community, the cross, the saints to the resurrection or new life. While this carefully researched book is of interest to all readers it is a wonderful resource for those taking services, like Forest Church, which reflect the Celtic tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Margaret Tinsley\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIrish Methodist Newsletter, autumn 2020. Review by Stephen Skuce.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are people who pray, and one of our ongoing challenges is to find the ways and approaches to prayer that are most helpful to us to both meet with God and hear from God. Many find versions of how our Celtic forebears prayed to be increasingly helpful today, and this is where David Cole’s book comes in. It is an attempt to lay out a pattern or rhythm of prayer to assist us, using the Celtic year as the framework.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Celtic year isn’t really that much different to how we understand seasons today. It has a spring, summer, autumn and winter but with one increased emphasis. There are a further four points to the year that relate to the movement of the sun - the two solstices and two equinoxes. On each side of each of these four points there is either a waxing or waning. And so the Celtic year maps a little more overtly onto our usual understanding of the passage of time, which is of course focused on the movement of the earth around the sun in any case. An interesting little quirk is that the Celtic day started at dusk. We might find that strange, but it is the way our Jewish friends still orientate their sabbath and was the way of Jesus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is split into 8 chapters with a chapter covering winter, a second chapter the winter solstice and so on through the seasons. Within each chapter there is a liturgy which could be used or adapted for a church service, a seven day rhythm of scripture, reflection and prayer with a short final section of appropriate prayers and blessings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Celtic Christianity the seven days of the week each had a focus. Monday is creation, Tuesday is incarnation, Wednesday is the Holy Spirit, Thursday is community, Friday is the cross, Saturday is the saints and Sunday is the resurrection and new life. Occasionally we misunderstand today what we mean regarding the saints. Today we see those who have gone before us as examples of faith and witness. We mine the life of the Wesley’s and so many others for examples to help us. We do the same with the Celtic heroes and heroines of faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe winter of 2020 into 2021 is one that will live long with us for the ongoing awfulness of the global pandemic. So I turn to a prayer for springtime to finish and like most Celtic prayers it is natural, realistic and observational. ‘God bless the earth that is beneath us, the growth that is around us, the spring that is before us, your image deep within us’ (p80).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Revd Dr Stephen Skuce, District Superintendent, the North Western district, the Methodist Church in Ireland\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2020-05-01T16:32:57+01:00","created_at":"2020-05-01T17:00:14+01:00","vendor":"David Cole","type":"Paperback","tags":["Celtic Christianity","Devotional","For individuals","Kindle","Prayer","Sep-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":33574966067339,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857469687","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Celtic Year: A rhythm of prayer and meditation for the eight points of the Celtic year","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":899,"weight":165,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857469687","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469687.jpg?v=1597143907"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469687.jpg?v=1597143907","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":10849066942616,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469687.jpg?v=1597143907"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469687.jpg?v=1597143907","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e‘David Cole is a careful, wise and skilful writer and guide.’\u003cbr\u003eThe Revd Canon Professor James Woodward, Principal, Sarum College, Salisbury\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFollowing the ancient rhythm of the Celtic year, these prayers, meditations and liturgies will help you focus on the natural flow of life as it changes around you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased on the eight points of the Celtic year – the four season changes, and the four midpoints of each season – and moving from winter to spring, summer and harvest, each of the eight sections includes a liturgy for a full service, a week of daily readings, guided contemplations and a selection of prayers and blessings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreviously a full-time church minister, David Cole is an international spiritual teacher and retreat leader, an award-winning author and the Deputy Guardian for the Community of Aidan and Hilda. He is also the founder of Waymark Ministries, which creates opportunities for people to engage with the Christian message.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing the Celtic year and reconnecting with the cycles of the earth’s turning in relation to the sun, moon and seasons, David Cole provides a rich diet of biblically based daily devotions which will sustain, challenge and comfort all who follow them.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProfessor Ian Bradley, emeritus professor of cultural and spiritual history, University of St Andrews, and author of Following the Celtic Way\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCountless people have long been crying out for a book such as this. It is well researched, beautifully crafted, and will, I think, become a classic.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRay Simpson, founding guardian of the International Community of Aidan and Hilda (aidanandhilda.org)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid has provided us with a beautifully crafted, richly resourced and easy-to-use worship book that will enable us to worship our God in tune with the seasons. I felt my heart lifted by the compelling blend of ancient stories of faith, enlivening scriptures, thoughtful reflections and earthy, yet heaven-touching, prayers and blessings.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMichael Mitton, leader of international Celtic pilgrimages and author of Restoring the Woven Cord\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Celtic Year: A rhythm of prayer and meditation for the eight points of the Celtic year, \u003c\/em\u003eDavid Cole, Abingdon: 2020, 160 pp, £8.99, 9780857469687\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews \u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/transformingministrymagazine.co.uk\/the-celtic-year\/\"\u003eonline\u003c\/a\u003e November 2020. Review by Margaret Tinsley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Cole is well known and respected for the books he has already produced on Celtic Advent, Celtic Saints and Celtic Lent. This new work focuses on the eight points of the Celtic year: the four seasons, and the midpoints of each season. Each of these sections contains an introduction, a liturgy, daily devotions and prayers and blessings. Perhaps, in these uncertain days, like our Celtic forebears, we need to connect more to the cycles of the year and appreciate the flow from samhain, or winter, to imbolc (spring) then to beltane or summer and, finally, lughnasa or lammas, which is autumn. Reading this book is an ideal way to do so, with meaningful and moving liturgies and daily devotions covering a theme for each day of the week, starting with creation on Mondays and leading us through incarnation, the Holy Spirit, community, the cross, the saints to the resurrection or new life. While this carefully researched book is of interest to all readers it is a wonderful resource for those taking services, like Forest Church, which reflect the Celtic tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Margaret Tinsley\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIrish Methodist Newsletter, autumn 2020. Review by Stephen Skuce.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are people who pray, and one of our ongoing challenges is to find the ways and approaches to prayer that are most helpful to us to both meet with God and hear from God. Many find versions of how our Celtic forebears prayed to be increasingly helpful today, and this is where David Cole’s book comes in. It is an attempt to lay out a pattern or rhythm of prayer to assist us, using the Celtic year as the framework.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Celtic year isn’t really that much different to how we understand seasons today. It has a spring, summer, autumn and winter but with one increased emphasis. There are a further four points to the year that relate to the movement of the sun - the two solstices and two equinoxes. On each side of each of these four points there is either a waxing or waning. And so the Celtic year maps a little more overtly onto our usual understanding of the passage of time, which is of course focused on the movement of the earth around the sun in any case. An interesting little quirk is that the Celtic day started at dusk. We might find that strange, but it is the way our Jewish friends still orientate their sabbath and was the way of Jesus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is split into 8 chapters with a chapter covering winter, a second chapter the winter solstice and so on through the seasons. Within each chapter there is a liturgy which could be used or adapted for a church service, a seven day rhythm of scripture, reflection and prayer with a short final section of appropriate prayers and blessings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Celtic Christianity the seven days of the week each had a focus. Monday is creation, Tuesday is incarnation, Wednesday is the Holy Spirit, Thursday is community, Friday is the cross, Saturday is the saints and Sunday is the resurrection and new life. Occasionally we misunderstand today what we mean regarding the saints. Today we see those who have gone before us as examples of faith and witness. We mine the life of the Wesley’s and so many others for examples to help us. We do the same with the Celtic heroes and heroines of faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe winter of 2020 into 2021 is one that will live long with us for the ongoing awfulness of the global pandemic. So I turn to a prayer for springtime to finish and like most Celtic prayers it is natural, realistic and observational. ‘God bless the earth that is beneath us, the growth that is around us, the spring that is before us, your image deep within us’ (p80).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Revd Dr Stephen Skuce, District Superintendent, the North Western district, the Methodist Church in Ireland\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
The Celtic Year: A rhythm of prayer and meditation for the eight points of the Celtic year
£8.99
‘David Cole is a careful, wise and skilful writer and guide.’The Revd Canon Professor James Woodward, Principal, Sarum College, SalisburyFollowing...
{"id":4448256000139,"title":"Encountering the Risen Christ","handle":"encountering-the-risen-christ","description":"\u003cp\u003eHow can we encounter the risen Lord Jesus in a life-transforming way? How can we be equipped and strengthened to share the message of the resurrection with the world? The post-resurrection encounters between Jesus and the disciples provide us with some of the most profound and personal moments to be found in scripture. The risen Christ comes to his disciples in all their brokenness – their sadness, fear, doubt, shattered dreams and failure – and calls them to a future filled with hope, confidence, confirmed faith, new beginnings and restored lives. Encountering the Risen Christ reflects on the main characters in the post-resurrection accounts and shows how we too can encounter Jesus Christ in a life-transforming way. The seven chapters plus discussion material can be used across the seven weeks from Easter to Pentecost in individual reflection or group study, or at any time of year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMark Bradford is 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\u003ePersonal, perceptive, profound, provocative, well-resourced and well-written; Mark Bradford offers us an imaginative and encouraging exploration of encounter as the key and critical mode of Christian experience and discipleship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rt Revd James Bell, Bishop of Ripon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stories in this book may be familiar, but we are offered a fresh insight. The journeys travelled by early disciples are fleshed out for a contemporary eye.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rt Revd Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book takes you deeper into the Easter story by exposing the failures and successes, doubts and certainties, and above all the unashamed humanity of the cast of characters who follow Jesus to the cross and beyond.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJill Rowe, Oasis Ethos and Formation Director\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConnecting theology with experience, and mission with spirituality, Mark offers a careful reading of the New Testament encounters with Jesus, leading us into experiencing the transforming power of the resurrection for ourselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIan Paul, Theologian, writer and speaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReading Mark’s unfolding of the risen Christ, we are challenged to put the resurrection at the centre of who we are as Christians as well as what we do. This will orientate us to a discipleship that holds together death and new life, so we can know the victory of Christ without ignoring the reality of suffering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChristina Baxter, Former Principal of St John's College, Nottingham\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2020-01-13T10:08:39+00:00","created_at":"2020-01-13T10:45:29+00:00","vendor":"Mark Bradford","type":"Paperback","tags":["Devotional","Feb-20","Group reading","Kindle","Lent"],"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":31810906194059,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857464286","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Encountering the Risen Christ","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":899,"weight":180,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857464286","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464286.jpg?v=1578912330"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464286.jpg?v=1578912330","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":6090967711883,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1800,"width":1181,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464286.jpg?v=1578912330"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1800,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464286.jpg?v=1578912330","width":1181}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eHow can we encounter the risen Lord Jesus in a life-transforming way? How can we be equipped and strengthened to share the message of the resurrection with the world? The post-resurrection encounters between Jesus and the disciples provide us with some of the most profound and personal moments to be found in scripture. The risen Christ comes to his disciples in all their brokenness – their sadness, fear, doubt, shattered dreams and failure – and calls them to a future filled with hope, confidence, confirmed faith, new beginnings and restored lives. Encountering the Risen Christ reflects on the main characters in the post-resurrection accounts and shows how we too can encounter Jesus Christ in a life-transforming way. The seven chapters plus discussion material can be used across the seven weeks from Easter to Pentecost in individual reflection or group study, or at any time of year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMark Bradford is 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\u003ePersonal, perceptive, profound, provocative, well-resourced and well-written; Mark Bradford offers us an imaginative and encouraging exploration of encounter as the key and critical mode of Christian experience and discipleship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rt Revd James Bell, Bishop of Ripon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stories in this book may be familiar, but we are offered a fresh insight. The journeys travelled by early disciples are fleshed out for a contemporary eye.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rt Revd Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book takes you deeper into the Easter story by exposing the failures and successes, doubts and certainties, and above all the unashamed humanity of the cast of characters who follow Jesus to the cross and beyond.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJill Rowe, Oasis Ethos and Formation Director\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConnecting theology with experience, and mission with spirituality, Mark offers a careful reading of the New Testament encounters with Jesus, leading us into experiencing the transforming power of the resurrection for ourselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIan Paul, Theologian, writer and speaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReading Mark’s unfolding of the risen Christ, we are challenged to put the resurrection at the centre of who we are as Christians as well as what we do. This will orientate us to a discipleship that holds together death and new life, so we can know the victory of Christ without ignoring the reality of suffering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChristina Baxter, Former Principal of St John's College, Nottingham\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Encountering the Risen Christ
£8.99
How can we encounter the risen Lord Jesus in a life-transforming way? How can we be equipped and strengthened to...
{"id":4378473431179,"title":"Discovering the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius","handle":"discovering-the-spiritual-exercises-of-saint-ignatius","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis book is an adaptation of the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius Loyola, to help you to embark on a life-transforming journey toward Christlikeness. For nearly 500 years, the Exercises have been a tool for spiritual formation. During those years their popularity has ebbed and flowed, but they are now experiencing something of a revival across the breadth of the church. This is not a book about the methods or techniques of Christian formation but one that enables you to come before God through the gospel narratives in order to encounter Jesus afresh. If you hunger for something deeper, yearn to walk with Jesus (not just read about him) and desire to embrace more of what God is doing in and through you, then this is the book for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginally published in 2011.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarry Warner is the founder and executive director of 'b', an organisation that develops and provides spiritual formation experiences and retreats. He is also an adjunct professor at Bethel Seminary in San Diego and a member of Spiritual Directors International.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Julian Meetings Magazine, April 2021. Review by Ann Morris\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book, Warner shares his passion for the holistic, life-transforming journey to Christlikeness which he discovered contained in the Ignatian way of meeting Jesus through the gospel narratives. He mixes faithfulness to Ignatius’ structure and concepts with explanations of the tradition and of the technical language of the Exercises, such as desolation, indifference, and intention. He includes extra prayer exercises and questions more familiar to spiritual searchers today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWarner emphasises the crucial importance of preparation before beginning the Exercises, examining the commitment both in time put aside daily for many months, and in a personal, deep acceptance of the depth and breadth of God’s love for creation, and self. Discernment is needed to check that this is the right path at this point in the searcher’s life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not a self-help manual. The Exercises (envisaged by St Ignatius to be undertaken during a 30-day retreat) are a formidable tool, fraught with dangers, only to be undertaken with an experienced spiritual companion to offer encouragement, affirmation, and challenge. If undertaken whole-heartedly, the searcher can expect the unexpected, both joyful and painful, as life and relationships are examined to reveal the truth. This book will help the spiritual seeker discover if this is the way for them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is also useful for any who companion disciples through the to reveal the truth. This book will help the spiritual seeker discover if this is the way for them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is also useful for any who companion disciples through the so called ‘19th Annotation’ (a way of working through the Spiritual Exercises extended over several months, for those who cannot commit to 30 continuous days). It will also help those who have previously undertaken the Exercises and want to revisit, refresh and review.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book has resource material that could be used during Advent, Lent, on a Quiet Day or Retreat, so could be kept close at hand for many months; maybe a lifetime.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Ann Morris \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Spring 2021. Review by Veronica Bright\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlmost 500 years ago Ignatius of Loyola developed a set of spiritual exercises which helped people draw closer to God. Ignatius used the scriptures imaginatively to encounter God, and to grow as a more Christ-like person. The author’s aim is to present the spiritual training of Saint Ignatius to a 21st century audience. He begins by explaining the format of the exercises, along with the benefits of having a spiritual director, plus tips on how to approach the exercises. The whole course is demanding of time. The author suggests 50-75 minutes a day, and this includes thoughtful consideration of one or more verses of scripture, keeping a journal, and prayer in the morning, at midday and in the evening; this over a course of 9 months. It would be difficult, if not impossible, for people with jobs, responsibilities, and a busy family life. The challenging exercises focus on how sinful we are, but let us always remember Isaiah 44.22. ‘I have swept away your offences like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me for I have redeemed you.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Veronica Bright \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom The Church Times, review of the first edition.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Ignatius's text is re-presented in a modern format and with the needs of people today in mind. Warner himself is an experienced Ignatian retreat-giver, and there is a solidity and assurance to his presentation which inspires confidence. As in the case of the original, this is not a book for armchair spiritual reading, but a manual for those who wish to incorporate the Exercises into their life. But Warner is merciful to those whose time is limited, and rich in suggestions for alternative modes of practice where necessary.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Richard Frost, author and blogger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreviously published in the USA, this book provides very clear explanations and instructions about how to use this well-recognised Ignatian approach. The author’s experience as a spiritual director and provider of retreats is plain to see.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat is also helpful – and rather unusual in many respects – is that Larry Warner makes it equally plain that his book may not be right for everyone. He describes how the book is not a ‘watered down’ version of the Exercises but that his approach is to make them relevant for today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe provides a clear explanation about how to use the book and the Exercises with helpful and practical guidance. If you are acquainted with contemplative approaches then some of the content may be known to you but, as Warner himself emphasizes, don’t be tempted to skip over the familiar as there are valuable reminders and insights to be found. Indeed, the first third of the book is all about preparation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reader is taken through each step of the preparation, principle and foundation of the Exercises themselves. Warner addresses the need to manage expectations, to be patient with oneself and the reality that undertaking the exercises will be ‘an up and down’ experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWarner’s style is clear, practical, dogmatic and sometimes repetitive. But this clear, unambiguous approach suits the purpose envisaged by Ignatius. The author is clear to acknowledge on many occasions that the content could be overwhelming – and in a sense yes, it is (but there again, I was reading it for review and not over several months as required). He also tries to dissuade the reader from doing the Exercises alone and paints a very clear picture about how they should be approached, in the company of an experienced spiritual director – but that is adequately balanced by encouragement, support and having the best for the reader in mind. ‘Remember, the goal is not to reach the end of the Exercises,’ he writes, ‘but to experience God in the midst of them.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's not a book for the faint-hearted but is an excellent guide to this most valuable and life-transforming journey towards Christlikeness… oh, and you can blow bubbles and use whipped cream in the process too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\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\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-12-09T12:21:01+00:00","created_at":"2019-12-09T12:37:40+00:00","vendor":"Larry Warner","type":"Paperback","tags":["Devotional","For individuals","May-20","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":31437385465995,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857469779","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Discovering the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":1299,"weight":300,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857469779","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469779.jpg?v=1575895060"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469779.jpg?v=1575895060","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":5781590114443,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469779.jpg?v=1575895060"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469779.jpg?v=1575895060","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThis book is an adaptation of the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius Loyola, to help you to embark on a life-transforming journey toward Christlikeness. For nearly 500 years, the Exercises have been a tool for spiritual formation. During those years their popularity has ebbed and flowed, but they are now experiencing something of a revival across the breadth of the church. This is not a book about the methods or techniques of Christian formation but one that enables you to come before God through the gospel narratives in order to encounter Jesus afresh. If you hunger for something deeper, yearn to walk with Jesus (not just read about him) and desire to embrace more of what God is doing in and through you, then this is the book for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginally published in 2011.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarry Warner is the founder and executive director of 'b', an organisation that develops and provides spiritual formation experiences and retreats. He is also an adjunct professor at Bethel Seminary in San Diego and a member of Spiritual Directors International.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Julian Meetings Magazine, April 2021. Review by Ann Morris\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book, Warner shares his passion for the holistic, life-transforming journey to Christlikeness which he discovered contained in the Ignatian way of meeting Jesus through the gospel narratives. He mixes faithfulness to Ignatius’ structure and concepts with explanations of the tradition and of the technical language of the Exercises, such as desolation, indifference, and intention. He includes extra prayer exercises and questions more familiar to spiritual searchers today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWarner emphasises the crucial importance of preparation before beginning the Exercises, examining the commitment both in time put aside daily for many months, and in a personal, deep acceptance of the depth and breadth of God’s love for creation, and self. Discernment is needed to check that this is the right path at this point in the searcher’s life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not a self-help manual. The Exercises (envisaged by St Ignatius to be undertaken during a 30-day retreat) are a formidable tool, fraught with dangers, only to be undertaken with an experienced spiritual companion to offer encouragement, affirmation, and challenge. If undertaken whole-heartedly, the searcher can expect the unexpected, both joyful and painful, as life and relationships are examined to reveal the truth. This book will help the spiritual seeker discover if this is the way for them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is also useful for any who companion disciples through the to reveal the truth. This book will help the spiritual seeker discover if this is the way for them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is also useful for any who companion disciples through the so called ‘19th Annotation’ (a way of working through the Spiritual Exercises extended over several months, for those who cannot commit to 30 continuous days). It will also help those who have previously undertaken the Exercises and want to revisit, refresh and review.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book has resource material that could be used during Advent, Lent, on a Quiet Day or Retreat, so could be kept close at hand for many months; maybe a lifetime.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Ann Morris \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Spring 2021. Review by Veronica Bright\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlmost 500 years ago Ignatius of Loyola developed a set of spiritual exercises which helped people draw closer to God. Ignatius used the scriptures imaginatively to encounter God, and to grow as a more Christ-like person. The author’s aim is to present the spiritual training of Saint Ignatius to a 21st century audience. He begins by explaining the format of the exercises, along with the benefits of having a spiritual director, plus tips on how to approach the exercises. The whole course is demanding of time. The author suggests 50-75 minutes a day, and this includes thoughtful consideration of one or more verses of scripture, keeping a journal, and prayer in the morning, at midday and in the evening; this over a course of 9 months. It would be difficult, if not impossible, for people with jobs, responsibilities, and a busy family life. The challenging exercises focus on how sinful we are, but let us always remember Isaiah 44.22. ‘I have swept away your offences like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me for I have redeemed you.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Veronica Bright \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom The Church Times, review of the first edition.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Ignatius's text is re-presented in a modern format and with the needs of people today in mind. Warner himself is an experienced Ignatian retreat-giver, and there is a solidity and assurance to his presentation which inspires confidence. As in the case of the original, this is not a book for armchair spiritual reading, but a manual for those who wish to incorporate the Exercises into their life. But Warner is merciful to those whose time is limited, and rich in suggestions for alternative modes of practice where necessary.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Richard Frost, author and blogger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreviously published in the USA, this book provides very clear explanations and instructions about how to use this well-recognised Ignatian approach. The author’s experience as a spiritual director and provider of retreats is plain to see.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat is also helpful – and rather unusual in many respects – is that Larry Warner makes it equally plain that his book may not be right for everyone. He describes how the book is not a ‘watered down’ version of the Exercises but that his approach is to make them relevant for today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe provides a clear explanation about how to use the book and the Exercises with helpful and practical guidance. If you are acquainted with contemplative approaches then some of the content may be known to you but, as Warner himself emphasizes, don’t be tempted to skip over the familiar as there are valuable reminders and insights to be found. Indeed, the first third of the book is all about preparation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reader is taken through each step of the preparation, principle and foundation of the Exercises themselves. Warner addresses the need to manage expectations, to be patient with oneself and the reality that undertaking the exercises will be ‘an up and down’ experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWarner’s style is clear, practical, dogmatic and sometimes repetitive. But this clear, unambiguous approach suits the purpose envisaged by Ignatius. The author is clear to acknowledge on many occasions that the content could be overwhelming – and in a sense yes, it is (but there again, I was reading it for review and not over several months as required). He also tries to dissuade the reader from doing the Exercises alone and paints a very clear picture about how they should be approached, in the company of an experienced spiritual director – but that is adequately balanced by encouragement, support and having the best for the reader in mind. ‘Remember, the goal is not to reach the end of the Exercises,’ he writes, ‘but to experience God in the midst of them.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's not a book for the faint-hearted but is an excellent guide to this most valuable and life-transforming journey towards Christlikeness… oh, and you can blow bubbles and use whipped cream in the process too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\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\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Discovering the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius
£12.99
This book is an adaptation of the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius Loyola, to help you to embark on a...
{"id":4366309556363,"title":"Journey to Contentment: Pilgrimage principles for everyday life","handle":"journey-to-contentment","description":"\u003cp\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":"2019-11-19T14:25:34+00:00","created_at":"2019-11-19T14:39:32+00:00","vendor":"Sally Welch","type":"Paperback","tags":["Devotional","For individuals","Kindle","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":31388155478155,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465924","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Journey to Contentment: Pilgrimage principles for everyday life","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":899,"weight":100,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465924","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465924.jpg?v=1574174372"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465924.jpg?v=1574174372","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":5726745723019,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465924.jpg?v=1574174372"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465924.jpg?v=1574174372","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\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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Using the metaphor of pilgrimage, Sally Welch walks alongside us as leader and guide, but also fellow traveller, to explore...
{"id":4163031728267,"title":"Celtic Saints: 40 days of devotional readings","handle":"celtic-saints-40-days-of-devotions","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe life stories of the Celtic saints are inspirational. They demonstrate great and unassuming faith, often in the face of insurmountable difficulties. In Celtic Saints David Cole draws us to relate our own life journey and developing relationship with God into the life story of the Celtic saint of the day. A corresponding biblical text and blessing encourages and motivates us to transform our lives for today’s world in the light of such historic faith.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePreviously published as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/40-days-with-the-celtic-saints-devotional-readings-for-a-time-of-preparation\"\u003e40 Days with the Celtic Saints\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\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\/DavidCole2_480x480.jpg?v=1676495811\" width=\"173\" height=\"308\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreviously a full-time church minister, David Cole is an international spiritual teacher and retreat leader, an award-winning author and the Deputy Guardian for the Community of Aidan and Hilda. He is also the founder of Waymark Ministries, which creates opportunities for people to engage with the Christian message. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo read David's blog about his new book \u003cem\u003eThe Celtic Year \u003c\/em\u003ecoming out in September click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/award-winning-brf-author-david-cole-shares-some-of-the-themes-of-his-new-book-the-celtic-year-to-be-published-in-september\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry (winter 2020). Review by John Nicholls\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubtitled ‘40 days of devotional readings’, this book offers both an insight into the lives and achievements of some of the many saints who pioneered the church in the early days in the British Isles and Brittany (Armorica in those days), and serves as a valuable tool for the examination of our own lives and the way they may be improved or inspired. For each of the saints, some well-known, others less so, the author provides a brief biography followed by a meditation inviting us to examine our own lives or reactions to being faced with situations or challenges similar to those faced by the saint in his or her life. There is then a short, relevant passage from scripture and finally a blessing focussed on inspiring us if we meet the sort of situations described and meditated on. Compact, well organised, informative about those who have gone before us, and helping us to learn from their responses to the challenges in life we often share with them, I commend this book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by John Nicholls\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost, April 2020\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Cole’s excellent book considers the lives of 40 saints and how the Celtic Christians observed three ‘Lenten’ periods in a year. Each lasting 40 days, these periods of devotion and spiritual preparation were Advent, Lent and a third spell following Pentecost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have to admit that I had not heard of this third period of 40 days nor, indeed, of three-quarters of the saints David Cole includes. So, from the start this book provides an educational perspective and not just a spiritual one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eListed in alphabetical order, from Adamnan to Wilfrid, each day’s entry comprises a helpful biography of the saint in question (which is also short enough to be consumed easily). There is a daily meditation on some aspect of the saint’s life or teaching – and, reflecting the rhythm of Celtic spirituality, each entry uses the same words to invite the reader to become more aware of God’s presence and provides thoughts to ponder upon. There is also a daily Bible reading and a prayer. This rhythmic structure of each daily reading contains a helpful balance of information, inspiration and iteration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe way the book is structured also enables it to be read in different ways. One could use it as a straight, familiar, one reading a day for 40 days. It could also be used in a ‘pick and mix’ approach – allowing the reader to choose which saints to focus on. Thirdly, the entries could also be read on the appropriate feast day for each saint (an approach helped by the inclusion of a calendar).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving read a book about the early church fathers for Lent, this reviewer will certainly be using \u003cem\u003eCeltic Saints\u003c\/em\u003e for the period after Pentecost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\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\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-09-25T12:09:09+01:00","created_at":"2019-09-25T12:10:32+01:00","vendor":"David Cole","type":"Paperback","tags":["Celtic Christianity","Devotional","For individuals","Mar-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":30263385096331,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857469502","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Celtic Saints: 40 days of devotional readings","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":899,"weight":200,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857469502","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469502.jpg?v=1569409832"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469502.jpg?v=1569409832","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":2274518401163,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469502.jpg?v=1569409832"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469502.jpg?v=1569409832","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThe life stories of the Celtic saints are inspirational. They demonstrate great and unassuming faith, often in the face of insurmountable difficulties. In Celtic Saints David Cole draws us to relate our own life journey and developing relationship with God into the life story of the Celtic saint of the day. A corresponding biblical text and blessing encourages and motivates us to transform our lives for today’s world in the light of such historic faith.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePreviously published as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/40-days-with-the-celtic-saints-devotional-readings-for-a-time-of-preparation\"\u003e40 Days with the Celtic Saints\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\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\/DavidCole2_480x480.jpg?v=1676495811\" width=\"173\" height=\"308\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreviously a full-time church minister, David Cole is an international spiritual teacher and retreat leader, an award-winning author and the Deputy Guardian for the Community of Aidan and Hilda. He is also the founder of Waymark Ministries, which creates opportunities for people to engage with the Christian message. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo read David's blog about his new book \u003cem\u003eThe Celtic Year \u003c\/em\u003ecoming out in September click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/award-winning-brf-author-david-cole-shares-some-of-the-themes-of-his-new-book-the-celtic-year-to-be-published-in-september\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry (winter 2020). Review by John Nicholls\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubtitled ‘40 days of devotional readings’, this book offers both an insight into the lives and achievements of some of the many saints who pioneered the church in the early days in the British Isles and Brittany (Armorica in those days), and serves as a valuable tool for the examination of our own lives and the way they may be improved or inspired. For each of the saints, some well-known, others less so, the author provides a brief biography followed by a meditation inviting us to examine our own lives or reactions to being faced with situations or challenges similar to those faced by the saint in his or her life. There is then a short, relevant passage from scripture and finally a blessing focussed on inspiring us if we meet the sort of situations described and meditated on. Compact, well organised, informative about those who have gone before us, and helping us to learn from their responses to the challenges in life we often share with them, I commend this book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by John Nicholls\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost, April 2020\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Cole’s excellent book considers the lives of 40 saints and how the Celtic Christians observed three ‘Lenten’ periods in a year. Each lasting 40 days, these periods of devotion and spiritual preparation were Advent, Lent and a third spell following Pentecost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have to admit that I had not heard of this third period of 40 days nor, indeed, of three-quarters of the saints David Cole includes. So, from the start this book provides an educational perspective and not just a spiritual one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eListed in alphabetical order, from Adamnan to Wilfrid, each day’s entry comprises a helpful biography of the saint in question (which is also short enough to be consumed easily). There is a daily meditation on some aspect of the saint’s life or teaching – and, reflecting the rhythm of Celtic spirituality, each entry uses the same words to invite the reader to become more aware of God’s presence and provides thoughts to ponder upon. There is also a daily Bible reading and a prayer. This rhythmic structure of each daily reading contains a helpful balance of information, inspiration and iteration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe way the book is structured also enables it to be read in different ways. One could use it as a straight, familiar, one reading a day for 40 days. It could also be used in a ‘pick and mix’ approach – allowing the reader to choose which saints to focus on. Thirdly, the entries could also be read on the appropriate feast day for each saint (an approach helped by the inclusion of a calendar).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving read a book about the early church fathers for Lent, this reviewer will certainly be using \u003cem\u003eCeltic Saints\u003c\/em\u003e for the period after Pentecost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\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\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Celtic Saints: 40 days of devotional readings
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The life stories of the Celtic saints are inspirational. They demonstrate great and unassuming faith, often in the face of...
{"id":3271954956388,"title":"Life with St Benedict: The Rule reimagined for everyday living","handle":"life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo discover the \u003cem\u003eRule of St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e is to encounter something that is at once inspiring, supporting, reassuring, challenging. Let this book be an introduction to the writing of a man who will change your life.\u003cbr\u003eEsther de Waal, author of \u003cem\u003eSeeking God: The way of St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003cem\u003eRule of St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e has much to say about faith, work and daily living. In a time when many are seeking space, silence and spiritual depth, the \u003cem\u003eRule\u003c\/em\u003e retains relevance in a world where change is often feared, stability can be elusive and busyness interferes with listening to God. \u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e provides daily reflections on the \u003cem\u003eRule\u003c\/em\u003e as an aid to enabling personal spiritual growth and prayer.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBenedictine communities use a well-established pattern of daily readings to enable the entire \u003cem\u003eRule\u003c\/em\u003e to be considered over a four-month period. \u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e follows this pattern. Each four-month-long period begins on 1 January, 2 May and 1 September and each entry shows three dates on which it can be read. There are 122 readings and reflections in each period.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRichard Frost is a Reader in the Church of England and an Oblate of the Anglican Benedictine Community at Alton Abbey in Hampshire. Formerly an Employment Specialist helping people with mental health conditions, he writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.workrestpray.com\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo read Richard's lockdown blog click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/richard-frost-author-of-life-with-st-benedict-reflects-on-new-beginnings\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOremus (Westminster Cathedral Magazine) December 2020. Review by Donato Tallo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a Benedictine Oblate, spiritual reading is extremely important to me and so I recently purchased a copy of Richard Frost’s recent book on St Benedict’s Rule. As an addition to my daily prayer, the book is extremely helpful and a real tool to aid silence, reflection and stillness in a challenging, busy and often stressful world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rule has much to teach us all today and while it is not particularly long, reflection on the text is essential to gain real insight and appreciation of its spiritual content. That there are many wide and varied commentaries on the Rule exemplifies just how much it has to teach us, for throughout the centuries many Christian people, both monastic and non-monastic, people of varying faiths and indeed people of no faith, have all gained inspiration from St Benedict.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRichard Frost has prepared this book for anyone, whether monastic, oblate or neither, who wants to immerse themselves in spiritual reflection on the Rule and link it to everyday living. Benedictine communities generally have a structured manner for reading – often by hearing – the Rule and this is quite often undertaken at mealtimes. When read over a four-month period, this means that in its entirety it is read communally three times each year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book, for each day of the year there is a section of the Rule and a short reflection afterwards It is a simple yet powerful way for the Rule to be read and then for the text to be pondered on. The beauty of these short reflections is that they are linked to everyday life and situations and can really help the reader to consider how the meaning and context of the Rule can be applied in our own day. The pointers given for prayer are helpful and are a real treasure in aiding our turning to the Lord. For those who would seek some new inspiration on the journey of life in a simple yet powerful manner, this book will do just that. Whether the reader is new to St Benedict or not, this book can help us become closer to Christ through the Rule in a practical and accessible manner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Donato Tallo\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry, April 2020. Review by Marie Paterson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a handbook for those who would like to incorporate the discipline of the Rule of St Benedict into their lives. These teachings are divided into ‘everyday reflections’ with each one beginning with Benedict’s instructions for those living in monastic communities, followed by a reflection for ‘ordinary, everyday Christians’. Emphasising the importance of the reading and recitation of the psalms for the Benedictines, each day ends with a psalm to read, followed by a suggestion for reflection and prayer. Readers may find some of Benedict’s instructions to those living in community rather harsh; for instance, those making mistakes in a psalm ‘must make satisfaction there before all’, and likewise if arriving late for meals or prayers. The author does not always address these issues but rather modifies them to suit modern life. Nevertheless there is much to learn here about how we should live a balanced and disciplined Christian life, which is exemplified with the helpful checklist of the five areas of life in which we can find that balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e Reviewed by Marie Paterson \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreach, Spring 2020. Review by Alan Rashleigh\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author is a Reader in the Church of England and an oblate (a lay or ordained person formally associated to a particular monastic community) connected to the Anglican Benedictine Community. Therefore he is well-placed to share the practical application of St Benedict’s Rule of Life with people who are not members of a monastic community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict \u003c\/em\u003eintroduces us to the writings of a man who was inspirational 1500 years ago and who continues to invoke changes in lives today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rule of Life is a personal rule that can be tailored to Christians, whatever their circumstances, who witness to the Gospel through their relationships with those with whom they live and work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rules may include praying daily, attending church, almsgiving, as well as making provision for study, recreation, and family. The vows of St Benedict of stability, conversatio morum (fidelity to the monastic life) and obedience to the heads of the community relate specifically to life in a Benedictine community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book provides daily study in the form of 73 short chapters that look at aspects such as ‘The tools for good works’ (Ch 4) and ‘Restraint of speech’ (Ch 6). The study is repeated on a four-monthly cycle as ‘reinforcement of the Rules for the lives of the student’. It includes study and reflections and the Psalms and (very) short prayers. The pertinent questions in the reflections could provide a useful basis for Bible study, meditation or contemplation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLanguage and culture have certainly changed over 1500 years. The reader (and UK legislation) may not necessarily agree with corporal punishment or enforced fasting for the misdeeds of children (Ch 30)!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict \u003c\/em\u003euses a translation of more inclusive language and is written with ordinary Christians in mind to assist in our faith, work and daily living. It retains a relevance where change is often feared, stability is elusive, and the hectic nature of our lives interferes with listening to God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are many similar books, but this one is well written and makes the Rule of St Benedict accessible to all, regardless of the stage of your journey of faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(As a bonus, this book explains some of the actions of Father Cadfael played by Derek Jacobi in the TV series).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Alan Rashleigh\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 25.10.19. R\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eeview by John-Francis Friendship\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBenedict’s Rule, written in the sixth century and called by Arnold Toynbee the ‘mustard seed from which the great tree of Western civilisation has sprung’, had an enormous impact on the development of the Church of England and continues to be a source of inspired wisdom for people in our own times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book, Richard Frost, a Reader, retreat-giver, and (Anglican) Benedictine Oblate of Alton Abbey, provides short, simple reflections on each of its 73 chapters, which, he says, provide a ‘whole-life balance’. The Rule is formulated so that a portion is read daily over a four-month period, repeated three times during the year, and the version that he uses is an inclusive-language translation by the Benedictine Sisters of Erie. Each reflection is followed by a suggested psalm and ejaculatory prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rule is an extended commentary on how Benedict’s monks are to live in this ‘school for God’s service’ (Prologue) in which they are to ‘prefer nothing whatever to Christ’. Its observance ‘can show that we have some degree of virtue and the beginnings of monastic life . . . which will lead . . . to the very heights of perfection’. The author compares it to a ‘toolbox’ from which we chose the tool, taking up one and then another, practising our skills with them, and not worrying if we make mistakes, provided we confess our faults: ‘It is love that impels them to pursue everlasting life.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis thoughtful reflections on each chapter, concluding with a suggested framework to develop a personal Rule of Life, will help anyone who wants help on the journey of faith. Although there are a couple of spelling mistakes and a somewhat contentious reference to James as being the ‘son’ of Mary and Joseph, Frost’s style is direct and simple, inviting his readers to consider how Benedict’s words address their condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by the Revd John-Francis Friendship, a senior team member at the London Centre for Spiritual Direction. He is the author of Enfolded in Christ (Canterbury Press, 2018).\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUK Benedictine Oblates Team, October 2019. Review by Neil Zoladkiewicz \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRichard Frost is a Reader in the Church of England and an oblate of the Benedictine community at Alton Abbey in Hampshire. His recent book provides reflections on the daily readings from the Holy Rule and is prefaced by an excellent short introduction to Benedictine Spirituality and a useful glossary. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe subtitle to this volume is ‘The Rule re-imagined for everyday living’ and that is exactly what the author has achieved in his reflections on each daily reading from the Holy Rule, which explore relationships, the workplace, our own church and our attitudes and actions towards others in a modern context. The reflections also include searching questions for the reader to think about and there is also a short prayer at the end of each section.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe also provides an opportunity for the reader to work through the 150 psalms in order over the four months of reading the Holy Rule.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall this is an excellent introduction to the Holy Rule and the author bridges the gap between a 1,500 years old spiritual document and modern lives. It helps the reader to get into the habit of trying to apply St Benedict’s teaching to their own life, that process of daily reflection which is so essential to our progress on the Benedictine way. It is therefore an ideal volume for the novice oblate and all who are beginning the Oblate life. I certainly wish Richard Frost’s book was available when I took my own first steps towards becoming an oblate. It is also an ideal volume for the busy oblate of whatever experience! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Neil Zoladkiewicz of Ealing Abbey \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.benedictine-oblates.net\/news-2\/\"\u003ehttp:\/\/www.benedictine-oblates.net\/news-2\/\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-04-08T11:17:46+01:00","created_at":"2019-04-08T11:21:08+01:00","vendor":"Richard Frost","type":"Paperback","tags":["Devotional","For individuals","Kindle","Sep-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":26427642052708,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857468130","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Life with St Benedict: The Rule reimagined for everyday living","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":999,"weight":200,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857468130","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468130-l.jpg?v=1554718871"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468130-l.jpg?v=1554718871","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3264872513675,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468130-l.jpg?v=1554718871"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468130-l.jpg?v=1554718871","width":426}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo discover the \u003cem\u003eRule of St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e is to encounter something that is at once inspiring, supporting, reassuring, challenging. Let this book be an introduction to the writing of a man who will change your life.\u003cbr\u003eEsther de Waal, author of \u003cem\u003eSeeking God: The way of St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003cem\u003eRule of St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e has much to say about faith, work and daily living. In a time when many are seeking space, silence and spiritual depth, the \u003cem\u003eRule\u003c\/em\u003e retains relevance in a world where change is often feared, stability can be elusive and busyness interferes with listening to God. \u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e provides daily reflections on the \u003cem\u003eRule\u003c\/em\u003e as an aid to enabling personal spiritual growth and prayer.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBenedictine communities use a well-established pattern of daily readings to enable the entire \u003cem\u003eRule\u003c\/em\u003e to be considered over a four-month period. \u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e follows this pattern. Each four-month-long period begins on 1 January, 2 May and 1 September and each entry shows three dates on which it can be read. There are 122 readings and reflections in each period.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRichard Frost is a Reader in the Church of England and an Oblate of the Anglican Benedictine Community at Alton Abbey in Hampshire. Formerly an Employment Specialist helping people with mental health conditions, he writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.workrestpray.com\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo read Richard's lockdown blog click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/richard-frost-author-of-life-with-st-benedict-reflects-on-new-beginnings\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOremus (Westminster Cathedral Magazine) December 2020. Review by Donato Tallo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a Benedictine Oblate, spiritual reading is extremely important to me and so I recently purchased a copy of Richard Frost’s recent book on St Benedict’s Rule. As an addition to my daily prayer, the book is extremely helpful and a real tool to aid silence, reflection and stillness in a challenging, busy and often stressful world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rule has much to teach us all today and while it is not particularly long, reflection on the text is essential to gain real insight and appreciation of its spiritual content. That there are many wide and varied commentaries on the Rule exemplifies just how much it has to teach us, for throughout the centuries many Christian people, both monastic and non-monastic, people of varying faiths and indeed people of no faith, have all gained inspiration from St Benedict.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRichard Frost has prepared this book for anyone, whether monastic, oblate or neither, who wants to immerse themselves in spiritual reflection on the Rule and link it to everyday living. Benedictine communities generally have a structured manner for reading – often by hearing – the Rule and this is quite often undertaken at mealtimes. When read over a four-month period, this means that in its entirety it is read communally three times each year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book, for each day of the year there is a section of the Rule and a short reflection afterwards It is a simple yet powerful way for the Rule to be read and then for the text to be pondered on. The beauty of these short reflections is that they are linked to everyday life and situations and can really help the reader to consider how the meaning and context of the Rule can be applied in our own day. The pointers given for prayer are helpful and are a real treasure in aiding our turning to the Lord. For those who would seek some new inspiration on the journey of life in a simple yet powerful manner, this book will do just that. Whether the reader is new to St Benedict or not, this book can help us become closer to Christ through the Rule in a practical and accessible manner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Donato Tallo\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry, April 2020. Review by Marie Paterson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a handbook for those who would like to incorporate the discipline of the Rule of St Benedict into their lives. These teachings are divided into ‘everyday reflections’ with each one beginning with Benedict’s instructions for those living in monastic communities, followed by a reflection for ‘ordinary, everyday Christians’. Emphasising the importance of the reading and recitation of the psalms for the Benedictines, each day ends with a psalm to read, followed by a suggestion for reflection and prayer. Readers may find some of Benedict’s instructions to those living in community rather harsh; for instance, those making mistakes in a psalm ‘must make satisfaction there before all’, and likewise if arriving late for meals or prayers. The author does not always address these issues but rather modifies them to suit modern life. Nevertheless there is much to learn here about how we should live a balanced and disciplined Christian life, which is exemplified with the helpful checklist of the five areas of life in which we can find that balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e Reviewed by Marie Paterson \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreach, Spring 2020. Review by Alan Rashleigh\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author is a Reader in the Church of England and an oblate (a lay or ordained person formally associated to a particular monastic community) connected to the Anglican Benedictine Community. Therefore he is well-placed to share the practical application of St Benedict’s Rule of Life with people who are not members of a monastic community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict \u003c\/em\u003eintroduces us to the writings of a man who was inspirational 1500 years ago and who continues to invoke changes in lives today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rule of Life is a personal rule that can be tailored to Christians, whatever their circumstances, who witness to the Gospel through their relationships with those with whom they live and work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rules may include praying daily, attending church, almsgiving, as well as making provision for study, recreation, and family. The vows of St Benedict of stability, conversatio morum (fidelity to the monastic life) and obedience to the heads of the community relate specifically to life in a Benedictine community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book provides daily study in the form of 73 short chapters that look at aspects such as ‘The tools for good works’ (Ch 4) and ‘Restraint of speech’ (Ch 6). The study is repeated on a four-monthly cycle as ‘reinforcement of the Rules for the lives of the student’. It includes study and reflections and the Psalms and (very) short prayers. The pertinent questions in the reflections could provide a useful basis for Bible study, meditation or contemplation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLanguage and culture have certainly changed over 1500 years. The reader (and UK legislation) may not necessarily agree with corporal punishment or enforced fasting for the misdeeds of children (Ch 30)!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict \u003c\/em\u003euses a translation of more inclusive language and is written with ordinary Christians in mind to assist in our faith, work and daily living. It retains a relevance where change is often feared, stability is elusive, and the hectic nature of our lives interferes with listening to God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are many similar books, but this one is well written and makes the Rule of St Benedict accessible to all, regardless of the stage of your journey of faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(As a bonus, this book explains some of the actions of Father Cadfael played by Derek Jacobi in the TV series).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Alan Rashleigh\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 25.10.19. R\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eeview by John-Francis Friendship\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBenedict’s Rule, written in the sixth century and called by Arnold Toynbee the ‘mustard seed from which the great tree of Western civilisation has sprung’, had an enormous impact on the development of the Church of England and continues to be a source of inspired wisdom for people in our own times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book, Richard Frost, a Reader, retreat-giver, and (Anglican) Benedictine Oblate of Alton Abbey, provides short, simple reflections on each of its 73 chapters, which, he says, provide a ‘whole-life balance’. The Rule is formulated so that a portion is read daily over a four-month period, repeated three times during the year, and the version that he uses is an inclusive-language translation by the Benedictine Sisters of Erie. Each reflection is followed by a suggested psalm and ejaculatory prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rule is an extended commentary on how Benedict’s monks are to live in this ‘school for God’s service’ (Prologue) in which they are to ‘prefer nothing whatever to Christ’. Its observance ‘can show that we have some degree of virtue and the beginnings of monastic life . . . which will lead . . . to the very heights of perfection’. The author compares it to a ‘toolbox’ from which we chose the tool, taking up one and then another, practising our skills with them, and not worrying if we make mistakes, provided we confess our faults: ‘It is love that impels them to pursue everlasting life.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis thoughtful reflections on each chapter, concluding with a suggested framework to develop a personal Rule of Life, will help anyone who wants help on the journey of faith. Although there are a couple of spelling mistakes and a somewhat contentious reference to James as being the ‘son’ of Mary and Joseph, Frost’s style is direct and simple, inviting his readers to consider how Benedict’s words address their condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by the Revd John-Francis Friendship, a senior team member at the London Centre for Spiritual Direction. He is the author of Enfolded in Christ (Canterbury Press, 2018).\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUK Benedictine Oblates Team, October 2019. Review by Neil Zoladkiewicz \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRichard Frost is a Reader in the Church of England and an oblate of the Benedictine community at Alton Abbey in Hampshire. His recent book provides reflections on the daily readings from the Holy Rule and is prefaced by an excellent short introduction to Benedictine Spirituality and a useful glossary. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe subtitle to this volume is ‘The Rule re-imagined for everyday living’ and that is exactly what the author has achieved in his reflections on each daily reading from the Holy Rule, which explore relationships, the workplace, our own church and our attitudes and actions towards others in a modern context. The reflections also include searching questions for the reader to think about and there is also a short prayer at the end of each section.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe also provides an opportunity for the reader to work through the 150 psalms in order over the four months of reading the Holy Rule.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall this is an excellent introduction to the Holy Rule and the author bridges the gap between a 1,500 years old spiritual document and modern lives. It helps the reader to get into the habit of trying to apply St Benedict’s teaching to their own life, that process of daily reflection which is so essential to our progress on the Benedictine way. It is therefore an ideal volume for the novice oblate and all who are beginning the Oblate life. I certainly wish Richard Frost’s book was available when I took my own first steps towards becoming an oblate. It is also an ideal volume for the busy oblate of whatever experience! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Neil Zoladkiewicz of Ealing Abbey \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.benedictine-oblates.net\/news-2\/\"\u003ehttp:\/\/www.benedictine-oblates.net\/news-2\/\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":3178537517156,"title":"God's Word for Messy People: 31 Bible readings and reflections","handle":"gods-word-for-messy-people-31-bible-readings-and-reflections","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWanting to go deeper in your journey as a Messy Church leader or helper, or are you just curious about what makes Messy Church a way of being church together? This accessible booklet contains 31 short Bible passages, with a reflection on each passage by Messy Church founder Lucy Moore, exploring the core values of Messy Church and reinforcing the creativity, hospitality, joy, inclusivity and character of Jesus.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\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\/LucyMoore_480x480.jpg?v=1676494651\" width=\"201\" height=\"201\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLucy Moore is the founder of Messy Church. She promotes Messy Church nationally and internationally through training and speaking events, and is the author of a number of books for BRF.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-03-26T14:47:11+00:00","created_at":"2019-03-26T14:53:39+00:00","vendor":"Lucy Moore","type":"Paperback","tags":["Devotional","Jun-19","Messy Church books"],"price":399,"price_min":399,"price_max":399,"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":26075519975524,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857467492","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"God's Word for Messy People: 31 Bible readings and reflections","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":399,"weight":600,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857467492","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467492-l.jpg?v=1553612022"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467492-l.jpg?v=1553612022","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3264195428491,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.718,"height":650,"width":467,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467492-l.jpg?v=1553612022"},"aspect_ratio":0.718,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467492-l.jpg?v=1553612022","width":467}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWanting to go deeper in your journey as a Messy Church leader or helper, or are you just curious about what makes Messy Church a way of being church together? This accessible booklet contains 31 short Bible passages, with a reflection on each passage by Messy Church founder Lucy Moore, exploring the core values of Messy Church and reinforcing the creativity, hospitality, joy, inclusivity and character of Jesus.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\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\/LucyMoore_480x480.jpg?v=1676494651\" width=\"201\" height=\"201\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLucy Moore is the founder of Messy Church. She promotes Messy Church nationally and internationally through training and speaking events, and is the author of a number of books for BRF.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":2920877391972,"title":"When You Pray: Daily Bible reflections on the Lord's Prayer","handle":"when-you-pray-daily-bible-reflections-on-the-lords-prayer","description":"\u003cp\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":"2019-02-27T11:35:57+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-27T11:37:18+00:00","vendor":"Joanna Collicutt","type":"Paperback","tags":["Devotional","For individuals","Kindle","May-19","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":24703465685092,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857468673","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"When You Pray: Daily Bible reflections on the Lord's Prayer","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":1099,"weight":600,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857468673","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468673-l.jpg?v=1551267441"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468673-l.jpg?v=1551267441","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3260489597067,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468673-l.jpg?v=1551267441"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468673-l.jpg?v=1551267441","width":426}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\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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{"id":2920550137956,"title":"Finding God in a Culture of Fear: Discovering hope in God’s kingdom","handle":"finding-god-in-a-culture-of-fear-discovering-hope-in-god-s-kingdom","description":"\u003cp\u003eHow can we live a little more hopefully each day?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFear, terrorism, corruption, fake news… it can be easy to become discouraged by the culture around us. Now more than ever, society needs hope in order to survive and flourish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis book takes us beyond comfort zones and easy answers, and towards a deeper understanding and practice of hope.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt offers reflections, stories and practical ways for individuals and groups to find hope in their lives through discovering more about God in their midst.Focusing on God’s intervention in biblical history, God’s presence in contemporary contexts and God’s promised hope for the future, Joanne Cox-Darling encourages us to live more confidently, noticing more of the Spirit in our daily lives, and with more compassion and – ultimately – hope in God.\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\/JoCox-Darling1_480x480.jpg?v=1676497258\" width=\"209\" height=\"261\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoanne Cox-Darling is a Methodist minister, mother, and want-to-be baker, currently living and working in the suburbs of London. She holds a doctorate from Durham University, and co-edited ‘The Call and the Commission’ (MK, Authentic, 2008). She has written for BRF Guidelines. She is passionate about contemporary culture, mission, and communication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike many of the books that offer hope this starts from a position of realism in that life is not easy, taking the reader on a journey of hope that stems from a Jesus who has been there himself, who knows and understands our hopes and fears, and gives us the courage to believe in what is possible through Christ. I know the book will be a blessing to many.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDes Scott, Deputy Chief Executive, Church Army \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \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\u003eA commonly-used mantra throughout this book is, ‘The worst thing is never the last thing’, which reminded me of the phrase quoted by Evelyn Greenslade (played by Judi Dench) in the film, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel: ‘Everything will be all right in the end. And if it’s not all right, then trust me, it’s not yet the end’. Book and film focus on hope as the key to combat the unknown, fear, and despair. In the book, God’s love and the presence of the Holy Spirit underpin this hope. The film scores highly on the ‘feel good factor’, the book somewhat less so. The ‘fear’ in the book predominantly focuses on the corporate and global, rather than the individual which I found slightly disappointing. It also presents a literary ‘smorgasbord’ of styles although it is still very readable. Its strengths include its (mostly) appropriate use of characters and events from the Old and New Testaments and making them relevant to today; and the ‘questions for reflection’ at the end of each chapter. Read it as a guide to further exploration of fear and trust in God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Richard Appleton\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eReview by Dr Philip Barlow, May 2019\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA book clearly written from the heart and the inclusion of personal anecdotes makes it easier to identify with and understand. Stories from the Bible are made relevant to today’s challenges and problems and focus the mind on the main theme of the book which is hope for the future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe hope theme runs through the whole book but, as the author explains, hope is not a passive process but one that requires a pro-active approach. It is not sufficient to sit back and hope for the future, hope wants and needs action to make better things to come. Hope does not just rely on the current order but having a vision can change the future for the better. Martin Luther King’s speech of “having a dream” is referred to and sets an approach for us all to consider.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHopelessness often makes us long for the “rose coloured” past but hope drives us forward and gives us a meaningful purpose. Adopting a proactive approach with a belief that the world can become a better place lessens our fear of the future. The author explains how hope can and does allow us to be more confident in recognising the potential for our own lives and the world around us. God’s presence in the ever changing world, even if at times this is hard to see, provides the hope we need to live and prosper in a world prevailing in a culture of fear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead this book as an antidote to the often over whelming and pessimistic world we live in or as a study book (and a series of reflection questions are provided) to think about in a group meeting that hopes for a brighter future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eReviewed by Dr Philip Barlow\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-27T10:32:11+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-27T10:43:52+00:00","vendor":"Joanne Cox-Darling","type":"Paperback","tags":["Bereavement","Devotional","Kindle","May-19"],"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":24702508859492,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857466464","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Finding God in a Culture of Fear: Discovering hope in God’s kingdom","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":899,"weight":186,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857466464","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466464-l.jpg?v=1551264235"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466464-l.jpg?v=1551264235","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3260487401611,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466464-l.jpg?v=1551264235"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466464-l.jpg?v=1551264235","width":426}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eHow can we live a little more hopefully each day?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFear, terrorism, corruption, fake news… it can be easy to become discouraged by the culture around us. Now more than ever, society needs hope in order to survive and flourish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis book takes us beyond comfort zones and easy answers, and towards a deeper understanding and practice of hope.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt offers reflections, stories and practical ways for individuals and groups to find hope in their lives through discovering more about God in their midst.Focusing on God’s intervention in biblical history, God’s presence in contemporary contexts and God’s promised hope for the future, Joanne Cox-Darling encourages us to live more confidently, noticing more of the Spirit in our daily lives, and with more compassion and – ultimately – hope in God.\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\/JoCox-Darling1_480x480.jpg?v=1676497258\" width=\"209\" height=\"261\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoanne Cox-Darling is a Methodist minister, mother, and want-to-be baker, currently living and working in the suburbs of London. She holds a doctorate from Durham University, and co-edited ‘The Call and the Commission’ (MK, Authentic, 2008). She has written for BRF Guidelines. She is passionate about contemporary culture, mission, and communication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike many of the books that offer hope this starts from a position of realism in that life is not easy, taking the reader on a journey of hope that stems from a Jesus who has been there himself, who knows and understands our hopes and fears, and gives us the courage to believe in what is possible through Christ. I know the book will be a blessing to many.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDes Scott, Deputy Chief Executive, Church Army \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \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\u003eA commonly-used mantra throughout this book is, ‘The worst thing is never the last thing’, which reminded me of the phrase quoted by Evelyn Greenslade (played by Judi Dench) in the film, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel: ‘Everything will be all right in the end. And if it’s not all right, then trust me, it’s not yet the end’. Book and film focus on hope as the key to combat the unknown, fear, and despair. In the book, God’s love and the presence of the Holy Spirit underpin this hope. The film scores highly on the ‘feel good factor’, the book somewhat less so. The ‘fear’ in the book predominantly focuses on the corporate and global, rather than the individual which I found slightly disappointing. It also presents a literary ‘smorgasbord’ of styles although it is still very readable. Its strengths include its (mostly) appropriate use of characters and events from the Old and New Testaments and making them relevant to today; and the ‘questions for reflection’ at the end of each chapter. Read it as a guide to further exploration of fear and trust in God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Richard Appleton\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eReview by Dr Philip Barlow, May 2019\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA book clearly written from the heart and the inclusion of personal anecdotes makes it easier to identify with and understand. Stories from the Bible are made relevant to today’s challenges and problems and focus the mind on the main theme of the book which is hope for the future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe hope theme runs through the whole book but, as the author explains, hope is not a passive process but one that requires a pro-active approach. It is not sufficient to sit back and hope for the future, hope wants and needs action to make better things to come. Hope does not just rely on the current order but having a vision can change the future for the better. Martin Luther King’s speech of “having a dream” is referred to and sets an approach for us all to consider.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHopelessness often makes us long for the “rose coloured” past but hope drives us forward and gives us a meaningful purpose. Adopting a proactive approach with a belief that the world can become a better place lessens our fear of the future. The author explains how hope can and does allow us to be more confident in recognising the potential for our own lives and the world around us. God’s presence in the ever changing world, even if at times this is hard to see, provides the hope we need to live and prosper in a world prevailing in a culture of fear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead this book as an antidote to the often over whelming and pessimistic world we live in or as a study book (and a series of reflection questions are provided) to think about in a group meeting that hopes for a brighter future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eReviewed by Dr Philip Barlow\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Finding God in a Culture of Fear: Discovering hope in God’s kingdom
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{"id":2439828766820,"title":"The Psalms: A commentary for prayer and reflection","handle":"the-psalms-a-commentary-for-prayer-and-reflection","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe psalms are Israel's prayer book. Their origins are in many cases shrouded in mystery. We cannot be sure how they were selected or collected or how most were used. They cover the whole sweep of Israel's history and spirituality echoing the very earliest periods of the nation's life right up to the laments of the Babylonian exile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey speak of the joy of pilgrimage to Jerusalem; they tell of great victories and defeat, of individual achievement and failure, of release and deliverance, of love for the law and repentance from sin, of a God at work in nature and throughout the nation's history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCovering all 150 Psalms, these bite-sized devotions, which were first published in BRF's Guidelines Bible reading notes series, have been revised and expanded. They draw on Henry Wansbrough's years of living and working in the Middle East to provide insight into the historical, literary and cultural background of the Psalms as well as showing how these ancient texts can still guide and inspire you in your Christian walk today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDom Henry Wansbrough OSB is based at Ampleforth Abbey, teaching at Ampleforth school and currently serving as Alexander Jones Professor of Biblical Studies at Liverpool Hope University. He is a contributor to Guidelines Bible reading notes and is a former Master of St Benet's Hall, Oxford.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Alexander Murray, University College, Oxford\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book’s two most striking qualities complement each other. One is its author’s knowledge. Event to those otherwise unacquainted with Fr Henry and his work, it is obvious that he is thoroughly conversant with the Hebrew language and environment. He never lets us forget that the psalms began life in Hebrew. He often clarifies a word by giving us its Hebrew original and, where he thinks it constructive to do so, he offers his guess as to a psalm’s original context. This easy familiarity extends to the psalm’s physical environment. A good example is on p.176, but it is one of many, unobtrusively dropped in to the exposition to make it clearer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second quality is complementary to it. It is clarity of exposition. The reader never has to look back to see what a sentence means. One educational publisher I knew made it a rule not to publish books unless the author was a practising teacher. I do not know how much teaching Fr Henry now does, but his writing style is such that he must often have had to explain potentially obscure points to students still in their teens. His book is an ‘easy read’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFr Henry has said a lot, and from a lot of angles, within the limits of a short book. I am delighted to have it in my library, have already often turned to it, and I am sure I will go on doing so.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Alexander Murray, University College, Oxford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:39+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:40+00:00","vendor":"Henry Wansbrough","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Devotional","For individuals","Mar-14","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":21770228039780,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841016481","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Psalms: A commentary for prayer and reflection - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":231,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841016481","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841016481-l.jpg?v=1549043116"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841016481-l.jpg?v=1549043116","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238881984651,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841016481-l.jpg?v=1549043116"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841016481-l.jpg?v=1549043116","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThe psalms are Israel's prayer book. Their origins are in many cases shrouded in mystery. We cannot be sure how they were selected or collected or how most were used. They cover the whole sweep of Israel's history and spirituality echoing the very earliest periods of the nation's life right up to the laments of the Babylonian exile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey speak of the joy of pilgrimage to Jerusalem; they tell of great victories and defeat, of individual achievement and failure, of release and deliverance, of love for the law and repentance from sin, of a God at work in nature and throughout the nation's history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCovering all 150 Psalms, these bite-sized devotions, which were first published in BRF's Guidelines Bible reading notes series, have been revised and expanded. They draw on Henry Wansbrough's years of living and working in the Middle East to provide insight into the historical, literary and cultural background of the Psalms as well as showing how these ancient texts can still guide and inspire you in your Christian walk today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDom Henry Wansbrough OSB is based at Ampleforth Abbey, teaching at Ampleforth school and currently serving as Alexander Jones Professor of Biblical Studies at Liverpool Hope University. He is a contributor to Guidelines Bible reading notes and is a former Master of St Benet's Hall, Oxford.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Alexander Murray, University College, Oxford\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book’s two most striking qualities complement each other. One is its author’s knowledge. Event to those otherwise unacquainted with Fr Henry and his work, it is obvious that he is thoroughly conversant with the Hebrew language and environment. He never lets us forget that the psalms began life in Hebrew. He often clarifies a word by giving us its Hebrew original and, where he thinks it constructive to do so, he offers his guess as to a psalm’s original context. This easy familiarity extends to the psalm’s physical environment. A good example is on p.176, but it is one of many, unobtrusively dropped in to the exposition to make it clearer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second quality is complementary to it. It is clarity of exposition. The reader never has to look back to see what a sentence means. One educational publisher I knew made it a rule not to publish books unless the author was a practising teacher. I do not know how much teaching Fr Henry now does, but his writing style is such that he must often have had to explain potentially obscure points to students still in their teens. His book is an ‘easy read’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFr Henry has said a lot, and from a lot of angles, within the limits of a short book. I am delighted to have it in my library, have already often turned to it, and I am sure I will go on doing so.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Alexander Murray, University College, Oxford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":2439814676580,"title":"Anxious Times","handle":"anxious-times","description":"\u003cp\u003eA book of 24 undated reflections drawing on a range of relevant Bible passages to offer genuine hope and encouragement in anxious times. Encompassing the very human emotions of fear and anxiety, the reflections encourage us to draw comfort and strength from God's word even in those times when he seems silent to us. This book acknowledges that trust and hope in God's goodness doesn't always come easily, but when embraced we gain the strength to face our fear with courage and confidence.\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\/CarmelThomason_480x480.jpg?v=1676494723\" width=\"212\" height=\"192\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarmel Thomason is an author, journalist and speaker whose writing explores how we can live out the gospel by focusing on the extraordinary to be found in the everyday. She has written \u003cem\u003eAgainst the Odds\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2014), \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/believe-in-miracles-a-spiritual-journey-of-positive-change\"\u003eBelieve in Miracles\u003c\/a\u003e (BRF, 2016) and \u003cem\u003eEvery Moment Counts\u003c\/em\u003e (DLT, 2011) and has collaborated with the Archbishop of York on Faith Stories and Hope Stories.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWider World: The Bookcase. Autumn 2018\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to DoSomething.org, 40% of adults suffer from anxiety. This book of 24 undated reflections, which draw on a range of relevant Bible passages, offers genuine hope and encouragement in anxious times. The reflections on chosen scripture are both practical and prayerful; grounded in human experience and encouraging focused prayer even in those times when God can seem silent to us. \u003cem\u003eAnxious Times\u003c\/em\u003e acknowledges that trust and hope doesn't always come easy, but when we embrace God's goodness we gain the strength to face our fears with courage and confidence. Archbishop John Sentamu writes: 'This book is to be savoured, not rushed. As an antidote to anxiety, it will repay a measured reading, just one short chapter a day.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader online, May 2019. Reviewed by Margaret Ives\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese 24 short reflections on selected Bible passages are designed to help Christians find spiritual support and encouragement in times of stress and anxiety, whether caused by an increasingly fraught international situation or by more personal issues, such as illness, bereavement or money worries. With a foreword by Archbishop John Sentamu urging us not to give in to despair, this book will be a helpful resource both for those struggling to cope and for those who seek to counsel them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Margaret Ives \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:24:47+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:24:48+00:00","vendor":"Carmel Thomason","type":"Paperback","tags":["Anna Chaplaincy books","Devotional","May-18","Pastoral care","PDF","Recommended for Anna Chaplaincy"],"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":21769980706916,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857466600","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Anxious Times - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":499,"weight":63,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857466600","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":33384154398859,"title":"PDF","option1":"PDF","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800390270","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":15259036418187,"product_id":2439814676580,"position":2,"created_at":"2020-04-16T12:32:23+01:00","updated_at":"2020-04-16T12:32:23+01:00","alt":null,"width":458,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0270.jpg?v=1587036743","variant_ids":[33384154398859]},"available":true,"name":"Anxious Times - PDF","public_title":"PDF","options":["PDF"],"price":499,"weight":63,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800390270","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":7432425799819,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"width":458,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0270.jpg?v=1587036743"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466600-l.jpg?v=1587036743","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0270.jpg?v=1587036743"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466600-l.jpg?v=1587036743","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238880903307,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"width":458,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466600-l.jpg?v=1587036743"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466600-l.jpg?v=1587036743","width":458},{"alt":null,"id":7432425799819,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"width":458,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0270.jpg?v=1587036743"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0270.jpg?v=1587036743","width":458}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eA book of 24 undated reflections drawing on a range of relevant Bible passages to offer genuine hope and encouragement in anxious times. Encompassing the very human emotions of fear and anxiety, the reflections encourage us to draw comfort and strength from God's word even in those times when he seems silent to us. This book acknowledges that trust and hope in God's goodness doesn't always come easily, but when embraced we gain the strength to face our fear with courage and confidence.\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\/CarmelThomason_480x480.jpg?v=1676494723\" width=\"212\" height=\"192\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarmel Thomason is an author, journalist and speaker whose writing explores how we can live out the gospel by focusing on the extraordinary to be found in the everyday. She has written \u003cem\u003eAgainst the Odds\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2014), \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/believe-in-miracles-a-spiritual-journey-of-positive-change\"\u003eBelieve in Miracles\u003c\/a\u003e (BRF, 2016) and \u003cem\u003eEvery Moment Counts\u003c\/em\u003e (DLT, 2011) and has collaborated with the Archbishop of York on Faith Stories and Hope Stories.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWider World: The Bookcase. Autumn 2018\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to DoSomething.org, 40% of adults suffer from anxiety. This book of 24 undated reflections, which draw on a range of relevant Bible passages, offers genuine hope and encouragement in anxious times. The reflections on chosen scripture are both practical and prayerful; grounded in human experience and encouraging focused prayer even in those times when God can seem silent to us. \u003cem\u003eAnxious Times\u003c\/em\u003e acknowledges that trust and hope doesn't always come easy, but when we embrace God's goodness we gain the strength to face our fears with courage and confidence. Archbishop John Sentamu writes: 'This book is to be savoured, not rushed. As an antidote to anxiety, it will repay a measured reading, just one short chapter a day.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader online, May 2019. Reviewed by Margaret Ives\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese 24 short reflections on selected Bible passages are designed to help Christians find spiritual support and encouragement in times of stress and anxiety, whether caused by an increasingly fraught international situation or by more personal issues, such as illness, bereavement or money worries. With a foreword by Archbishop John Sentamu urging us not to give in to despair, this book will be a helpful resource both for those struggling to cope and for those who seek to counsel them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Margaret Ives \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Anxious Times
£4.99
A book of 24 undated reflections drawing on a range of relevant Bible passages to offer genuine hope and encouragement...
{"id":2439798489188,"title":"At Home in Lent: An exploration of Lent through 46 objects","handle":"at-home-in-lent-an-exploration-of-lent-through-46-objects","description":"\u003cp\u003eHere is an original way of approaching Lent, one that will encourage you to consider your own faith journey in the light of the Easter story. Inspired by Neil MacGregor's Radio 4 programme, 'A History of the World in 100 Objects', Gordon Giles spends each week in a different room gleaning spiritual lessons from everyday household objects. As a result, you might discover that finding God in the normal pattern of life - even in the mundane - transforms how you approach each day. Running as a thread through it all are the seven Rs of Lent: regret, repentance, resolution, recognition, reconciliation, renewal and resurrection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 'At Home in Lent' Gordon Giles has elevated the everyday to the realm of spiritual reflection and meditation in a way which is both simple and profound. Gordon's reflections are helpfully reminiscent of expressions of Celtic Spirituality, where we find prayers for the cooking pot and for lighting a fire. A most accessible guide and accompaniment with which to navigate Lent, with just the right amount of challenge and affirmation, particularly for those leading busy lives. As Gordon has bravely used the toilet as an area for reflection, it is safe to say that this book might well be used in the smallest room as well on the train or in a prayer space.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Revd Prebendary Dr Neil Evans, Director of Ministry, Diocese of London\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\/GordonGiles1_480x480.jpg?v=1676494801\" width=\"153\" height=\"271\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGordon Giles is Canon Chancellor of Rochester Cathedral. He is the author of several books, including \u003cem\u003eComings and Goings\u003c\/em\u003e (2015) and \u003cem\u003eAt Home in Lent\u003c\/em\u003e (2018).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader website, 6 March 2019. Review by Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book explores the journey of Lent through a series of 46 objects that are at large around most households. It is a great idea and an easy read, with a short daily Bible text, thoughtful and imaginative consideration of the objects concerned, and a message, bringing, in many cases, the challenge of a new way to see those items we all have around the home and how they can relate to our faith. I was particularly moved by the readings about shoes, keys, the dining table, newspapers, the alarm clock, towels and the toilet! The book would suit any individual or church group reading it through the Lenten period, and there are questions each week to prompt some good discussions. The book is well suited to picking up for a read outside Lent, too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut this book is more than that - it is also a super resource for preaching. While the Bible passages are well known, the relating of texts to a household object, and Gordon Giles's exploration of each object is interesting and thoughtful enough to act as a springboard to many a good sermon. I will return to it again myself, and thoroughly recommend it to others.\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\u003cem\u003eReview by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder 15.2.19 Lent book review by Adrian Burdon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor every day through Lent and Holy Week Gordon Giles brings us an everyday item to be found in our home to reflect upon. In his introduction Giles reflects upon the nature of home and upon the assertion of the abundant presence of God. While we might preserve the privacy of our space, our home, repelling all who would invade, we cannot, he suggests, resist the presence of this loving and living god. Thus, his invitation to spend time reflecting upon the presence of God in the most common and everyday of places - our home and our belongings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book which may sound a bit niche and random, but it is very well done and does cause us to open our eyes and minds to the things around us. Each chapter, each household item, is related to a spiritual theme, assigned an appropriate biblical passage, given time for substantial reflection and concluded with prayer. Our Lenten journey begins, sensibly enough, at the door of our house and then the threshold, before moving on to other items such as fireplace, mobile phone, items of clothing and furniture. Good Friday brings us to reflect upon the crucifix which might be found in our home and on Holy Saturday we reflect upon Christ in the tomb as we contemplate our bed. Easter Day breaks forth with radiance as we reflect upon the glory of light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWell written and thought provoking, this really is a book for personal devotion which will enable us to make an unusual, though worthwhile, journey from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Adrian Burdon\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times, 1 February 2019. Review by Philip Welsh\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAt Home in Lent\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003etakes an everyday household object each day - mobile phone, wardrobe, spectacles - as the starting-point for wider thoughts and a prompt for prayer, and supplies in many cases curious information about the object's origins. In each case, Gordon Giles makes an ingenious link to a biblical passage - family photos and Jesus's question, 'Who is my mother?'; toothbrushes and compensation for knocking people's teeth out in Exodus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis style is easy-going, with a tendency rather to spell out connections than suggest possibilities, and on occasion the author slips from finding God in the commonplace to sounding commonplace - 'Perhaps there are short circuits your faith' (in the item on electricity).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut, overall, Giles has come up with an imaginative framework for a popular Lent book, 'an invitation to discover how [the Lord] is already in our homes'. There are questions for discussion, though the book is probably best used by individuals, and its daily sections would fit neatly into a short bus or train ride as an amiable, slightly talkative Lent companion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by the Revd Philip Welsh, a retired priest in the Diocese of London\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e______________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:43+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:45+00:00","vendor":"Gordon Giles","type":"Paperback","tags":["Devotional","Kindle","Lent"],"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":21769746808932,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465894","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436857278564,"product_id":2439798489188,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:45+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:36+00:00","alt":null,"width":426,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465894-l.jpg?v=1549043136","variant_ids":[21769746808932]},"available":true,"name":"At Home in Lent: An exploration of Lent through 46 objects - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":219,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465894","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238879789195,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465894-l.jpg?v=1549043136"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465894-l.jpg?v=1549043136"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465894-l.jpg?v=1549043136","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238879789195,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465894-l.jpg?v=1549043136"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465894-l.jpg?v=1549043136","width":426}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eHere is an original way of approaching Lent, one that will encourage you to consider your own faith journey in the light of the Easter story. Inspired by Neil MacGregor's Radio 4 programme, 'A History of the World in 100 Objects', Gordon Giles spends each week in a different room gleaning spiritual lessons from everyday household objects. As a result, you might discover that finding God in the normal pattern of life - even in the mundane - transforms how you approach each day. Running as a thread through it all are the seven Rs of Lent: regret, repentance, resolution, recognition, reconciliation, renewal and resurrection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 'At Home in Lent' Gordon Giles has elevated the everyday to the realm of spiritual reflection and meditation in a way which is both simple and profound. Gordon's reflections are helpfully reminiscent of expressions of Celtic Spirituality, where we find prayers for the cooking pot and for lighting a fire. A most accessible guide and accompaniment with which to navigate Lent, with just the right amount of challenge and affirmation, particularly for those leading busy lives. As Gordon has bravely used the toilet as an area for reflection, it is safe to say that this book might well be used in the smallest room as well on the train or in a prayer space.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Revd Prebendary Dr Neil Evans, Director of Ministry, Diocese of London\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\/GordonGiles1_480x480.jpg?v=1676494801\" width=\"153\" height=\"271\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGordon Giles is Canon Chancellor of Rochester Cathedral. He is the author of several books, including \u003cem\u003eComings and Goings\u003c\/em\u003e (2015) and \u003cem\u003eAt Home in Lent\u003c\/em\u003e (2018).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader website, 6 March 2019. Review by Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book explores the journey of Lent through a series of 46 objects that are at large around most households. It is a great idea and an easy read, with a short daily Bible text, thoughtful and imaginative consideration of the objects concerned, and a message, bringing, in many cases, the challenge of a new way to see those items we all have around the home and how they can relate to our faith. I was particularly moved by the readings about shoes, keys, the dining table, newspapers, the alarm clock, towels and the toilet! The book would suit any individual or church group reading it through the Lenten period, and there are questions each week to prompt some good discussions. The book is well suited to picking up for a read outside Lent, too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut this book is more than that - it is also a super resource for preaching. While the Bible passages are well known, the relating of texts to a household object, and Gordon Giles's exploration of each object is interesting and thoughtful enough to act as a springboard to many a good sermon. I will return to it again myself, and thoroughly recommend it to others.\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\u003cem\u003eReview by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder 15.2.19 Lent book review by Adrian Burdon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor every day through Lent and Holy Week Gordon Giles brings us an everyday item to be found in our home to reflect upon. In his introduction Giles reflects upon the nature of home and upon the assertion of the abundant presence of God. While we might preserve the privacy of our space, our home, repelling all who would invade, we cannot, he suggests, resist the presence of this loving and living god. Thus, his invitation to spend time reflecting upon the presence of God in the most common and everyday of places - our home and our belongings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book which may sound a bit niche and random, but it is very well done and does cause us to open our eyes and minds to the things around us. Each chapter, each household item, is related to a spiritual theme, assigned an appropriate biblical passage, given time for substantial reflection and concluded with prayer. Our Lenten journey begins, sensibly enough, at the door of our house and then the threshold, before moving on to other items such as fireplace, mobile phone, items of clothing and furniture. Good Friday brings us to reflect upon the crucifix which might be found in our home and on Holy Saturday we reflect upon Christ in the tomb as we contemplate our bed. Easter Day breaks forth with radiance as we reflect upon the glory of light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWell written and thought provoking, this really is a book for personal devotion which will enable us to make an unusual, though worthwhile, journey from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Adrian Burdon\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times, 1 February 2019. Review by Philip Welsh\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAt Home in Lent\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003etakes an everyday household object each day - mobile phone, wardrobe, spectacles - as the starting-point for wider thoughts and a prompt for prayer, and supplies in many cases curious information about the object's origins. In each case, Gordon Giles makes an ingenious link to a biblical passage - family photos and Jesus's question, 'Who is my mother?'; toothbrushes and compensation for knocking people's teeth out in Exodus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis style is easy-going, with a tendency rather to spell out connections than suggest possibilities, and on occasion the author slips from finding God in the commonplace to sounding commonplace - 'Perhaps there are short circuits your faith' (in the item on electricity).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut, overall, Giles has come up with an imaginative framework for a popular Lent book, 'an invitation to discover how [the Lord] is already in our homes'. There are questions for discussion, though the book is probably best used by individuals, and its daily sections would fit neatly into a short bus or train ride as an amiable, slightly talkative Lent companion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by the Revd Philip Welsh, a retired priest in the Diocese of London\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e______________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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At Home in Lent: An exploration of Lent through 46 objects
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Here is an original way of approaching Lent, one that will encourage you to consider your own faith journey in...
{"id":2439797571684,"title":"The God of My Life: A devotional colouring book","handle":"the-god-of-my-life-a-devotional-colouring-book","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMindful reflection on our relationship with God\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDoodling and colouring help many of us to be present in the moment, giving us more focus and aiding concentration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis unique book offers a whole-psalm reference for each design, with specific verses highlighted and brief devotional comments and questions to help the reader to reflect on scripture, their own lives, and their relationship with God whilst colouring in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMichael Parsons has been an English teacher in secondary schools, a lecturer in theology in the UK and in Perth, Australia, the commissioning editor for Paternoster and a commissioning editor for The Bible Reading Fellowship. He is the author of several books on the Reformation and an Associate Research Fellow at Spurgeon's College, London. He is married with two children at university.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:40+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:41+00:00","vendor":"Michael Parsons","type":"Paperback","tags":["Devotional","Gift","PDF","Sep-17"],"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":21769719742564,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465849","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The God of My Life: A devotional colouring book - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":167,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465849","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":33384119337099,"title":"PDF","option1":"PDF","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800390263","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":15258980089995,"product_id":2439797571684,"position":2,"created_at":"2020-04-16T12:24:56+01:00","updated_at":"2020-04-16T12:24:56+01:00","alt":null,"width":458,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0263.jpg?v=1587036296","variant_ids":[33384119337099]},"available":true,"name":"The God of My Life: A devotional colouring book - PDF","public_title":"PDF","options":["PDF"],"price":899,"weight":167,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800390263","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":7432369438859,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"width":458,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0263.jpg?v=1587036296"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465849-l.jpg?v=1587036296","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0263.jpg?v=1587036296"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465849-l.jpg?v=1587036296","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238879723659,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"width":458,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465849-l.jpg?v=1587036296"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465849-l.jpg?v=1587036296","width":458},{"alt":null,"id":7432369438859,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"width":458,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0263.jpg?v=1587036296"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0263.jpg?v=1587036296","width":458}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMindful reflection on our relationship with God\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDoodling and colouring help many of us to be present in the moment, giving us more focus and aiding concentration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis unique book offers a whole-psalm reference for each design, with specific verses highlighted and brief devotional comments and questions to help the reader to reflect on scripture, their own lives, and their relationship with God whilst colouring in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMichael Parsons has been an English teacher in secondary schools, a lecturer in theology in the UK and in Perth, Australia, the commissioning editor for Paternoster and a commissioning editor for The Bible Reading Fellowship. He is the author of several books on the Reformation and an Associate Research Fellow at Spurgeon's College, London. He is married with two children at university.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
The God of My Life: A devotional colouring book
£8.99
Mindful reflection on our relationship with God Doodling and colouring help many of us to be present in the moment,...