Prayer and Spirituality
Our inspirational authors explore themes of prayer and spirituality in these books, covering a range of topics from practical to theoretical.
{"id":6317254181055,"title":"The Art of Peace: Life lessons from Christian mystics","handle":"the-art-of-peace-life-lessons-from-christian-mystics","description":"\u003cp\u003eDeep inner peace and peace of mind with spiritual balance is something everyone wants, but how does one attain it? More importantly, how does one maintain it in the midst of everyday life? Moving through sections on Stillness, Silence, Solitude and Sanctuary, this book draws on the lived experience and learning of the author, as well as the wisdom of Christian contemplatives and mystics from the past, to help people walk the mystic path of peace through life.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Cole (aka Brother Cassian) is an international spiritual teacher and retreat leader and the Deputy Guardian for the Community of Aidan and Hilda. He is the founder of Waymark Ministries, which creates opportunities for people to engage with the Christian message. His books include \u003cem\u003eCeltic Advent\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eCeltic Lent\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2018), \u003cem\u003eCeltic Saints\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eThe Celtic Year\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2020).\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2021-02-09T14:53:51+00:00","created_at":"2021-02-09T14:52:02+00:00","vendor":"David Cole","type":"Paperback","tags":["For individuals","Jun-21","Prayer","Spirituality"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":false,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":38148387111103,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857469922","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"The Art of Peace: Life lessons from Christian mystics","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":899,"weight":175,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857469922","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469922.jpg?v=1612882413"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469922.jpg?v=1612882413","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":15824307585215,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469922.jpg?v=1612882413"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469922.jpg?v=1612882413","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eDeep inner peace and peace of mind with spiritual balance is something everyone wants, but how does one attain it? More importantly, how does one maintain it in the midst of everyday life? Moving through sections on Stillness, Silence, Solitude and Sanctuary, this book draws on the lived experience and learning of the author, as well as the wisdom of Christian contemplatives and mystics from the past, to help people walk the mystic path of peace through life.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Cole (aka Brother Cassian) is an international spiritual teacher and retreat leader and the Deputy Guardian for the Community of Aidan and Hilda. He is the founder of Waymark Ministries, which creates opportunities for people to engage with the Christian message. His books include \u003cem\u003eCeltic Advent\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eCeltic Lent\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2018), \u003cem\u003eCeltic Saints\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eThe Celtic Year\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2020).\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The Art of Peace: Life lessons from Christian mystics
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Deep inner peace and peace of mind with spiritual balance is something everyone wants, but how does one attain it?...
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{"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\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","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"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":false,"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":null,"available":false,"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","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781800390669.jpg?v=1610704144"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/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":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781800390669.jpg?v=1610704144"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/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\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"}
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Deep Calls to Deep: Spiritual formation in the hard places of life
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The Psalms offer honest insights into the reality of life with God, reflecting every human emotion and situation. Through looking...
Out of Stock
{"id":5785505693848,"title":"The Space Between: The disruptive seasons we want to hide from, and why we need them","handle":"the-space-between","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe disruptive seasons of life – those transition times in which we have left one season of stability but not yet arrived at the next – can be times of great disorientation. Yet, for good or for ill, they are also the most transformative. In \u003cem\u003eThe Space Between\u003c\/em\u003e, Mark Bradford provides the reader with a biblical and theological understanding of such seasons of life, connects them with the resources to live faithfully through them, and offers strength and hope for the journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMark Bradford is the vicar of St Cuthbert’s, Fulwood. Previously he taught history and politics and has worked for the Oasis Trust in Leeds training and discipling 18–25-year-olds. He is married with three young children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003ePraise for Encountering the Risen Christ\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Personal, 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.’\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eJames Bell, former Bishop of Ripon\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2020-09-17T15:32:35+01:00","created_at":"2020-09-17T15:32:33+01:00","vendor":"Mark Bradford","type":"Paperback","tags":["Apr-21","Pastoral care","Spirituality"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":36354294349976,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857468253","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Space Between: The disruptive seasons we want to hide from, and why we need them","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":999,"weight":131,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857468253","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468253.jpg?v=1611336378","\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468253-bc.jpg?v=1611336378"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468253.jpg?v=1611336378","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":15672842748095,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468253.jpg?v=1611336370"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468253.jpg?v=1611336370","width":1000},{"alt":null,"id":11681064124568,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468253-bc.jpg?v=1600353154"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468253-bc.jpg?v=1600353154","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThe disruptive seasons of life – those transition times in which we have left one season of stability but not yet arrived at the next – can be times of great disorientation. Yet, for good or for ill, they are also the most transformative. In \u003cem\u003eThe Space Between\u003c\/em\u003e, Mark Bradford provides the reader with a biblical and theological understanding of such seasons of life, connects them with the resources to live faithfully through them, and offers strength and hope for the journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMark Bradford is the vicar of St Cuthbert’s, Fulwood. Previously he taught history and politics and has worked for the Oasis Trust in Leeds training and discipling 18–25-year-olds. He is married with three young children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003ePraise for Encountering the Risen Christ\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Personal, 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.’\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eJames Bell, former Bishop of Ripon\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The Space Between: The disruptive seasons we want to hide from, and why we need them
£9.99
The disruptive seasons of life – those transition times in which we have left one season of stability but not yet...
{"id":4853444214923,"title":"Mentoring Conversations: 30 key topics to explore together","handle":"mentoring-conversations-30-key-topics-to-explore-together","description":"\u003cp\u003eA core resource for anyone involved in spiritual mentoring, Mentoring Conversations provides a basis for spiritual conversation in a mentoring context through 30 short chapters structured around six key topic areas: Foundations; Steps to growth; Living out your faith; Going deeper; Staying strong; and Living with mystery. Each chapter begins with a Bible passage or text, followed by the author’s comment on the topic, questions for discussion, scriptures for further reflection and suggestions for further reading.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTony Horsfall is a well-respected author and retreat leader with a lifetime’s experience in mentoring others, including church leaders and missionaries, in Britain as well as overseas. His book \u003cem\u003eMentoring for Spiritual Growth\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2016) has helped many to understand the importance of mentoring in today’s church, and to take their first steps in mentoring others. For the last ten years he has convened an annual Spiritual Mentoring Forum for those wishing to develop their interest in this vital area of disciple-making.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/212958208834\/user\/1649153580\/?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZUryqrtr80pGc7U2GStVjsrGkaOvlZfWoAccNy3bV7kSCAx9Oog8d4u6Zv0x0HyOktkJP-D-BlUH4gLgw-B9iWVDEdbw7y1gDbdUq-_rYBNTIfiD3PnrY1cIotx9H7AX3rUp7A2oxAs5gwu30z3ifFj-IbIYzGnnFifrtPMitFxxZrCOPZ8K1jC-bKdxiXgGGY\u0026amp;__tn__=-UC%2CP-R\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'I want to thank Tony for this amazing resource. A lot of my time now is spent offering Spiritual Direction and in spite of excellent training both for ordination and later for Spiritual Direction, I often feel in need of help! And here it is - thoughtful and thought provoking, easy to use, a wonderful resource and a mine of helpful ideas and questions. Even if you don't mentor others, I can recommend this as a resource for your own spiritual journey and growth; each section has some excellent input based on Scripture and ideas and questions to help you to go deeper with God and think about transformation in your own life.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePenelope Swithinbank, Woman Alive Book Club\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'For anyone involved in spiritual mentoring, this book provides a basis for conversations through 30 short chapters around 6 key themes in the Christian life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter begins with a Bible passage, Tony’s comment, then questions to use with someone as starting points for conversation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany pastors\/clergy have been looking for a resource\/framework\/tool for ongoing discussion with church members to help them grow in faith, through mentoring. Well, Tony has given us all a huge gift in this book and, at just £9.99, I can see it being one of the most dipped into books on our shelves for many years to come.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Paul Eddy, Vicar of Stanford in the Vale, Oxfordshire and Researcher into Male Identity, Spirituality and Discipleship.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'I thoroughly and wholeheartedly recommend this book by Tony Horsfall. It will be such a blessing for all engaged in such conversations. It is outstanding and will be such a help to all who walk with others in the making of disciples and growing in Christlikeness. Thank you Tony. CHOOSE IT AND USE IT!!!'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBishop Ken Clarke\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e'A treasury of wisdom and practical help\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eTony Horsfall has a gift for effortlessly combining the profound truths of Scripture with grounded, practical application for our everyday lives. His new book, Mentoring Conversations, is a treasury of wisdom and practical help for both the experienced mentor and those who are just beginning to accompany others on their journey of faith. Drawing from his many years of rich experience as a mentor, the thirty topics Tony presents cover the key areas which all of us need to engage with in order to grow more surely into a deeper relationship with God and into a transformed life. I found the section on ‘Staying Strong’ particularly helpful in these Covid riven days; the questions following the topics of ‘building resilience’ and ‘the importance of self-care’ were incisive and relevant ones for me, and I’m looking forward to exploring these topics even more with the women I’m currently mentoring. I so appreciate the real- world wisdom of this book and I have a feeling I’ll be drawing from the depths of resources this book provides for many years to come.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMags Duggan, author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/god-among-the-ruins-trust-and-transformation-in-difficult-times?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=8589002da\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eGod Among the Ruins\u003c\/a\u003e and\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/a-better-song-to-sing-finding-life-again-through-the-invitations-of-jesus?_pos=3\u0026amp;_sid=10b0ff8a8\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eA Better Song to Sing\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘There are many books about mentoring but few books for mentoring. Tony Horsfall, after 20 years of practice and reflection, now provides such a book. This is not a book about how mentoring should (or shouldn’t) be done, but a kind of atlas of potential conversation starters, charting the many personal and theological issues that may arise within a journey of faith. Each chapter is short and snappy, as well as being both biblically rooted and pastorally sensitive. The chapters also provide plenty of opportunities for going deeper into specific issues, with insightful discussion questions and recommended reading. This book will be a handy resource for mentors and mentees as they explore the great issues of Christian discipleship together.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAaron Edwards, lecturer and programme lead for the MA Mission and Christian Mentoring pathway at Cliff College, Derbyshire\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘In this insightful book, Tony Horsfall reminds us that conversation is at the heart of a spiritual mentoring relationship. Tony invites us to reflect upon the conversations we enter into with our mentoring practice, asking us to engage in “holy conversation”. Covering topics foundational to Christian formation with clarity, this book is an essential practical resource to draw upon and a must read for all those who are serving as a mentor today.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJennie Fytche, training provider and mentor, Christian Coach and Mentor Network\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This wonderful book will make an excellent tool, enabling both mentor and mentee to walk together with God. It will provoke conversation, reminding them of what God has already done in their lives, and offer practical teaching to increase a sense of his presence and purpose for the future. Rooted in scripture, it will help answer the heart cry of many for a deeper walk with Jesus. I am delighted to commend this volume to anyone who is serious about following Christ.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAndy Lancaster, pastoral care leader, Bridge Community Church, Leeds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Another gem of a book from Tony. It is written in a conversational style that is easy to read and yet has some deep thoughts on the area of mentoring. I loved the questions at the end of each chapter to help mentor and mentee alike move on in their spiritual journey. Definitely a must for my “holy conversations” in mentoring – I will definitely be using this book with all of my mentees.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSharon Prior, senior lecturer, Moorlands College\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘\u003cem\u003eMentoring Conversations\u003c\/em\u003e will be an invaluable resource for Christian mentors who want to engage their mentees in searching and transformative dialogue. The wide range of topics make it suitable for use with Christians at any stage of faith who have a desire to grow as disciples of Jesus. Although it is written primarily with a one-to-one mentoring relationship in mind, I can also see this book being useful for those engaged in peer mentoring or even small spiritual formation groups. Each topic has the potential to be a catalyst for transformation and growth. I am excited about adding this to my own mentoring resources.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMajor Jane Alton, Salvation Army officer, church leader and Christian mentor\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Tony Horsfall is recognised and respected as an elder statesman in the area of mentoring, and this book is a gift to those of us who have been inspired and encouraged by him. In its down-to-earth and biblically based focus on the growth of the individual, it mirrors Tony’s own approach to any conversation you have with him – you leave feeling encouraged, challenged and that you have had his undivided attention! I shall use this mentoring tool, which is riddled with insights and wisdom, widely in my own mentoring, both formally and informally.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Wilcox, The Christian Coach and Mentor Network and author of Intentional Mentoring\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Another rich yet practical book from Tony Horsfall. As more churches and missions become aware of the value of mentoring relationships, this book is a timely gift with the comprehensive range of topics included. The conversation starters will assist experienced mentors to take interactions to a deeper level and will be a godsend to people new to mentoring.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChristine Perkins, Pioneers UK member care for single women\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Matters. Review by Paul Beasley-Murray\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMentoring Conversations: 30 Key topics to explore together \u003c\/em\u003eis a great resource by an experienced mentor. The focus of the book is on producing mature disciples. Although it can be used in small groups, the primary intention is for the book to be used in a one-to-one setting where both mentor and mentoree each have a copy. Helpful quotations abound: e.g. 'For optimal spiritual health, conversations on spiritual matters matter. They speak to our desire to know and be known by God and one another, and to do so in community.' Each chapter has a series of ‘conversation starters’ as also a guide to further reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Paul Beasley-Murray, author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/make-the-most-of-retirement?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=700927f23\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eMake the Most of Retirement \u003c\/a\u003eand editor of \u003ca href=\"www.paulbeasleymurray.com\"\u003eChurch Matters.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2020-05-01T16:32:57+01:00","created_at":"2020-05-01T17:28:28+01:00","vendor":"Tony Horsfall","type":"Paperback","tags":["Discipleship","For individuals","Group reading","Kindle","Oct-20","Pastoral care","Spirituality"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":33575301152907,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857469250","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Mentoring Conversations: 30 key topics to explore together","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":999,"weight":241,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857469250","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469250.jpg?v=1588350510"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469250.jpg?v=1588350510","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":7670340681867,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469250.jpg?v=1588350510"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469250.jpg?v=1588350510","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eA core resource for anyone involved in spiritual mentoring, Mentoring Conversations provides a basis for spiritual conversation in a mentoring context through 30 short chapters structured around six key topic areas: Foundations; Steps to growth; Living out your faith; Going deeper; Staying strong; and Living with mystery. Each chapter begins with a Bible passage or text, followed by the author’s comment on the topic, questions for discussion, scriptures for further reflection and suggestions for further reading.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTony Horsfall is a well-respected author and retreat leader with a lifetime’s experience in mentoring others, including church leaders and missionaries, in Britain as well as overseas. His book \u003cem\u003eMentoring for Spiritual Growth\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2016) has helped many to understand the importance of mentoring in today’s church, and to take their first steps in mentoring others. For the last ten years he has convened an annual Spiritual Mentoring Forum for those wishing to develop their interest in this vital area of disciple-making.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/212958208834\/user\/1649153580\/?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZUryqrtr80pGc7U2GStVjsrGkaOvlZfWoAccNy3bV7kSCAx9Oog8d4u6Zv0x0HyOktkJP-D-BlUH4gLgw-B9iWVDEdbw7y1gDbdUq-_rYBNTIfiD3PnrY1cIotx9H7AX3rUp7A2oxAs5gwu30z3ifFj-IbIYzGnnFifrtPMitFxxZrCOPZ8K1jC-bKdxiXgGGY\u0026amp;__tn__=-UC%2CP-R\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'I want to thank Tony for this amazing resource. A lot of my time now is spent offering Spiritual Direction and in spite of excellent training both for ordination and later for Spiritual Direction, I often feel in need of help! And here it is - thoughtful and thought provoking, easy to use, a wonderful resource and a mine of helpful ideas and questions. Even if you don't mentor others, I can recommend this as a resource for your own spiritual journey and growth; each section has some excellent input based on Scripture and ideas and questions to help you to go deeper with God and think about transformation in your own life.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePenelope Swithinbank, Woman Alive Book Club\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'For anyone involved in spiritual mentoring, this book provides a basis for conversations through 30 short chapters around 6 key themes in the Christian life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter begins with a Bible passage, Tony’s comment, then questions to use with someone as starting points for conversation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany pastors\/clergy have been looking for a resource\/framework\/tool for ongoing discussion with church members to help them grow in faith, through mentoring. Well, Tony has given us all a huge gift in this book and, at just £9.99, I can see it being one of the most dipped into books on our shelves for many years to come.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Paul Eddy, Vicar of Stanford in the Vale, Oxfordshire and Researcher into Male Identity, Spirituality and Discipleship.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'I thoroughly and wholeheartedly recommend this book by Tony Horsfall. It will be such a blessing for all engaged in such conversations. It is outstanding and will be such a help to all who walk with others in the making of disciples and growing in Christlikeness. Thank you Tony. CHOOSE IT AND USE IT!!!'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBishop Ken Clarke\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e'A treasury of wisdom and practical help\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eTony Horsfall has a gift for effortlessly combining the profound truths of Scripture with grounded, practical application for our everyday lives. His new book, Mentoring Conversations, is a treasury of wisdom and practical help for both the experienced mentor and those who are just beginning to accompany others on their journey of faith. Drawing from his many years of rich experience as a mentor, the thirty topics Tony presents cover the key areas which all of us need to engage with in order to grow more surely into a deeper relationship with God and into a transformed life. I found the section on ‘Staying Strong’ particularly helpful in these Covid riven days; the questions following the topics of ‘building resilience’ and ‘the importance of self-care’ were incisive and relevant ones for me, and I’m looking forward to exploring these topics even more with the women I’m currently mentoring. I so appreciate the real- world wisdom of this book and I have a feeling I’ll be drawing from the depths of resources this book provides for many years to come.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMags Duggan, author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/god-among-the-ruins-trust-and-transformation-in-difficult-times?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=8589002da\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eGod Among the Ruins\u003c\/a\u003e and\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/a-better-song-to-sing-finding-life-again-through-the-invitations-of-jesus?_pos=3\u0026amp;_sid=10b0ff8a8\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eA Better Song to Sing\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘There are many books about mentoring but few books for mentoring. Tony Horsfall, after 20 years of practice and reflection, now provides such a book. This is not a book about how mentoring should (or shouldn’t) be done, but a kind of atlas of potential conversation starters, charting the many personal and theological issues that may arise within a journey of faith. Each chapter is short and snappy, as well as being both biblically rooted and pastorally sensitive. The chapters also provide plenty of opportunities for going deeper into specific issues, with insightful discussion questions and recommended reading. This book will be a handy resource for mentors and mentees as they explore the great issues of Christian discipleship together.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAaron Edwards, lecturer and programme lead for the MA Mission and Christian Mentoring pathway at Cliff College, Derbyshire\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘In this insightful book, Tony Horsfall reminds us that conversation is at the heart of a spiritual mentoring relationship. Tony invites us to reflect upon the conversations we enter into with our mentoring practice, asking us to engage in “holy conversation”. Covering topics foundational to Christian formation with clarity, this book is an essential practical resource to draw upon and a must read for all those who are serving as a mentor today.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJennie Fytche, training provider and mentor, Christian Coach and Mentor Network\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This wonderful book will make an excellent tool, enabling both mentor and mentee to walk together with God. It will provoke conversation, reminding them of what God has already done in their lives, and offer practical teaching to increase a sense of his presence and purpose for the future. Rooted in scripture, it will help answer the heart cry of many for a deeper walk with Jesus. I am delighted to commend this volume to anyone who is serious about following Christ.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAndy Lancaster, pastoral care leader, Bridge Community Church, Leeds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Another gem of a book from Tony. It is written in a conversational style that is easy to read and yet has some deep thoughts on the area of mentoring. I loved the questions at the end of each chapter to help mentor and mentee alike move on in their spiritual journey. Definitely a must for my “holy conversations” in mentoring – I will definitely be using this book with all of my mentees.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSharon Prior, senior lecturer, Moorlands College\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘\u003cem\u003eMentoring Conversations\u003c\/em\u003e will be an invaluable resource for Christian mentors who want to engage their mentees in searching and transformative dialogue. The wide range of topics make it suitable for use with Christians at any stage of faith who have a desire to grow as disciples of Jesus. Although it is written primarily with a one-to-one mentoring relationship in mind, I can also see this book being useful for those engaged in peer mentoring or even small spiritual formation groups. Each topic has the potential to be a catalyst for transformation and growth. I am excited about adding this to my own mentoring resources.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMajor Jane Alton, Salvation Army officer, church leader and Christian mentor\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Tony Horsfall is recognised and respected as an elder statesman in the area of mentoring, and this book is a gift to those of us who have been inspired and encouraged by him. In its down-to-earth and biblically based focus on the growth of the individual, it mirrors Tony’s own approach to any conversation you have with him – you leave feeling encouraged, challenged and that you have had his undivided attention! I shall use this mentoring tool, which is riddled with insights and wisdom, widely in my own mentoring, both formally and informally.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Wilcox, The Christian Coach and Mentor Network and author of Intentional Mentoring\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Another rich yet practical book from Tony Horsfall. As more churches and missions become aware of the value of mentoring relationships, this book is a timely gift with the comprehensive range of topics included. The conversation starters will assist experienced mentors to take interactions to a deeper level and will be a godsend to people new to mentoring.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChristine Perkins, Pioneers UK member care for single women\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Matters. Review by Paul Beasley-Murray\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMentoring Conversations: 30 Key topics to explore together \u003c\/em\u003eis a great resource by an experienced mentor. The focus of the book is on producing mature disciples. Although it can be used in small groups, the primary intention is for the book to be used in a one-to-one setting where both mentor and mentoree each have a copy. Helpful quotations abound: e.g. 'For optimal spiritual health, conversations on spiritual matters matter. They speak to our desire to know and be known by God and one another, and to do so in community.' Each chapter has a series of ‘conversation starters’ as also a guide to further reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Paul Beasley-Murray, author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/make-the-most-of-retirement?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=700927f23\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eMake the Most of Retirement \u003c\/a\u003eand editor of \u003ca href=\"www.paulbeasleymurray.com\"\u003eChurch Matters.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Mentoring Conversations: 30 key topics to explore together
£9.99
A core resource for anyone involved in spiritual mentoring, Mentoring Conversations provides a basis for spiritual conversation in a mentoring...
{"id":4853409153163,"title":"Seven Sacred Spaces: Portals to deeper community life in Christ","handle":"seven-sacred-spaces-portals-to-deeper-community-life-in-christ","description":"\u003cp\u003eToo often people’s understanding of and engagement with ‘church’ is reduced to corporate worship, when it is so much more. George Lings identifies seven characteristic elements in Christian communities through the ages, which when held in balance enable a richer expression of discipleship, mission and community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the monastic tradition these elements have distinctive locations: cell (being alone with God), chapel (corporate public worship), chapter (making decisions), cloister (planned and surprising meetings), garden (the place of work), refectory (food and hospitality) and scriptorium (study and passing on knowledge). Through this lens George Lings explores how these seven elements relate to our individual and communal walk with God, hold good for church and family life, and appear in wider society.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHear more from George Lings in an interview with Fresh Expressions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe style=\"border: none; overflow: hidden;\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ffreshexpression%2Fvideos%2F980536085782965%2F\u0026amp;show_text=0\u0026amp;width=560\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allowtransparency=\"true\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCanon Dr George Lings has been a banker, student, vicar, writer, mentor and researcher. From 1997 to 2017 he led Church Army’s Research Unit specialising in fresh expressions of church and gaining a PhD. In 2017 he was awarded the Canterbury Cross for outstanding service to the Church of England. He now serves as a companion of Northumbria Community, vice-president of The Bible Reading Fellowship and consultant to a number of individuals and dioceses.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn weaving together ancient monastic wisdom, fresh insights from contemporary developments and the author’s rich experiences of the adventure of faith, Seven Sacred Spaces provides a valuable, timely and practical resource for all on the Jesus Way.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSteve Aisthorpe, author of The Invisible Church and mission development worker for the Church of Scotland\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis book is knowledgeable, quirky and inspirational. The seven sacred spaces are drawn from their monastic roots to provide a framework for discipleship, Christian community and wider human well-being. As someone who has long inhabited the seven sacred spaces in his own discipleship, George Lings enthuses about their potential, illustrating it from the experience of a variety of contemporary expressions of church.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSally Gaze, archdeacon for rural mission and leader of the Lightwave Community, Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGeorge Lings is a radical, one who believes that we should explore the deep roots of faith if we are to live well. Seven Sacred Spaces distils the wisdom of decades of looking, listening, reflecting. Read it if you want to be a deep-rooted Christian today. I recommend it very, very highly.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Bayes, Bishop of Liverpool\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHere we are presented with the challenging proposal that the rhythm of monastic life with its seven sacred spaces – refectory, cell, scriptorium, chapel, garden, cloister and chapter – does not need to be confined to the monastery. Rather it can shape and enrich the lives of men and women of all ages and in all states of life.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSister Frances Dominica OBE, DL, founder of the first children’s hospice, Helen House\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis book drew me into a world of monastic spaces and monastic practices. Exploring these seven spaces, with current and historic examples, helped me to reflect on the value of these distinctive modes and ways of being church. I highly recommend Seven Sacred Spaces to those who are interested in finding out more about monasticism and those imagining how church can develop alongside and beyond the Sunday service. It has certainly helped me to imagine how these spaces and practices could enhance discipleship, community and mission within my own context of a suburban parish church.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Beth Keith, Associate Vicar, All Saints Ecclesall Sheffield\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGeorge Lings is as perceptive and prophetic as ever, as he explores what the ancient idea of the seven sacred spaces means for us today. Much of this exploration comes out of George’s own experience and is all the richer for this. Whether you are thinking about your own life or your church community, this book is worth reading. There is a wealth of practical experience in this book which can bring change and transformation for you and your church.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dave Male, director of evangelism and discipleship, Church of England\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn his typical thorough, imaginative and fair way, George Lings explores some essential disciplines from the ancient life and witness of the monastery, and he demonstrates how a grasp of these can radically affect how we live and witness for Christ in today’s culture. Anyone reading this will be inspired and challenged by reading George’s fascinating study of each of these sacred spaces.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanon Michael Mitton, writer, speaker, spiritual director, and canon emeritus at Derby Cathedral\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOur church and other ecclesial physical spaces are a crucial resource that we are once again beginning to value in our increasingly post-secular, post-Christendom context. I unreservedly recommend this book that draws on the story and purposes of Christians committed to radical community and Christian discipleship to reimagine church and church buildings for the reality of mission and ministry for today.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIan Mobsby, assistant dean for fresh expressions in the Diocese of Southwark, guardian of the New Monastic Society of the Holy Trinity, and interim pioneer rector at Christ Church Southwark\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2020-05-01T16:32:57+01:00","created_at":"2020-05-01T17:19:13+01:00","vendor":"George Lings","type":"Paperback","tags":["Group reading","Kindle","Leadership","Sep-20","Spirituality"],"price":1099,"price_min":1099,"price_max":1099,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":33575180533899,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857469342","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Seven Sacred Spaces: Portals to deeper community life in Christ","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":1099,"weight":260,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857469342","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469342.jpg?v=1588349955"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469342.jpg?v=1588349955","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":7670218981515,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469342.jpg?v=1588349955"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469342.jpg?v=1588349955","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eToo often people’s understanding of and engagement with ‘church’ is reduced to corporate worship, when it is so much more. George Lings identifies seven characteristic elements in Christian communities through the ages, which when held in balance enable a richer expression of discipleship, mission and community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the monastic tradition these elements have distinctive locations: cell (being alone with God), chapel (corporate public worship), chapter (making decisions), cloister (planned and surprising meetings), garden (the place of work), refectory (food and hospitality) and scriptorium (study and passing on knowledge). Through this lens George Lings explores how these seven elements relate to our individual and communal walk with God, hold good for church and family life, and appear in wider society.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHear more from George Lings in an interview with Fresh Expressions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe style=\"border: none; overflow: hidden;\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ffreshexpression%2Fvideos%2F980536085782965%2F\u0026amp;show_text=0\u0026amp;width=560\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allowtransparency=\"true\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCanon Dr George Lings has been a banker, student, vicar, writer, mentor and researcher. From 1997 to 2017 he led Church Army’s Research Unit specialising in fresh expressions of church and gaining a PhD. In 2017 he was awarded the Canterbury Cross for outstanding service to the Church of England. He now serves as a companion of Northumbria Community, vice-president of The Bible Reading Fellowship and consultant to a number of individuals and dioceses.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn weaving together ancient monastic wisdom, fresh insights from contemporary developments and the author’s rich experiences of the adventure of faith, Seven Sacred Spaces provides a valuable, timely and practical resource for all on the Jesus Way.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSteve Aisthorpe, author of The Invisible Church and mission development worker for the Church of Scotland\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis book is knowledgeable, quirky and inspirational. The seven sacred spaces are drawn from their monastic roots to provide a framework for discipleship, Christian community and wider human well-being. As someone who has long inhabited the seven sacred spaces in his own discipleship, George Lings enthuses about their potential, illustrating it from the experience of a variety of contemporary expressions of church.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSally Gaze, archdeacon for rural mission and leader of the Lightwave Community, Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGeorge Lings is a radical, one who believes that we should explore the deep roots of faith if we are to live well. Seven Sacred Spaces distils the wisdom of decades of looking, listening, reflecting. Read it if you want to be a deep-rooted Christian today. I recommend it very, very highly.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Bayes, Bishop of Liverpool\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHere we are presented with the challenging proposal that the rhythm of monastic life with its seven sacred spaces – refectory, cell, scriptorium, chapel, garden, cloister and chapter – does not need to be confined to the monastery. Rather it can shape and enrich the lives of men and women of all ages and in all states of life.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSister Frances Dominica OBE, DL, founder of the first children’s hospice, Helen House\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis book drew me into a world of monastic spaces and monastic practices. Exploring these seven spaces, with current and historic examples, helped me to reflect on the value of these distinctive modes and ways of being church. I highly recommend Seven Sacred Spaces to those who are interested in finding out more about monasticism and those imagining how church can develop alongside and beyond the Sunday service. It has certainly helped me to imagine how these spaces and practices could enhance discipleship, community and mission within my own context of a suburban parish church.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Beth Keith, Associate Vicar, All Saints Ecclesall Sheffield\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGeorge Lings is as perceptive and prophetic as ever, as he explores what the ancient idea of the seven sacred spaces means for us today. Much of this exploration comes out of George’s own experience and is all the richer for this. Whether you are thinking about your own life or your church community, this book is worth reading. There is a wealth of practical experience in this book which can bring change and transformation for you and your church.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dave Male, director of evangelism and discipleship, Church of England\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn his typical thorough, imaginative and fair way, George Lings explores some essential disciplines from the ancient life and witness of the monastery, and he demonstrates how a grasp of these can radically affect how we live and witness for Christ in today’s culture. Anyone reading this will be inspired and challenged by reading George’s fascinating study of each of these sacred spaces.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanon Michael Mitton, writer, speaker, spiritual director, and canon emeritus at Derby Cathedral\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOur church and other ecclesial physical spaces are a crucial resource that we are once again beginning to value in our increasingly post-secular, post-Christendom context. I unreservedly recommend this book that draws on the story and purposes of Christians committed to radical community and Christian discipleship to reimagine church and church buildings for the reality of mission and ministry for today.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIan Mobsby, assistant dean for fresh expressions in the Diocese of Southwark, guardian of the New Monastic Society of the Holy Trinity, and interim pioneer rector at Christ Church Southwark\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Seven Sacred Spaces: Portals to deeper community life in Christ
£10.99
Too often people’s understanding of and engagement with ‘church’ is reduced to corporate worship, when it is so much more....
{"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":["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":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469687.jpg?v=1597143907"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/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":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469687.jpg?v=1597143907"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/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":4853212348555,"title":"A Better Song to Sing: Finding life again through the invitations of Jesus","handle":"a-better-song-to-sing-finding-life-again-through-the-invitations-of-jesus","description":"\u003cp\u003eMany sincere followers of Jesus are secretly disappointed, dissatisfied and quietly desperate for more than they are currently experiencing. That more is found as we respond to the invitations of Jesus, which hold out to us the hope of dynamic change, of a truly vibrant, transformed life – a better song to sing. Each chapter explores one specific invitation, drawing out its possible implications for our lives, and suggests a spiritual practice or reflection to help us ground that invitation in our present-day reality.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAbout the author\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags was a missionary in Asia for over 20 years before returning to the UK and joining the faculty at Redcliffe College where she lectured on Spiritual Formation and on Soul Care. A retreat leader and spiritual director, she is passionate about helping others nurture their relationship with God in life-giving, life-sustaining ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHer critically acclaimed first book is \u003cem\u003eGod among the Ruins\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2018).\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead Mags' Lockdown blog \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/mags-duggan-author-of-the-best-selling-god-among-the-ruins-and-the-soon-to-be-published-a-better-song-to-sing-muses-on-what-shes-achieved-during-lockdown\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTony Horsfall\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePersonal transformation is at the heart of discipleship yet so many experience only superficial change. Here is a book to take you deeper in the journey to wholeness and Christlikeness and blow away your spiritual blues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags Duggan first helps us to understand the call of Jesus to experience the abundant life he offers. Then she asks us to look inwards, gently inviting us to face up to the issues preventing us from real change. Finally, with much grace, and sharing examples from her own life, she gives us practical tools by which we can find freedom, healing and release.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a small book but it packs a big punch. \u003cem\u003eA Better Song to Sing\u003c\/em\u003e will strike the right note for many who long to find greater fulfilment in their walk with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Spring 2021. Review by Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is not about hymns or worship songs. It is a book for those of us who know, deep down, that there must be more to life as a disciple than we are experiencing right now. Mags Duggan has clearly been there herself, and writes about searching for ‘a better song to sing’ in life through the invitations of Jesus – life in all its fullness, release from the grave, water for the thirsty, fulfilment of our deep desires, trusting and being at home with him. I was especially moved by the last chapter, where the author writes of Jesus inviting me to be at home with him – a place of heartfelt welcome and ease where I may sit down with him, love and be loved. Mags Duggan writes with grace. The theology is winning, thoughtful and intelligent, not academic. There are personal stories of success and failure, and ideas to try. We need more books like this. I recommend it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIrish Methodist Newsletter. Review by Stephen Skuce\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘I have listened to many sincere followers of Jesus as they’ve shared with me how worn out, bored, disappointed and frustrated they feel about the life they are living – and how ashamed and guilty they are for feeling this way’. We do not always experience life in all its fullness, and Mags Duggan writes to such as us to offer us counsel and pointers in how to follow the nudging of the Holy Spirit that there is indeed much more than many of us are experiencing. ‘Our lives can be full of good and helpful things, our time may be spent well and productively, and yet we can feel like our hearts, our souls, the very core of who we are, are sometimes achingly empty’.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuggan offers us four spiritual practices that can assist our journeys. She points us to prayers for release, to praying with and through the gospels, to stopping, and circle or Caim prayers that many of us will be familiar with as part of our Celtic Christian heritage. As I read this book I was reminded of Andrew Roberts’ \u003cem\u003eHoly Habits.\u003c\/em\u003e There are a number of such resources that remind us of the practices or habits that support and enhance our faith. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eA Better Song to Sing\u003c\/em\u003e Duggan is helping us think specifically about when we have somehow lost the joy of our faith. It's far from a superficial ‘quick fix’ manual, but a text that is challenging as it causes us to look within, and find God’s strength to better emerge out. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHer comments on ‘stopping’ particularly resonated with me and are based on Mark 6:31-32 where Jesus and the disciples head away to be alone, to find a still point in their day. I have cultivated a daily still point. Part of my fairly minimal contribution to the smooth running of the Skuce household is doing the dishes. There is a dishwasher, but it just sits and stares with reproach at me. I don’t care. When I do the dishes I switch off. I do a simple action that has a start, middle and end. I’ll do it again in the near future, but those particular few dishes are completed. I need to do the dishes on my own but that is likely part of my many personality issues. In the simple task I find stillness, and I know I need to find stillness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike a lot of recent BRF books, \u003cem\u003eA Better Song to Sing\u003c\/em\u003e is a fairly quick read, is straightforward but has depth. This is well worth reading for more than just encouragement in our faith, but pointers to what actually nourishes us. In the struggles of life that the pandemic has brought, our wellbeing has come a bit more to the fore. This is just the sort of book to help our faith better help our whole being.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Revd Dr Stephen Skuce, District Superintendent, North Western District\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatherine Young, \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDirector, Global Language and Development Services\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e International Language Services \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSIL\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe opening pages of this book recount a memorable scene from \u003cem\u003e'Educating Rita\u003c\/em\u003e' when Rita’s mother sobs 'There must be better songs to sing than this,' and my heart lurched because that has, on numerous occasions, been the cry of my heart – there must be more to life than what feels mundane and pedestrian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI follow the living God and I crave 'life in all its fullness'. Mags Duggan's book spoke to my heart, my soul and will, I trust, enable me to confidently, enthusiastically, willing and without fear put my trust in the One who has invited me to step to the edge and fly. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe invitations of Jesus, spread through the New Testament, encourage me to draw close to Him and grow in trust of the One who loves me and remind me that I am precious to Him. He yearns for me to respond. Why do I hesitate, I wonder? Each chapter of this book examines a different Biblical invitation and, in a wonderfully accessible style, challenges me to wholeness and new vibrancy in my walk with Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags’ writing – beautifully rich with metaphor - integrates rigorous theological reflection, reflections from her own extensive cross-cultural experience and references to popular culture which emphasises the holistic nature of the call to wholeness. I particularly appreciated the spiritual exercises that are included at the end of each chapter. They caused me to take each chapter and reflect – to consume each chapter carefully in small bites rather than guzzle the complete book hungrily in a few short sittings. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe image of the desert in Chapter 3 was particularly meaningful to me: the unproductive expanse that needs to be watered in order to yield the harvest that was intended. I feel thirsty, I know I am thirsty but I need to intentionally and deliberately drink to experience the 'hydrated soul' through which life and energy can flow to bring refreshment to the parched spirit of others. The final chapter brings the message of the book to a resounding crescendo underscoring that there is risk in commitment – but also joy, hope and freedom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Catherine Young\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2020-10-15T16:17:00+01:00","created_at":"2020-05-01T16:20:59+01:00","vendor":"Mags Duggan","type":"Paperback","tags":["For individuals","Jul-20","Pastoral care","Prayer","Spirituality","Women"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":33574600376459,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857468765","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"A Better Song to Sing: Finding life again through the invitations of Jesus","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":899,"weight":600,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857468765","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468765.jpg?v=1588346461"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468765.jpg?v=1588346461","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":7669477474443,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468765.jpg?v=1588346461"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468765.jpg?v=1588346461","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eMany sincere followers of Jesus are secretly disappointed, dissatisfied and quietly desperate for more than they are currently experiencing. That more is found as we respond to the invitations of Jesus, which hold out to us the hope of dynamic change, of a truly vibrant, transformed life – a better song to sing. Each chapter explores one specific invitation, drawing out its possible implications for our lives, and suggests a spiritual practice or reflection to help us ground that invitation in our present-day reality.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAbout the author\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags was a missionary in Asia for over 20 years before returning to the UK and joining the faculty at Redcliffe College where she lectured on Spiritual Formation and on Soul Care. A retreat leader and spiritual director, she is passionate about helping others nurture their relationship with God in life-giving, life-sustaining ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHer critically acclaimed first book is \u003cem\u003eGod among the Ruins\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2018).\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead Mags' Lockdown blog \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/mags-duggan-author-of-the-best-selling-god-among-the-ruins-and-the-soon-to-be-published-a-better-song-to-sing-muses-on-what-shes-achieved-during-lockdown\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTony Horsfall\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePersonal transformation is at the heart of discipleship yet so many experience only superficial change. Here is a book to take you deeper in the journey to wholeness and Christlikeness and blow away your spiritual blues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags Duggan first helps us to understand the call of Jesus to experience the abundant life he offers. Then she asks us to look inwards, gently inviting us to face up to the issues preventing us from real change. Finally, with much grace, and sharing examples from her own life, she gives us practical tools by which we can find freedom, healing and release.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a small book but it packs a big punch. \u003cem\u003eA Better Song to Sing\u003c\/em\u003e will strike the right note for many who long to find greater fulfilment in their walk with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Spring 2021. Review by Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is not about hymns or worship songs. It is a book for those of us who know, deep down, that there must be more to life as a disciple than we are experiencing right now. Mags Duggan has clearly been there herself, and writes about searching for ‘a better song to sing’ in life through the invitations of Jesus – life in all its fullness, release from the grave, water for the thirsty, fulfilment of our deep desires, trusting and being at home with him. I was especially moved by the last chapter, where the author writes of Jesus inviting me to be at home with him – a place of heartfelt welcome and ease where I may sit down with him, love and be loved. Mags Duggan writes with grace. The theology is winning, thoughtful and intelligent, not academic. There are personal stories of success and failure, and ideas to try. We need more books like this. I recommend it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIrish Methodist Newsletter. Review by Stephen Skuce\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘I have listened to many sincere followers of Jesus as they’ve shared with me how worn out, bored, disappointed and frustrated they feel about the life they are living – and how ashamed and guilty they are for feeling this way’. We do not always experience life in all its fullness, and Mags Duggan writes to such as us to offer us counsel and pointers in how to follow the nudging of the Holy Spirit that there is indeed much more than many of us are experiencing. ‘Our lives can be full of good and helpful things, our time may be spent well and productively, and yet we can feel like our hearts, our souls, the very core of who we are, are sometimes achingly empty’.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuggan offers us four spiritual practices that can assist our journeys. She points us to prayers for release, to praying with and through the gospels, to stopping, and circle or Caim prayers that many of us will be familiar with as part of our Celtic Christian heritage. As I read this book I was reminded of Andrew Roberts’ \u003cem\u003eHoly Habits.\u003c\/em\u003e There are a number of such resources that remind us of the practices or habits that support and enhance our faith. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eA Better Song to Sing\u003c\/em\u003e Duggan is helping us think specifically about when we have somehow lost the joy of our faith. It's far from a superficial ‘quick fix’ manual, but a text that is challenging as it causes us to look within, and find God’s strength to better emerge out. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHer comments on ‘stopping’ particularly resonated with me and are based on Mark 6:31-32 where Jesus and the disciples head away to be alone, to find a still point in their day. I have cultivated a daily still point. Part of my fairly minimal contribution to the smooth running of the Skuce household is doing the dishes. There is a dishwasher, but it just sits and stares with reproach at me. I don’t care. When I do the dishes I switch off. I do a simple action that has a start, middle and end. I’ll do it again in the near future, but those particular few dishes are completed. I need to do the dishes on my own but that is likely part of my many personality issues. In the simple task I find stillness, and I know I need to find stillness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike a lot of recent BRF books, \u003cem\u003eA Better Song to Sing\u003c\/em\u003e is a fairly quick read, is straightforward but has depth. This is well worth reading for more than just encouragement in our faith, but pointers to what actually nourishes us. In the struggles of life that the pandemic has brought, our wellbeing has come a bit more to the fore. This is just the sort of book to help our faith better help our whole being.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Revd Dr Stephen Skuce, District Superintendent, North Western District\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatherine Young, \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDirector, Global Language and Development Services\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e International Language Services \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSIL\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe opening pages of this book recount a memorable scene from \u003cem\u003e'Educating Rita\u003c\/em\u003e' when Rita’s mother sobs 'There must be better songs to sing than this,' and my heart lurched because that has, on numerous occasions, been the cry of my heart – there must be more to life than what feels mundane and pedestrian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI follow the living God and I crave 'life in all its fullness'. Mags Duggan's book spoke to my heart, my soul and will, I trust, enable me to confidently, enthusiastically, willing and without fear put my trust in the One who has invited me to step to the edge and fly. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe invitations of Jesus, spread through the New Testament, encourage me to draw close to Him and grow in trust of the One who loves me and remind me that I am precious to Him. He yearns for me to respond. Why do I hesitate, I wonder? Each chapter of this book examines a different Biblical invitation and, in a wonderfully accessible style, challenges me to wholeness and new vibrancy in my walk with Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags’ writing – beautifully rich with metaphor - integrates rigorous theological reflection, reflections from her own extensive cross-cultural experience and references to popular culture which emphasises the holistic nature of the call to wholeness. I particularly appreciated the spiritual exercises that are included at the end of each chapter. They caused me to take each chapter and reflect – to consume each chapter carefully in small bites rather than guzzle the complete book hungrily in a few short sittings. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe image of the desert in Chapter 3 was particularly meaningful to me: the unproductive expanse that needs to be watered in order to yield the harvest that was intended. I feel thirsty, I know I am thirsty but I need to intentionally and deliberately drink to experience the 'hydrated soul' through which life and energy can flow to bring refreshment to the parched spirit of others. The final chapter brings the message of the book to a resounding crescendo underscoring that there is risk in commitment – but also joy, hope and freedom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Catherine Young\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
A Better Song to Sing: Finding life again through the invitations of Jesus
£8.99
Many sincere followers of Jesus are secretly disappointed, dissatisfied and quietly desperate for more than they are currently experiencing. That...
{"id":4676896817291,"title":"Spiritual resource package","handle":"spiritual-resource-package","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis spiritual resource package is the ideal gift to boost spirits of church families, friends and loved ones in self-isolation. Featuring two engaging activity books for adults and a handbook to anxious times - plus, receive a free copy of the current issue of \u003cem\u003eBible Reflections for Older People\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpiritual resource package contains:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/bible-puzzles-for-fun\"\u003eBible Puzzles for Fun\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/the-god-of-my-life-a-devotional-colouring-book\"\u003eThe God of My Life: A devotional colouring book\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/anxious-times\"\u003eAnxious Times\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 x FREE \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/bible-reflections-for-older-people-january-april-2021\"\u003eBible Reflections for Older People January–April 2021\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2020-03-24T16:06:38+00:00","created_at":"2020-03-20T17:10:59+00:00","vendor":"BRFonline","type":"Pack","tags":["For individuals","Mar-20","PDF","Spirituality"],"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":34911071895704,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"SCPACK20","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Spiritual resource package - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":1999,"weight":505,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"SCPACK20","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/Spiritualresourcepackage.png?v=1584957036","\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781800390041_c558e9e9-5071-42da-bbfe-b6981f4efc40.jpg?v=1607420999"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/Spiritualresourcepackage.png?v=1584957036","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":7027656294539,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":2048,"width":2048,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/Spiritualresourcepackage.png?v=1584957036"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":2048,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/Spiritualresourcepackage.png?v=1584957036","width":2048},{"alt":null,"id":15224665309375,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"width":1000,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781800390041_c558e9e9-5071-42da-bbfe-b6981f4efc40.jpg?v=1607420999"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781800390041_c558e9e9-5071-42da-bbfe-b6981f4efc40.jpg?v=1607420999","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThis spiritual resource package is the ideal gift to boost spirits of church families, friends and loved ones in self-isolation. Featuring two engaging activity books for adults and a handbook to anxious times - plus, receive a free copy of the current issue of \u003cem\u003eBible Reflections for Older People\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpiritual resource package contains:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/bible-puzzles-for-fun\"\u003eBible Puzzles for Fun\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/the-god-of-my-life-a-devotional-colouring-book\"\u003eThe God of My Life: A devotional colouring book\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/anxious-times\"\u003eAnxious Times\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 x FREE \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/bible-reflections-for-older-people-january-april-2021\"\u003eBible Reflections for Older People January–April 2021\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Spiritual resource package
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{"id":4378486243467,"title":"At the Foot of the Cross with Julian of Norwich","handle":"at-the-foot-of-the-cross-with-julian-of-norwich","description":"\u003cp\u003e'All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.' This quotation may be all that many people know of Julian of Norwich, an anchoress from the fourteenth century. This book seeks to bring to a popular readership a devotional engagement with Julian’s work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe introduction gives a general background to Julian, the nature of visions in the 14th century and the type of text Julian gives us, namely a meditative text which intends to lead the reader to ‘beholding’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter centres on one aspect or image from Julian’s Revelation, which seeks to make the events of the Passion present to the reader’s imagination. The commentary incorporates reflection, the biblical narrative and Julian’s subsequent teachings to create a meditation that enables the reader to linger on the wonder of the cross, ending with a prayer that leads to silence and a thought or verse to carry into daily life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEmma Pennington is the canon missioner for Canterbury Cathedral. Formerly vicar of Garsington, Cuddesdon and Horspath in the Oxford Diocese and chaplain of Worcester College, Oxford, she has also been a prayer and spirituality adviser for the diocese and an area dean. She speaks widely about the spirituality of Julian of Norwich.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo read Emma's blog about filming a series to accompany her book click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/lights-camera-action-emma-pennington-on-filming-series-on-julian-of-norwich-at-canterbury-cathedral-to-accompany-her-new-book-at-the-foot-of-the-cross-with-julian-of-norwich\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This is a wonderfully refreshing introduction to Julian of Norwich,\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ewhich conveys her spiritual toughness and the resilience and\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003efreedom she found through reflecting on the cross of Christ.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFor those who associate Julian only with her vision of the hazelnut,\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ethis will be a revelation.’\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eAngela Tilby, canon emeritus, Christ Church, Oxford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e‘I absolutely love this book. As the foreword explains, it aims to\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003edraw the reader into a profoundly meditative encounter with\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eJulian’s visions and understanding of God. It manages this with\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ea beautiful simplicity that will draw in any reader. Informed by\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ethe author’s deep scholarship, this a sure and reliable guide.’\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eSantha Bhattacharji, fellow emeritus, St Benet’s Hall, University\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eof Oxford, and president, Churches Fellowship for Psychical and\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eSpiritual Studies\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e‘Emma Pennington has opened the writings of Julian of Norwich to\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eus in a fresh and wonderful way. She has also given us, in this book,\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ea spiritual treasure which causes us to journey and explore and, in\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ethat quest, to venture deeper and deeper into the love of God, with\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eJulian as our companion.’\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eRobert Willis, dean of Canterbury Cathedral\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e‘Emma Pennington has that rare gift of bringing theological and\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eliterary insights together. She transports us to a different world –\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eJulian’s world of the 14th century – and yet makes it completely\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eand profoundly accessible to the modern reader. This is a very\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003emoving book, one to be read slowly and reflected on deeply. With\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eall its discomforts, as well as comfort, may I encourage you to\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eaccept her and Julian’s invitations to come and stand at the foot\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eof Christ’s cross.’\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eColin Fletcher OBE, Bishop of Dorchester\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Spring 2021. Review by Nancy May\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeginning with a context-setting section, looking at Julian’s world and the influences upon her, this book goes on to examine the nature of her writings. In explaining what Julian’s visions are and what they are not, Emma Pennington contrasts them with the visions of her contemporary Margery Kempe. The way Julian processed her intense experience, and revisited it after reflecting prayerfully for many years, was key to her own spiritual development; and it continues to inspire and influence many today. Emma Pennington’s experience as a spiritual accompanier is evident in the way the book is constructed. In the main body of the book, eight chapters explore themes from five of the Revelations in a way that encourages the reader to visualize them from Julian’s point of view. Each chapter then ends with a short section encouraging readers to go deeper, to reflect and explore their own responses, before offering words of encouragement ‘for the journey’. The book has a short conclusion in which the author draws a parallel between Julian’s sickness and her own experience of intense physical pain which itself revealed something profound about God’s love. \u003cem\u003eReviewed by Nancy May \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJulian Meetings Magazine December 2020. Review by Elizabeth Ruth Obbard ODC\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis very attractively produced book is small and compact, but full of wisdom, as we are led ever more deeply into those chapters of her Revelations where Julian speaks of the Cross. There is much scholarship lightly worn as the author explores Julian’s words and their devotional context in 14\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century England. She sees one of Julian’s functions as enabling us to pray the Passion through Julian’s eyes as she, and we, contemplate the suffering Saviour. We discover, in our contemplation, the amazing love of God that the Cross reveals. As this book just focuses on Julian and the Cross it would be good (but not absolutely necessary) to have read the whole text so as to put the relevant chapters in a wider context. But I, for one, will never see Jesus’ face on the veil of Veronica, or the crown of thorns (the garland of both pain and victory), in the same way, as Julian leads us into this mystery of suffering and joy so closely combined. Each chapter ends with suggestions for ‘going deeper’, and questions to ponder or discuss - I would add to ‘journal with’ – plus a practical application such as ‘How can you bring love and life to someone who is suffering this week?’ A bonus is the section of full colour plates that show us the kind of pictures and devotional objects that would have influenced Julian as she pondered Christ’s Cross. An excellent book for Julian lovers to use again and again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Elizabeth Ruth Obbard ODC\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Frost, BRF author and blogger. 03.11.20\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMention the name Julian of Norwich and many of us would be able to recall her words, ‘All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.’ We may also know that this 14\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e Century anchoress experienced a number of revelations or showings of Christ, often described as the ‘Revelations of Divine Love’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the author of this book writes, ‘This book is not about Julian’s life, however intriguing that may be, nor does it seek to expound her thinking… instead it is a work that invites you to enter into the substance and language of Julian’s words, to hear her voice… and to stand with her at the foot of the cross so we may know and love God the better’. Emma Pennington succeeds on all accounts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe beauty of this book is the valuable way in which she explains the context of medieval beliefs and practices at the time in which Julian lives. This broader picture provides additional insight into how we can interpret, learn and benefit from the revelations that Julian experienced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter concludes with a guided reading exercise and questions to consider for our personal devotion. There are also helpful photos of items and places relating to the life of Julian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEmma Pennington is Canon Missioner at Canterbury Cathedral and a co-founder of the successful Festival of Prayer run in association with BRF. Holding a doctorate about her subject, the author’s academic language presents, very occasionally, a similar struggle as that provoked by Julian’s own 14\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e Century English – but it’s worth persevering and re-reading as needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat most famous statement by Julian of Norwich is itself only briefly alluded to. But the author’s explanation and insights in these remarkable revelations, experienced by a seemingly ordinary person 650 years ago, make it very clear that in our life with Christ all shall indeed be well. \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\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 09.10.20. Review by Anne Spalding \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeople who have read only excerpts from Julian’s writings which focus on God’s love can be taken aback by the Revelations as a whole because of Julian’s intense attention to Christ on the cross. Pennington looks at exactly this, giving the context of medieval writing in general and the expectations of anchoresses and mystics around Julian’s time, and providing colour plates to illustrate some aspects still visible in churches today. Chapters include ‘The Crown of Thorns’, ‘Great Droplets of Blood’, and ‘The Face of Jesus’, and each has a discussion on the text in the light of scripture and of medieval life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJulian’s intention, and Pennington’s, is to give a devotional invitation; so, after the overview in part one, each chapter ends with a meditation, ‘Going Deeper’, then questions to ponder or discuss, and finally words for the journey from scripture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not a book to skim-read. The medieval mind-set is a long way from a 21st-century outlook; so there is plenty of material to engage with and think through. Pennington is able to paint a rich picture of this difference. Also, Julian’s own focus on detail — for example, the texture of the blood, or the colour of the dying face of Christ — mean that readers of \u003cem\u003eAt the Foot of the Cross \u003c\/em\u003emust think and feel their response to these things, too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut it is worth the effort of reading thoughtfully. Julian’s revelations came as part of her experience of illness and expectation of dying. And, through her revelations and reflection on Christ’s Passion, Julian found that Christ’s death was relevant for her circumstances. In our world, still filled with suffering and pain, Pennington’s book can help us to grasp, through Julian’s insights, something of how Jesus’s death on the cross can speak to our situation, too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eReview by Dr Spalding a member of the Third Order SSF\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2020-01-02T10:08:59+00:00","created_at":"2019-12-09T13:03:19+00:00","vendor":"Emma Pennington","type":"Paperback","tags":["For individuals","Jul-20","Kindle","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":31437547765899,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465191","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"At the Foot of the Cross with Julian of Norwich","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":999,"weight":200,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465191","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/978857465191.jpg?v=1575896599"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/978857465191.jpg?v=1575896599","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":5781665611915,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/978857465191.jpg?v=1575896599"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/978857465191.jpg?v=1575896599","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e'All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.' This quotation may be all that many people know of Julian of Norwich, an anchoress from the fourteenth century. This book seeks to bring to a popular readership a devotional engagement with Julian’s work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe introduction gives a general background to Julian, the nature of visions in the 14th century and the type of text Julian gives us, namely a meditative text which intends to lead the reader to ‘beholding’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter centres on one aspect or image from Julian’s Revelation, which seeks to make the events of the Passion present to the reader’s imagination. The commentary incorporates reflection, the biblical narrative and Julian’s subsequent teachings to create a meditation that enables the reader to linger on the wonder of the cross, ending with a prayer that leads to silence and a thought or verse to carry into daily life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEmma Pennington is the canon missioner for Canterbury Cathedral. Formerly vicar of Garsington, Cuddesdon and Horspath in the Oxford Diocese and chaplain of Worcester College, Oxford, she has also been a prayer and spirituality adviser for the diocese and an area dean. She speaks widely about the spirituality of Julian of Norwich.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo read Emma's blog about filming a series to accompany her book click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/lights-camera-action-emma-pennington-on-filming-series-on-julian-of-norwich-at-canterbury-cathedral-to-accompany-her-new-book-at-the-foot-of-the-cross-with-julian-of-norwich\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This is a wonderfully refreshing introduction to Julian of Norwich,\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ewhich conveys her spiritual toughness and the resilience and\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003efreedom she found through reflecting on the cross of Christ.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFor those who associate Julian only with her vision of the hazelnut,\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ethis will be a revelation.’\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eAngela Tilby, canon emeritus, Christ Church, Oxford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e‘I absolutely love this book. As the foreword explains, it aims to\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003edraw the reader into a profoundly meditative encounter with\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eJulian’s visions and understanding of God. It manages this with\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ea beautiful simplicity that will draw in any reader. Informed by\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ethe author’s deep scholarship, this a sure and reliable guide.’\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eSantha Bhattacharji, fellow emeritus, St Benet’s Hall, University\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eof Oxford, and president, Churches Fellowship for Psychical and\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eSpiritual Studies\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e‘Emma Pennington has opened the writings of Julian of Norwich to\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eus in a fresh and wonderful way. She has also given us, in this book,\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ea spiritual treasure which causes us to journey and explore and, in\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ethat quest, to venture deeper and deeper into the love of God, with\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eJulian as our companion.’\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eRobert Willis, dean of Canterbury Cathedral\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e‘Emma Pennington has that rare gift of bringing theological and\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eliterary insights together. She transports us to a different world –\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eJulian’s world of the 14th century – and yet makes it completely\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eand profoundly accessible to the modern reader. This is a very\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003emoving book, one to be read slowly and reflected on deeply. With\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eall its discomforts, as well as comfort, may I encourage you to\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eaccept her and Julian’s invitations to come and stand at the foot\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eof Christ’s cross.’\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eColin Fletcher OBE, Bishop of Dorchester\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Spring 2021. Review by Nancy May\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeginning with a context-setting section, looking at Julian’s world and the influences upon her, this book goes on to examine the nature of her writings. In explaining what Julian’s visions are and what they are not, Emma Pennington contrasts them with the visions of her contemporary Margery Kempe. The way Julian processed her intense experience, and revisited it after reflecting prayerfully for many years, was key to her own spiritual development; and it continues to inspire and influence many today. Emma Pennington’s experience as a spiritual accompanier is evident in the way the book is constructed. In the main body of the book, eight chapters explore themes from five of the Revelations in a way that encourages the reader to visualize them from Julian’s point of view. Each chapter then ends with a short section encouraging readers to go deeper, to reflect and explore their own responses, before offering words of encouragement ‘for the journey’. The book has a short conclusion in which the author draws a parallel between Julian’s sickness and her own experience of intense physical pain which itself revealed something profound about God’s love. \u003cem\u003eReviewed by Nancy May \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJulian Meetings Magazine December 2020. Review by Elizabeth Ruth Obbard ODC\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis very attractively produced book is small and compact, but full of wisdom, as we are led ever more deeply into those chapters of her Revelations where Julian speaks of the Cross. There is much scholarship lightly worn as the author explores Julian’s words and their devotional context in 14\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century England. She sees one of Julian’s functions as enabling us to pray the Passion through Julian’s eyes as she, and we, contemplate the suffering Saviour. We discover, in our contemplation, the amazing love of God that the Cross reveals. As this book just focuses on Julian and the Cross it would be good (but not absolutely necessary) to have read the whole text so as to put the relevant chapters in a wider context. But I, for one, will never see Jesus’ face on the veil of Veronica, or the crown of thorns (the garland of both pain and victory), in the same way, as Julian leads us into this mystery of suffering and joy so closely combined. Each chapter ends with suggestions for ‘going deeper’, and questions to ponder or discuss - I would add to ‘journal with’ – plus a practical application such as ‘How can you bring love and life to someone who is suffering this week?’ A bonus is the section of full colour plates that show us the kind of pictures and devotional objects that would have influenced Julian as she pondered Christ’s Cross. An excellent book for Julian lovers to use again and again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Elizabeth Ruth Obbard ODC\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Frost, BRF author and blogger. 03.11.20\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMention the name Julian of Norwich and many of us would be able to recall her words, ‘All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.’ We may also know that this 14\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e Century anchoress experienced a number of revelations or showings of Christ, often described as the ‘Revelations of Divine Love’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the author of this book writes, ‘This book is not about Julian’s life, however intriguing that may be, nor does it seek to expound her thinking… instead it is a work that invites you to enter into the substance and language of Julian’s words, to hear her voice… and to stand with her at the foot of the cross so we may know and love God the better’. Emma Pennington succeeds on all accounts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe beauty of this book is the valuable way in which she explains the context of medieval beliefs and practices at the time in which Julian lives. This broader picture provides additional insight into how we can interpret, learn and benefit from the revelations that Julian experienced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter concludes with a guided reading exercise and questions to consider for our personal devotion. There are also helpful photos of items and places relating to the life of Julian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEmma Pennington is Canon Missioner at Canterbury Cathedral and a co-founder of the successful Festival of Prayer run in association with BRF. Holding a doctorate about her subject, the author’s academic language presents, very occasionally, a similar struggle as that provoked by Julian’s own 14\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e Century English – but it’s worth persevering and re-reading as needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat most famous statement by Julian of Norwich is itself only briefly alluded to. But the author’s explanation and insights in these remarkable revelations, experienced by a seemingly ordinary person 650 years ago, make it very clear that in our life with Christ all shall indeed be well. \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\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 09.10.20. Review by Anne Spalding \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeople who have read only excerpts from Julian’s writings which focus on God’s love can be taken aback by the Revelations as a whole because of Julian’s intense attention to Christ on the cross. Pennington looks at exactly this, giving the context of medieval writing in general and the expectations of anchoresses and mystics around Julian’s time, and providing colour plates to illustrate some aspects still visible in churches today. Chapters include ‘The Crown of Thorns’, ‘Great Droplets of Blood’, and ‘The Face of Jesus’, and each has a discussion on the text in the light of scripture and of medieval life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJulian’s intention, and Pennington’s, is to give a devotional invitation; so, after the overview in part one, each chapter ends with a meditation, ‘Going Deeper’, then questions to ponder or discuss, and finally words for the journey from scripture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not a book to skim-read. The medieval mind-set is a long way from a 21st-century outlook; so there is plenty of material to engage with and think through. Pennington is able to paint a rich picture of this difference. Also, Julian’s own focus on detail — for example, the texture of the blood, or the colour of the dying face of Christ — mean that readers of \u003cem\u003eAt the Foot of the Cross \u003c\/em\u003emust think and feel their response to these things, too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut it is worth the effort of reading thoughtfully. Julian’s revelations came as part of her experience of illness and expectation of dying. And, through her revelations and reflection on Christ’s Passion, Julian found that Christ’s death was relevant for her circumstances. In our world, still filled with suffering and pain, Pennington’s book can help us to grasp, through Julian’s insights, something of how Jesus’s death on the cross can speak to our situation, too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eReview by Dr Spalding a member of the Third Order SSF\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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At the Foot of the Cross with Julian of Norwich
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'All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.' This quotation may...
{"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\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\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":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469779.jpg?v=1575895060"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/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":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469779.jpg?v=1575895060"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/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\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\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
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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\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":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465924.jpg?v=1574174372"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/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":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465924.jpg?v=1574174372"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/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\u003eChurch Times 13.11.20. Review by Leigh Hatts\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘THE realisation creeps on us gradually that we are in this for the long haul, that life has changed and we may never return to how it was,’ Sally Welch writes in \u003cem\u003eJourney to Contentment\u003c\/em\u003e. This is one of the many moments when the book has both resonance and answers for living during the ongoing pandemic, and especially for those suddenly like Martha, with endless caring or domestic duties. Although written before the virus hit us, it manages to be a prescient book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch, a parish priest, is best known as a Bible Reading Fellowship editor [\u003cem\u003eNew Daylight\u003c\/em\u003e Bible reading notes] and pilgrimage leader. She is also the keeper of Oxford diocese’s giant travelling labyrinth, which is often thrown down at big events to encourage contemplation. But this book is initially for solo indoor reading along the road on which the author says that she, too, is seeking contentment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith 52 short ‘sections’, it can be a two-month journey or a year-long exploration. Each section starts with a scripture quotation, including psalms, from the NRSV, followed by a reflection. The conclusion is always a suggested activity or exercise, which, the writer admits, some will skip, although planting seeds for our prayer space must appeal to many. The themes, such as ,Finding the rhythm of the way’, climax in various paths of contentment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo meditate on St Paul’s suggestion that we ‘run with perseverance’, there are surprising motivational quotations from Jesse Owens, Marilyn Monroe, and Oprah Winfrey. Towards the end, we are encouraged, like the pilgrim, to talk to fellow travellers and so find mutual support and companionship to do God’s work better. The reward, it is suggested, can be happiness and living longer. The book turns out to be an enjoyable and easy-to-read course for living in the new normal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Leigh Hatts, author of ‘Walking The Pilgrims’ Way’ (Cicerone, 2017).\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Salvationist 25.7.20\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview by Major Noreen Batt\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReading this guide brought a helpful dimension to the prospect of going on a journey to contentment right in the midst of the rawness of life. As Sally Welch observes: ‘Contentment is not a secret, but it is a mystery… it is learned, and the lessons can be hard work.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are guided to prepare for the journey, to step out in faith, find the rhythm of how to walk well, encounter challenges on the way and discover the mystery of contentment as we go. Written in 52 short chapters, it feels like a pocketbook that you could take on a pilgrimage – thoughts to mull over at the beginning or end of the day, guidance to ponder over a cup of coffee and insights to wonder about in between.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Scriptures given for each step are carefully placed stepping stones that you don’t always expect, but that adds interest. In each chapter there is a suggested exercise that offers a variety of responses, from spiritual disciplines to artwork, from creative to practical responses, from gardening to decluttering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book you could use by yourself for daily devotions or – if you wanted to dwell on the insights for longer and exercise them in your life – as a weekly guide. Alternatively, you could use it as a pilgrimage guide with a small group of fellow pilgrims and enjoy companionship along the way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs we gradually emerge from lockdown, Sally’s reflection on Ezekiel’s vision of the dry bones particularly resonates: ‘Deprived of the structure that sustained his life, he must find a new way of thinking and believing. With the old supports destroyed, hope must be sought – and found – in a new place.’ This book offers a gentle, thoughtful companion on the pilgrim way. You just might want to pop it in your rucksack!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch is a well-established figure in the ministry and mission of BRF and her latest book reflects her skill as a writer, vocation as a priest and capacity as a spirituality advisor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing the metaphor of pilgrimage, she takes us on a journey from preparation to destination. Like any pilgrimage (literal or metaphorical) such journeys involve stepping out in faith, finding rhythms, carrying a load, overcoming difficulties and keeping focused on where God is leading us towards. Like any pilgrimage this is a book not to be rushed, nor to dawdle through.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore setting out on a journey it is important to check one’s route and what that comprises of. The same is true of this book. The book is divided into 52 sections – but the reader should avoid thinking that means reading one per week. Indeed, Sally Welch encourages the reader to take one per day but, such is the depth of content and the nature of the exercise included in each section that, this reviewer would suggest, more time is needed to fully get the most out of the pilgrimage. Slightly confusingly, these 52 sections are divided in to 8 larger parts, also called sections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut that aside, there is plenty in these pages to get to grips with. It is both challenging and reassuring to know that many people thrive and struggle in the Christian life of pilgrimage and our journey towards contentment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Journey to Contentment: Pilgrimage principles for everyday life
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{"id":4163033366667,"title":"Franciscan Footprints: Following Christ in the ways of Francis and Clare","handle":"franciscan-footprints-following-christ-in-the-ways-of-francis-and-clare","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere are many ways of following Christ – each footprint is unique. One of these, the Franciscan spiritual journey, has been tried and tested over the centuries, and the experiences of St Francis and St Clare and all those who have been inspired by their lives still resonate with us. Helen Julian CSF explores the distinctive features of their spirituality and shows how these practices can be applied to, and become part of, our daily lives.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThrough stories of care for creation, social justice, mission, preaching, contemplative spirituality and simple living, discover your own pathway today.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHelen Julian CSF is an Anglican Franciscan sister and a priest, currently serving her community as Minister General. She has written three books for BRF and is a contributor to BRF’s New Daylight Bible reading notes and 'Fellowship' Holy Habits Bible Reflections and Group Studies.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo read Helen Julian's blog about the writing of this book click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/franciscan-footprints-following-christ-in-the-ways-of-francis-and-clare-helen-julian-csf-tells-the-story-of-her-new-book-for-brf\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Spring 2021. Review by Liz Pacey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubtitled ‘Following Christ in the ways of Francis and Clare’, the main protagonists are of course these two founders of Franciscan spirituality. Much more than this, the book covers a breadth of experience down the years and across all walks of human life. Each chapter brings us examples lived out from the 13th century to modern times: the lives of mystics, martyrs, missionaries and many more. Each chapter ends with questions, causing us not only to reflect on the ways and situations of these holy people, but equally importantly on our own. The final chapter is titled ‘The witness of life: simply living’. Here are the ordinary people. Any lingering doubts we may have had about where we could fit in are dispelled. This is a truly inspirational book on many levels. We see so many times where a life truly devoted to God, and given the right encouragement on the way, can lead. And through it all we have the words of Francis himself in our heads. The importance of discerning and carrying out in our lives: ‘May Christ teach you what is yours (to do)’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eReview by Liz Pacey\u003c\/i\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Church Times, 18 September 2020. Review by Lavinia Byrne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe subtitle sets the tone of this judicious little book. It makes clear that these accounts of the saints’ lives and those of their many followers are about following Christ, not imitating the founders’ personal sanctity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEighty-eight of these individual followers are listed in the index, and that is before the reader even makes contact with the founding charism through the inspiration of the religious orders, both Anglican and Roman Catholic. Sister Helen Julian is ideally equipped to write this book, as Minister General of the Anglican Community of St Francis. Founded in 1905 by Rosina Eleanor Rice, the Community has Sisters in England, San Francisco, and South Korea, and forms what is known technically as the Second Order of Franciscans, the first being the male religious, and the Third Order being their lay followers. There is also a group known as Franciscans International.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYet the scope of the book’s appeal should go wider than members of the Franciscan family; for here is an unsentimental story of the many and varied ways in which the spirit of Francis and Clare has led people to simple heroism. The human face of this heroism is demonstrated through channels that the reader might readily have predicted: good works, a commitment to social justice, care of others, and the witness of living simply. Intriguingly, Sister Helen Julian takes her remit further and tells us about the vocations of thinkers and writers and the pursuit of learning. She is equally interested in the mystics and spiritual writers, missionaries and preachers, and martyrs and pastors who have all found inspiration in the Franciscan way of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany of these accounts are historical: she starts of by telling the stories of Francis and Clare themselves, then of the Anglican founders who emerged in the early 20th century to carry the flame forward. But the book’s real impact comes from the many stories that bring it right up to date. Memories of the recently dead sit seamlessly alongside accounts from earlier centuries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result: a sense that Francis and Clare’s heritage is in good hands and that the charism deserves to survive. After all, it has served its purpose: it has enabled many to follow Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Lavinia Byrne\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003efranciscan\u003c\/em\u003e September 2020 \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview by Hazel Berry TSSF\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e‘I have done what is mine, may Christ teach you what is yours’. \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSr Helen Julian uses this advice that Francis gave to the brothers shortly before he died to set the scene for her fascinating profiles of the many Franciscan brothers, sisters and third order members down the ages who have responded to his dying message. She deftly traces Francis’ footprints across the centuries with descriptions of those who knew Francis and Clare up to the present day with a moving description of Mychal Judge, a 21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e Century Franciscan, who died ministering to the firefighters in the South Tower of the World Trade Centre after the devastation of 9\/11.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first two chapters provide an interesting description of the founding fathers and mothers of the First and Second Orders. There is also a brief mention of the formation of the Third Order in the Catholic and Anglican Churches. I would particularly recommend these chapters to anyone interested in finding out more about the Franciscan life especially those looking to test their vocation in one of the three orders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLater chapters focus on different categories of Franciscans: ‘Thinkers and Writers’; Mystics and Spiritual Writers’; Social Care and Justice’; ‘Martyrs’; ‘Missionaries and Preachers’; and Pastors. As someone who spent their working life in social services and the justice system in the UK, the section on social care and justice was of special interest. The work done by Franciscans in pursuit of social justice, with for example with those suffering with AIDs and with immigrant communities is inspirational. A great deal of this work is done under the umbrella of Franciscans International as well as by many individual Franciscans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book concludes with a chapter on ‘Simply Living’, which was and always will be a mark of the Franciscan life. I was intrigued to read that Pope John XXIII, a modern exemplar of simply living, joined the Third Order as a teenager and at one point considered becoming a friar. But as he said on a visit to a friary after becoming Pope: ‘a stronger wind blew me on another road’. Notwithstanding this change of direction, in his short tenure as Pope he did in fact embrace many Franciscan themes. And as Helen Julian, author of this excellent little book suggests, the Second Vatican Council could be seen as Pope John’s response to Christ’s call to Francis to, ‘Go rebuild my house!’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHazel Berry TSSF\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Salvationist 01.08.20\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview by Major Martin Hill\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSaint Francis and his spiritual companion, Saint Clare, have given more than 800 years of inspiration to Christians of all ages and backgrounds who yearn for pure and unadulterated devotion to Christ. In \u003cem\u003eFranciscan Footprints\u003c\/em\u003e, Helen Julian reminds us that ‘Francis and Clare set examples of community life, of a deep spiritual life, of care for others in their need and for creation, of pastoral care, of preaching the word and taking it to places where it had not been heard, of simply living in the mundane reality of life and of being willing to lay down their lives even unto death.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSt Francis’s own story is one of transformation from seeking pleasure to embracing poverty, the poor, prayer, liturgy and lepers. \u003cem\u003eFranciscan Footprints\u003c\/em\u003e contains brief biographies of individual lives shaped by Francis, Clare and the Franciscan ideal. Their stories prove that a passionate desire to follow Christ can be deeply attractive. They include thinkers, writers, mystics, carers, campaigners, martyrs, missionaries, preachers and pastors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBe inspired by Giles, a farm labourer and early companion of Francis, who was also a perceptive pastor, or by Duns Scotus, the eminent 13th-century theologian and philosopher. Admire Ramon Llull, who believed in converting Muslims through prayer, not crusade, and promoted dialogue between Abrahamic faiths. Meet royalty like Elizabeth of Hungary and orphans like Angela Merici.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead about Rosina Rice, a ‘slum sister’ in London from the late 19th century, or Jack Winslow and Algy Robertson, who in the 20th century developed a Christian ashram in India. Discover John Bradburne, who served lepers in Zimbabwe, Sister Ruth and Colin Wilfred, who served HIV\/Aids sufferers in the USA and UK respectively. Reflect on the thoughts of contemporary teacher and writer Richard Rohr, who combines spirituality, social justice, action and contemplation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen highlights unsung heroes, as well as acknowledging some well-known names. We see the footprints of men and women who rarely make the footnotes. It means there is every likelihood that somewhere in the pages of this book you will meet someone to relate to or even emulate. It proves ‘how many different ways there are to please God’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform July-A\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eugust 2020. Review by Diana Paulding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book charts the development and flourishing of the Franciscan tradition, from the 13th-century lives of Francis and Clare of Assisi to the modern-day Anglican Franciscan community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEmploying an unusual but effective style, Helen Julian focuses on individuals who have embodied the teachings of Francis and Clare throughout the centuries, and those who have lived out lives devoted to Christ within the Franciscan tradition. These individuals are numerous and diverse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough biographies of each of their lives, Helen Julian seeks to illuminate the ways in which we too can live Christ-centric lives with the devotion and humility that the first founders modelled. Richly researched, \u003cem\u003eFranciscan Footprints\u003c\/em\u003e contains dozens of brief biographies, grouped by the subjects’ defining characteristics, be that writers or mystics, martyrs or preachers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe great strength of this structure is that it allows the reader to view the tradition from many angles, rather than simply as a timeline of significant members. Nonetheless, Helen Julian also manages to cover the range of eras and cultures that the Franciscan tradition has spanned, taking us to medieval Italy, Reformation Europe, the seminaries of 20th-century China, among Peruvian guerrilla organisations, and to the Twin Towers on 9\/11.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn many ways, \u003cem\u003eFranciscan Footprints \u003c\/em\u003eis a who’s who of the Franciscan tradition, although the brevity of each biography means that it only provides introductory information about each person. Reflective questions at the end of each chapter encourage the reader to consider how these disciples’ lives can inform and inspire their own. The common themes of service to others, humble lives, and devotion to God can provide inspiration for us all, regardless of our own religious tradition. The 17th century ‘flying friar’, however, may be best read as a good story about levitation rather than inspiration for our own preaching!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDiana Paulding is an Old Testament graduate based in Norfolk\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Ted Witham TSSF, on the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tssf.org.au\/2020\/05\/17\/following-the-followers-of-saint-francis-sister-helen-julians-new-book\/?fbclid=IwAR2KaES2ny0fw7r6aDhfG73clL76YCsk5kD22TJ1M8a9larejq2uvdwFWFo\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ewebsite\u003c\/a\u003e of the Third Order, Society of St Francis Australia, May 2020\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFranciscan Footprints\u003c\/em\u003e, like much of Franciscan spirituality, is deceptively simple. In this helpful and engaging book, Sister Helen Julian, Minister General of the Anglican Community of St Francis, tells the story of about 100 Franciscans over the last 800 years – from Saints Francis and Clare in the 12th Century to Padre Pio and Algy Robertson SSF in the 20th Century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stories of mainly individuals and some organisations are presented in nine thematic chapters. The first two chapters tell the stories of the original founders, the two Assisi saints, Francis and Clare, and the founders of the Anglican Franciscans, including Sister Rosina Mary CSF, who founded the Community of Saint Francis in 1905.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe titles of further chapters, ‘Thinkers and Writers’, ‘Mystics and Spiritual Writers’, ‘Social Care, Social Justice’, ‘Martyrs’, ‘Missionaries and Preachers’, ‘Pastors’ and ‘Simply Living’, display the breadth of the Franciscan way of life. Placing each of her characters into these themes allows Sister Helen to ‘follow the followers’ and explore the many paths along which Franciscans follow Jesus. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Franciscan intellectual tradition is represented strongly by the 13th Century Bonaventure and the 21st Century Sister Ilia Delio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany of these Franciscans are new to me. Felix of Cantalice (born 1515) was a ploughman who became a lay Franciscan friar. He begged for the friars in Rome for many years, and was known as Brother Deo Gratias, because he exclaimed, ‘Thanks be to God’ (\u003cem\u003eDeo Gratias\u003c\/em\u003e) for every gift. He sang simple songs in the street and was beloved of children and the poor. His story is told under ‘Simply Living’: his life was seemingly uneventful, but by faithfully being who he was attracted many.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was good to see the United Nations NGO Franciscans International in its context as an expression of the Franciscan family’s social care and social justice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI commend Franciscan Footprints warmly. It is a good book to share within the Franciscan family and beyond.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt his death, Saint Francis said, ‘I have done what is mine to do. May Christ teach you what is yours.’ Helen Julian’s book will help both long-term Franciscans and the curious to learn what Christ is teaching them what their life might be. The characters in her book have made their Franciscan footprints. Readers will find much in this book to help them make their own Franciscan Footprints.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eReviewed by Ted Witham TSSF\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Richard Frost, BRF author and blogger, May 2020\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Shortly before his death, Francis looked at the brothers gathered around him. ‘I have done what is mine,’ he said. ‘May Christ teach you what is yours.’ So begins Helen Julian’s excellent book about the gift left for us by Francis and Clare of Assisi and many who have made their own footprints for people to follow: ‘The gift is the inspiration of their lives and writings, and the fellowship of their prayers,’ she writes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter outlining the origins and development of Franciscan religious communities, Helen Julian tells the stories of many significant individuals from the time of Francis and Clare right through to the present day. She introduces the readers to some of who come from the author’s own Anglican Franciscan community as well as historical figures, some canonised and others who are simply saints. ‘You could think of it as arriving at a party: I’m standing next to you and telling you about the people gathered in the room. Then you can decide who you’d like to get to know better,’ she writes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Julian covers first, second and third order Franciscan writers and thinkers, mystics and spiritual writers, social care and justice influencers, martyrs and pastors and those who the author describes as ‘witnessing by simply living’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn many respects, \u003cem\u003eFranciscan Footprints\u003c\/em\u003e is a book of stories and despite their variety and often inspirational nature, for this reviewer there were too many of them. But it’s not a book that needs to be read in one sitting nor in the order in which the chapters are presented. Each chapter ends with a thought-provoking suggestion for reflection which with careful selection could be used for small group discussion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn writing about the 13\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century Scottish Franciscan, Duns Scotus, Helen Julian writes in a way that sums up the whole book: ‘You may feel out of depth in their ideas. But I encourage you to at least paddle in the shallows of their thoughts: you may be surprised by what you discover.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComing in to the 21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e century, here is a prayer by American friar Mychal Judge, who became the first officially recorded fatality in the Twins Towers attack on 11 September 2001 while helping others to escape:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLord, take me where you want me to go;\u003cbr\u003eLet me meet who you want me to meet;\u003cbr\u003eTell me what you want me to say;\u003cbr\u003eAnd keep me out of your way. \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\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview of Franciscan Footprints by Rona Bure: Third Order, Society of St Francis, European Province website \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.tssf.org.uk\"\u003ewww.tssf.org.uk\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis small book covers a great deal of ground – not only in time but in the grouping of the various men and women into Anglican founders, thinkers and writers, mystics and spiritual writers; social care, social justice, martyrs, missionaries and preachers, pastors and simply living. This enables the reader to realise the depth and scope of what these Franciscans did in their lives. Indeed Helen Julian CSF quotes from St Clare as follows:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘She said that they had been called to be like mirrors, in which people could look and see Christ. A mirror doesn’t exist to be looked at for itself; its whole purpose is to reflect back accurately what is in front of it.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a challenge for all Franciscans throughout time and today. Can we be a Mirror to the World? This is a question which many of the people in this book have tried to answer. You too can try and answer the questions posed at the end of every chapter. This could be a very useful exercise in exploring your interest in Francis and Clare. The very different themes of the chapters will resonate in different ways to you depending on your particular view. I see much debate ensuing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI am not a theologian and read simply to learn and explore to develop my understanding of what it is to be a Franciscan. There were many names in this book with which I was not familiar with and it widened my perspective and put others into context. In this time when challenges abound this book reminds us how important it is to be servants of our communities in every way. However this is not an easy task and I was heartened with the honest comment that Helen Julian makes in the book in that she throws at us a perspective that says we can fail but demonstrates as one door closes another opens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the end of the Chapter on Pastors Helen Julian writes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘When that door opens and someone appears, I always send up a silent prayer, ‘Lord, let me listen with your ears and respond from your heart.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is no doubt that the Franciscans in this book did so. Can we follow in the Footsteps? Read the book and ponder…\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Rona Bure\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-09-25T12:16:12+01:00","created_at":"2019-09-25T12:16:12+01:00","vendor":"Helen Julian","type":"Paperback","tags":["Apr-20","For individuals","Kindle","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":30263391060107,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857468116","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Franciscan Footprints: Following Christ in the ways of Francis and Clare","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":899,"weight":200,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857468116","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468116.jpg?v=1569410256"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468116.jpg?v=1569410256","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":2274533965963,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468116.jpg?v=1569410256"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468116.jpg?v=1569410256","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere are many ways of following Christ – each footprint is unique. One of these, the Franciscan spiritual journey, has been tried and tested over the centuries, and the experiences of St Francis and St Clare and all those who have been inspired by their lives still resonate with us. Helen Julian CSF explores the distinctive features of their spirituality and shows how these practices can be applied to, and become part of, our daily lives.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThrough stories of care for creation, social justice, mission, preaching, contemplative spirituality and simple living, discover your own pathway today.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHelen Julian CSF is an Anglican Franciscan sister and a priest, currently serving her community as Minister General. She has written three books for BRF and is a contributor to BRF’s New Daylight Bible reading notes and 'Fellowship' Holy Habits Bible Reflections and Group Studies.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo read Helen Julian's blog about the writing of this book click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/franciscan-footprints-following-christ-in-the-ways-of-francis-and-clare-helen-julian-csf-tells-the-story-of-her-new-book-for-brf\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Spring 2021. Review by Liz Pacey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubtitled ‘Following Christ in the ways of Francis and Clare’, the main protagonists are of course these two founders of Franciscan spirituality. Much more than this, the book covers a breadth of experience down the years and across all walks of human life. Each chapter brings us examples lived out from the 13th century to modern times: the lives of mystics, martyrs, missionaries and many more. Each chapter ends with questions, causing us not only to reflect on the ways and situations of these holy people, but equally importantly on our own. The final chapter is titled ‘The witness of life: simply living’. Here are the ordinary people. Any lingering doubts we may have had about where we could fit in are dispelled. This is a truly inspirational book on many levels. We see so many times where a life truly devoted to God, and given the right encouragement on the way, can lead. And through it all we have the words of Francis himself in our heads. The importance of discerning and carrying out in our lives: ‘May Christ teach you what is yours (to do)’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eReview by Liz Pacey\u003c\/i\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Church Times, 18 September 2020. Review by Lavinia Byrne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe subtitle sets the tone of this judicious little book. It makes clear that these accounts of the saints’ lives and those of their many followers are about following Christ, not imitating the founders’ personal sanctity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEighty-eight of these individual followers are listed in the index, and that is before the reader even makes contact with the founding charism through the inspiration of the religious orders, both Anglican and Roman Catholic. Sister Helen Julian is ideally equipped to write this book, as Minister General of the Anglican Community of St Francis. Founded in 1905 by Rosina Eleanor Rice, the Community has Sisters in England, San Francisco, and South Korea, and forms what is known technically as the Second Order of Franciscans, the first being the male religious, and the Third Order being their lay followers. There is also a group known as Franciscans International.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYet the scope of the book’s appeal should go wider than members of the Franciscan family; for here is an unsentimental story of the many and varied ways in which the spirit of Francis and Clare has led people to simple heroism. The human face of this heroism is demonstrated through channels that the reader might readily have predicted: good works, a commitment to social justice, care of others, and the witness of living simply. Intriguingly, Sister Helen Julian takes her remit further and tells us about the vocations of thinkers and writers and the pursuit of learning. She is equally interested in the mystics and spiritual writers, missionaries and preachers, and martyrs and pastors who have all found inspiration in the Franciscan way of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany of these accounts are historical: she starts of by telling the stories of Francis and Clare themselves, then of the Anglican founders who emerged in the early 20th century to carry the flame forward. But the book’s real impact comes from the many stories that bring it right up to date. Memories of the recently dead sit seamlessly alongside accounts from earlier centuries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result: a sense that Francis and Clare’s heritage is in good hands and that the charism deserves to survive. After all, it has served its purpose: it has enabled many to follow Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Lavinia Byrne\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003efranciscan\u003c\/em\u003e September 2020 \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview by Hazel Berry TSSF\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e‘I have done what is mine, may Christ teach you what is yours’. \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSr Helen Julian uses this advice that Francis gave to the brothers shortly before he died to set the scene for her fascinating profiles of the many Franciscan brothers, sisters and third order members down the ages who have responded to his dying message. She deftly traces Francis’ footprints across the centuries with descriptions of those who knew Francis and Clare up to the present day with a moving description of Mychal Judge, a 21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e Century Franciscan, who died ministering to the firefighters in the South Tower of the World Trade Centre after the devastation of 9\/11.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first two chapters provide an interesting description of the founding fathers and mothers of the First and Second Orders. There is also a brief mention of the formation of the Third Order in the Catholic and Anglican Churches. I would particularly recommend these chapters to anyone interested in finding out more about the Franciscan life especially those looking to test their vocation in one of the three orders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLater chapters focus on different categories of Franciscans: ‘Thinkers and Writers’; Mystics and Spiritual Writers’; Social Care and Justice’; ‘Martyrs’; ‘Missionaries and Preachers’; and Pastors. As someone who spent their working life in social services and the justice system in the UK, the section on social care and justice was of special interest. The work done by Franciscans in pursuit of social justice, with for example with those suffering with AIDs and with immigrant communities is inspirational. A great deal of this work is done under the umbrella of Franciscans International as well as by many individual Franciscans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book concludes with a chapter on ‘Simply Living’, which was and always will be a mark of the Franciscan life. I was intrigued to read that Pope John XXIII, a modern exemplar of simply living, joined the Third Order as a teenager and at one point considered becoming a friar. But as he said on a visit to a friary after becoming Pope: ‘a stronger wind blew me on another road’. Notwithstanding this change of direction, in his short tenure as Pope he did in fact embrace many Franciscan themes. And as Helen Julian, author of this excellent little book suggests, the Second Vatican Council could be seen as Pope John’s response to Christ’s call to Francis to, ‘Go rebuild my house!’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHazel Berry TSSF\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Salvationist 01.08.20\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview by Major Martin Hill\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSaint Francis and his spiritual companion, Saint Clare, have given more than 800 years of inspiration to Christians of all ages and backgrounds who yearn for pure and unadulterated devotion to Christ. In \u003cem\u003eFranciscan Footprints\u003c\/em\u003e, Helen Julian reminds us that ‘Francis and Clare set examples of community life, of a deep spiritual life, of care for others in their need and for creation, of pastoral care, of preaching the word and taking it to places where it had not been heard, of simply living in the mundane reality of life and of being willing to lay down their lives even unto death.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSt Francis’s own story is one of transformation from seeking pleasure to embracing poverty, the poor, prayer, liturgy and lepers. \u003cem\u003eFranciscan Footprints\u003c\/em\u003e contains brief biographies of individual lives shaped by Francis, Clare and the Franciscan ideal. Their stories prove that a passionate desire to follow Christ can be deeply attractive. They include thinkers, writers, mystics, carers, campaigners, martyrs, missionaries, preachers and pastors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBe inspired by Giles, a farm labourer and early companion of Francis, who was also a perceptive pastor, or by Duns Scotus, the eminent 13th-century theologian and philosopher. Admire Ramon Llull, who believed in converting Muslims through prayer, not crusade, and promoted dialogue between Abrahamic faiths. Meet royalty like Elizabeth of Hungary and orphans like Angela Merici.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead about Rosina Rice, a ‘slum sister’ in London from the late 19th century, or Jack Winslow and Algy Robertson, who in the 20th century developed a Christian ashram in India. Discover John Bradburne, who served lepers in Zimbabwe, Sister Ruth and Colin Wilfred, who served HIV\/Aids sufferers in the USA and UK respectively. Reflect on the thoughts of contemporary teacher and writer Richard Rohr, who combines spirituality, social justice, action and contemplation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen highlights unsung heroes, as well as acknowledging some well-known names. We see the footprints of men and women who rarely make the footnotes. It means there is every likelihood that somewhere in the pages of this book you will meet someone to relate to or even emulate. It proves ‘how many different ways there are to please God’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform July-A\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eugust 2020. Review by Diana Paulding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book charts the development and flourishing of the Franciscan tradition, from the 13th-century lives of Francis and Clare of Assisi to the modern-day Anglican Franciscan community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEmploying an unusual but effective style, Helen Julian focuses on individuals who have embodied the teachings of Francis and Clare throughout the centuries, and those who have lived out lives devoted to Christ within the Franciscan tradition. These individuals are numerous and diverse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough biographies of each of their lives, Helen Julian seeks to illuminate the ways in which we too can live Christ-centric lives with the devotion and humility that the first founders modelled. Richly researched, \u003cem\u003eFranciscan Footprints\u003c\/em\u003e contains dozens of brief biographies, grouped by the subjects’ defining characteristics, be that writers or mystics, martyrs or preachers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe great strength of this structure is that it allows the reader to view the tradition from many angles, rather than simply as a timeline of significant members. Nonetheless, Helen Julian also manages to cover the range of eras and cultures that the Franciscan tradition has spanned, taking us to medieval Italy, Reformation Europe, the seminaries of 20th-century China, among Peruvian guerrilla organisations, and to the Twin Towers on 9\/11.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn many ways, \u003cem\u003eFranciscan Footprints \u003c\/em\u003eis a who’s who of the Franciscan tradition, although the brevity of each biography means that it only provides introductory information about each person. Reflective questions at the end of each chapter encourage the reader to consider how these disciples’ lives can inform and inspire their own. The common themes of service to others, humble lives, and devotion to God can provide inspiration for us all, regardless of our own religious tradition. The 17th century ‘flying friar’, however, may be best read as a good story about levitation rather than inspiration for our own preaching!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDiana Paulding is an Old Testament graduate based in Norfolk\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Ted Witham TSSF, on the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tssf.org.au\/2020\/05\/17\/following-the-followers-of-saint-francis-sister-helen-julians-new-book\/?fbclid=IwAR2KaES2ny0fw7r6aDhfG73clL76YCsk5kD22TJ1M8a9larejq2uvdwFWFo\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ewebsite\u003c\/a\u003e of the Third Order, Society of St Francis Australia, May 2020\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFranciscan Footprints\u003c\/em\u003e, like much of Franciscan spirituality, is deceptively simple. In this helpful and engaging book, Sister Helen Julian, Minister General of the Anglican Community of St Francis, tells the story of about 100 Franciscans over the last 800 years – from Saints Francis and Clare in the 12th Century to Padre Pio and Algy Robertson SSF in the 20th Century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stories of mainly individuals and some organisations are presented in nine thematic chapters. The first two chapters tell the stories of the original founders, the two Assisi saints, Francis and Clare, and the founders of the Anglican Franciscans, including Sister Rosina Mary CSF, who founded the Community of Saint Francis in 1905.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe titles of further chapters, ‘Thinkers and Writers’, ‘Mystics and Spiritual Writers’, ‘Social Care, Social Justice’, ‘Martyrs’, ‘Missionaries and Preachers’, ‘Pastors’ and ‘Simply Living’, display the breadth of the Franciscan way of life. Placing each of her characters into these themes allows Sister Helen to ‘follow the followers’ and explore the many paths along which Franciscans follow Jesus. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Franciscan intellectual tradition is represented strongly by the 13th Century Bonaventure and the 21st Century Sister Ilia Delio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany of these Franciscans are new to me. Felix of Cantalice (born 1515) was a ploughman who became a lay Franciscan friar. He begged for the friars in Rome for many years, and was known as Brother Deo Gratias, because he exclaimed, ‘Thanks be to God’ (\u003cem\u003eDeo Gratias\u003c\/em\u003e) for every gift. He sang simple songs in the street and was beloved of children and the poor. His story is told under ‘Simply Living’: his life was seemingly uneventful, but by faithfully being who he was attracted many.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was good to see the United Nations NGO Franciscans International in its context as an expression of the Franciscan family’s social care and social justice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI commend Franciscan Footprints warmly. It is a good book to share within the Franciscan family and beyond.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt his death, Saint Francis said, ‘I have done what is mine to do. May Christ teach you what is yours.’ Helen Julian’s book will help both long-term Franciscans and the curious to learn what Christ is teaching them what their life might be. The characters in her book have made their Franciscan footprints. Readers will find much in this book to help them make their own Franciscan Footprints.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eReviewed by Ted Witham TSSF\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Richard Frost, BRF author and blogger, May 2020\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Shortly before his death, Francis looked at the brothers gathered around him. ‘I have done what is mine,’ he said. ‘May Christ teach you what is yours.’ So begins Helen Julian’s excellent book about the gift left for us by Francis and Clare of Assisi and many who have made their own footprints for people to follow: ‘The gift is the inspiration of their lives and writings, and the fellowship of their prayers,’ she writes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter outlining the origins and development of Franciscan religious communities, Helen Julian tells the stories of many significant individuals from the time of Francis and Clare right through to the present day. She introduces the readers to some of who come from the author’s own Anglican Franciscan community as well as historical figures, some canonised and others who are simply saints. ‘You could think of it as arriving at a party: I’m standing next to you and telling you about the people gathered in the room. Then you can decide who you’d like to get to know better,’ she writes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Julian covers first, second and third order Franciscan writers and thinkers, mystics and spiritual writers, social care and justice influencers, martyrs and pastors and those who the author describes as ‘witnessing by simply living’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn many respects, \u003cem\u003eFranciscan Footprints\u003c\/em\u003e is a book of stories and despite their variety and often inspirational nature, for this reviewer there were too many of them. But it’s not a book that needs to be read in one sitting nor in the order in which the chapters are presented. Each chapter ends with a thought-provoking suggestion for reflection which with careful selection could be used for small group discussion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn writing about the 13\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century Scottish Franciscan, Duns Scotus, Helen Julian writes in a way that sums up the whole book: ‘You may feel out of depth in their ideas. But I encourage you to at least paddle in the shallows of their thoughts: you may be surprised by what you discover.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComing in to the 21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e century, here is a prayer by American friar Mychal Judge, who became the first officially recorded fatality in the Twins Towers attack on 11 September 2001 while helping others to escape:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLord, take me where you want me to go;\u003cbr\u003eLet me meet who you want me to meet;\u003cbr\u003eTell me what you want me to say;\u003cbr\u003eAnd keep me out of your way. \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\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview of Franciscan Footprints by Rona Bure: Third Order, Society of St Francis, European Province website \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.tssf.org.uk\"\u003ewww.tssf.org.uk\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis small book covers a great deal of ground – not only in time but in the grouping of the various men and women into Anglican founders, thinkers and writers, mystics and spiritual writers; social care, social justice, martyrs, missionaries and preachers, pastors and simply living. This enables the reader to realise the depth and scope of what these Franciscans did in their lives. Indeed Helen Julian CSF quotes from St Clare as follows:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘She said that they had been called to be like mirrors, in which people could look and see Christ. A mirror doesn’t exist to be looked at for itself; its whole purpose is to reflect back accurately what is in front of it.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a challenge for all Franciscans throughout time and today. Can we be a Mirror to the World? This is a question which many of the people in this book have tried to answer. You too can try and answer the questions posed at the end of every chapter. This could be a very useful exercise in exploring your interest in Francis and Clare. The very different themes of the chapters will resonate in different ways to you depending on your particular view. I see much debate ensuing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI am not a theologian and read simply to learn and explore to develop my understanding of what it is to be a Franciscan. There were many names in this book with which I was not familiar with and it widened my perspective and put others into context. In this time when challenges abound this book reminds us how important it is to be servants of our communities in every way. However this is not an easy task and I was heartened with the honest comment that Helen Julian makes in the book in that she throws at us a perspective that says we can fail but demonstrates as one door closes another opens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the end of the Chapter on Pastors Helen Julian writes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘When that door opens and someone appears, I always send up a silent prayer, ‘Lord, let me listen with your ears and respond from your heart.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is no doubt that the Franciscans in this book did so. Can we follow in the Footsteps? Read the book and ponder…\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Rona Bure\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Franciscan Footprints: Following Christ in the ways of Francis and Clare
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There are many ways of following Christ – each footprint is unique. One of these, the Franciscan spiritual journey, has...
{"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 Information\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. \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\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":["Devotional","For individuals","Kindle","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":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469502.jpg?v=1569409832"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/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":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469502.jpg?v=1569409832"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/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 Information\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. \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\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":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468130-l.jpg?v=1554718871"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/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":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468130-l.jpg?v=1570103263"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468130-l.jpg?v=1570103263","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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Life with St Benedict: The Rule reimagined for everyday living
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To discover the Rule of St Benedict is to encounter something that is at once inspiring, supporting, reassuring, challenging. Let...
{"id":3228554920036,"title":"Augustine's Life of Prayer, Learning and Love: Lessons for Christian living","handle":"augustines-life-of-prayer-learning-and-love-lessons-for-christian-living","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat can we learn from Augustine?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere are many books that tell the life story of Augustine and how he has been fundamental in shaping Western Christian theology and practice. This is not one of them. This book is about how he became a Christian – the problems he faced; the doubts he struggled with. It is about how he made sense of his belief in God, and shared it with other people. It is about how he learned to read the Bible, and to pray. And it is about the word which is at the heart of his Christian life – love. It concludes with moments of prayer from Augustine’s life, in which he glimpses visions of God, encouraging the reader to take their own next steps in discipleship.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCally Hammond studied ancient history and literature before becoming ordained in 1998. After serving as a parish priest in Bedfordshire, she was appointed Dean of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, where she teaches New Testament Greek and early Christian history. She has published a trilogy of books on prayer, and her new edition and translation of the Confessions of St Augustine was published in 2014–16. Cally was one of the judges for the Church Times 100 Best Christian Books selection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis engaging and handy little book is a great gift to every person who is trying to give the Christian life a go. It is brilliant, sensible catechesis to guide us through the ups and downs, the joys and frustrations, of life with God (and with each other) - at times helpfully frank, at times exposing the textures of complexity. In Cally Hammond's writing we are guided by one who has clearly lived, breathed, studied, and prayed with St Augustine's words and ideas, and found in his own struggles and paradoxes windows into our contemporary condition - as humans, as Christians, as a Church in progress. This book deserves a long life indeed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd James Crockford, Dean of Chapel and Fellow, Jesus College, Cambridge\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; color: black;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eAn extraordinary book, beautiful in its eloquence and simplicity, it resonates at a deep level. What I admire most is the author’s ability not to look over her shoulder to the scholarly community, but to address the ordinary reader without diminishing or simplifying the depth and complexity of Augustine’s ideas. Next semester, when I teach the Confessions again, I'd like to incorporate this book in some form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eProfessor Tarmo Toom\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eI am so grateful for this delightful and accessible introduction to Augustine, one of the most fascinating figures of Christian history. Here is the wonder and challenge of the Christian faith through Augustine's most personal of writings, skilfully interpreted to show how our most human struggles and longings can bring us to the love of God.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRevd Angela Tilby, Canon Emeritus of Christ Church, Oxford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Spring 2020. Review by Hugh Morley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCally Hammond has written a trilogy of books on prayer and recently published her new edition and translation of Augustine’s Confessions. She has studied ancient history and literature and now teaches New Testament Greek and early Christian history at Cambridge. The result is an intriguing book with each chapter following a similar format, analysing parts of Augustine’s life, interspersed with quotations from his works, followed by a ‘Bible passage for reflection’, questions for discussion and a prayer drawn from his writings. The nine chapters take us on a journey through Augustine’s life where the author explores issues such as his faith, conversion, teaching, prayer, his deep devotional life and the struggle he experienced in faith. This book is packed with insights into the great man’s life. Many books have been written about Augustine, but here is one which will encourage us to delve deeper into his Confessions in a new way: a book for personal interest that could well be used in small groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Hugh Morley\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Church Times 13.9.19. Review by John Binns\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis new book brings Augustine into the present, says John Binns \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSt Augustine was one of the Early Church’s great theologians. He left a huge collection of writings, on theology, biblical commentary, society, and politics, including hundreds of sermons. Among them was a book that has become known as the \u003cem\u003eConfessions.\u003c\/em\u003e Most of it is autobiographical, and it can be described as the first Christian autobiography. In it, he reveals his inner thoughts, struggles, and temptations as he slowly comes to faith, and then as he continues to think, pray and teach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCally Hammond has recently published a major two-volume edition and translation of the \u003cem\u003eConfessions\u003c\/em\u003e, which addresses historical, theological and critical issues. Here she returns to the \u003cem\u003eConfessions\u003c\/em\u003e, but with a very different approach. She wants us to understand Augustine’s faith journey and to discover that the things that concerned him are the same as those which concern us. So the faith that Augustine discovers and builds can shape and support us in our journey as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are nine sections, each discussing a theme of faith, such as how we come to faith, how we should read the Bible, how we grow in faith after baptism, why there are conflicts and divisions within the Church, and how we can best worship in a community and pray privately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are frequent extracts from the \u003cem\u003eConfessions\u003c\/em\u003e, in Hammond’s own lively and engaging translation; she then shows the thinking behind them and grounds them in a contemporary setting by placing her own stories and experiences alongside. She firmly avoids all academic and critical comment, not even providing references to the extracts that she chooses. Each section finishes with a Bible passage, some questions for discussion and a prayer. This locates the book very firmly within the Christian life of the reader.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book brings one of the great thinkers of the past vividly into the present. I found many thoughts and ideas that made sense to me and will form part of my own faith. It is a wonderful book, which can be used for individual study and could also be an absorbing discussion-starter for a group work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Revd Dr John Binns is Visiting Professor at the Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies, Cambridge.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you thought that all St Augustine ever talked about was ‘original sin’ then this book will enrich your mind. As the author Cally Hammond puts it, ‘In public, Augustine was bishop, a leader in the church and in society, an intellectual giant.’ Yet, like so many of us, he was, she says ‘in private, often needy of reassurance, guidance and affirmation.’ And that is key to this excellent book – amidst his greatness, Augustine of Hippo was just like so many of us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving written her own translation of the 13 books of Augustine’s autobiographical \u003cem\u003eConfessions \u003c\/em\u003e(which she draws upon for much of this book), as well as being Dean of a Cambridge University college, one would be forgiven for expecting an academic treatise. But Cally Hammond’s writing is far from that. It is accessible, engaging and reflects her own response to the joy and wonder which Augustine experiences in his journey of faith. It is a compelling and uplifting read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCally Hammond opens up many aspects of Augustine’s life and relates them not only to the context in which he lived but also to our modern day, 21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e century joys and difficulties. She explains how Augustine struggled with parts of the Bible, argued with others, fought to overcome heresy and schism, and enjoyed doing something that was wrong: ‘I was loathsome and I loved it,’ he wrote at one point. As he grew older, his views changed, and his faith developed a deeper understanding of God. His life was about faith seeking understanding, as ours is to be.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCally Hammond explains how as a preacher, teacher and Bible scholar, Augustine provides a model for today’s leaders: ‘His task was to preach Christ, not himself,’ she writes. ‘And it was no good, he knew, preaching to people in a way that went over their heads.’ We also learn how Augustine developed a life of prayer both with others and by himself. One chapter includes fascinating accounts of the visions he received in which he experienced the joy and wonder of knowing God. Cally Hammond’s accounts of these are particularly compelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book or surprises: the most unexpected and beautiful of which is the poetry written by this great man of God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo what of original sin? Once again, Cally Hammond explains very clearly what Augustine meant and what he didn’t: ‘Augustine would have agreed completely that life in this world exposes us to all sorts of sin. But he knew that the only reason sin affects us is our inborn inability to resist doing wrong. And that is not something we just pick up as life goes along; it is fundamental to who we are… Augustine did not shy away from teaching a doctrine just because it was hard.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe see painted a picture of man who was, like many people, often very different on the public-facing, outside than on the private, God-facing inside. Yet they all go to make up the man who Augustine of Hippo. But this awareness provides a valuable learning point also: ‘This is something I always encourage people to reflect on and remember,’ writes Cally Hammond, ‘that it is a mistake… to compare the outside of other people’s lives with the inside of our own life.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCally Hammond has given us a very accessible and easy to read book about one of the great, early church figures. She demonstrates how all of us can not only learn from him and but also experience some of what he experienced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e______________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-04-02T14:28:25+01:00","created_at":"2019-04-02T14:33:46+01:00","vendor":"Cally Hammond","type":"Paperback","tags":["For individuals","Jul-19","Kindle","Prayer","Spirituality"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":26306845868132,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857467133","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Augustine's Life of Prayer, Learning and Love: Lessons for Christian living","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":899,"weight":200,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857467133","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857467133-l.jpg?v=1554212031"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857467133-l.jpg?v=1554212031","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3264416841867,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857467133-l.jpg?v=1570103182"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857467133-l.jpg?v=1570103182","width":426}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat can we learn from Augustine?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere are many books that tell the life story of Augustine and how he has been fundamental in shaping Western Christian theology and practice. This is not one of them. This book is about how he became a Christian – the problems he faced; the doubts he struggled with. It is about how he made sense of his belief in God, and shared it with other people. It is about how he learned to read the Bible, and to pray. And it is about the word which is at the heart of his Christian life – love. It concludes with moments of prayer from Augustine’s life, in which he glimpses visions of God, encouraging the reader to take their own next steps in discipleship.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCally Hammond studied ancient history and literature before becoming ordained in 1998. After serving as a parish priest in Bedfordshire, she was appointed Dean of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, where she teaches New Testament Greek and early Christian history. She has published a trilogy of books on prayer, and her new edition and translation of the Confessions of St Augustine was published in 2014–16. Cally was one of the judges for the Church Times 100 Best Christian Books selection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis engaging and handy little book is a great gift to every person who is trying to give the Christian life a go. It is brilliant, sensible catechesis to guide us through the ups and downs, the joys and frustrations, of life with God (and with each other) - at times helpfully frank, at times exposing the textures of complexity. In Cally Hammond's writing we are guided by one who has clearly lived, breathed, studied, and prayed with St Augustine's words and ideas, and found in his own struggles and paradoxes windows into our contemporary condition - as humans, as Christians, as a Church in progress. This book deserves a long life indeed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd James Crockford, Dean of Chapel and Fellow, Jesus College, Cambridge\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; color: black;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eAn extraordinary book, beautiful in its eloquence and simplicity, it resonates at a deep level. What I admire most is the author’s ability not to look over her shoulder to the scholarly community, but to address the ordinary reader without diminishing or simplifying the depth and complexity of Augustine’s ideas. Next semester, when I teach the Confessions again, I'd like to incorporate this book in some form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eProfessor Tarmo Toom\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eI am so grateful for this delightful and accessible introduction to Augustine, one of the most fascinating figures of Christian history. Here is the wonder and challenge of the Christian faith through Augustine's most personal of writings, skilfully interpreted to show how our most human struggles and longings can bring us to the love of God.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRevd Angela Tilby, Canon Emeritus of Christ Church, Oxford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Spring 2020. Review by Hugh Morley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCally Hammond has written a trilogy of books on prayer and recently published her new edition and translation of Augustine’s Confessions. She has studied ancient history and literature and now teaches New Testament Greek and early Christian history at Cambridge. The result is an intriguing book with each chapter following a similar format, analysing parts of Augustine’s life, interspersed with quotations from his works, followed by a ‘Bible passage for reflection’, questions for discussion and a prayer drawn from his writings. The nine chapters take us on a journey through Augustine’s life where the author explores issues such as his faith, conversion, teaching, prayer, his deep devotional life and the struggle he experienced in faith. This book is packed with insights into the great man’s life. Many books have been written about Augustine, but here is one which will encourage us to delve deeper into his Confessions in a new way: a book for personal interest that could well be used in small groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Hugh Morley\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Church Times 13.9.19. Review by John Binns\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis new book brings Augustine into the present, says John Binns \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSt Augustine was one of the Early Church’s great theologians. He left a huge collection of writings, on theology, biblical commentary, society, and politics, including hundreds of sermons. Among them was a book that has become known as the \u003cem\u003eConfessions.\u003c\/em\u003e Most of it is autobiographical, and it can be described as the first Christian autobiography. In it, he reveals his inner thoughts, struggles, and temptations as he slowly comes to faith, and then as he continues to think, pray and teach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCally Hammond has recently published a major two-volume edition and translation of the \u003cem\u003eConfessions\u003c\/em\u003e, which addresses historical, theological and critical issues. Here she returns to the \u003cem\u003eConfessions\u003c\/em\u003e, but with a very different approach. She wants us to understand Augustine’s faith journey and to discover that the things that concerned him are the same as those which concern us. So the faith that Augustine discovers and builds can shape and support us in our journey as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are nine sections, each discussing a theme of faith, such as how we come to faith, how we should read the Bible, how we grow in faith after baptism, why there are conflicts and divisions within the Church, and how we can best worship in a community and pray privately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are frequent extracts from the \u003cem\u003eConfessions\u003c\/em\u003e, in Hammond’s own lively and engaging translation; she then shows the thinking behind them and grounds them in a contemporary setting by placing her own stories and experiences alongside. She firmly avoids all academic and critical comment, not even providing references to the extracts that she chooses. Each section finishes with a Bible passage, some questions for discussion and a prayer. This locates the book very firmly within the Christian life of the reader.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book brings one of the great thinkers of the past vividly into the present. I found many thoughts and ideas that made sense to me and will form part of my own faith. It is a wonderful book, which can be used for individual study and could also be an absorbing discussion-starter for a group work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Revd Dr John Binns is Visiting Professor at the Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies, Cambridge.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you thought that all St Augustine ever talked about was ‘original sin’ then this book will enrich your mind. As the author Cally Hammond puts it, ‘In public, Augustine was bishop, a leader in the church and in society, an intellectual giant.’ Yet, like so many of us, he was, she says ‘in private, often needy of reassurance, guidance and affirmation.’ And that is key to this excellent book – amidst his greatness, Augustine of Hippo was just like so many of us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving written her own translation of the 13 books of Augustine’s autobiographical \u003cem\u003eConfessions \u003c\/em\u003e(which she draws upon for much of this book), as well as being Dean of a Cambridge University college, one would be forgiven for expecting an academic treatise. But Cally Hammond’s writing is far from that. It is accessible, engaging and reflects her own response to the joy and wonder which Augustine experiences in his journey of faith. It is a compelling and uplifting read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCally Hammond opens up many aspects of Augustine’s life and relates them not only to the context in which he lived but also to our modern day, 21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e century joys and difficulties. She explains how Augustine struggled with parts of the Bible, argued with others, fought to overcome heresy and schism, and enjoyed doing something that was wrong: ‘I was loathsome and I loved it,’ he wrote at one point. As he grew older, his views changed, and his faith developed a deeper understanding of God. His life was about faith seeking understanding, as ours is to be.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCally Hammond explains how as a preacher, teacher and Bible scholar, Augustine provides a model for today’s leaders: ‘His task was to preach Christ, not himself,’ she writes. ‘And it was no good, he knew, preaching to people in a way that went over their heads.’ We also learn how Augustine developed a life of prayer both with others and by himself. One chapter includes fascinating accounts of the visions he received in which he experienced the joy and wonder of knowing God. Cally Hammond’s accounts of these are particularly compelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book or surprises: the most unexpected and beautiful of which is the poetry written by this great man of God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo what of original sin? Once again, Cally Hammond explains very clearly what Augustine meant and what he didn’t: ‘Augustine would have agreed completely that life in this world exposes us to all sorts of sin. But he knew that the only reason sin affects us is our inborn inability to resist doing wrong. And that is not something we just pick up as life goes along; it is fundamental to who we are… Augustine did not shy away from teaching a doctrine just because it was hard.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe see painted a picture of man who was, like many people, often very different on the public-facing, outside than on the private, God-facing inside. Yet they all go to make up the man who Augustine of Hippo. But this awareness provides a valuable learning point also: ‘This is something I always encourage people to reflect on and remember,’ writes Cally Hammond, ‘that it is a mistake… to compare the outside of other people’s lives with the inside of our own life.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCally Hammond has given us a very accessible and easy to read book about one of the great, early church figures. She demonstrates how all of us can not only learn from him and but also experience some of what he experienced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e______________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Augustine's Life of Prayer, Learning and Love: Lessons for Christian living
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What can we learn from Augustine?There are many books that tell the life story of Augustine and how he has...
{"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":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468673-l.jpg?v=1551267441"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/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":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468673-l.jpg?v=1570102405"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468673-l.jpg?v=1570102405","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"}
You may also like:
When You Pray: Daily Bible reflections on the Lord's Prayer
£10.99
In this updated edition of a classic text, Joanna Collicutt shows how growing as a Christian is rooted in the...