Attentive to God: Being aware of God’s presence in daily life
Attentive to God: Being aware of God’s presence in daily life
Author
:
Tony Horsfall
£9.99
Mindfulness is not new, and God’s people down the centuries have always been encouraged to practise ‘the sacrament of the present moment’ – that is, to notice God in the events of everyday life and become attentive to that presence. Tony Horsfall explores six Bible stories that describe individuals encountering God, showing how we can learn how to notice the presence of the divine for ourselves. He also unpacks key spiritual practices that anyone can follow, and introduces insights from influential writers on the awareness of God in the ordinary.
This product will be available as soon as it’s published on
19 September 2025
| Title | Attentive to God: Being aware of God’s presence in daily life |
| Author | Tony Horsfall |
| ISBN | |
| Description | Mindfulness is not new, and God’s people down the centuries have always been encouraged to practise ‘the sacrament of the present moment’ – that is, to notice God in the events of everyday life and become attentive to that presence. Tony Horsfall explores six Bible stories that describe individuals encountering God, showing how we can learn how to notice the presence of the divine for ourselves. He also unpacks key spiritual practices that anyone can follow, and introduces insights from influential writers on the awareness of God in the ordinary. |
| Details |
|
Mindfulness is not new, and God’s people down the centuries have always been encouraged to practise ‘the sacrament of the present moment’ – that is, to notice God in the events of everyday life and become attentive to that presence. Tony Horsfall explores six Bible stories that describe individuals encountering God, showing how we can learn how to notice the presence of the divine for ourselves. He also unpacks key spiritual practices that anyone can follow, and introduces insights from influential writers on the awareness of God in the ordinary.
Tony 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 Servant Ministry (2013), Rhythms of Grace (2012), Working from a Place of Rest (2010) and Mentoring for Spiritual Growth (2008). He also contributes to New Daylight Bible reading notes.
Related
{"id":7909747556543,"title":"The Poetry of Pilgrimage: Reflections on Celtic Pilgrimage sites in Ireland and Britain","handle":"the-poetry-of-pilgrimage","description":"\u003cp\u003eDrawing from his experience of co-leading pilgrimages in Britain and Ireland, Michael Mitton captures the essence of 23 significant pilgrimage sites for anyone from experienced pilgrims to armchair pilgrims. Each chapter outlines the story of the Celtic saint who founded the site, together with information about the location, a poem inspired by the author’s experience of that place, a reflective question, a suggested Bible reading and a photo of the site.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMichael Mitton is an Anglican priest and canon emeritus of Derby Cathedral. He currently works freelance as a spiritual director, speaker and writer, and is the author of nine non-fiction books and five novels, including Restoring the Woven Cord (BRF, 2019 third edition). Website: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.michaelmitton.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehttp:\/\/www.michaelmitton.co.uk\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Michael’s poems bring us fresh but timeless riches for our spiritual journeys,\u003cbr\u003ewherever they may be. Drink deeply from this holy well of divine grace.’\u003cbr\u003eGraham Booth, former Guardian of the Community of Aidan and Hilda.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘Michael Mitton has left an indelible mark on my life; he was a voice of courage\u003cbr\u003eas I embarked on my own missionary journey to Cornwall. His book brings to\u003cbr\u003elife the characters whose faith shaped the British Isles; they are much needed\u003cbr\u003ecompanions for the church, to rekindle faith and stir courage.’\u003cbr\u003eThe Revd Anna Mason-Hyde, church leader of St Gregory’s in Cornwall\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘As one of many on pilgrimage with Michael, who is both bard and spiritual director,\u003cbr\u003eI have beheld the wild Spirit of God ignite our pilgrim band at these sites and\u003cbr\u003ebirth fresh encounters with the Presence of the living God. May you find such\u003cbr\u003eportals leading deep into God’s heart through Michael’s visionary poetry and\u003cbr\u003eyour own reflections.’\u003cbr\u003eThe Revd Dr Sandi Kerner, canon for prayer and healing, Cathedral Church of\u003cbr\u003eSt Luke and St Paul and for the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘This is a book whose simple and heartfelt words will gather you – you with your\u003cbr\u003efear and failings, joys and dreams – and lift you to fly with the Wild Goose who\u003cbr\u003eseeks you.’\u003cbr\u003ePenny Warren, members’ Guardian of the Community of Aidan and Hilda\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘[The poems] are beautifully crafted… they are soulful, spiritual and carry a depth\u003cbr\u003eand a yearning. They bring to life in a wonderful way the lives of Celtic saints\u003cbr\u003eand their mystical longings. They reverberate like prayers. I am drawn back to\u003cbr\u003ethem again and again.’\u003cbr\u003eJonny Baker, Britain hub mission director for Church Mission Society\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Michael Mitton brings us face to face with spiritual yet human Celtic characters\u003cbr\u003eand transports us to places made holy by their lives. He relates recent spiritual\u003cbr\u003eencounters in these thin places and gives us poems and thought-provoking\u003cbr\u003equestions to extend our dwelling there. It’s a book to treasure and read slowly –\u003cbr\u003ea saint at a time.’\u003cbr\u003eGeorge Lings retired researcher and author of Seven Sacred Spaces and Reproducing\u003cbr\u003eChurches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘I have admired Michael Mitton’s poetry ever since I first heard him read one of\u003cbr\u003ehis works during a pilgrimage in Ireland. His words resonated with us, capturing\u003cbr\u003eand amplifying the encounters with the Holy Spirit that we were experiencing.\u003cbr\u003eReading The Poetry of Pilgrimage reignites that same sense of wonder and abandon,\u003cbr\u003einspiring me to follow Jesus more fervently. These poems offer readers\u003cbr\u003eencouragement and strength to persevere through the wild and unknown of\u003cbr\u003etheir own spiritual journeys.’\u003cbr\u003eThe Rt Revd Ron Dent Kuykendall PhD, rector of St Andrew’s Gainesville,\u003cbr\u003eFlorida, and executive chaplain to the national director and chaplain to the\u003cbr\u003eboard for the International Order of St Luke the Physician\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘The poetry and prose that you will find in these pages will transport you into\u003cbr\u003ethe lives of many Celtic saints in their places, and you will be drawn into the\u003cbr\u003eDivine Spirit that they each embodied through Michael’s directed reflection and\u003cbr\u003escripture readings. The pictures and stories he adds to the poems complete this\u003cbr\u003ebeautiful piece of literature which adds to the centuries old Celtic tradition of\u003cbr\u003esharing poem and story and song.’\u003cbr\u003eDavid Cassian Cole, author of Celtic Saints, The Celtic Year and The Art of Peace:\u003cbr\u003eLife lessons from Christian mystics\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Summer 2025. Review by Laura Hillman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAs well as being an established writer, the author is an experienced leader of pilgrimages to the Celtic fringes of our land. In this compact guide he packs in a vast amount of information about the saints of the early church together with practical hints for visiting the places where they lived and worked in Britain and Ireland. Some, like St David of Wales or St Columba of Iona, are well known; others less so. I had not previously heard of Sennach of Illauntannig or Seiriol of Penmon, among others. Many of them lived on small islands accessible only by boat and restricted by tides or poor weather. Each chapter starts with the story of the saint’s life followed by information about the location and the author’s recollections of visits to the site and its effect on the pilgrims. Thoughts for reflection, a Bible reading, a black and white photo and an original poem are included in each case. The armchair traveller will find inspiration, and those active enough may be motivated to visit some of the places featured.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Laura Hillman \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times online 07.12.24. Review by Trevor Stammers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eMy review copy of these self-confessed ‘imaginations of a romantic’ (p 158) of an author was the third edition, so they have clearly already inspired many previous readers – as they have now me – to visit some of the sites associates with Celtic saints in Ireland and Britain or perhaps even to go on a pilgrimage to one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eMichael Mitton together with his friend and fellow-pilgrim Russ Parker have led dozens of such pilgrimages over many years and this book captures the essence of 23 sacred sites for experienced pilgrims to armchair pilgrims.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eI suspect quite a few of the latter with turn into the former after reading it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eTwenty-two Celtic saints are considered, Columba having two entries and all but three of them (Aebbe of Coldingham, Brigid of Kildare and Non of Dyfed) are men. This imbalance reflects the times about which the author is writing but the fact that they are included reflects the author's obvious awareness that all people and indeed all creatures are precious to the One who created them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eSensing the ‘dancing and swirling ripples’ on a river as a ‘sign of the Holy Spirit moving over the face of the waters’ (p165) may sound fanciful to readers of a more rational\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003emindset, but certainly gives the flavour of the book’s approach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eFor each sacred site considered, there is a brief story of the saint’s life associated with it followed by a usually slightly longer account of the location and things that have happened there to those on pilgrimages led by the author.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eA poem, questions for reflection and an aptly and occasionally artfully (in both senses) chosen Bible passage, complete each chapter together with a photograph. Though the author is rather self-deprecating about his poetic skills, they were for me the most delightful part of the book and conjured up the sense of place and something of what it might be like to be on such a pilgrimage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eEach poem ends with a prayer that a particular characteristic of the saint concerned would also grow in the reader’s life also. Seven of these poetic prayer-endings mention the name of the saint concerned. I have chosen for brevity two of the shortest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eDear God, open the vents of heaven\u003cbr\u003ethat I may catch my breath at your wonders.\u003cbr\u003eFill me, that I may breathe upon the dimly burning wicks\u003cbr\u003eand the fragile fires burning in the hearts\u003cbr\u003eof your children in this beloved and yet wounded world\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eand let the compassion of Brigid\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003ebe as a fire in the temple of my soul.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eLord grant to me a Cwyfan heart\u003cbr\u003ethat I may build homes of open hearts\u003cbr\u003eon the wild and shifting edges of this world,\u003cbr\u003eand trust in your unfailing love,\u003cbr\u003esturdy as a rock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eIf these catch the wind of the Spirit in your sails, you will definitely enjoy the book. Even if they don’t but you would like more information about some of the places of pilgrimage in Britain and Ireland, and a feel for how pilgrims have been affected by them, then it’s also worth a look.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eI am keeping my review copy for reference on my own travels and feel Lindisfarne beckoning one day….\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Jonny Baker's \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/jonnybaker.blogs.com\/\"\u003eblog\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eMichael Mitton has a new book out - The Poetry of Pilgrimage. Together with Russ Parker he has led pilgrimages around the British Isles to sites of Celtic saints. I had the pleasure to go with a group of pioneers on one to Ireland many years back which was wonderful. The book is a square format, and for each of the 23 Celtic saints has a photograph, story, description of location, a poem and some questions for reflection. When I went on the pilgrimage to Ireland Michael wrote and read a couple of the poems. It's obviously a great book if you are visiting any of those sites but equally is a lovely book for reflection anyway. The Celtic stories are always inspiring and resonate with pioneers in my experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Jonny Baker\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Methodist Recorder 01.11.24. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by David Gleed\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eMichael Mitton’s The Poetry of Pilgrimage is a lovely book of some 23 short chapters and while poetry is the focus, the well written location narrative that opens each new chapter provides a perfect setting for the verse that follows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eI have visited a number of the places included in the book and found myself instantly transported back to those windswept coastlines and distant islands, where the Celtic saints of old eked out a living and founded communities that lived the Gospel message and carried it far and wide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe author is very much a story-teller in verse. His poems create a picture and tell the story in an accessible, page-turning manner that holds the attention and fires the imagination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eTaking in a selection of Celtic Christian pilgrimage sites across Ireland and Britain, the book has an easy-to-follow format, with chapters divided into a common sequence; information about the saint and the location, poem with prayer, reflection with Bible reading. A photograph concludes the chapter — there’s something about black and white photographs that add another layer of intrigue, I find. It happens here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003ePoetry resonates with many of those who travel The Way: prayer, reflection and poetry provide a rhythm around which to journey. Michael’s book captures this mood and the rhythm. It will prove a ready companion for both the armchair pilgrim and pilgrim on the road.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThrough narrative and verse the scene magically unfolds before you. Whether it’s a first time visit or a return journey, through the author’s pen and lens, you will know the place and perhaps, almost certainly sense a renewal of spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe backstory to this book is also of interest. Michael co-led pilgrimages with colleague Russ Parker for years (and still does), writing poetry as he walked and then reading the day’s composition to the assembled group in the evening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eMany encouraged him to publish. Enjoy the read … I have a feeling you will!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by David Gleed\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-07-12T17:48:43+01:00","created_at":"2024-07-12T17:48:43+01:00","vendor":"Michael Mitton","type":"Paperback","tags":["2024","Celtic Christianity","Glassboxx","KCLC","New Titles","Spirituality","Upcoming titles"],"price":1299,"price_min":1299,"price_max":1299,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":43664489414847,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800393219","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":36458043736255,"product_id":7909747556543,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-07-12T17:50:25+01:00","updated_at":"2024-07-12T17:50:27+01:00","alt":null,"width":1831,"height":1949,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/PoetryofPilgrimage.jpg?v=1720803027","variant_ids":[43664489414847]},"available":true,"name":"The Poetry of Pilgrimage: Reflections on Celtic Pilgrimage sites in Ireland and Britain - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":1299,"weight":270,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800393219","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":29233447174335,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.939,"height":1949,"width":1831,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/PoetryofPilgrimage.jpg?v=1720803027"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/PoetryofPilgrimage.jpg?v=1720803027"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/PoetryofPilgrimage.jpg?v=1720803027","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":29233447174335,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.939,"height":1949,"width":1831,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/PoetryofPilgrimage.jpg?v=1720803027"},"aspect_ratio":0.939,"height":1949,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/PoetryofPilgrimage.jpg?v=1720803027","width":1831}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eDrawing from his experience of co-leading pilgrimages in Britain and Ireland, Michael Mitton captures the essence of 23 significant pilgrimage sites for anyone from experienced pilgrims to armchair pilgrims. Each chapter outlines the story of the Celtic saint who founded the site, together with information about the location, a poem inspired by the author’s experience of that place, a reflective question, a suggested Bible reading and a photo of the site.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMichael Mitton is an Anglican priest and canon emeritus of Derby Cathedral. He currently works freelance as a spiritual director, speaker and writer, and is the author of nine non-fiction books and five novels, including Restoring the Woven Cord (BRF, 2019 third edition). Website: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.michaelmitton.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehttp:\/\/www.michaelmitton.co.uk\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Michael’s poems bring us fresh but timeless riches for our spiritual journeys,\u003cbr\u003ewherever they may be. Drink deeply from this holy well of divine grace.’\u003cbr\u003eGraham Booth, former Guardian of the Community of Aidan and Hilda.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘Michael Mitton has left an indelible mark on my life; he was a voice of courage\u003cbr\u003eas I embarked on my own missionary journey to Cornwall. His book brings to\u003cbr\u003elife the characters whose faith shaped the British Isles; they are much needed\u003cbr\u003ecompanions for the church, to rekindle faith and stir courage.’\u003cbr\u003eThe Revd Anna Mason-Hyde, church leader of St Gregory’s in Cornwall\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘As one of many on pilgrimage with Michael, who is both bard and spiritual director,\u003cbr\u003eI have beheld the wild Spirit of God ignite our pilgrim band at these sites and\u003cbr\u003ebirth fresh encounters with the Presence of the living God. May you find such\u003cbr\u003eportals leading deep into God’s heart through Michael’s visionary poetry and\u003cbr\u003eyour own reflections.’\u003cbr\u003eThe Revd Dr Sandi Kerner, canon for prayer and healing, Cathedral Church of\u003cbr\u003eSt Luke and St Paul and for the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘This is a book whose simple and heartfelt words will gather you – you with your\u003cbr\u003efear and failings, joys and dreams – and lift you to fly with the Wild Goose who\u003cbr\u003eseeks you.’\u003cbr\u003ePenny Warren, members’ Guardian of the Community of Aidan and Hilda\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘[The poems] are beautifully crafted… they are soulful, spiritual and carry a depth\u003cbr\u003eand a yearning. They bring to life in a wonderful way the lives of Celtic saints\u003cbr\u003eand their mystical longings. They reverberate like prayers. I am drawn back to\u003cbr\u003ethem again and again.’\u003cbr\u003eJonny Baker, Britain hub mission director for Church Mission Society\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Michael Mitton brings us face to face with spiritual yet human Celtic characters\u003cbr\u003eand transports us to places made holy by their lives. He relates recent spiritual\u003cbr\u003eencounters in these thin places and gives us poems and thought-provoking\u003cbr\u003equestions to extend our dwelling there. It’s a book to treasure and read slowly –\u003cbr\u003ea saint at a time.’\u003cbr\u003eGeorge Lings retired researcher and author of Seven Sacred Spaces and Reproducing\u003cbr\u003eChurches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘I have admired Michael Mitton’s poetry ever since I first heard him read one of\u003cbr\u003ehis works during a pilgrimage in Ireland. His words resonated with us, capturing\u003cbr\u003eand amplifying the encounters with the Holy Spirit that we were experiencing.\u003cbr\u003eReading The Poetry of Pilgrimage reignites that same sense of wonder and abandon,\u003cbr\u003einspiring me to follow Jesus more fervently. These poems offer readers\u003cbr\u003eencouragement and strength to persevere through the wild and unknown of\u003cbr\u003etheir own spiritual journeys.’\u003cbr\u003eThe Rt Revd Ron Dent Kuykendall PhD, rector of St Andrew’s Gainesville,\u003cbr\u003eFlorida, and executive chaplain to the national director and chaplain to the\u003cbr\u003eboard for the International Order of St Luke the Physician\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘The poetry and prose that you will find in these pages will transport you into\u003cbr\u003ethe lives of many Celtic saints in their places, and you will be drawn into the\u003cbr\u003eDivine Spirit that they each embodied through Michael’s directed reflection and\u003cbr\u003escripture readings. The pictures and stories he adds to the poems complete this\u003cbr\u003ebeautiful piece of literature which adds to the centuries old Celtic tradition of\u003cbr\u003esharing poem and story and song.’\u003cbr\u003eDavid Cassian Cole, author of Celtic Saints, The Celtic Year and The Art of Peace:\u003cbr\u003eLife lessons from Christian mystics\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Summer 2025. Review by Laura Hillman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAs well as being an established writer, the author is an experienced leader of pilgrimages to the Celtic fringes of our land. In this compact guide he packs in a vast amount of information about the saints of the early church together with practical hints for visiting the places where they lived and worked in Britain and Ireland. Some, like St David of Wales or St Columba of Iona, are well known; others less so. I had not previously heard of Sennach of Illauntannig or Seiriol of Penmon, among others. Many of them lived on small islands accessible only by boat and restricted by tides or poor weather. Each chapter starts with the story of the saint’s life followed by information about the location and the author’s recollections of visits to the site and its effect on the pilgrims. Thoughts for reflection, a Bible reading, a black and white photo and an original poem are included in each case. The armchair traveller will find inspiration, and those active enough may be motivated to visit some of the places featured.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Laura Hillman \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times online 07.12.24. Review by Trevor Stammers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eMy review copy of these self-confessed ‘imaginations of a romantic’ (p 158) of an author was the third edition, so they have clearly already inspired many previous readers – as they have now me – to visit some of the sites associates with Celtic saints in Ireland and Britain or perhaps even to go on a pilgrimage to one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eMichael Mitton together with his friend and fellow-pilgrim Russ Parker have led dozens of such pilgrimages over many years and this book captures the essence of 23 sacred sites for experienced pilgrims to armchair pilgrims.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eI suspect quite a few of the latter with turn into the former after reading it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eTwenty-two Celtic saints are considered, Columba having two entries and all but three of them (Aebbe of Coldingham, Brigid of Kildare and Non of Dyfed) are men. This imbalance reflects the times about which the author is writing but the fact that they are included reflects the author's obvious awareness that all people and indeed all creatures are precious to the One who created them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eSensing the ‘dancing and swirling ripples’ on a river as a ‘sign of the Holy Spirit moving over the face of the waters’ (p165) may sound fanciful to readers of a more rational\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003emindset, but certainly gives the flavour of the book’s approach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eFor each sacred site considered, there is a brief story of the saint’s life associated with it followed by a usually slightly longer account of the location and things that have happened there to those on pilgrimages led by the author.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eA poem, questions for reflection and an aptly and occasionally artfully (in both senses) chosen Bible passage, complete each chapter together with a photograph. Though the author is rather self-deprecating about his poetic skills, they were for me the most delightful part of the book and conjured up the sense of place and something of what it might be like to be on such a pilgrimage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eEach poem ends with a prayer that a particular characteristic of the saint concerned would also grow in the reader’s life also. Seven of these poetic prayer-endings mention the name of the saint concerned. I have chosen for brevity two of the shortest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eDear God, open the vents of heaven\u003cbr\u003ethat I may catch my breath at your wonders.\u003cbr\u003eFill me, that I may breathe upon the dimly burning wicks\u003cbr\u003eand the fragile fires burning in the hearts\u003cbr\u003eof your children in this beloved and yet wounded world\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eand let the compassion of Brigid\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003ebe as a fire in the temple of my soul.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eLord grant to me a Cwyfan heart\u003cbr\u003ethat I may build homes of open hearts\u003cbr\u003eon the wild and shifting edges of this world,\u003cbr\u003eand trust in your unfailing love,\u003cbr\u003esturdy as a rock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eIf these catch the wind of the Spirit in your sails, you will definitely enjoy the book. Even if they don’t but you would like more information about some of the places of pilgrimage in Britain and Ireland, and a feel for how pilgrims have been affected by them, then it’s also worth a look.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eI am keeping my review copy for reference on my own travels and feel Lindisfarne beckoning one day….\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Jonny Baker's \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/jonnybaker.blogs.com\/\"\u003eblog\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eMichael Mitton has a new book out - The Poetry of Pilgrimage. Together with Russ Parker he has led pilgrimages around the British Isles to sites of Celtic saints. I had the pleasure to go with a group of pioneers on one to Ireland many years back which was wonderful. The book is a square format, and for each of the 23 Celtic saints has a photograph, story, description of location, a poem and some questions for reflection. When I went on the pilgrimage to Ireland Michael wrote and read a couple of the poems. It's obviously a great book if you are visiting any of those sites but equally is a lovely book for reflection anyway. The Celtic stories are always inspiring and resonate with pioneers in my experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Jonny Baker\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Methodist Recorder 01.11.24. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by David Gleed\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eMichael Mitton’s The Poetry of Pilgrimage is a lovely book of some 23 short chapters and while poetry is the focus, the well written location narrative that opens each new chapter provides a perfect setting for the verse that follows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eI have visited a number of the places included in the book and found myself instantly transported back to those windswept coastlines and distant islands, where the Celtic saints of old eked out a living and founded communities that lived the Gospel message and carried it far and wide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe author is very much a story-teller in verse. His poems create a picture and tell the story in an accessible, page-turning manner that holds the attention and fires the imagination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eTaking in a selection of Celtic Christian pilgrimage sites across Ireland and Britain, the book has an easy-to-follow format, with chapters divided into a common sequence; information about the saint and the location, poem with prayer, reflection with Bible reading. A photograph concludes the chapter — there’s something about black and white photographs that add another layer of intrigue, I find. It happens here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003ePoetry resonates with many of those who travel The Way: prayer, reflection and poetry provide a rhythm around which to journey. Michael’s book captures this mood and the rhythm. It will prove a ready companion for both the armchair pilgrim and pilgrim on the road.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThrough narrative and verse the scene magically unfolds before you. Whether it’s a first time visit or a return journey, through the author’s pen and lens, you will know the place and perhaps, almost certainly sense a renewal of spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe backstory to this book is also of interest. Michael co-led pilgrimages with colleague Russ Parker for years (and still does), writing poetry as he walked and then reading the day’s composition to the assembled group in the evening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eMany encouraged him to publish. Enjoy the read … I have a feeling you will!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by David Gleed\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
The Poetry of Pilgrimage: Reflections on Celtic Pilgrimage sites in Ireland and Britain
£12.99
Drawing from his experience of co-leading pilgrimages in Britain and Ireland, Michael Mitton captures the essence of 23 significant pilgrimage...
{"id":7919499247807,"title":"Garden Song: Exploring the psalms through paintings, reflections and prayers","handle":"garden-song-exploring-the-psalms-through-paintings-reflections-and-prayers","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA fresh, vibrant interpretation for today\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e. Garden Song\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e brings together original artwork by artist Micah Hayns and reflections and prayers by Reverend Clare Hayns. Leading the reader through 30 selected psalms, the mother-son duo capture the essence of this ancient text – the worship, the grieving and the joy – and open up new ways to engage with its riches. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere is also a playlist of suggested music to accompany the reflections.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/n8zknrhaI-k?si=EvozVaPR-zTOUbuJ\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"134\" width=\"201\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Clare_Hayns_1.jpg?v=1636541386\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 20px; float: right;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClare Hayns\u003c\/strong\u003e is a vicar in the diocese of Oxford and was previously college chaplain at Christ Church, Oxford. Pre-ordination she worked as a social worker specialising in substance misuse, and for a while was an entertainment agent. She is married to John, a performer, and has three creative sons, the eldest of whom is the illustrator of this book. This is the second book collaboration between Clare and Micah, the first being \u003cem\u003eUnveiled: Women of the Old Testament and the choices they made\u003c\/em\u003e, also published by BRF.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMicah Hayns\u003c\/strong\u003e is a contemporary artist based in Oxford. Trained in Florence, he combines classical techniques with a contemporary style, inspired by the impressionists, street art and the Old Masters. Through his work, he hopes to share where he finds beauty, life and truth. He currently paints from his studio gallery in Oxford called the Jungle, which also operates as a community space run by a local charity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eReview by Richard Frost, January 2025\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis is a beautifully presented book containing illustrations by contemporary artist Micah Hayns and reflections and prayers by Oxford vicar, Clare Hayns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWith 30 reflections, this mother and son duo have provided a very helpful and insightful way of approaching many different aspects of all that the Psalms give to us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThrough selected Psalms of worship, grieving and joy, Micah’s paintings and artwork tap in to elements of \u003ci\u003evisio divina\u003c\/i\u003e. Sometimes soft focussed and easy on the eye, yet also at times detailed and striking, they are a valuable companion to Clare’s reflections. Those accompanying words are part short commentary and part reflection, often drawing our thoughts to key points within the psalm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe book also has a companion playlist of suggested music to accompany each of the 30 reflections. The link shown in the book is no longer functioning but they can be found here \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/playlist\/38IGBl3e8tOJ4epDkqOOCy?si=C8SRttb3TBCY709gvey5Yg\u0026amp;nd=1\u0026amp;dlsi=492a7fd73b444862\"\u003eon Spotify\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis book would make an excellent gift as well as a helpful daily practice over the course of a month.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e. He is also the author of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/richardfrostauthor.com\/\"\u003efive other books\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #0563c1; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 29.11.24 Review by Peter McGeary\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAs a youth, newly shoehorned into the choir by a very perceptive music teacher, I can remember being fascinated by singing the psalms. What on earth was a potsherd? What does 'peradventure' mean? I hadn’t a clue; so I needed to come back for more to find out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eChristians have used the book of Psalms right from the beginning: it was, after all, the Lord’s prayer book; so it should be the Church’s, too. Anglicans were particularly lucky to have the baffling and wonderful translation of Miles Coverdale in the Book of Common Prayer — almost a literary genre independent of its Hebrew original — and generations of clergy were soaked in its language and spirituality by the daily recitation of Morning and Evening Prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe live in more prosaic times, sadly; so it is good to have this work by the mother-and-son team Clare and Micah Hayns. Micah, an artist based in Oxford, came across the book of Psalms almost by chance, and has been deeply affected by its variety and honesty before the reality of God. The backbone of Garden Song is a series of paintings (very well reproduced) that are a kind of visual response to a selection of 30 psalms. These are grouped according to their theme (worship, grieving, joy). Each painting is accompanied by a reflection by Clare (a parish priest), a short scripture reading, a suggested piece of music to listen to, and a prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThere is so much here that reading at a single sitting is unthinkable. This is a work to savour slowly and prayerfully, that we might come to these ancient prayers and hymns with eyes and ears renewed the next time we hear them sung in church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Revd Peter McGeary is the Vicar of St Mary’s, Cable Street, in east London.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","published_at":"2024-07-23T11:16:27+01:00","created_at":"2024-07-23T11:16:27+01:00","vendor":"BRFonline","type":"Paperback","tags":["2024","Biblical engagement","Devotional","For churches","For individuals","For Women","Gift","Glassboxx","KCLC","New Titles","Upcoming titles"],"price":1499,"price_min":1499,"price_max":1499,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":43664192405695,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392373","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":36544691765439,"product_id":7919499247807,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-07-23T11:17:27+01:00","updated_at":"2024-07-23T11:17:29+01:00","alt":null,"width":1949,"height":1831,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GardenSong.jpg?v=1721729849","variant_ids":[43664192405695]},"available":true,"name":"Garden Song: Exploring the psalms through paintings, reflections and prayers - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":1499,"weight":450,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392373","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":29293722239167,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.064,"height":1831,"width":1949,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GardenSong.jpg?v=1721729849"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GardenSong.jpg?v=1721729849"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GardenSong.jpg?v=1721729849","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":29293722239167,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.064,"height":1831,"width":1949,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GardenSong.jpg?v=1721729849"},"aspect_ratio":1.064,"height":1831,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GardenSong.jpg?v=1721729849","width":1949}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA fresh, vibrant interpretation for today\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e. Garden Song\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e brings together original artwork by artist Micah Hayns and reflections and prayers by Reverend Clare Hayns. Leading the reader through 30 selected psalms, the mother-son duo capture the essence of this ancient text – the worship, the grieving and the joy – and open up new ways to engage with its riches. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere is also a playlist of suggested music to accompany the reflections.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/n8zknrhaI-k?si=EvozVaPR-zTOUbuJ\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"134\" width=\"201\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Clare_Hayns_1.jpg?v=1636541386\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 20px; float: right;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClare Hayns\u003c\/strong\u003e is a vicar in the diocese of Oxford and was previously college chaplain at Christ Church, Oxford. Pre-ordination she worked as a social worker specialising in substance misuse, and for a while was an entertainment agent. She is married to John, a performer, and has three creative sons, the eldest of whom is the illustrator of this book. This is the second book collaboration between Clare and Micah, the first being \u003cem\u003eUnveiled: Women of the Old Testament and the choices they made\u003c\/em\u003e, also published by BRF.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMicah Hayns\u003c\/strong\u003e is a contemporary artist based in Oxford. Trained in Florence, he combines classical techniques with a contemporary style, inspired by the impressionists, street art and the Old Masters. Through his work, he hopes to share where he finds beauty, life and truth. He currently paints from his studio gallery in Oxford called the Jungle, which also operates as a community space run by a local charity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eReview by Richard Frost, January 2025\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis is a beautifully presented book containing illustrations by contemporary artist Micah Hayns and reflections and prayers by Oxford vicar, Clare Hayns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWith 30 reflections, this mother and son duo have provided a very helpful and insightful way of approaching many different aspects of all that the Psalms give to us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThrough selected Psalms of worship, grieving and joy, Micah’s paintings and artwork tap in to elements of \u003ci\u003evisio divina\u003c\/i\u003e. Sometimes soft focussed and easy on the eye, yet also at times detailed and striking, they are a valuable companion to Clare’s reflections. Those accompanying words are part short commentary and part reflection, often drawing our thoughts to key points within the psalm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe book also has a companion playlist of suggested music to accompany each of the 30 reflections. The link shown in the book is no longer functioning but they can be found here \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/playlist\/38IGBl3e8tOJ4epDkqOOCy?si=C8SRttb3TBCY709gvey5Yg\u0026amp;nd=1\u0026amp;dlsi=492a7fd73b444862\"\u003eon Spotify\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis book would make an excellent gift as well as a helpful daily practice over the course of a month.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e. He is also the author of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/richardfrostauthor.com\/\"\u003efive other books\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #0563c1; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 29.11.24 Review by Peter McGeary\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAs a youth, newly shoehorned into the choir by a very perceptive music teacher, I can remember being fascinated by singing the psalms. What on earth was a potsherd? What does 'peradventure' mean? I hadn’t a clue; so I needed to come back for more to find out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eChristians have used the book of Psalms right from the beginning: it was, after all, the Lord’s prayer book; so it should be the Church’s, too. Anglicans were particularly lucky to have the baffling and wonderful translation of Miles Coverdale in the Book of Common Prayer — almost a literary genre independent of its Hebrew original — and generations of clergy were soaked in its language and spirituality by the daily recitation of Morning and Evening Prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe live in more prosaic times, sadly; so it is good to have this work by the mother-and-son team Clare and Micah Hayns. Micah, an artist based in Oxford, came across the book of Psalms almost by chance, and has been deeply affected by its variety and honesty before the reality of God. The backbone of Garden Song is a series of paintings (very well reproduced) that are a kind of visual response to a selection of 30 psalms. These are grouped according to their theme (worship, grieving, joy). Each painting is accompanied by a reflection by Clare (a parish priest), a short scripture reading, a suggested piece of music to listen to, and a prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThere is so much here that reading at a single sitting is unthinkable. This is a work to savour slowly and prayerfully, that we might come to these ancient prayers and hymns with eyes and ears renewed the next time we hear them sung in church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Revd Peter McGeary is the Vicar of St Mary’s, Cable Street, in east London.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e"}
You may also like:
Garden Song: Exploring the psalms through paintings, reflections and prayers
£14.99
A fresh, vibrant interpretation for today. Garden Song brings together original artwork by artist Micah Hayns and reflections and prayers by Reverend...
{"id":7929577734335,"title":"Easter Inside Out: The story as if you were there","handle":"easter-inside-out-the-story-as-if-you-were-there","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStep into the Easter story… Acclaimed storyteller David Kitchen reimagines the Easter narrative through a varied cast of characters, from Mary Magdalene to Caiaphas. If you want to understand who might have been where and doing what as the Easter story unfolds, this book gives you answers. It also lets you sense what it could have been like to be one of those involved in the twists and turns of one of the most extraordinary stories in the whole of history.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5xNDQII1o_U?si=LjZYnbVmjFl-bM17\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5MQMabxaet8?si=XZSEKe3yflgTl6ht\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"row avoid-break\" data-v-5a160260=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col\" data-v-5a160260=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card\" id=\"productCardContributors\" data-v-5a160260=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card-body\"\u003e\n\u003cdl class=\"row\"\u003e\n\u003cdd class=\"col-sm-10\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Kitchen is an award-winning writer, broadcaster, teacher and storyteller who has been making the Bible come alive for longer than he cares to remember. In Bible in Ten he combines his down-to-earth writing skills with almost 50 years’ experience in church leadership and worship. His hobbies include music, poetry and playing crawling-up-stairs games with his grandson.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Dave Kitchen is a genius! He has a knack for helping us see old stories with new eyes. Dave’s great insight is that he knows that there is a massive difference between being outside a story and inside one. His talent is to present to us the old and familiar stories of the Bible in a way that enables us to enter them in our imaginations. As we get inside the story, we notice things we never noticed before; the stories become richer, deeper and more meaningful. This book is a great resource for Christians and churches to use during Lent. It is also accessible for readers with no prior knowledge or experience in reading the Bible. The Easter story has been one of the foundational stories of western civilisation, here we have a resource that will help people to enter that story, to feel its significance and meaning, and, even more excitingly, to explore what their own response to that story might be!’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe Revd Stephen March, pioneer priest in Leicester Diocese\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘The greatest story ever told with an invitation to not just read it – but step into it. Get ready for an incredible journey.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eRob Parsons, founder of Care for the Family\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘In this very helpful book, David Kitchen brings us imaginatively into the events of Holy Week and Easter through a wide variety of witnesses. There is new insight on every page. Both individual readers and those who lead worship or study groups will find much to inspire.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe Revd Donald P. Ker, former secretary and president of the Methodist Church in Ireland\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Dave Kitchen has done it again. Having brought characters from scripture to life in Bible in Ten, Easter Inside Out does the same for the most significant week in history. If we ever forgot that Easter was about real people at a real time in a real country, Easter Inside Out reminds us in a lively, readable, creative and captivating way.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe Revd Dr Jennifer A. Hurd, chair of Wales Synod Cymru\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Dave Kitchen has been getting inside the hearts and minds of the first followers of Jesus and those he encountered for more than 50 years, enlightening and inspiring so many people through in the process. Now he has done it again with Easter Inside Out in which we are invited to journey with Jesus and those who knew him from Palm Sunday to Good Friday and then to Easter and beyond. Suitable for personal reflection and devotion, it will also make an excellent small group resource during Lent or even as a one-off book group read, with stimulating questions provided for both.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe Revd David Mullins, retired Methodist minister\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Holy Week is the most significant week in the Christian faith that has literally trans- formed the course of human history. Dave Kitchen approaches the gospel stories of this crucial week with creativity and imagination. In a series of vignettes, he brings the story to life and locates the overarching narrative on the hustling and bustling streets of Jerusalem. He does so in a way that is always accessible and engaging. It is my hope that Easter Inside Out would enable anyone to think afresh about this story and the impact it can have on our lives.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe Revd Andrew Charlesworth, chair of Wales Synod Cymru\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Easter Inside Out does exactly what the tag line says: it’s a fascinating retelling of the Easter story as if you were there. David weaves together biblical and imagined characters to take the reader through the events of Easter week in their own words, bringing them to life as they deal with all the ups and downs of their being part of the days that changed the world. A detailed timeline helps the reader keep pace with the fast moving moments. David has given us a truly original version of the greatest story.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eRoger Aubrey, PhD, MTh, writer and international Bible teacher\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTransforming Ministry online April 2025. Review by Betty Taylor.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAnother wonderful book by David Kitchen, written in his unique style, and published in the same appealing format as \u003ci\u003eBible in Ten\u003c\/i\u003e. This offering tells the Easter story from the perspective of the many characters involved, and his readers are drawn into each scenario as though taking part in the story itself. Senses are alerted and emotions heightened as a very familiar account takes on new meaning, and a wide variety of personalities take their turn on centre stage. Some are crucial and well-known, others on the margins and brought to life by careful research and considered assumption. Useful Bible references accompany each section. Complementing the narrative are the illustrations by Jonathan Williams. Black and white and probably of charcoal origin, they evoke a deep passion as the reader is drawn into each of the frames. David’s inspirational book will bring a blessing for all readers, including groups who are looking for a fresh approach to Lenten study. Maybe in the past you’ve been acquainted with these biblical characters on a surface level. Now you have the opportunity to dig deeper and come to know them in a more familiar way!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Betty Taylor\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePresbyterian Herald April 2025\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis latest offering from David Kitchen looks at the Easter story in a different way – imagining how it must have felt from those caught up in the events. As he explains: ‘When so many centuries have passed by, it’s easy to feel a sense of distance and to treat the story simply as a place to find lessons about faith and life. But these events took place. People’s lives played out with all their hopes and doubts, their faith and fears. I wanted to give people today a chance to sense what it could have been like if only we had been able to be there.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eFrom a soldier watching Jesus’ procession into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, to accounts from the disciples and Caiaphas, the high priest who presided over Jesus’ trial, \u003ci\u003eEaster InsideOut \u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis an opportunity to step into the story afresh, and consider how those involved must have felt without the perspective of knowing how it turns out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eI found the chapter ‘Dark skies: Johan takes Mary home’ particularly poignant. In it, the author imagines what it must have been like to have been present at the crucifixion and has John leading Jesus’ mother away from the frightful scene, saying, ‘As we walked slowly home, I couldn’t help thinking how grand and wonderful the hope had been, and how horrific and dismal this ending was.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eKitchen recognises that with the gap of 2000 years, people have slightly different timelines, however, he has based his descriptions on the evidence or reasonable assumptions. He also helpfully includes appropriate Bibel references at the end of each chapter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times online 14.04.25. Review by Jeannie Kendall\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRetelling the Bible stories as if we were there is a technique a few of us use in sermons or books. As David Kitchen points out however, it goes back at least as far as Ignatius of Loyola. Like any way of engaging with scripture, some personality types will find it easier or more appealing than others, but many people find it a refreshing way to engage with the bible, particularly the more well-known stories which are all too easy to gloss over in their familiarity. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhat David has done here is slightly different. He has taken each day from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday (and a little beyond) and told the story not just through the eyes of the wider group of disciples (male and female), but also through others such as Caiaphas, and a soldier called Albus – as a named character he is of course imagined but there were many soldiers who formed part of the Easter story. Some days have more accounts than others, Good Friday and Easter Sunday understandably having the most.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInevitably in a book of this kind there will be some accounts we warm to more than others – I was slightly disappointed that ‘Honest Thomas’ (as I call him) was not named in a chapter heading but instead his meeting with Jesus and extraordinary outburst of faith come in one entitled ‘Doubt, Matthew anticipates a problem’.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThat aside, this is a very good book which would be excellent to use for devotions in Holy Week, although with six group study sessions outlined plus questions for a book club it could also be used in group settings, and the texts behind each section are listed. The background to the stories is carefully woven in without interrupting the narrative.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs the cover says, it is an opportunity to ‘see the story in your head, feel it in your heart and know that dead men don’t eat fish’.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf this kind of retelling scripture is something you have never tried, this is a great place to start, during this key time in the church’s year. If you already know it is something you enjoy, it is equally one to recommend.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Jeannie Kendall\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Church Times 07.02.25 Lent book round up by Peter McGeary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe author is known as a storyteller of some distinction. Here, he tries to reimagine the story of Holy Week and Easter through the perspectives of those caught up in the narrative. Each section refers the reader back to the scripture texts that are its inspiration. This would be especially good for a kind of mini-retreat in Holy Week, or as a way of enriching one’s reading of biblical texts that can so easily be blunted through over-familiarity. As always with the Bible Reading Fellowship, the volume is well produced. The text is complemented with fascinating monochrome images.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003c\/dl\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"row avoid-break\" data-v-5a160260=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col\" data-v-5a160260=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card\" id=\"productCardSubjectsAndAudience\" data-v-5a160260=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","published_at":"2024-08-06T10:56:42+01:00","created_at":"2024-08-06T10:56:42+01:00","vendor":"David Kitchen","type":"Paperback","tags":["2024","Biblical engagement","Devotional","Discipleship","Easter","For churches","For individuals","For schools","Gift","KCLC","Lent","New Titles","seasonal","Upcoming titles"],"price":1299,"price_min":1299,"price_max":1299,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":43664493445311,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800393516","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":36619529846975,"product_id":7929577734335,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-08-06T10:51:10+01:00","updated_at":"2024-08-06T10:51:12+01:00","alt":null,"width":2102,"height":2102,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/EasterInsideOut.jpg?v=1722937872","variant_ids":[43664493445311]},"available":true,"name":"Easter Inside Out: The story as if you were there - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":1299,"weight":325,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800393516","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":29353868296383,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":2102,"width":2102,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/EasterInsideOut.jpg?v=1722937872"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/EasterInsideOut.jpg?v=1722937872"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/EasterInsideOut.jpg?v=1722937872","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":29353868296383,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":2102,"width":2102,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/EasterInsideOut.jpg?v=1722937872"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":2102,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/EasterInsideOut.jpg?v=1722937872","width":2102}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStep into the Easter story… Acclaimed storyteller David Kitchen reimagines the Easter narrative through a varied cast of characters, from Mary Magdalene to Caiaphas. If you want to understand who might have been where and doing what as the Easter story unfolds, this book gives you answers. It also lets you sense what it could have been like to be one of those involved in the twists and turns of one of the most extraordinary stories in the whole of history.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5xNDQII1o_U?si=LjZYnbVmjFl-bM17\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5MQMabxaet8?si=XZSEKe3yflgTl6ht\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"row avoid-break\" data-v-5a160260=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col\" data-v-5a160260=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card\" id=\"productCardContributors\" data-v-5a160260=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card-body\"\u003e\n\u003cdl class=\"row\"\u003e\n\u003cdd class=\"col-sm-10\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Kitchen is an award-winning writer, broadcaster, teacher and storyteller who has been making the Bible come alive for longer than he cares to remember. In Bible in Ten he combines his down-to-earth writing skills with almost 50 years’ experience in church leadership and worship. His hobbies include music, poetry and playing crawling-up-stairs games with his grandson.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Dave Kitchen is a genius! He has a knack for helping us see old stories with new eyes. Dave’s great insight is that he knows that there is a massive difference between being outside a story and inside one. His talent is to present to us the old and familiar stories of the Bible in a way that enables us to enter them in our imaginations. As we get inside the story, we notice things we never noticed before; the stories become richer, deeper and more meaningful. This book is a great resource for Christians and churches to use during Lent. It is also accessible for readers with no prior knowledge or experience in reading the Bible. The Easter story has been one of the foundational stories of western civilisation, here we have a resource that will help people to enter that story, to feel its significance and meaning, and, even more excitingly, to explore what their own response to that story might be!’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe Revd Stephen March, pioneer priest in Leicester Diocese\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘The greatest story ever told with an invitation to not just read it – but step into it. Get ready for an incredible journey.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eRob Parsons, founder of Care for the Family\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘In this very helpful book, David Kitchen brings us imaginatively into the events of Holy Week and Easter through a wide variety of witnesses. There is new insight on every page. Both individual readers and those who lead worship or study groups will find much to inspire.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe Revd Donald P. Ker, former secretary and president of the Methodist Church in Ireland\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Dave Kitchen has done it again. Having brought characters from scripture to life in Bible in Ten, Easter Inside Out does the same for the most significant week in history. If we ever forgot that Easter was about real people at a real time in a real country, Easter Inside Out reminds us in a lively, readable, creative and captivating way.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe Revd Dr Jennifer A. Hurd, chair of Wales Synod Cymru\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Dave Kitchen has been getting inside the hearts and minds of the first followers of Jesus and those he encountered for more than 50 years, enlightening and inspiring so many people through in the process. Now he has done it again with Easter Inside Out in which we are invited to journey with Jesus and those who knew him from Palm Sunday to Good Friday and then to Easter and beyond. Suitable for personal reflection and devotion, it will also make an excellent small group resource during Lent or even as a one-off book group read, with stimulating questions provided for both.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe Revd David Mullins, retired Methodist minister\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Holy Week is the most significant week in the Christian faith that has literally trans- formed the course of human history. Dave Kitchen approaches the gospel stories of this crucial week with creativity and imagination. In a series of vignettes, he brings the story to life and locates the overarching narrative on the hustling and bustling streets of Jerusalem. He does so in a way that is always accessible and engaging. It is my hope that Easter Inside Out would enable anyone to think afresh about this story and the impact it can have on our lives.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe Revd Andrew Charlesworth, chair of Wales Synod Cymru\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Easter Inside Out does exactly what the tag line says: it’s a fascinating retelling of the Easter story as if you were there. David weaves together biblical and imagined characters to take the reader through the events of Easter week in their own words, bringing them to life as they deal with all the ups and downs of their being part of the days that changed the world. A detailed timeline helps the reader keep pace with the fast moving moments. David has given us a truly original version of the greatest story.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eRoger Aubrey, PhD, MTh, writer and international Bible teacher\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTransforming Ministry online April 2025. Review by Betty Taylor.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAnother wonderful book by David Kitchen, written in his unique style, and published in the same appealing format as \u003ci\u003eBible in Ten\u003c\/i\u003e. This offering tells the Easter story from the perspective of the many characters involved, and his readers are drawn into each scenario as though taking part in the story itself. Senses are alerted and emotions heightened as a very familiar account takes on new meaning, and a wide variety of personalities take their turn on centre stage. Some are crucial and well-known, others on the margins and brought to life by careful research and considered assumption. Useful Bible references accompany each section. Complementing the narrative are the illustrations by Jonathan Williams. Black and white and probably of charcoal origin, they evoke a deep passion as the reader is drawn into each of the frames. David’s inspirational book will bring a blessing for all readers, including groups who are looking for a fresh approach to Lenten study. Maybe in the past you’ve been acquainted with these biblical characters on a surface level. Now you have the opportunity to dig deeper and come to know them in a more familiar way!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Betty Taylor\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePresbyterian Herald April 2025\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis latest offering from David Kitchen looks at the Easter story in a different way – imagining how it must have felt from those caught up in the events. As he explains: ‘When so many centuries have passed by, it’s easy to feel a sense of distance and to treat the story simply as a place to find lessons about faith and life. But these events took place. People’s lives played out with all their hopes and doubts, their faith and fears. I wanted to give people today a chance to sense what it could have been like if only we had been able to be there.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eFrom a soldier watching Jesus’ procession into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, to accounts from the disciples and Caiaphas, the high priest who presided over Jesus’ trial, \u003ci\u003eEaster InsideOut \u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis an opportunity to step into the story afresh, and consider how those involved must have felt without the perspective of knowing how it turns out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eI found the chapter ‘Dark skies: Johan takes Mary home’ particularly poignant. In it, the author imagines what it must have been like to have been present at the crucifixion and has John leading Jesus’ mother away from the frightful scene, saying, ‘As we walked slowly home, I couldn’t help thinking how grand and wonderful the hope had been, and how horrific and dismal this ending was.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eKitchen recognises that with the gap of 2000 years, people have slightly different timelines, however, he has based his descriptions on the evidence or reasonable assumptions. He also helpfully includes appropriate Bibel references at the end of each chapter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times online 14.04.25. Review by Jeannie Kendall\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRetelling the Bible stories as if we were there is a technique a few of us use in sermons or books. As David Kitchen points out however, it goes back at least as far as Ignatius of Loyola. Like any way of engaging with scripture, some personality types will find it easier or more appealing than others, but many people find it a refreshing way to engage with the bible, particularly the more well-known stories which are all too easy to gloss over in their familiarity. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhat David has done here is slightly different. He has taken each day from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday (and a little beyond) and told the story not just through the eyes of the wider group of disciples (male and female), but also through others such as Caiaphas, and a soldier called Albus – as a named character he is of course imagined but there were many soldiers who formed part of the Easter story. Some days have more accounts than others, Good Friday and Easter Sunday understandably having the most.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInevitably in a book of this kind there will be some accounts we warm to more than others – I was slightly disappointed that ‘Honest Thomas’ (as I call him) was not named in a chapter heading but instead his meeting with Jesus and extraordinary outburst of faith come in one entitled ‘Doubt, Matthew anticipates a problem’.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThat aside, this is a very good book which would be excellent to use for devotions in Holy Week, although with six group study sessions outlined plus questions for a book club it could also be used in group settings, and the texts behind each section are listed. The background to the stories is carefully woven in without interrupting the narrative.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs the cover says, it is an opportunity to ‘see the story in your head, feel it in your heart and know that dead men don’t eat fish’.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf this kind of retelling scripture is something you have never tried, this is a great place to start, during this key time in the church’s year. If you already know it is something you enjoy, it is equally one to recommend.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Jeannie Kendall\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Church Times 07.02.25 Lent book round up by Peter McGeary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe author is known as a storyteller of some distinction. Here, he tries to reimagine the story of Holy Week and Easter through the perspectives of those caught up in the narrative. Each section refers the reader back to the scripture texts that are its inspiration. This would be especially good for a kind of mini-retreat in Holy Week, or as a way of enriching one’s reading of biblical texts that can so easily be blunted through over-familiarity. As always with the Bible Reading Fellowship, the volume is well produced. The text is complemented with fascinating monochrome images.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003c\/dl\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"row avoid-break\" data-v-5a160260=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col\" data-v-5a160260=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card\" id=\"productCardSubjectsAndAudience\" data-v-5a160260=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e"}
You may also like:
Easter Inside Out: The story as if you were there
£12.99
Step into the Easter story… Acclaimed storyteller David Kitchen reimagines the Easter narrative through a varied cast of characters, from...
{"id":14688720191868,"title":"All Shall Be Well: Visions of salvation with Julian of Norwich","handle":"all-shall-be-well-visions-of-salvation-with-julian-of-norwich","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow can all be well in the world in which we live? \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat does ‘All shall be well’ mean when all is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003enot\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e well? \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThrough revelations ten to sixteen of her \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eRevelations of Divine Love\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, Julian of Norwich returns time and again to the idea that ‘all is well’. I\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003en her latest book Emma Pennington examines this popular mantra and explores what Julian really means by it, bringing depth and relevance to these words for the reader who lives in an age of pandemic, war and climate crisis which closely echoes Julian’s own. Through deep engagement with Julian’s visions of salvation Emma encourages the reader to reflect in prayer and devotion on their own personal relationship with God.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEmma Pennington is the canon missioner for Canterbury Cathedral. Formerly vicar of Garsington, Cuddesdon and Horspath in the Oxford Diocese and chaplain of Worcester College, Oxford, she has also been a prayer and spirituality adviser for the diocese and an area dean. She speaks widely about the spirituality of Julian of Norwich and is the author of At the Foot of the Cross with Julian of Norwich (BRF Ministries, 2020).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘In this accessible exploration, Emma Pennington situates Julian’s fears, hopes and convictions within a rich spiritual landscape, drawing deeply from the wells of Christian devotion and practice, and making incisive connections between contemporary experience and the wisdom Julian offers us from her anchorhold, giving body and substance to a message of strength and reassurance too often dismissed as trite or divorced from reality.’ \u003cem\u003eThe Revd Richard Stanton, priest director of the Julian Shrine, Norwich\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘Like with the best of friends, Emma Pennington listens, cajoles, puzzles and rejoices with Mother Julian. We discover they both share in hope and yet both know about pain that will not go away. We learn that salvation in Christ is neither a sticking plaster nor an answer to a heavenly equation. Rather in Christ we find a revelation of one who truly salves both body and soul eternally. We learn this can genuinely sustain us in what too often or perhaps more often is a “troublous life”. This is a compelling invitation to move from the shallows to the depths.’\u003cem\u003e The Very Revd David Monteith, dean of Canterbury\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘Reading this book is an extraordinary encounter with a beautiful questioning holiness. Deep scholarship made elegantly accessible brings Mother Julian alive. The intensity of the experience of a mystic meets the questions of everyday life. The mystery of “all will be well” is integrated with a passion. It is a book that will help you grow in your faith and would be perfect for an Advent or Lent series in a church. Canon Pennington has written a scholarly devotional text that nestles right alongside the work of Henri Nouwen. Truly, read this book: you will find yourself on holy ground.’ \u003cem\u003eThe Very Revd Ian S. Markham PhD, dean and president of Virginia Theological Seminary and the president of The General Theological Seminary\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘This is a beautifully written book which is both refreshing and original. In it, Julian’s writings are interwoven with scripture and set within the devotional literature and landscape of the time, giving both rootedness and context. It is a book which is the fruit not only of careful study, but also of prayerful pondering and reflection. Emma has known CSMV over a number of years, and I’m delighted to commend All Shall Be Well both to those who are new to Julian of Norwich and those who wish to go deeper.’ S\u003cem\u003eister Elizabeth Jane CSMV, Community of St Mary the Virgin, Wantage\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘A wonderful, carefully researched book, which combines an account of devotional practices current in medieval times with the relevance of Julian’s teaching for people of today. Proposed as a spiritual director, Emma Pennington’s Julian speaks straight to the heart as well as to the mind.’ \u003cem\u003eElizabeth Ruth Obbard ODC, Carmelite nun of Quidenham, and a writer and spiritual director\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘Emma Pennington is a wise and insightful guide to the writings of Julian of Norwich. She invites us to make Julian our own spiritual companion as we seek to draw closer to God ourselves. Placing Julian in her wider context, she also enables us to see how her work was part of a broader tapestry of spiritual wisdom, which this book presents in fresh and illuminating ways. Not least, like Julian herself, Emma helps us face the challenges of faith lived out in a broken world, while also encouraging us to be a people of joyous hope and generous humanity.’ \u003cem\u003eAndrew Braddock, dean of Norwich\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘Having used Emma’s last book so successfully as the Friends of Julian Lent Book, we’re delighted to see this sequel completing, as it does, consideration of the revelations after Julian’s striking change of focus in the middle of her account.’ \u003cem\u003eHoward Green, secretary of the Friends of Julian of Norwich\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 14.03.25. Review by Claire Herbert\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eEmma Pennington’s book is a joy to read, but it is not to be read quickly. It is a guide to some of the deepest insights that Julian of Norwich has offered in her immortal text Revelations of Divine Love, and would make an excellent accompaniment for any individual or group looking for a guide to prayer and reflection over a period of time. Having offered some authoritative historical and theological context, Pennington explores Julian’s text from the tenth revelation onwards. To offer a taste: ‘The wound of Christ’ has us entering, not just contemplating externally, Christ’s pierced side, and experiencing the outpouring of his love. ‘His dearest mother’ offers a way to understand that the love that Christ has for her is the same and as strong as the love that he has for us. In 'Christ our saviour', Julian has a revelation that cannot be known with words, but only with experience, and yet she still manages to find words to lead us into the experience, and Pennington facilitates this beautifully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIn ‘All shall be well’, a cloud comes over the mystical vision of the transcendent God, and Julian wrestles with the reality of sin, and demands to understand why God would declare ‘all shall be well’ when it really seems not to be. In ‘United to God through prayer’, Pennington gives a full and valuable account of different kinds of prayer. I am reminded of why I love contemplative prayer so much; for here we are freed from any notion of what God ‘ought’ to be to us. Pennington’s text is devotional, providing a practical application of Julian’s words to our spiritual lives and endeavours, and to our contemplation. Each chapter ends with reflections and questions, and, through these, Pennington makes the text of the Revelations participative, as the revelations themselves had invited Julian’s active participation. With Pennington’s guidance, we enter into Revelations of Divine Love fully. We cease to be critics and become disciples of the text. By this means, it gains the power to transform us, as Julian was herself transformed by her revelations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Dr Claire Herbert\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-23T14:55:57+01:00","created_at":"2024-10-23T14:55:57+01:00","vendor":"Emma Pennington","type":"Paperback","tags":["Devotional","Discipleship","KCLC","New Titles","Prayer","Spirituality","Upcoming titles","Women"],"price":1299,"price_min":1299,"price_max":1299,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":53599678103932,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392069","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"All Shall Be Well: Visions of salvation with Julian of Norwich","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":1299,"weight":195,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392069","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/AllShallbeWell.jpg?v=1729691788"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/AllShallbeWell.jpg?v=1729691788","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":62714290143612,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/AllShallbeWell.jpg?v=1729691788"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/AllShallbeWell.jpg?v=1729691788","width":1535}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow can all be well in the world in which we live? \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat does ‘All shall be well’ mean when all is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003enot\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e well? \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThrough revelations ten to sixteen of her \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eRevelations of Divine Love\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, Julian of Norwich returns time and again to the idea that ‘all is well’. I\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003en her latest book Emma Pennington examines this popular mantra and explores what Julian really means by it, bringing depth and relevance to these words for the reader who lives in an age of pandemic, war and climate crisis which closely echoes Julian’s own. Through deep engagement with Julian’s visions of salvation Emma encourages the reader to reflect in prayer and devotion on their own personal relationship with God.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEmma Pennington is the canon missioner for Canterbury Cathedral. Formerly vicar of Garsington, Cuddesdon and Horspath in the Oxford Diocese and chaplain of Worcester College, Oxford, she has also been a prayer and spirituality adviser for the diocese and an area dean. She speaks widely about the spirituality of Julian of Norwich and is the author of At the Foot of the Cross with Julian of Norwich (BRF Ministries, 2020).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘In this accessible exploration, Emma Pennington situates Julian’s fears, hopes and convictions within a rich spiritual landscape, drawing deeply from the wells of Christian devotion and practice, and making incisive connections between contemporary experience and the wisdom Julian offers us from her anchorhold, giving body and substance to a message of strength and reassurance too often dismissed as trite or divorced from reality.’ \u003cem\u003eThe Revd Richard Stanton, priest director of the Julian Shrine, Norwich\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘Like with the best of friends, Emma Pennington listens, cajoles, puzzles and rejoices with Mother Julian. We discover they both share in hope and yet both know about pain that will not go away. We learn that salvation in Christ is neither a sticking plaster nor an answer to a heavenly equation. Rather in Christ we find a revelation of one who truly salves both body and soul eternally. We learn this can genuinely sustain us in what too often or perhaps more often is a “troublous life”. This is a compelling invitation to move from the shallows to the depths.’\u003cem\u003e The Very Revd David Monteith, dean of Canterbury\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘Reading this book is an extraordinary encounter with a beautiful questioning holiness. Deep scholarship made elegantly accessible brings Mother Julian alive. The intensity of the experience of a mystic meets the questions of everyday life. The mystery of “all will be well” is integrated with a passion. It is a book that will help you grow in your faith and would be perfect for an Advent or Lent series in a church. Canon Pennington has written a scholarly devotional text that nestles right alongside the work of Henri Nouwen. Truly, read this book: you will find yourself on holy ground.’ \u003cem\u003eThe Very Revd Ian S. Markham PhD, dean and president of Virginia Theological Seminary and the president of The General Theological Seminary\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘This is a beautifully written book which is both refreshing and original. In it, Julian’s writings are interwoven with scripture and set within the devotional literature and landscape of the time, giving both rootedness and context. It is a book which is the fruit not only of careful study, but also of prayerful pondering and reflection. Emma has known CSMV over a number of years, and I’m delighted to commend All Shall Be Well both to those who are new to Julian of Norwich and those who wish to go deeper.’ S\u003cem\u003eister Elizabeth Jane CSMV, Community of St Mary the Virgin, Wantage\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘A wonderful, carefully researched book, which combines an account of devotional practices current in medieval times with the relevance of Julian’s teaching for people of today. Proposed as a spiritual director, Emma Pennington’s Julian speaks straight to the heart as well as to the mind.’ \u003cem\u003eElizabeth Ruth Obbard ODC, Carmelite nun of Quidenham, and a writer and spiritual director\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘Emma Pennington is a wise and insightful guide to the writings of Julian of Norwich. She invites us to make Julian our own spiritual companion as we seek to draw closer to God ourselves. Placing Julian in her wider context, she also enables us to see how her work was part of a broader tapestry of spiritual wisdom, which this book presents in fresh and illuminating ways. Not least, like Julian herself, Emma helps us face the challenges of faith lived out in a broken world, while also encouraging us to be a people of joyous hope and generous humanity.’ \u003cem\u003eAndrew Braddock, dean of Norwich\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘Having used Emma’s last book so successfully as the Friends of Julian Lent Book, we’re delighted to see this sequel completing, as it does, consideration of the revelations after Julian’s striking change of focus in the middle of her account.’ \u003cem\u003eHoward Green, secretary of the Friends of Julian of Norwich\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 14.03.25. Review by Claire Herbert\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eEmma Pennington’s book is a joy to read, but it is not to be read quickly. It is a guide to some of the deepest insights that Julian of Norwich has offered in her immortal text Revelations of Divine Love, and would make an excellent accompaniment for any individual or group looking for a guide to prayer and reflection over a period of time. Having offered some authoritative historical and theological context, Pennington explores Julian’s text from the tenth revelation onwards. To offer a taste: ‘The wound of Christ’ has us entering, not just contemplating externally, Christ’s pierced side, and experiencing the outpouring of his love. ‘His dearest mother’ offers a way to understand that the love that Christ has for her is the same and as strong as the love that he has for us. In 'Christ our saviour', Julian has a revelation that cannot be known with words, but only with experience, and yet she still manages to find words to lead us into the experience, and Pennington facilitates this beautifully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIn ‘All shall be well’, a cloud comes over the mystical vision of the transcendent God, and Julian wrestles with the reality of sin, and demands to understand why God would declare ‘all shall be well’ when it really seems not to be. In ‘United to God through prayer’, Pennington gives a full and valuable account of different kinds of prayer. I am reminded of why I love contemplative prayer so much; for here we are freed from any notion of what God ‘ought’ to be to us. Pennington’s text is devotional, providing a practical application of Julian’s words to our spiritual lives and endeavours, and to our contemplation. Each chapter ends with reflections and questions, and, through these, Pennington makes the text of the Revelations participative, as the revelations themselves had invited Julian’s active participation. With Pennington’s guidance, we enter into Revelations of Divine Love fully. We cease to be critics and become disciples of the text. By this means, it gains the power to transform us, as Julian was herself transformed by her revelations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Dr Claire Herbert\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
All Shall Be Well: Visions of salvation with Julian of Norwich
£12.99
How can all be well in the world in which we live? What does ‘All shall be well’ mean when...
{"id":14688733561212,"title":"Reimagining the Landscape of Faith: Essential pathways for spiritual growth","handle":"reimagining-the-landscape-of-faith-essential-pathways-to-spiritual-growth","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIs this all there is to faith? Every Christian carries a map, a mental image of their journey through life, created from their Christian tradition, their cultural background and their understanding of the Bible. Most Christians will also, at some point in their life, begin to question their map – causing them to ask, ‘Is this all there is?’ and ‘How did I get here?’ Mary and Charles Hippsley help us to identify our faith map, including the unexamined assumptions that underpin it. Then, drawing on a range of sources of wisdom including personal experience, they gently encourage us to allow God to expand our map when we find that our faith doesn’t match up with the reality of life. They aim to equip the reader to navigate their journey towards maturity by exploring new paths and landscapes of faith.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMary Hippsley\u003c\/strong\u003e holds a Masters in Christian Spirituality from Sarum College and is a spiritual director and chaplain to a Christian charity. She also trains mentors, runs courses for ‘faith-strugglers’ and volunteers in a bereavement support group.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCharles Hippsley\u003c\/strong\u003e spent ten years as director of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity (LICC)’s Work Forum. Charles is also a spiritual director and trains others in his role as a tutor for the London Centre for Spiritual Direction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFind out more about Mary and Charles at \u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.reimaginefaithlandscape.com\"\u003ewww.reimaginefaithlandscape.com\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘As Eugene Peterson said, “There’s no such thing as your spiritual life, just your life.” Reimagining the Landscape of Faith explains how developing a robust inner life of self-awareness helps build deeper God-awareness, which flows into healthy, mature and long-lasting outward acts of service: at home, at church and at work. Using practical tools rooted in ancient wisdom, Charles and Mary help us to see how our experiences and assumptions have informed the maps we use to make sense of our lives – and encourage us to be cartographers who navigate the world with skill, empathy and grace.’ \u003cem\u003eTim Yearsley, Head of Innovation, LICC\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘This is the ideal guide to read as part of your spiritual journey. Charles and Mary have an amazing knack of unsettling us both kindly and knowingly to offer resources that help us at every twist and turn. You’re safe in their hands whichever route you take through the easy and tough times. I particularly appreciated how they shared so openly from their own experience, and I would heartily recommend that you make room for this wonderful resource in your backpack.’ \u003cem\u003eThe Revd Dr Chris Sheehan, Pioneer Distinctive Deacon, Worcester Diocese\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘As I read Reimagining the Landscape of Faith, it was as if two wonderfully gifted spiritual directors were guiding me along the past, present and future of my own faith journey. This is a refreshing and profound exploration of spirituality, brilliantly combining insights from scripture, theology, psychology and, of course, cartography. I have never been particularly good at reading actual maps but as a result of reading Reimagining, I feel much more able to make sense of my journey towards God.’ \u003cem\u003eThe Revd Dr Simon Steer, Chaplain, Abingdon School, and former Principal at Redcliffe College, Gloucester and The London School of Theology\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘In my role supporting Christian colleagues to grow and develop as they work in an international charity supporting children in challenging circumstances, I can see that this book will enable those I work with to open a space for a deeper relationship with God, and a sense of working together with God in the world. Reimagining the Landscape of Faith will help activists and those who are engaged in social justice to recognise that their action can be even more powerful when it is grounded in deeper self-awareness.’ \u003cem\u003eKezia M’Clelland, Director for People and Organisation, Viva\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Charles and Mary have been faithful companions on my spiritual journey for many years and I can’t wait to introduce them to others through this book! Their material hangs together well with a penetrating coherence, managing to make contributions from historical Christians and contemplatives much more accessible. In these pages they also vulnerably share their path through life and in doing so, undoubtedly equip others to find their own. Given today’s shifting and disorientating landscape of faith this is an incredibly timely book which offers fresh perspective on both ancient paths and contemporary thinking. I’m certain it will provoke courage to enable next steps in discovering the presence of God in unexpected places.’\u003cem\u003e Simon Shaw, Chair of Intercultural Churches, Derby City Vision and Jacob’s Well, Derby\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘As an African Pentecostal marrying an Anglo-French Catholic with a Dominican priest for a brother, my life – and understanding of God – has expanded far beyond the narrow boundaries I once set for myself. Much of this transformation I owe to the spiritual tools outlined in this book and the insights of its authors. Like me, you may have experienced profound loss, which fuels a deeper yearning for more. Mary and Charles guide us on this pursuit, challenging us to let go of rigid assumptions and unexamined certainty, to embrace critical reflection and humility. This book will guide you further and deeper on your spiritual pilgrimage.’ \u003cem\u003eAmoge Ukaegbu, anti-trafficking and modern slavery professional\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 11 April 2025. Review by Anne Spalding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe focus of this book is on our internal map for life and\/or for a Christian life, whether or not we have been conscious of it. The authors extensively describe what that is, how it is built up, and give examples of why making changes is often necessary and desirable. In the final two chapters and appendices, they begin to explore how those changes can be made.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eCharles Hippsley starts with his own moment of wondering 'How did I get here? Is this all there is?' He had been an active Christian for many years and finally decided that he needed to take seriously the questions that he was asking himself and God. He explores the nature of maps, and then readers are encouraged to draw their own faith map.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eMary Hippsley then describes cultural and Christian assumptions that can shape our maps, also discussing how we interpret the Bible and work out what is true. Charles follows this up with psychological insights to understand better who we are — an essential starting point for journeying on.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe following chapters ask 'Where are you on your journey?' and 'What happens when your map runs out?' before reviewing the self-orientation that hinders us in taking the next steps. Mary rightly identifies disorientation as causing us to change, or being part of the process, and writes about her own experience: this was the only hint of the desperation ('I can’t go on like this') that, I find, is a common driver for humans to make changes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe final chapters and appendices point to approaches for journeying on in faith, most of which are widely known, including \u003ci\u003electio divina\u003c\/i\u003e and centring prayer. The Hippsleys also advocate the companionship of a spiritual director, or other wise person, in such a journey; and that is often so important. Nevertheless, human activities take centre stage throughout: I missed the sense of God’s part in calling, drawing, and meeting us as we journey on.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eOverall, there is much that is thought-provoking, but the emphasis is more that of a challenge to take steps forward in faith rather than of a guide to taking those steps.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eDr Anne Spalding is a member of the Third Order of the Society of St Francis, and lives in Suffolk.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost, author and blogger. April 2025\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eMary and Charles Hippsley have taken the map out of their backpack, unfolded it and spread it before us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe authors take the basic premise that we all have a mental map of our spiritual journey. A map which contains different routes, landmarks and diversions which mark out our way of faith – and a few signposts to keep us on the right path as we journey with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eTheir aim is to give readers ‘space to reflect on the map you may be consciously or unconsciously using to find your way, even if there have been some unexpected twists to the journey you originally anticipated.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThey consider the significance of maps – different approaches to map making and map reading. What maps show us and what they don’t. To consider what may lie on the ‘next page of the atlas’, as it were. Readers are encouraged to draw their own map of their faith journey. This use the metaphor of maps and the parallels it provides is a strong and helpful element of the authors’ writing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWithin the book’s pages, the authors explore many different aspects of human emotions and behaviours and how they interact with our faith. They explore times of disorientation and disruption, and our location on the map (our understanding of self and place). At times the journey through the book becomes a bit uncomfortable and, for this reviewer, loses its way at times, but it was worth persevering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eFaith is not designed to stay in the same place and so we notice new things on our map and on the journey. Smartphones have changed our use of maps but they still show and hide what a journey will cover. Sometimes we need to look across the whole of the map and other times just details.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eRather like when taking a long journey, we don’t always do it all at once. We travel in stages and this is a book to read in such a manner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e. He is also the author of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/richardfrostauthor.com\/\"\u003efive other books\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #0563c1; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-23T15:05:15+01:00","created_at":"2024-10-23T15:05:15+01:00","vendor":"Mary Hippsley and Charles Hippsley","type":"Paperback","tags":["Discipleship","For churches","For individuals","KCLC","Mentoring","New Titles","Upcoming titles"],"price":1299,"price_min":1299,"price_max":1299,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":53599683608956,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392717","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Reimagining the Landscape of Faith: Essential pathways for spiritual growth","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":1299,"weight":278,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392717","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/ReimaginingtheLandscapeofFaith.jpg?v=1729692223"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/ReimaginingtheLandscapeofFaith.jpg?v=1729692223","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":62714307576188,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/ReimaginingtheLandscapeofFaith.jpg?v=1729692223"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/ReimaginingtheLandscapeofFaith.jpg?v=1729692223","width":1535}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIs this all there is to faith? Every Christian carries a map, a mental image of their journey through life, created from their Christian tradition, their cultural background and their understanding of the Bible. Most Christians will also, at some point in their life, begin to question their map – causing them to ask, ‘Is this all there is?’ and ‘How did I get here?’ Mary and Charles Hippsley help us to identify our faith map, including the unexamined assumptions that underpin it. Then, drawing on a range of sources of wisdom including personal experience, they gently encourage us to allow God to expand our map when we find that our faith doesn’t match up with the reality of life. They aim to equip the reader to navigate their journey towards maturity by exploring new paths and landscapes of faith.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMary Hippsley\u003c\/strong\u003e holds a Masters in Christian Spirituality from Sarum College and is a spiritual director and chaplain to a Christian charity. She also trains mentors, runs courses for ‘faith-strugglers’ and volunteers in a bereavement support group.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCharles Hippsley\u003c\/strong\u003e spent ten years as director of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity (LICC)’s Work Forum. Charles is also a spiritual director and trains others in his role as a tutor for the London Centre for Spiritual Direction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFind out more about Mary and Charles at \u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.reimaginefaithlandscape.com\"\u003ewww.reimaginefaithlandscape.com\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘As Eugene Peterson said, “There’s no such thing as your spiritual life, just your life.” Reimagining the Landscape of Faith explains how developing a robust inner life of self-awareness helps build deeper God-awareness, which flows into healthy, mature and long-lasting outward acts of service: at home, at church and at work. Using practical tools rooted in ancient wisdom, Charles and Mary help us to see how our experiences and assumptions have informed the maps we use to make sense of our lives – and encourage us to be cartographers who navigate the world with skill, empathy and grace.’ \u003cem\u003eTim Yearsley, Head of Innovation, LICC\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘This is the ideal guide to read as part of your spiritual journey. Charles and Mary have an amazing knack of unsettling us both kindly and knowingly to offer resources that help us at every twist and turn. You’re safe in their hands whichever route you take through the easy and tough times. I particularly appreciated how they shared so openly from their own experience, and I would heartily recommend that you make room for this wonderful resource in your backpack.’ \u003cem\u003eThe Revd Dr Chris Sheehan, Pioneer Distinctive Deacon, Worcester Diocese\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘As I read Reimagining the Landscape of Faith, it was as if two wonderfully gifted spiritual directors were guiding me along the past, present and future of my own faith journey. This is a refreshing and profound exploration of spirituality, brilliantly combining insights from scripture, theology, psychology and, of course, cartography. I have never been particularly good at reading actual maps but as a result of reading Reimagining, I feel much more able to make sense of my journey towards God.’ \u003cem\u003eThe Revd Dr Simon Steer, Chaplain, Abingdon School, and former Principal at Redcliffe College, Gloucester and The London School of Theology\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘In my role supporting Christian colleagues to grow and develop as they work in an international charity supporting children in challenging circumstances, I can see that this book will enable those I work with to open a space for a deeper relationship with God, and a sense of working together with God in the world. Reimagining the Landscape of Faith will help activists and those who are engaged in social justice to recognise that their action can be even more powerful when it is grounded in deeper self-awareness.’ \u003cem\u003eKezia M’Clelland, Director for People and Organisation, Viva\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Charles and Mary have been faithful companions on my spiritual journey for many years and I can’t wait to introduce them to others through this book! Their material hangs together well with a penetrating coherence, managing to make contributions from historical Christians and contemplatives much more accessible. In these pages they also vulnerably share their path through life and in doing so, undoubtedly equip others to find their own. Given today’s shifting and disorientating landscape of faith this is an incredibly timely book which offers fresh perspective on both ancient paths and contemporary thinking. I’m certain it will provoke courage to enable next steps in discovering the presence of God in unexpected places.’\u003cem\u003e Simon Shaw, Chair of Intercultural Churches, Derby City Vision and Jacob’s Well, Derby\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘As an African Pentecostal marrying an Anglo-French Catholic with a Dominican priest for a brother, my life – and understanding of God – has expanded far beyond the narrow boundaries I once set for myself. Much of this transformation I owe to the spiritual tools outlined in this book and the insights of its authors. Like me, you may have experienced profound loss, which fuels a deeper yearning for more. Mary and Charles guide us on this pursuit, challenging us to let go of rigid assumptions and unexamined certainty, to embrace critical reflection and humility. This book will guide you further and deeper on your spiritual pilgrimage.’ \u003cem\u003eAmoge Ukaegbu, anti-trafficking and modern slavery professional\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 11 April 2025. Review by Anne Spalding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe focus of this book is on our internal map for life and\/or for a Christian life, whether or not we have been conscious of it. The authors extensively describe what that is, how it is built up, and give examples of why making changes is often necessary and desirable. In the final two chapters and appendices, they begin to explore how those changes can be made.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eCharles Hippsley starts with his own moment of wondering 'How did I get here? Is this all there is?' He had been an active Christian for many years and finally decided that he needed to take seriously the questions that he was asking himself and God. He explores the nature of maps, and then readers are encouraged to draw their own faith map.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eMary Hippsley then describes cultural and Christian assumptions that can shape our maps, also discussing how we interpret the Bible and work out what is true. Charles follows this up with psychological insights to understand better who we are — an essential starting point for journeying on.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe following chapters ask 'Where are you on your journey?' and 'What happens when your map runs out?' before reviewing the self-orientation that hinders us in taking the next steps. Mary rightly identifies disorientation as causing us to change, or being part of the process, and writes about her own experience: this was the only hint of the desperation ('I can’t go on like this') that, I find, is a common driver for humans to make changes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe final chapters and appendices point to approaches for journeying on in faith, most of which are widely known, including \u003ci\u003electio divina\u003c\/i\u003e and centring prayer. The Hippsleys also advocate the companionship of a spiritual director, or other wise person, in such a journey; and that is often so important. Nevertheless, human activities take centre stage throughout: I missed the sense of God’s part in calling, drawing, and meeting us as we journey on.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eOverall, there is much that is thought-provoking, but the emphasis is more that of a challenge to take steps forward in faith rather than of a guide to taking those steps.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eDr Anne Spalding is a member of the Third Order of the Society of St Francis, and lives in Suffolk.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost, author and blogger. April 2025\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eMary and Charles Hippsley have taken the map out of their backpack, unfolded it and spread it before us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe authors take the basic premise that we all have a mental map of our spiritual journey. A map which contains different routes, landmarks and diversions which mark out our way of faith – and a few signposts to keep us on the right path as we journey with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eTheir aim is to give readers ‘space to reflect on the map you may be consciously or unconsciously using to find your way, even if there have been some unexpected twists to the journey you originally anticipated.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThey consider the significance of maps – different approaches to map making and map reading. What maps show us and what they don’t. To consider what may lie on the ‘next page of the atlas’, as it were. Readers are encouraged to draw their own map of their faith journey. This use the metaphor of maps and the parallels it provides is a strong and helpful element of the authors’ writing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWithin the book’s pages, the authors explore many different aspects of human emotions and behaviours and how they interact with our faith. They explore times of disorientation and disruption, and our location on the map (our understanding of self and place). At times the journey through the book becomes a bit uncomfortable and, for this reviewer, loses its way at times, but it was worth persevering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eFaith is not designed to stay in the same place and so we notice new things on our map and on the journey. Smartphones have changed our use of maps but they still show and hide what a journey will cover. Sometimes we need to look across the whole of the map and other times just details.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eRather like when taking a long journey, we don’t always do it all at once. We travel in stages and this is a book to read in such a manner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e. He is also the author of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/richardfrostauthor.com\/\"\u003efive other books\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #0563c1; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
Reimagining the Landscape of Faith: Essential pathways for spiritual growth
£12.99
Is this all there is to faith? Every Christian carries a map, a mental image of their journey through life,...