Christian life and practice Books

Book SynopsisFRESH provides bite-sized daily inspirations and challenges for new students covering everything from writing essays to writing home, from making friends to making the grade, from debt to dating. FRESH offers a challenging introduction to maintaining a strong personal Christian faith but keeps its main emphasis on discovering how Christian students can make the most of their faith, relationships and studies. An essential guide to keep the faith - FRESH is bursting with 5 weeks' worth of fresher-friendly ideas from someone who's been there and done that.

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Book SynopsisA good understanding of Christian teaching is important for pastors, missionaries and other church leaders and workers. However, newer Christians, especially those not from church backgrounds, also need grounding in basic beliefs. This reader-friendly guide provides a clear and concise introduction to key Christian beliefs. Twenty chapters cover a range of biblical topics, with practical application to Christian living. Some historic confessions of faith and suggestions for further reading are also included.

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Book SynopsisTime apart to listen to God is an essential component of the Christian life. This wide ranging practical resource offers complete programme ideas - from short spiritual breaks for those who can only manage a couple of hours from their work or family responsibilities, to a range of ideas for whole day and full weekend retreats. Experienced retreat conductor Sue Pickering explores the elements that are commonly used in retreats:silence, journalling, using craft materials, reflection, lectio divina, imaginative prayer, music and movement, and more. Out of these building blocks, unlimited retreat programmes can be created. Part two offers themed retreat programme outlines complete with handouts which are downloadable from the accompanying CD Rom. These include Quiet Breakfasts, A Prayer Walk, A Garden Retreat and much more.Trade Review'This book provides a clear introduction for those starting to lead quiet days and a wealth of material to plan and direct such events ... Rev Sue Pickering provides a good balance between theory (the "why" and the "how") and resources (the "what") ... I may never be called on to lead a retreat but I will use this inspiring book to enrich my own journey.' -- Rona Orme

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Book SynopsisEvery year, some 200,000 people set out on the world's most famous pilgrimage route - 'the Camino', designated a World Heritage Site in 1993. Actually a network of paths with numerous starting places in France and throughout Europe, all routes converge to lead along Spain's northern coast to Santiago de Compostela. Here the shrine of St James, the patron saint of pilgrimage, was discovered in the 9th century. Already the preferred guide for German and Spanish pilgrims, this new English edition is co-published with the Confraternity of St James, the UK's leading organisation for promoting pilgrimage to Santiago. A mix of practical information and spiritual inspiration for walkers, it offers a stage-by-stage guide pointing out places of interest along the way; practical tips for walkers; prayers, blessings and spiritual exercises to nourish the pilgrim spirit and deepen the pilgrimage experience. It is illustrated throughout with maps and photographs, and conveniently pocket sized.

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Book SynopsisWhile it may seem that everything that can be said about Celtic spirituality has been said, this outstanding book has already established itself as a classic and as essential reading. Its beauty and wisdom lingers in the mind and in the heart. First published in 1996, it has sold tens of thousands of copies throughout the world and a new edition is to be welcomed. Esther writes as a historian and as a spiritual guide, avoiding the sentimentality that is so easily associated with Celtic spirituality. She draws on its rich literary and artistic traditions and its earthy realism to make vital and life-giving connections between the Celtic Christian world and the toughness and challenges of our own world. Here is a spirituality that we can live by with honesty, commitment and truthfulness. Chapters include: Journeying, the Presence of God, Image and Song, time, Dark Forces, The Cross, Praise and Healing for the World.Trade Review'Exceptional' -- Rowan Williams'A rich tapestry of learning, prayer and a real understanding of what inspiration is needed by so many in their journey' -- Patrick Barry osb

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Book SynopsisRowan Williams, writing in partnership with the bestselling American Benedictine author, Joan Chittister, explores the meaning of a word often spoken in Christian worship, but rarely considered. What are we doing when we say the word 'Alleluia'? In the Old Testament, it is a summons to praise - when it feels appropriate and when it doesn't. In the New Testament it becomes part of the language of praise, used at all times, even to this day in the funeral liturgies in the Eastern Orthodox church. Here then is a clue - it is a call to see the whole of life 'as one long Alleluia moment' as the authors put it, to discover the richness and manifestations of God even when they are hidden from us. Some things we naturally feel grateful for - life, health, comfort, pleasure - but how is it possible to say 'Alleluia' to the parts of life that weigh us down and drain our spirits dry? This book aims to give some very practical answers to how we cultivate 'an Alleluia view' of every present moment, to find the meaning in Dag Hammerskold's famous words: 'For all that has been, thanks - for all that shall be, yes.'

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Book SynopsisThe celebrated spiritual writer Thomas Merton remains one of the most influential voices of our day. His many books have become modern spiritual classics and he opened up the riches of the monastic tradition for many. Here, Esther de Waal devises a seven day personal or group retreat programme using extracts from Thomas Merton's writings and a selection of the photography for which he was also renowned. She creates a retreat that can be made at home, at a centre or on holiday, over a week or a period of weeks. The focus of each of the seven days is: The Call, Response, The Solitary Within, Encounter With Christ, The Demands of Love, Ordinary Things, and Integration.Trade Review'Esther de Waal takes Thomas Merton's spiritual teaching as her main theme and interweaves constant references to Merton and his life with familiar Merton quotations. She also provides her own helpful thoughts and reflections and includes a number of quotations from the Psalms. The end result is a carefully-prepared retreat in the company of Thomas Merton ... This book makes me want once again to follow Merton's guidance and teaching.' -- Sister Avis Mary SLG * Fairarces Chronicles *"De Waal writes out of a reservoir of wisdom accumulated from a lifetime of searching and practicing revered spiritual traditions...A Retreat with Thomas Merton is a classic." -- Willard E. Roth * Sharing the Practice *

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Book SynopsisAs a new bishop, Robert Atwell responded to a direct challenge from older church members, who usually make up the biggest majority in any congregation. Why, they asked, was there always so much for the young; what was there for them? This book grew out of his response. A series of talks he gave on the spirituality of growing older and the gifts that wait to be discovered generated an unprecedented response, not only throughout the diocese, but on blogs and websites around the world. 60 really is the new 40 for increasing numbers of people. The retired are a huge consumer category, increasingly recognised by marketing gurus. They may have disposable income, time on their hands, and the leisure of choice - but wisdom, humour and honesty are essential for these transitional decades too and this short book offers all three in plenty. The author's background in Benedictine life, with its profound understanding of what makes for a balanced and rich life, flavours a book of timeless value

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Book SynopsisThe Jesus Prayer has been with us since the earliest years of Christianity. With its many variations, from “Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner" to the single word “Jesus” it has been a fount of prayer and a way of being attentive to God for the monks, nuns, clergy and lay people of the Eastern Church for centuries. Today, the Jesus Prayer is practiced all over the world in every Christian tradition. Simple in form, but powerful in its potential to develop and transform the heart, it becomes a way of life for those who practice it. This short, simple guide is ideal for all who are new to this ancient spiritual practice and all who are learning to make it part of their daily practice of prayer.

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Book SynopsisJim Cotter has a rare gift with words that enables him to write prayers that engage the heart and imagination as well as the mind. Here the ancient and beautiful language of night prayer is infused with fresh and striking imagery about God. Simple prayers, Psalm paraphrases and short readings for reflection open us to the mystery of God – a mystery to which we are more open at night, or when we are facing our own dark places. At night we face many things that are kept at bay by the day’s distractions. Praying the Dark Hours is a combination of two bestselling titles: Prayer at Night and Waymarks. This new edition offers structured prayer for each night of the week, based on the traditional pattern of Compline, woven together with scriptures and a short reflective reading for each day of the year and further selections for the Christian seasons.Trade Review'Surely the best-known of all his writings ... the book has become a classic.' -- Sister Avis Mary SLG'I found it easy to dip into and draw from on when I led a day-long pilgrimage to North Wales recently, a time when it is useful to have already-created material to draw upon. I shall be returning to it often.' -- John Holden

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Book SynopsisJohn Main understood that the remedy for the malaise that affects individuals and nations alike was the love of Christ. He taught that when we build our lives on the rock-like foundation of this love, we become rooted in the ultimate reality, and the winds and storms of life, and even death itself, no longer have power over us. In the short chapters of this book, he shows how we can find the way to this foundation and root ourselves in the eternal love that nothing can destroy. The way is simplicity itself, but it is also a way of dispossession. Daily meditation brings us to the place where our lives become wholly immersed in the Spirit of God, but it requires that we come empty handed and prepared to walk the way of unknowing.

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Book SynopsisIn an overwhelming world, how can our lives be shaped to their greatest potential? David F. Ford describes the ‘overwhelmings’ we face in the whirl of life today – the endless images and information that inundate us and pervade our lives. Examining the people and forces that influence us, the rhythm of work and leisure, and the intense experiences, both good and bad, that make up reality, Ford serves up practical wisdom for coping creatively with challenge and change. Above all, Ford helps us to discover a dynamic pattern that can respond to the ‘overwhelmings’ and shape our desires, relationships, responsibilities and celebrations. Here is a vision of genuine Christian life that can face both the living God and the best and worst of today’s world.Trade Review‘The Shape of Living is an essential companion for us as we struggle to be most fully ourselves in God’s chaotic but enthralling world.’ -- Susan Howatch

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Book Synopsis‘To take time to be apart… is not a luxury, it is essential. The gift of space for myself seems so simply, and in a way it is; but it is also surprisingly difficult to do without some form of external encouragement. And that is the very simple purpose of this book.’ With these words, Esther de Waal begins to show us ways into a fuller and deeper sense of attentiveness to the world around us and to the presence of God in the world. Combining monastic, Celtic and desert traditions, she offers a practical guide to finding God through the everyday circumstances of life. Seemingly small, insignificant things then become windows through which the light of Christ can shine. Many aspects of modern life can distract us: busyness, boredom, stress, lethargy, lack of direction. Yet Christ’s invitation to each of us is ‘Come and see’. Responding to this call, Lost in Wonder clears and refreshes our inner vision, teaching us again how to use those gifts we may have come to take for granted or forgotten we had: sight, sound, silence, awareness, mystery, wonder.

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Book SynopsisBased on a series of retreat addresses to clergy, parishes and religious communities given over a period of five years, this is one of the most acclaimed guides to Christian contemplative prayer. First published 30 years ago, it is truly a modern spiritual classic. Robert Llewelyn provides a practical yet profound guide for anyone venturing on the path of prayer and contemplation. He explores Julian of Norwich’s way of prayer and discovers its enduring wisdom for today. He also finds essential insights into the contemplative life from Julian’s contemporary, the anonymous author of The Cloud of Unknowing. The treasures of this medieval English mystical tradition are brought to fresh life with simple and homely examples that illustrate their lasting appeal and power for today.

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Book SynopsisWith reverence and love, Britain’s most admired rural writer chronicles daily life in the Stour valley village, finding beauty and significance in its sheer ordinariness as well as in its many literary, artistic and historic associations. The year takes its shape from the seasons of nature and the feasts and festivals of the Christian year. Each informs and illuminates the other in this loving celebration of nature’s gifts and neighbourly friendship. Literature, poetry, spirituality and memory all merge to create an exquisite series of stories of our times. These delightful essays first appeared in the ‘Word From Wormingford’ column, a popular back page feature of the Church Times for some 20 years. It was praised as one of the finest journalistic columns by the Guardian in November 2012.Trade Review‘Tucked away on the back page of the Church Times each week is one of the most elegant and thoughtful columns in British journalism. Word from Wormingford mixes acute, elegiac rural observation with a strand of English mystical thinking that often seems to reach back to its 17th-century roots.’ -- The Guardian"I have greatly enjoyed this latest collection of his musings...Delightful text." -- Jeremy Harvey * The Reader *"Although Blythe's style may be poetic, there is a conversational feel, drawing the reader deeper into the company of a wise, kindly uncle, imparting old truths and new insights." -- Kate Horrix * Magnet *

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Book SynopsisIt has been over 60 years since the last guide to the care of church linens and textiles was published and despite being used to a greater or lesser degree in every parish church, popular knowledge of their proper use and care is diminishing. This welcome and straightforward guide provides practical advice with helpful illustrations on the use and care of all church linen and textiles. Part One explains the use, care and repair of all the main items of linen used at the altar, including textile coverings, frontals, pulpit and lectern falls. Part Two describes the use of vestments and garments, how and when they are worn, and their proper storage and care. Part Three offers a complete guide to cleaning fabrics, natural and synthetic; what to wash and what to dry clean, and how to remove common spills and stains such as candle wax and flower pollen. Part Four offers a directory of sources and advice on the storage and disposal of church textiles.Trade Review'It includes detailed advice for sacristans on storage, cleaning, ironing, repair, acquisition, and disposal of textiles' * Church Times *

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Book SynopsisIn Speaking of Sin, Barbara Brown Taylor brings her fresh perspective to words that often cause us discomfort and have widely fallen into neglect: sin, damnation, repentance, penance, and salvation. Asking why we should speak of sin at all, she argues that abandoning words will not make sin go away, and that alienation, deformation, damnation and death will continue no matter what we call them. Abandoning the language will simply leave us speechless before them, and increase our denial of their presence in our lives. Ironically, it will also weaken the language of grace, since the full impact of forgiveness cannot be felt apart from the full impact of what has been forgiven. Contrary to the prevailing view, Taylor calls sin “a helpful, hopeful word.” Naming our sins, she contends, enables us to move from guilt to grace. In recovering this lost language of salvation in our worship and in the fabric of our individual lives, we have an opportunity to take part in the divine work of redemption.Trade Review'It does not answer the question "Exactly how responsible are we?" but, instead, redirects us towards honest, active, and costly response to grace which can begin to transform our lives and the life of the world.' -- The Revd Rosemary Lain-Priestley * Church Times *

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Book SynopsisDaily readings from Scripture and prayers.

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