Worship, rites, ceremonies and rituals Books

Book SynopsisDennis Prager, author of the bestselling Rational Bible commentaries, turns to the Haggadah, the book used for the most widely celebrated Jewish ritual, the Passover Seder. (Like most Haggadahs, the Rational Passover Haggadah is printed in the Hebrew format, reading right to left.) Equally valuable for religious and non-religious Jews, as well as non-Jews, Prager’s rich commentary is filled with insights that the reader will ponder for a lifetime. The Rational Haggadah includes the Hebrew text for the Seder side by side with the English translation, making this a complete and fulfilling guide to the Passover ritual.

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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 SynopsisCome Into the Light is an illustrated handbook for understanding the architecture of a church and the arrangement of its interior for the celebration of the liturgy. It offers great practical wisdom to all Christian communities as they reflect on their liturgy and on the buildings in which God is made present daily in ritual and symbol. This book aims to build an understanding of the constituent features of church buildings, the role they have in worship and the spirit with which they are imbued, so that all who enter today’s sacred spaces may find the authentic presence of the living God. Those who read, preach, preside or in any way take part in worship will find great practical inspiration here. This volume includes articles that have appeared over the last five years in the regular Parish Practice feature in 'The Tablet' magazine.

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Book SynopsisThe Qur'an is the sacramental foundation of prayer in Islam. Its inspirational power is perpetually renewed through being recited and meditated upon by Muslims on a daily basis throughout their lives. This succinct monograph provides a unique contemporary insight into the spiritual, intellectual and moral dynamics set in motion by the short Qur'anic chapters recited in their prayers by Muslims of all traditions, but which are particularly recommended within Shi'i Islam. Dr Shah-Kazemi engages creatively with the chapters of the Qur'an, including the 'Opening' (al-Fatiha) chapter, basing his own philosophical reflections on the teachings of Imam 'Ali. He focuses in particular on the relationship between the moral and the mystical aspects of the texts. The result is a stimulating philosophical meditation probing the depths of meaning comprised within the verses of a Revelation by which the spiritual quest of Muslims has constantly been inspired, nourished and fulfilled.Table of ContentsN/A

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Book SynopsisFor Sundays and Holy Days, here is a collection of patristic prayers to be used in preparation for Holy Communion. This collection is suitable for use in conjunction with "Common Worship", "The Sunday Missal" and other liturgies. A H Baverstock was one of the first Guardians of the Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham. He died in 1950. Julian Litten is an historian and ecclesiologist. A member of General Synod, he also sits on the Court of Fellows of the Society of the Faith.

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Book SynopsisA classic book of ceremonies and services according to the Western Rite, for all services other than the Eucharist which a parish priest would normally carry out. It contains orders of service for baptism, marriage, funerals, sick visiting, home communion and penance, as well as numerous blessing ceremonies for buildings, objects and events. It may be used alongside Common Worship and The Book of Common Prayer, and includes an appendix of prayers for a wide range of needs and occasions. Material from the Western Rite and the Book of Common Prayer is printed side-by-side, making this a useful resource for priests and parishioners who prefer ancient rites which pre-date the splits and divisions brought about by the Reformation.

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Book SynopsisThis practical volume explores every aspect of serving as a eucharistic minister in the Catholic church. It offers in-depth teaching on the meaning of the Eucharist; personal preparation for the rite of commissioning; an explanation of the practical skills required; pastoral advice on giving communion at home or in hospital as well as help for those unexpected moments when something may go wrong. A warm and encouraging companion for all who serve in this ministry.Trade Review"This very readable and userfriendly volume provides an essential resource for all lay eucharistic ministers (...) It is a welcome addition to the materials available to those responsible for the initial and ongoing formation of lay liturgical ministers at both parish and diocesan level." -- Liz Clarke * Schools of Prayer *"This book is surely a "must" for Eucharistic ministers, both in training, and for those already practising this ministry. It is informative, inspirational, and an unusually easy and interesting read for this type of book. More than that, a priest responsible for the selecting and training of lay people would gain understanding of the fears and worries that cause so much uncertainty and nervousness among people considering their suitability for serving in this way. (...) While recommending this book for those serving, and for those in training, I do feel that it would be a very useful exercise for all Catholics to read, with open hearts and minds, especially those who have reservations about lay people doing 'things' usually only performed by priest." -- Margaret Butler * Northern Cross *

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Book SynopsisThis tried and test collection is a must for anyone leading intercessions in the Church of England. It provides prayers for every Sunday, Holy Day and Festival, Years A, B and C that can be easily adapted to local contexts. The prayers reflect the Bible readings of the day, creating a more integrated act of worship. This expanded edition also contains forms of intercession for numerous extra occasions: • Principal Feasts – e.g. The Presentation of Christ in the Temple, the Transfiguration • Other Holy Days – e.g. The Birth of John the Baptist, Holy Cross Day • Red Letter Saints’ Days • Pastoral occasions in the context of a Eucharist – baptism, confirmation, marriage, funeral, healing service, Remembrance • Installation of a new incumbent A trusted liturgical resource for many years, regularly used in hundreds of parishes, this continues to be the essential handbook for Lectionary-based intercessions.

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Book SynopsisArising out of many year's experience of helping to lead local church worship and counselling work in a children's hospice, this is the first of three new volumes that focuses on the occasions when many non-churchgoers visit a church: for christenings, weddings, funerals, and memorials. These rites of passage present key opportunities for occasional visitors to encounter the Christian faith. If they are imaginatively handled a lifelong interest can be aroused. If they are insensitively done, people can be put off for life. This practical resource offers prayers, forms of words and many tried and tested ideas for creating rituals that give support at a time of great need following a death. It will enable the creation of rites (based on the authorized liturgical texts) that are beautiful, memorable and meaningful. Particular help is given for that most difficult of pastoral challenges, the death of a child and the care of the bereaved family.Trade Review'This is a useful, sensitive, creative resource and is a welcome addition to the existing available material. It compliments the more traditional formats of church liturgy and brings a personal flexible and creative touch. ' * The Miscarriage Association *'This is a wide-ranging book for all whose task it is to preside at funerals, especially for those of us who do this frequently. Many ideas in this book are fresh and new. Engaging with these ideas will help to renew our pastoral approach to the the taking of funerals and prevent a sense of staleness from creeping in. This is a book in the best tradition of creating and adapting liturgy for pastoral needs and circumstances'. * Fairacres Chronicle *

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Book SynopsisUsing Coverdale's translation of the Psalms from the Book of Common Prayer, the very best of Anglican chant is married to texts that have been used to sing the transcendent glory of God for three thousand years. The Psalms are ruthlessly honest in their portrayal of conflicting human emotions, and many psalters have excised the verses that speak of vengeance, hatred and anger. Acknowledging that these emotions are also part of human experience, the Anglican Psalter retains this material, to be included or omitted as local preference or the occasion dictates. Includes work by renowned composers past and present including Elgar, Parry, Stanford, Stainer, Wesley, Malcolm Archer, David Willcocks, John Barnard, and many more.

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Book SynopsisFirst published in 1972 this volume describes how the round of the year, with its cycle of festivals and seasonal work, was observed in the Ireland of yesterday. We follow the rhythm of the year from New Year to Easter, May Day to Harvest and Christmas along the chain of high days and feast days, St Brighid's Day, The Borrowed Days, Midsummer, St Swithin's Day, Lúnasa, The Pattern Day, Samhain, Martinmas and Christmas, fishing boat - belief and usage - feasting and merrymaking. Picturesque customs are revealed - some forgotten, some forbidden, some still familiar, such as 'the making of St Brighid's cross - marriage divinations - watching the dancing of the sun on a hilltop on Easter morning - going to the Skelligs - cock-throwing - bullbaiting - herring processions - the swimming of the horses on Lunasa - and many others. A multi-coloured tapestry. Kevin Danaher has drawn on a wide variety of sources and on more than thirty years research into Irish folk tradition. He is the author of In Ireland Long Ago, Gentle Places and Simple Things, Irish Country People, Folktales of the Irish Countryside and The Pleasant Land of Ireland.Trade Review'This is a book written in 1972 on the Irish Calendar customs. It describes how the year, with its cycle of festivals and seasonal work, was observed in Ireland in the 19-20th centuries. The author draws on a wide variety of sources and on more than thirty years of research into Irish Folk traditions. The book gives the reader an idea of how the year was for many of the inhabitants of Ireland that still followed the old traditions. You get the sense of what each strata of the community was up too at which time of the year. The book starts on Saint Brighid’s day and goes all the way to Christmas. It encompasses both Pagan and Christian days and gives the activities associated with the said day. It is a book that you can read in one go at first and then go back too at the appropriate time of year for inspiration. I really enjoyed reading the book because it gave me ideas on things that I could do on my own rituals and celebrations. It gives the sense of the ebb and flow of the year and how the seasons were related to each other and how one activity during a certain time can be related to another in another time. I think it is a must read book for anyone who is interested in following an Irish path of spirituality be it Christian or Pagan.' - The Celtic ScholarTable of ContentsIntroduction SAINT BRIGHID’S DAY -Saint Brighid’s Crosses - Making the Crosses - The Brideóg - Brat Bride - Crios Bríde - Cattle and Crops - Other Beliefs and Customs CANDLEMAS SHROVE TUESDAY - Shrovetide Weddings CHALK SUNDAY - ‘Going to the Skelligs’ - ‘The Ash Bag’ - Sprinkling of Salt - Domhnach na Smuit; ‘Puss Sunday’ - Some other customs ASH WEDNESDAY LENT SAINT PATRICK’S DAY LADY DAY PALM SUNDAY EASTER - Good Friday - Easter Saturday - Herring Processions - The Dance of the Sun - Easter Eggs - Feasting - The Cake Dance - Other Easter Beliefs and Customs - Easter Monday APRIL FOOLS’ DAY THE BORROWED DAYS MAY DAY- Welcoming the Summer - May Balls - May Dew - Charms and Counter-charms - Health - The Fairies at Maytime - Other May Day Beliefs and Customs ASCENSION THURSDAY WHITSUNTIDE CORPUS CHRISTI MIDSUMMER The Midsummer Fire - Jumping over the Fire - The Family Fire - The Growing Crops - The Cattle at Midsummer - The Dwellinghouse at Midsummer - HerbGathering - Other Midsummer Beliefs and Customs SS PETER AND PAUL THE TWELFTH OF JULY SAINT SWITHIN’S DAY ‘HUNGRY JULY’ THE FIRST OF THE HARVEST - Outdoor Gatherings - Gatherings on Hills - Gatherings at Lakes and Rivers - Other Lunasa Customs and Beliefs - Cork Harbour Ceremony THE ASSUMPTION SAINT BARTHOLOMEW’S DAY THE PATTERN DAY MICHAELMAS THE END OF THE HARVEST - The Clousur - Gleaning - The Harvest Home - Harvest Knots - The Disposal of the Last Sheaf SAMHAIN - Feasting and Merrymaking - Samhain Beliefs and Customs - Hallowe’en Guisers - Games, Dares and Pranks - Weather Divination - Divination Games - Marriage Divination ALL SOULS DAY MARTINMAS CHRISTMAS - Preparing for Christmas - Christmas Eve - Christmas Day - Waits - Saint Stephen’s Day - The Mummers - Holy Innocents - New Year - Handsel Monday - Epiphany APPENDIX - Church Feasts and Fasts BIBLIOGRAPHY INDEX

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Book SynopsisPilgrimage was an integral part not only of medieval religion but medieval life, and from its origins in the 4th-century Meditteranean world rapidly spread to northern Europe as a pan-European devotional phenomenon. Drawing upon original source materials, this text seeks to uncover the motives of pilgrims and the details of their preparation, maintenance, hazards on the route, and their ideas about pilgrimage sites - especially Jerusalem, Compostela and Rome - and gives an account of the multiplicity of interest which grew up around the many shrines along the way. The period covered is from about 1000 AD to 1500 AD - before the first crusade and the beginning of the great growth in pilgrimage in the Orthodox church, Byzantine of Russia. The bibliography includes printed sources and a listing of secondary works.Table of ContentsPart 1 Pilgrimage down to the 12th century: the development of medieval European pilgrimage. Part 2 European pilgrimage c.110-c.1500: penitential pilgrimage, indulgences and jubilees, help and hazard -the pilgrim's experience; remembering pilgrimage - souvenirs; pilgrimage post mortem - wills; pilgrimage in one city - Pistoia. Part 3 Pilgrimage in one country - England: Englishmen abroad; pilgrimage in England; pilgrimage to and from Scotland; European visitors. Part 4 Verdicts on pilgrimage: criticism and evaluation of pilgrimage.

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Book SynopsisFrom its very beginnings in the eighteenth century, the Hasidic movement was suffused with a joyous enthusiasm and optimism derived from the notion of God being in all things. This led to an insistence on joy as an essential element in divine worship, and in consequence a distinctive attitude to prayer. This classic work, presented here with a new introduction, is a study of the attitudes of the hasidic rebbes to prayer. Louis Jacobs bases himself principally on the works compiled by rebbes themselves and records preserved by their disciples. Copious quotations from these writings form a sound basis for his masterly analysis—unsurpassed since it was first published in 1972 — and enable the reader to gain a familiarity with Hasidic thought on the subject of divine worship at first hand.Trade Review'It now presents itself to a new public which will find this one of the basic books required for those who want to go directly into the nature of Hasidic prayer ... in this sound and clearly written text there is a scholarly survey of the most immediate developments of Hasidism, which enters into that world both as a scholar looking in from the outside, and as a rabbi aware of the yearnings of faith. The new introduction is valuable in pointing to the most recent scholarship which also emphasizes women in Hasidic life ... this is a valuable book which is a pleasure to read.'European Judaism'His work is remarkably well done, with profound scholarship but presented in a readable and absorbing manner.'Times Educational SupplementTable of ContentsIntroduction to the paperback edition Introduction to the first edition Notes on names and dates 1 Hasidism 2 The Nature of Hasidic Prayer 3 The Hasidic Prayer Book and Prayer House 4 Preparations for Prayer 5 Gestures and Melody in Prayer 6 Contemplative Prayer 7 Contemplative Prayer (continued) 8 Ecstatic Prayer 9 The Elevation of ‘Strange Thoughts’ 10 Prayer as Inspiration 11 The Prayers of the Zaddik 12 The Polemic on the Recital of Le-Shem Yihud 13 Hasidic Prayer in the Responsa Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisDiscover the practical means to incorporate these three aspects of prayer in your approach to God and experience the glorious results.

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