Search results for ""author john pritchard""

A book of practical help and encouragement for anyone looking for a new start in their spiritual journey, or wanting to take that journey further for the first time.

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In this lively and hopeful volume, John Pritchard realistically maps out the life and work of those called to serve God in the ordained ministry. He looks in turn at the only three things he believes need be of concern: the glory of God, the pain of the world, and the renewal of the Church. From these flow the priest's many roles, such as spiritual explorer, multi-lingual interpreter, wounded companion, friendly irritant, creative leader and mature risk-taker. The book pays homage to Robert Martineau's The Office and Work of a Priest, published in 1972, and much valued as a wise account of the duties of a priest at that time.

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Compelled by the belief that a large number of Christians want to come to God with others’ needs, John Pritchard has created this follow-up to his hugely successful volumes, The Intercessions Handbook and The Second Intercessions Handbook. In a gentle, accessible, style he offers ‘starter’ ideas and introductory material to help those who lead intercessions in public worship and small groups, and aims to open the reader’s imagination to enrich their own style of praying. Everyday language, images and experiences are used in each of the three main sections. The first, looking at intercessions in mainstream worship, offers prayers · for each of the 12 months · for major festivals and their seasons · for special days like Mothering Sunday · on themes such as light, storms and fear The second section provides intercessions for use in informal worship and small groups, while the third, focusing on personal payers, includes a section for extroverts. Praise for The Intercessions Handbook: ‘A wake-up call to all those who . . . need to find encouragement, freshness, balance and perseverance in this work of grace.’ Methodist Recorder

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In this exhilarating book, John Pritchard reclaims the narrative power of the gospels by retelling well-known stories in vivid, imaginative language, and showing us how our own stories fit into the Christian story and can be transformed by it. He takes key narratives like the visit of Mary to Elizabeth, the parable of the rich fool, and the Last Supper, and helps us to be part of them. We are given the opportunity to see the people involved more clearly, not least of all Jesus himself - and so to consider whether we might live our own lives a little differently.

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When you dig a bit below the surface, you are likely to discover that many of us who attend church regularly feel we have lost touch with a living experience of God. Indeed, we may find we no longer believe in God at all. The reasons why faith breaks down are multi-layered and complex, and this sympathetic volume has been written for those who aren't satisfied with pious answers to real questions and disappointments. John Pritchard draws deeply on his own experience of dark times in order to shed light on what we may be going through ourselves. He then offers starting points from which we might rediscover and re-imagine a more realistic faith in the God who, despite appearances, is ever present with us, whether apprehended or not. 'God Lost and Found' offers many unique qualities and insights that will force you to confront your honest feelings towards God. The book then progresses into a helpful discussion that will provide you with various starting points for rediscovering your faith in God. 'During those times when God is lost from my life, I want a friend who is honest, sympathetic, insightful and engaging. John Pritchard in this book is that kind of friend, encouraging me with creativity, fun and gentleness to find God.' David Wilkinson, Principal, St John's College, Durham University 'This is an unusually honest book. Its analysis is plain-spoken and compassionate, and what Bishop John has to say about finding ways to live constructively with times of emptiness is superbly well focused. You'll emerge from reading this with - probably - relief that a widespread set of challenges has been so sensitively identified and - certainly - with gratitude for sensible, durable advice on how to go on making friends with the mystery we can never digest or contain.' Rowan Williams, Master of Magdalen College, Cambridge 'What a courageous book! In his inimitable, engaging style, John Pritchard exposes the doubts, anxieties and spiritual dryness which can afflict even faithful believers. He shows us the darkest reality of being unable to find God. But he does not leave us there. His many stories and insights lift us gently to look again, experience afresh and be open to "new beginnings". The result is a deeply compassionate book - full of hope and full of God.' Elaine Storkey, author of Scars Across Humanity

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‘In this wonderful book, John Pritchard draws you into twenty of Jesus’ most important questions, which ring as true today as ever they did. I loved it.’ PAULA GOODER, CHANCELLOR OF ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL, LONDON We usually think of Jesus as preaching and teaching, but throughout the gospels he is often asking questions – searching enquiries, that disarm the hearers into responding unreservedly and provide some of the most profound lessons in the New Testament. But what were the questions that Jesus asked? And how can we learn from them today? Twenty Questions Jesus Asked explores just that. Over four distinct sections, John Pritchard explores twenty of Jesus’ conversations by imagining the experience of those being questioned and reflecting on their significance for us as modern Christians. With contemporary stories, questions for reflection and prayer exercises, Twenty Questions Jesus Asked is a brilliant book for both individual and small group use. With his characteristic grounded thoughtfulness, John Pritchard guides us through Jesus’ questions and helps us better understand the lessons he was trying to impart, so that we can grow as disciples and apply Jesus’ wisdom to every day life.

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Lists can be an entertaining distraction but Ten demonstrates they can be stimulating too. With characteristic wit and candour, John Pritchard attempts to get clear in his own mind what he believes after 40 years of trying to faith understandable to others. Topics include: - Ten problems people have with faith - Ten things I believe about God - Ten things I don't believe about God - Ten words of wisdom - Ten clichés to avoid - Ten ways to pray - Ten lessons learned This is a great book whether you're sceptical about Christianity, feel there may be something to it, or simply want reassurance - in the midst of life's frequently bewildering moments - that it really does make sense.

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Many of us are aware of our spiritual nature, and we have a real desire and need to talk to God. Prayer, however, seems a difficult thing to do. While talking to our friends comes easily, we often think that talking to God does not. In How to Pray, John Pritchard takes us on a journey into prayer. He begins by showing us how to see the divine in everyday life and how to slow down enough to hear God. He makes a wealth of useful suggestions about: · how to pray · when to pray · how to pray with the Bible · how to pray with the imagination · how to pray with others · how to pray when the going gets tough. Whether you are just starting out in your prayer life or want to deepen and refresh it, this practical handbook will be a constant source of ideas and inspiration.

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The resurrection is the Big Story that turned a little Jewish protest movement into a world-transforming religion. And yet by Easter Monday we've almost forgotten about it and are planning our summer holidays. How can we re-capture the explosive power of the resurrection that ricocheted around the world? How can we live in the glow of resurrection and be an Easter people? How can 'there and then' become 'here and now'? That's what the On the Third Day course sets out to explore and discuss. The five sessions focus on: Session 1: Have I got news for you! Session 2: So what? The implications of the resurrection Session 3: ‘Let him Easter in us’: Personal discipleship in the light of the resurrection Session 4: Celebrating and praying Easter Session 5: A risen Church The course booklet of On the Third Day is accompanied by a lively CD, where Canon Simon Stanley grills New Testament scholar and author Tom Wright, writer Paul Vallely, Methodist minister Ruth Gee, and the Church of England’s first woman bishop, Libby Lane. This York Course is available in the following formats Course Book (Paperback 9781909107199) Course Book (eBook 9781915843173) Audio Book of Interview to support On the Third Day York Course (CD 9781915843104) Audio Book of Interview (Digital Download 9781915843098) Transcript of interview to support On the Third Day York Course (Paperback 9781909107205) Transcript of interview (eBook 9781915843180) Book Pack (9781739182014 Featuring Paperback Course Book, Audio Book on CD and Paperback Transcript of Interview) Large print (9781739182021)

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Is Christianity for those who can't get a life? What use is a dying God? Why is the Church so naff? If you've faced questions like these and felt tongue-tied, this is the book for you. It will help you talk more confidently with your friends about the hope that keeps you going. And during those times when you find that you are questioning your faith, the answers and ideas here may help you come to a deeper understanding of what you really believe.The user-friendly format of each chapter begins with a 'What they say' section. The author then identifies the key issue, before suggesting (in reassuring detail) how you might respond. All through the book you will find stories, as well as inspiring, poignant and witty quotes to work into your conversations whenever the opportunity arises . . .

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Jesus was a pest to the Romans and a threat to the religious leadership, so they hung him out like so much refuse. Little did they realize that it was like trying to put out a fire with petrol. The whole world exploded. With characteristic style, John Pritchard takes us on pilgrimage to the Holy Land, as he unpacks the five great events that made Christianity – Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, Ascension and Pentecost. We explore: `What happened?’ `What did it mean?’ `What does it mean for us?’ Absorbing, immediate and full of stories, this volume offers deeply considered theology, brilliantly communicated to connect with life as we actually experience it.

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Mystery, beauty, enchantment, incompleteness, desire, suffering . . . In this highly readable book, John Pritchard explores around 20 experiences common to us all. Each of these, he believes, offers us a route to a more authentic existence, an insight into some aspect of the divine. Whether you are just starting out on spiritual exploration, or have some experience of ‘signs of transcendence’, this book will reassure you are on the right track, and point the way forward to the ‘beyond in the everyday’, the ‘something more’ we are forever designed to seek. 'What do we do when, as John Pritchard puts it, the burning bush has gone out and nothing is left but wet ash? Well, for a start, something like this: speak to the everyday post-religious twenty-first century world in its own terms, with respect and without concealment, about the ways in which, in everybody’s experience, the damp ashes still gleam unpredictably with the promise of something more.' Francis Spufford, author of Unapologetic ‘In John Pritchard we encounter a true genius in contemporary spiritual writing – one who is gifted in expressing the profound, yet with a light touch and an easy-going approach. We discover in Something More that to encounter God’s presence afresh, all we need bring is our humanity, humility and sense of wonder.’ The Very Revd Prof. Martyn Percy, Dean of Christ Church, Oxford 'Once we know how vast the universe is and how little we know of it, it’s hard to go on believing in God as a powerful parent figure. John Pritchard faces the challenge head on. He rethinks Christian spirituality in a way that opens horizons rather than closing them down.' Linda Woodhead, Professor of Sociology of Religion, Lancaster University

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After an unforgettable three years, the charismatic teacher who called you and your brother James to follow him says, 'Right, let's go to Jerusalem' It's thrilling to be setting out on the next stage of the adventure. But life in the company of Jesus is not for the faint-hearted. Certainly there's fun, as lark about with the other young disciples. But it's pretty edgy too, not knowing who is going to turn up next and what might be expected of you. And as the days pass by, the huge demands on Jesus as he heals and teaches invoke both a strange tenderness, and a growing dread of why exactly you are journeying to the holy city . . . Looking through the eyes of the disciple John, The Journey follows Luke's chronology from Luke 9.51, as Jesus 'set his face to go to Jerusalem' Absorbing, exuberant and affective, it offers daily (weekday) readings for Lent, from Ash Wednesday to Good Friday, with a poem for each Saturday. It is suitable to use individually or in groups.

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The faith we proclaim on Sunday is just as relevant to the rest of the week. However, too often the teaching and support that church life offers us can seem aimed at deepening our personal commitment to Christ and our involvement in church activities, rather than enabling us to live out our faith at work and in the world. We need to close the gap between sacred and secular, and that’s what this book aims to help us do. Each chapter identifies an issue, explores how we might respond and encourages us – through practical ideas, stories, humour, quotes, Scripture, questions and prayer – to seek to make a difference. ‘This is a very good book by a very exceptional leader. John Pritchard puts himself into what he writes, and the result is accessible, encouraging and fun, with a steel core that not only makes one think but takes one back to the face of Christ and the realities of Christian discipleship. John is never cheaply comfortable but always reassuringly real. I am very glad to have read Living Faithfully.’ Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury ‘Wise, honest and realistic, Living Faithfully joins the dots in a lively and compelling way between the core of Christian teaching and contemporary human experience.’ Christina Rees, broadcaster and writer

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‘This richly engaging study vividly conveys how opening our hearts to Christ can release the transformative power of love to flow through our lives and into our broken and needy world. I pray that many will be touched by their encounter with Christ in Living Jesus.’ Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu ‘I'm with John Pritchard – unashamedly and incurably obsessed with Jesus. As I read his beautiful new book, I felt both my mind and my heart being enriched and challenged - to ponder the life and meaning of Jesus with my mind, and to respond from the depths of my heart. Whether you're a long-term follower of Jesus or just beginning to explore what he's about, you'll find in Living Jesus a dependable guide . . . gracious, intelligent, balanced, and generous with insight.’ Brian McLaren, author, speaker and activist ‘What a fantastic book! Jesus Christ is the centre of human history, but who is he? John Pritchard shows us the Jesus who jumped off the pages of the Bible and into his life. I encourage you to read this book, whether you're a follower of Jesus or just wanting to find out more. You will be moved, you will laugh and you will cry. In those moments when you wonder why you are a Christian, Living Jesus will remind you. An inspirational book written by a man who loves Jesus and loves people.' Mark Russell, Chief Executive, Church Army

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There are many situations we find ourselves in as Christians that are difficult to handle. In this warm and compassionate handbook John Pritchard offers an easy-to-navigate source of advice on how to respond to the needs of others. It draws on his extensive experience, and his companion volume The Life and Work of a Priest, which has become a classic. Laid out in an accessible A-Z format, the Handbook for Christian Ministry is for both lay and ordained Christians wanting to make the most of the ministries God has called them into. With 'tail pieces' and 'quick ideas' featured throughout, readers will learn of real-life examples and be able to put their understanding into practise. With activities such as creating a visual map of The Holy Land, setting up a pastoral visiting team or running a storytelling workshop, this handbook will equip Christians with a variety of skills to help them make the most of their calling.

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John Pritchard takes an honest look at what the church is really for and how it works. A book for all who wonder what it must be like to be part of a community of people who are trying to follow the life and teaching of Jesus.

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The bestselling Intercessions Handbook is designed for use in a wide range of formal and informal settings. In two introductory chapters, John Pritchard considers the importance and challenges of the vital task of intercession. He then offers practical examples of intercessions in traditional services, all-age worship, small groups and personal devotions. Material for seasons, major festivals and special events is also included.

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Using everyday stories and case histories the authors explore pastoral situations and reflect on them theologically. This new edition has been extensively revised to take into account the changes of the past ten years. The first part of the book (The Foundations) looks at the theory of practical theology, and models for its application. The second part covers tools for practical theology; learning from experience, interdisciplinary working, theological reflection, action and spirituality; and to this has been added new material about mission in context today.

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