The Upper Room Disciplines 2021


Book Description

How important is it to have a daily spiritual routine? "When we engage in daily spiritual formation, we deepen our roots . . . and grow our capacity to handle any season of life," Junius Dotson wrote in the 2018 edition of The Upper Room Disciplines. Daily devotional reading helps keep our faith alive. Disciplines invites readers to spend unrushed time with God, reading a lectionary-based scripture passage, reflecting on the author's insights, and thinking about how to apply the truths from the readings to their daily life. This devotional book features 53 authors from diverse backgrounds, including some of the leading Christian thinkers of our time. Among the writers for 2021 are J. Dana Trent, James A. Harnish, Enuma Okoro, Jean-Claude Masuka, George Donigian, Beth A. Richardson, Kenneth H. Carter Jr., D. L. Mayfield, Stephane Brooks, Rachel Hackenberg, Rosalind Hughes, Memory Chikosi, Liz Magill, Charity Kiregyera, Joe Pennel, and Beth Taulman Miller.




Earth Gospel


Book Description

Do something for the environment--pray for the earth. The icecaps are melting. The air we breathe and the water we drink are polluted. Forests are being cleared of oxygen-making trees and ecosystem-integral wildlife. Our daily lives impact our earth--mostly leaving negative footprints. The environmental challenges we face are real and almost out of control. We're free to enjoy the earth's bounty and beauty, but along with that privilege comes responsibility. How are Christians to respond as stewards of God's creation? Explore through prayer the interconnecting love that binds God, humankind, and creation--forming a sacred trust. Earth Gospel offers four weeks of prayer (seven days per week with prayers for morning, midday, and evening) to encourage care of God's creation. Each daily reading includes scripture, hymn texts, beautiful poems and reflections from sages across time, and blessings. Featured voices include Emily Dickinson, Wendell Berry, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther, e.e. cummings, Julia Esquivel, Annie Dillard, Henry David Thoreau, Catherine of Siena, and many others. Conveniently sized to tuck into a backpack for a field expedition or as a companion to your Bible during prayer time, Earth Gospel will deepen your appreciation and commitment to creation. Use it daily, and it will change your life.




Light of Lights


Book Description

This Advent book invites readers to commit to the practice of daily prayer. The collection of meditations from The Upper Room daily devotional guide is arranged to coordinate with the themes of the four candles on an Advent wreath: Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace. Meditations are included for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the Sunday after Christmas. A complete Leader's Guide for small groups and instructions for making an Advent wreath are included.




Meditation on Both Sides of the Camera


Book Description

Have you ever thought of photography as a spiritual journey? Photography provides a way to still the heart and soul so you can hear God's voice and sense God's presence. Whether you're an experienced photographer or just take pictures with your smartphone, you will enjoy this creative way to connect with God. In Meditation on Both Sides of the Camera, award-winning photographer Valerie Isenhower guides you to pay attention, center, and focus your eyes in new ways. "The spiritual journey of photography from beginning to end is like breathing life into the stories of our photographs and souls," Isenhower writes. This e-book includes: color photography helpful suggestions for preparing your heart, mind, and soul before you go on a photo shoot tips for reflecting on the images you capture links to online resources Take advantage of Isenhower's years of experience as enjoyed by others in her workshops and online courses.




Soul Reset


Book Description

Everything was going fine … until it wasn't. For Reverend Junius B. Dotson it took an actual breakdown during a funeral for him to realize he needed a reset. As he recalls his own journey through grief, depression, burnout, and emotional breakdown, Dotson is passionate about calling for a Soul Reset for pastors, church leaders, and all disciples of Jesus Christ. This is a 6-week churchwide study for everyone who moves at breakneck speed through their daily lives, often relying only on their own strength to bring God's kingdom on earth. Jesus shows us a different way, an easier, unforced rhythm of what kingdom work looks like. It's a balance of work, rest, play, worship, exercise, and eating well—spiritual practices that keep our souls hydrated and healthy as we do the work of the church in the world. Soul Reset: Breakdown, Breakthrough, and the Journey to Wholeness includes a book; a DVD; downloadable video segments; age-level discussion guides for children, youth, and adults; sermon starters; and more. Soul Reset is a call for the church and all of Jesus' disciples to reset and reorder their lives around spiritual practices, to learn to walk through our difficult seasons with our souls connected to the source of Living Water so that we don't burn out or break down. And if we do burn out or break down, we learn to lift one another up and point one another back to Jesus. Introduction Chapter 1: Watch How I Do It – Jesus Chapter 2: Knocking on God's Door – David Chapter 3: It's Not All on Me – Mary and Martha Chapter 4: Eat Something – Elijah Chapter 5: Life in Crisis – Job Chapter 6: Living in the Light – Judas and Peter




Emmaus Ministries Community Manual


Book Description

This resource takes the place of both The Upper Room Handbook on Emmaus and The Upper Room Handbook on Chrysalis. It explains the ins and outs, and the whys and hows of all four Upper Room Emmaus Ministries—The Walk to Emmaus, Chrysalis, Face to Face, and Journey to the Table. The Emmaus Ministries Community Manual provides a comprehensive overview and explanation for the Emmaus movement and all of the ministries, both from theological and technical perspectives. The handbook answers many questions and offers insight into the reasons behind the design of Emmaus Ministries and the accompanying procedures.




Becoming Who God Wants You to Be


Book Description

For those who do not have a spiritual director – or are curious about the concept – W. Paul Jones has crafted a series of topical meditations that facilitate self-guided spiritual direction. In this refreshing approach to the means of spiritual growth, you will explore self-guided spiritual direction with the ultimate spiritual director – The Holy Spirit. Examine your inner thoughts, truths, difficulties, and triumphs through reflection questions at the end of each chapter that prompt introspection and ultimately direction in your spiritual life. Chapter Topics Include: Abandonment, Being Second, Covenant, Envy, Prayer, and Religion




Upper Room Worshipbook


Book Description

Included features in the new Upper Room Worshipbook: - Praise to God-in-three-persons, the Trinity - Biblical vision of Shalom and Sabbath for an emerging Church - Prayer reflecting the full, honest, emotive range of the Psalms - Word-soaked and image-rich texts which are foundational, evocative, and formative - Music which is delightfully varied in origin and style, yet accessible - Songs which pray for aching creation and peoples yet embody the expectancy of healing and restoration - Eucharistic joy in community, expressed in fresh language Use this volume to relate to others who seek a structured way of daily deepening their faith through prayer and mediation. Target: - The UR Academy of Spiritual Formation - Persons who practice daily prayer of the hours - Prayer groups - Churches that stress spiritual formation as a primary means of deepening a life in the spirit




Texting Through Cancer


Book Description

When author Jan Woodard requested prayer after her breast cancer diagnosis, her texts, email, and mail were flooded with encouraging notes that inspired her to write about her journey through treatment. As she wrote a weekly column for her local newspaper, Woodard discovered that writing kept her from self-pity by helping her focus on others and shift from fear to faith. In Texting Through Cancer, Woodard shares the peace she found in surrendering her cancer to God. Through 42 reflections she offers practical ways to find beauty in ordinary moments. Woven throughout her meditations are 12 spiritual practices that challenge readers to explore their own faith more deeply. This book extends hope to those who wonder how to live fully today when uncertainty overshadows tomorrow. Readers will discover how to pay attention to small signs of God's faithfulness, savor the gifts each day brings, and receive assurance that "all will be well" when they trust their tomorrows to God.




Talking with God in Old Age


Book Description

Aging often brings concerns about health, worries about finances, and frustrations about change. The so-called golden years can seem filled with loneliness and pain. How is a person of faith to cope with the challenges and find purpose for the rest of his or her life? Missy Buchanan encourages older adults to maintain open dialogue with God. Through a series of personal poems and reflections, each coupled with a selection from Psalms, Buchanan presents heartfelt talks with God. She addresses topics such as the fear of falling, despair over feeling useless, and grief after the loss of a spouse. For professionals, friends, or family members seeking to understand an aging loved one, Talking with God in Old Age offers a glimpse into the thoughts and emotions of someone who speaks with candor and from experience. For seniors currently grappling with the aging process themselves, this book can serve as a daily devotional with a friend who is "in the same place." Readers can join Missy Buchanan on the journey of faith as she shares with honesty both the heartaches and concerns of the elderly persons she has interacted with on a daily basis and the hope they reveal in old age.