Protest & Praise


Book Description

Here is a skillful tracing of two tracks in the evolution of musical genres that have evolved from black religion. Songs of protest developed from the spiritual through social-gospel hymnody to culminate in songs of the civil-rights movement and the blues. Born in rebellion, they envision the Kingdom of God.Songs of praise, by contrast, express adoration. Beginning with the "ring-shout," Spencer follows the history of intoned declamation through the tongue song, Holiness-Pentecostal music, and the chanted sermon of the black preacher. Spencer's approach, termed theomusicology, unlocks the wealth of African-American sacred music with a theological key. The result is a fascinating account of a people's struggle with God in history.




400 Years


Book Description

A 30 Day Black Lives Matter devotional for justice for African Americans and Africans throughout the diaspora.




Abraham's Silence


Book Description

It is traditional to think we should praise Abraham for his willingness to sacrifice his son as proof of his love for God. But have we misread the point of the story? Is it possible that a careful reading of Genesis 22 could reveal that God was not pleased with Abraham's silent obedience? Widely respected biblical theologian, creative thinker, and public speaker J. Richard Middleton suggests we have misread and misapplied the story of the binding of Isaac and shows that God desires something other than silent obedience in difficult times. Middleton focuses on the ethical and theological problem of Abraham's silence and explores the rich biblical tradition of vigorous prayer, including the lament psalms, as a resource for faith. Middleton also examines the book of Job in terms of God validating Job's lament as "right speech," showing how the vocal Job provides an alternative to the silent Abraham. This book provides a fresh interpretation of Genesis 22 and reinforces the church's resurgent interest in lament as an appropriate response to God.




Psalms as a Grammar for Faith


Book Description

[The author] traces the way the Psalms exemplify and create a grammar for living a life of faith. He explores both the genre and shape of the Psalter and focuses upon the themes of lament and of praise. He concludes that the Psalter directs readers to use the psalms of lament and praise as models for life, depending on God's justice in times of anger, singing God's praise in times of thanksgiving, and always acknowledging God as Lord over hardships and blessings. Only in this way, he argues, can humans live the faith of the Psalms -- a faith defined by complete dependence on God. -- paraphrased from jacket.




Doxology and Theology


Book Description

Beyond sound equipment and music charts, eleven noted worship leaders from around the United States write about the ministerial part of their work as it relates to the gospel, mission, disciple-making, liturgy, the Trinity, justice, creativity, family, and more.




The magnificent Prayer of Praises and Thanks-giving and Worship


Book Description

Prayer and Praises are significant part of Christianity and in Christendom since the very beginning of time on the subject of relationship with God. Take the spiritual vitamin because when life gets rough the rough gets life, but when you pray and praise you will overcome and overtake whatever comes your way. The mountain can be moved with prayer and praises by faith in the Lord. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! Jesus had overcome the world.” He has done His part, do your part by serving, praying and praising the Lord God Almighty. He hears us when we pray and praise; He knows us inside out and outside in. This book will help you very greatly in your relationship with God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.




Prayers for the People


Book Description

A collection of timely, stirring, and witty prayers that give language to the full breadth of our everyday experiences—from joy to sorrow, and everything in between “This is the prayer book I need right now, full of humor and beauty, candor and holy longing.”—Jeff Chu, co-curator of Evolving Faith and author of Does Jesus Really Love Me? In his debut collection of short-form prayers (aka collects), Terry Stokes names many things we didn’t realize we could pray for, such as student loan debt cancellation, strength when we’re about to make small talk, and restraint when we have the opportunity to be petty. The collection features an impressive range of humor and inspiration, and spans lament and solidarity, including prayers for • when one dreads the thought of returning to work on Monday • when one has been left on read by a friend • before shooting one’s shot • after shooting one’s shot • before walking into Target • when one fears getting canceled • those working in retail • when one’s team is struggling These tender, moving, and entertaining prayers invite us to access the wonder and joy of God’s presence in every situation we encounter. By putting words to the emotions and needs that lie beneath our petitions, our celebrations, and our protests. Stokes’s prayers make for an engaging and heartfelt read that will delight and encourage any person of faith in the modern age.




Everyday Connections


Book Description

This volume provides a full fifty-two weeks of devotional material based on the Revised Common Lectionary for Year C. Drawing from the insightful Bible commentaries in the Connections series, each week of offerings also includes scriptural and literary readings, lectio divina, spiritual practices, questions for journaling, and a prayer. This resource has been crafted with mainline, lectionary preachers and lay leaders in mind, both to supplement their planning for the week and to feed their souls in the midst of the work of ministry. Individuals and small groups will find their faith deepened through regular contemplation and devotional insight.




Purity of Heart is to Will One Thing


Book Description

Father in heaven! What is a man without Thee! What is all that he knows, vast accumulation though it be, but a chipped fragment if he does not know Thee! What is all his striving, could it even encompass a world, but a half-finished work if he does not know Thee: Thee the One, who art one thing and who art all!