Prayers Encircling the World


Book Description

These three hundred prayers from more than sixty countries reflect the ecumenical and international character of the Christian community. Themes include work and rest, war and peace, family and community, grief and joy, poverty and plenty, and churches and nations.




Seven Spiritual Gifts of Waiting


Book Description

Emphasizes the importance of being patient--a concept that presents an enormous challenge in America's society--while providing rich, spiritual insights that deepen faith. Original.




Envisioning the Congregation, Practicing the Gospel


Book Description

This accessible and instructive book is designed to equip lay leaders of Protestant churches to better envision and practice gospel-driven ministry and mission in contemporary society. Seasoned pastor and practical theologian John Stewart presents and explains five biblically mandated, foundational practices for being and nurturing the church: fellowship, discipleship, witness, service, and worship. Stewart argues that these five practices are normative, indispensable, and doable for congregations that seek to remain faithful to their risen Lord, and he offers memorable, achievable models of ways they are already being used in current mainline congregations.







Creative Ideas for Pastoral Liturgy: Marriage Services and Wedding Blessings


Book Description

Arising out of many years' practical experience in local parishes and on a diocesan liturgical committee, this second volume in a series of three by this creative team of writers will help local churches everywhere make the most of the opportunities presented by couples coming for marriage or a wedding blessing. The wedding industry today is driven by consumer choice. Churches are uniquely placed to offer: real pastoral support at what is often a stressful (and expensive!) time, time out to consider what marriage means and imaginative liturgies that can make a wedding truly memorable. This book is full of ideas that will help make the experience of getting married in church joyous, memorable and meaningful. From giving engaged couples 'Stress-busting gift packs', to creating personalised wedding ceremonies, ideas for church decorating and welcoming couples who have got married in another part of the country or abroad, this is a resource brimming with simple and effective ideas.




Creative Ideas for Pastoral Liturgy: Baptism, Confirmation and Liturgies for the Journey


Book Description

Christian initiation takes varying forms in different denominations and for many non-churchgoing new parents, a christening or some other kind of ceremony is important at this landmark time in their lives. Equally, many adults seek baptism in the Church of England and the ancient practice of baptism with confirmation at the Easter Vigil is enjoying a revival. This volume - the third and final volume in the "Creative Pastoral Liturgy" series - offers imaginative ideas and liturgies for all these and many more occasions in the life of a local church which you will not find in official service books. These include: blessings for a house and a new building, thanksgiving liturgies for all who help to run the church, services of blessing for those moving away, for a student going travelling, for a group going on pilgrimage, for an ordinand starting training, and for someone going to serve overseas. As with the companion volumes on marriage and funerals, this invaluable resource ensures that the authorised initiation liturgies are celebrated with imagination and creativity so that pastoral support and care is made clearly visible.




The Power to Heal


Book Description

1923 Primarily written for the Society of the Nazarene. a handbook for the practice of healing according to the methods of Jesus. Contents: the Formation of a Group; Plan for Group Meeting; Silence & Preparation; Intercessions & Visitations; Topic.




Prayers Encircling the World


Book Description

This anthology of contemporary prayer reflects the truly international character of the Christian community, with prayers from more than 60 countries. A wide spectrum of Christian traditions are represented, including Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican and Evangelical.







Yours Is the Day, Lord, Yours Is the Night


Book Description

Yours Is the Day, Lord, Yours Is the Night gives a framework for prayerful devotions with a morning and evening prayer for each day of the year. The prayers have been selected to reflect the seasons and the liturgical calendar. They are intended not to replace your personal, spontaneous prayers but to serve as a springboard for them. Editors Jeanie and David Gushee have collected inspiring contributions from Protestant, Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox sources; from all continents; from the Old Testament; and from each century of Christian history. Yours Is the Day, Lord, Yours Is the Night will enhance your commitment to God and personal connection to the Christian tradition and the Church universal.




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