Hymnody is widely recognised as a central tenet of Methodism's theological, doctrinal, spiritual, and liturgical identity. Theologically and doctrinally, the content of the hymns has traditionally been a primary vehicle for expressing Methodism's emphasis on salvation for all, social holiness, and personal commitment, while particular hymns and the communal act of participating in hymn singing have been key elements in the spiritual lives of Methodists. An important contribution to the history of Methodism, British Methodist Hymnody argues that the significance of hymnody in British Methodism is best understood as a combination of its official status, spiritual expression, popular appeal, and practical application. Seeking to consider what, when, how, and why Methodists sing, British Methodist Hymnody examines the history, perception, and practice of hymnody from Methodism's small-scale eighteenth-century origins to its place as a worldwide denomination today.

This inspirational book takes the reader through the 40 days of Lent to the celebration of Easter through the eyes and beliefs of Celtic Christianity. Drawing on primary sources of pastoral letters, monastic rules and the theological teaching of the Celtic church, the author presents a different perspective on the cross of Christ and draws us to see our own life journeys with a new and transforming vision.

The act of blessing is a powerful one in Christianity with deep biblical roots, reaching back to the early chapters of Genesis. It expresses a very basic human instinct - the longing for protection, peace and happiness. So it is not surprising that the world is full of blessings for that most basic of human provisions - a place to call home. Peter Watkins has collected together over 100 house blessings from widely differing cultures and sources - the Bible, Celtic spirituality, Latin prayers (translated here!), prayers of St Francis and other saints, poems of blessing from Robert Herrick and other literary figures, contemporary liturgies for rites of blessing for each room of a home - and much more.

Discover the hymns that influenced US presidents. ""Presidential Praise: Our Presidents and Their Hymns"" offers the most comprehensive coverage ever written of the influence of hymns on the lives and administrations of America's presidents. Each chapter begins with Michael Williams' concise presentation of each president's path to the White House and his accomplishments and failures as president. D. Edward Spann then introduces how each president regarded music, whether or not he was musical, and music in the White House during each president's administration. These hymns may be related to developments in the life of the president, including his spiritual journey, major decisions he had to make as president, or even his selection of the inaugural Scripture. Spann then tells the story of how the hymn was written, both the words and the music. Presenting this scholarly material in an inspiring manner is part of the delight of the book. In doing so, the book covers a panorama of hymnody from 1614 to the 1980s. After an interpretation of the words, it is demonstrated why the chosen hymns were meaningful to each president. The format of each chapter reveals this special emphasis that can't be found elsewhere.

In History Makers, Dutch Sheets and William Ford III reveal how God wants us to connect with the powerful and timeless things He has done in the past so that we can become empowered for the future. We must look to our Christian forefathers and pray for the renewal of the covenants God made with them, building on God's past work to move closer to His ultimate goals for us as a nation and a planet. Now is our chance to connect with the past, shaping the outcome of the future, and turning it back in God's direction!

Parents know that their children need their prayers. But sometimes, they aren't sure where to start. For moms and dads who long to lift their kids up in prayer, Powerful Prayers for Your Daughter and Powerful Prayers for Your Son offer hope, encouragement, and practical help. Rob and Joanna Teigen assure parents that just because they don't always understand their son or daughter, that doesn't mean that God doesn't. Collecting specific prayers parents can use, along with stories from other parents about how God has answered their prayers, Rob and Joanna give readers a strong foundation to build a lifelong habit of praying for their kids. They also explain what boys and girls need to learn as they grow up, including character, courage, modesty, self-control, forgiveness, and more, so parents can pray for every part of their kids' lives.

A wide-ranging collection of resources for Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, Transfiguration, Harvest, Holocaust Memorial Day, Mothering Sunday, and other special days, and on areas of concern, like refugees and peacemaking. Worship rooted in city and country, in work and in schools, in peacemaking and the eradication of poverty, in churches and the Iona Community resident group ... So - as always with the Iona Community - worship which is contextual, prophetic, with a strong justice and peace edge.

Prayer Journal for Women: 52 Weeks Scripture, Devotional, & Guided Prayer Journal includes Scripture verses, reflections on the Word, and journaling prompts to guide your walk with God and strengthen your faith. Verses are organized thematically: Love & Inner Beauty - Provision & Faithfulness - God's Love - Adversity & Trials - Awe & Sovereignty - Strength Through Faith - Fear - Grace & Forgiveness A perfect companion for individual worship or for group Bible study, this 12-month journal features: A generous 8 x 10 trim size with plenty of space to write Four full pages for each week of the year Original illustrations on each page by author and artist Shannon Roberts Each week includes: Scripture - An inspiring Bible verse to reflect and meditate on throughout your week, giving you time to memorize the verse and ingrain it into your heart and soul. Reflect - A "Reflect" page with thoughts and questions prompted by the weekly Scripture verse, along with space to record your own thoughts and responses. Journal - Two full pages to journal your praise for God, your prayer requests, the things on your heart, and how you wish to be taught and guided, as well as a Bible verse about the power of prayer. Answered Prayers - A tracker with space to record your prayers, so you can see how God moves in your life throughout the course of a year.

God's promises are forever. First responders across the globe bravely serve the public every day despite the inevitable dangers their professions present, yet their service does not come without cost. Prayers & Promises for First Responders is the perfect encouraging resource for police officers, firefighters, EMTs, military personnel, and everyone behind the scenes. Arranged by theme, this book contains inspirational Scriptures, powerful prayers, and thought-provoking questions to help readers draw closer to God and find strength and peace. Trials and hardship are sure to come, but you can stand proudly on the foundation of God's Word that lasts forever.

Based on the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL), Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year C, Volume 2 is an invaluable aid that provides liturgical pieces needed in preparing for worship each week. Written and compiled by a team of eleven ecumenical and seasoned liturgy writers under the creative leadership of Kimberly Bracken Long, this resource offers a multitude of poetic prayers and responsive readings for all parts of worship and is meant to complement existing denominational resources. In addition, the weekly entries include questions for reflection and household prayers for morning and evening that are drawn from the lectionary, allowing churches to include them in their bulletin for parishioners to use throughout the week.

During times of the year when two different tracks of Old Testament texts are offered by the RCL, this resource offers an entire set of materials for each track. Also, a CD-ROM is included with each volume that enables planners to easily cut and paste relevant readings, prayers, and questions into worship bulletins.

Discover How to Flourish as an Artist in the Church. Over 150,000 Copies Sold. God is interested in your art and your heart. The Heart of the Artist, now in an updated second edition, deals head-on with issues every person in an arts ministry faces, including: Servanthood versus stardom Excellence versus perfectionism Handling criticism Jealousy and envy Managing your emotions The spiritual disciplines of the artist And much more Each chapter includes provocative questions for group discussion and personal action steps for individual application. Somewhere between pride and self-abasement lies true humility--just one aspect of the balanced character God wants to instill in you as a musician, a technical media artist, or other creative person involved in ministry. The Heart of the Artist will give you a better understanding of yourself and your unique place in the body of Christ. You'll find wisdom and encouragement that can help you survive the challenges and reap the rich joys of a ministry in the creative arts.