This important work engages with a long historical debate: were the earliest Christians under the direction of ordained ministers, or under the influence of inspired laypeople? Who was in charge: bishops, elders and deacons, or apostles, prophets and teachers? Rather than trace Church offices backwards, Burtchaell examines the contemporary Jewish communities and finds evidence that Christians simply continued the offices of the synagogue. Thus, he asserts that from the very first they were presided over by officers. The author then advances the provocative view that in the first century it was not the officers who spoke with the most authority. They presided, but did not lead, and deferred to more charismatic laypeople. Burtchaell sees the evidence in favor of the Catholic/Orthodox/Anglican view that bishops have always presided in the Christian Church. At the same time he argues alongside the Prostestants that in its formative era the Church deferred most to the judgment of those who were inspired, yet never ordained.

David Adam believes that the way to get the most out of worship on Sundays is to pray regularly on weekdays. Here, to help us in this duty and joy of preparation, he offers prayers that link with the readings for each Sunday and great festival of the Christian Year. The prayers employ the Celtic emphasis and style that many people have found helpful in David's earlier books. They will be equally as helpful for those who do not use a weekly lectionary as for those who do. The author sees clearly the reality in our lives both of the clouds - of sadness, misfortune, pain - and the glory to be found in God. He invites us to 'use these prayers as a vehicle to get out of the clouds and greyness to where you get a glimpse of glory'.

"The soul of a child is the loveliest flower that grows in the garden of God." A rare and beautiful gift book for parents/guardians of new born children. Fresh and beautiful full color illustrations by Kathy Fincher enhance this must have gift book.

Compiled by a serving military chaplain

Do you ever sit down to pray and struggle to find the right words? You want to spend time with God, but you don't know where to begin? 365 Days of Prayer for Women is a beautiful book of topically arranged, guided prayers and complementary Scriptures that will enhance your prayer life and offer you peace, joy, and strength every day. God hears your voice when you direct it to him. He will step into every struggle and be your very present help in trouble. He will give you the words to say even when you find yourself lacking.

What is the right way to worship? Right worship does not require a return to the identical forms found in the early church or later in Rome or after that in Westminster. What it calls for is a faithful response today to the God of our salvation in light of those biblically ordered and historically informed patterns. In this study Robbie Castleman uncovers the fundamental shape of worship. What she finds--outlined in Scripture, enacted in Israel, refocused in the New Testament community, guarded by the apostolic fathers, and recovered in the Reformation--is a grand narrative of redemption offering order and meaning to all worshiping communities down to the present day.

Readings for Weddings is an inspirational collection of Bible quotations, poems, hymns and prose for secular weddings, church ceremonies and services of blessing. Mark Oakley includes such 'wedding classics' as 1 Corinthians 13 and Khalil Gibran's The Prophet, the poetry of Shelley and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, verse by Wendy Cope and other witty, contemporary poets.

Is your personal prayer life giving you problems? Read this book. It will clear your mind about your need for prayer and strengthen your will to do it. Beyond all that, it will simply flood your soul with goodness and love of God!

Spanish edition of the best-selling Pocket Book of Catholic Prayers, which contains the essential prayers for every Catholic in pocket book form.

Tried-and-tested collection of creative resources for the Church's year

Based on her #1 New York Times bestseller, THE CONFIDENT WOMAN, Joyce Meyer taps into the concerns and issues that trouble women most. She provides encouragement and tools to help resolve problems in the areas of life women struggle with most-including confidence, self image, and relationships. It is easy to get caught up in what the coming weeks, months, or years might hold and forget to slow down and live in the present. This powerful daily devotional will help women on their journey towards a confident life filled with love, laughter, and God's acceptance, one day at time.

Got 3 minutes, girl? Take a few moments of your day to quiet your spirit, think on God's amazing love for you, and make a meaningful connection with your heavenly Father with these 3-minute readings designed just for you This delightful devotional packs a powerful dose of comfort, encouragement, and inspiration into dozens readings designed to meet you right where you are in life. Minute 1: meditate on a scripture selection; Minute 2: read through a devotional created just for you; Minute 3: read a prayer designed to help jump-start your conversation with God. In only 3 short minutes, you'll be on your way to beautiful blessings

Deepen your relationship with God with this prompted prayer journal that invites you to a quiet place of prayer, reflection and calming coloring. Thoughtful prayer prompts accompany specially selected Scripture verses on prayer that have been designed for you to color. The ample lined pages provide space to express your heartfelt prayers and thanksgiving to God.

'I offer Thee Every cloud that ever swept O'er the skies and broke and wept In rain, and with the flowerlets slept. My King. Each communicant praying Every angel staying Before Thy throne to sing. Adoramus Te! This extract from the ancient Irish prayer, Glorificamus Te, beautifully captures both the Celtic peoples' devotion to the Psalter, and their desire to express their love for God in every situation. There is much to gain from their approach to worship. David Adam's wonderful compilation celebrates the enduring Celtic dreams of Creation, Protection, Glory, Guidance and Praising God, through songs and poems that have enriched his own private devotions and public ministry.

For the prayers of the church to be enriched, it demands a praying people, writes David Adam. And in this book he offers intercessions, blessings and forms for the peace covering each Sunday and major festival of the Churchs year, so that worshippers can prepare for each service. The prayers employ the Celtic style found in David Adams many previous books, and can be used as a complement to the readings and collects for Year B of the Revised Common Lectionary. This book accompanies Clouds and Glory (Year A) and Glimpses of Glory (Year C). Such is the quality of these prayers that they will be as helpful for those who do not use a regular lectionary as for those who do. We need to see traces of glory in our everyday lives, writes the author, and this is very possible if we are willing to spend time with God.

Spirit and Sacrament by pastor and author Andrew Wilson is an impassioned call to join together two traditions that are frequently and unnecessarily kept separate. It is an invitation to pursue the best of both worlds in worship, the Eucharistic and the charismatic, with the grace of God at the center. Wilson envisions church services in which healing testimonies and prayers of confession coexist, the congregation sings When I Survey the Wondrous Cross followed by Happy Day, and creeds move the soul while singing moves the body. He imagines a worship service that could come out of the book of Acts: Young men see visions, old men dream dreams, sons and daughters prophesy, and they all come together to the same Table and go on their way rejoicing. In short, Spirit and Sacrament is an appeal to bring out of the church's storehouse all of its treasures, so that God's people can worship our unrivaled Savior with sacraments and spiritual gifts, raised hands and lowered faces.

The Book of Common Prayer is the old and well-loved prayer book of the Anglican Church, in use since the 16th century. In this revised 1662 form, it has also become one of the classic texts of the English language, its prayers and expressions making English what it is today. Cambridge's new editions of the Prayer Book have been freshly typeset for the 21st century, using a modern digital typeface to give a clear printing image and greater readability. Nevertheless, the format and page layout follow the previous version of the Standard Edition Prayer Book (originally produced in the early 20th century) page for page. The book provides the complete 1662 services - including the traditional forms of the baptism and marriage services.This particular style comes in a red imitation leather hardcover binding, and is ideal for use in church.* economical book* same page numbers as previous edition* new, clearer typeface

This is a book to accompany the readings in year B of the Lectionary. It aims to help individuals and groups to understand and use Mark's Gospel. There are two other books that will follow this one: Journeying with Luke in Year C and Journeying with Matthew in Year A. This book's unique slant is that it asks readers to use their imagination 'to bring the Gospel to life.' It asks readers to visualize themselves in the scenes that Mark describes in order see Mark's Gospel in a fresh and exciting way.

Experience the ancient, beautiful, and life-transforming practice of lectio divina--the prayerful reading of Scripture. Give the gift of prayer to yourself and to those you love. Gilded page edges; bonded leather cover--navy.

Streams in the Desert is one of the most popular daily devotionals of all time. Now combined with Cowman's follow-up Springs in the Valley is an everyday morning and evening devotional. Readers will be encouraged by these short devotions that speak to the soul with the ageless truth of the Word of God. Streams in the Desert Morning and Evening includes: More than 900 pages of short, daily devotions Guidance and hope that encourage a deeper faith walk Wisdom and insight into God's character Scripture verses to strengthen the daily messages Beautiful cover with foil and a ribbon marker Streams in the Desert Morning and Evening is a beautiful gift for readers who want to start their mornings and wind down during their evenings by connecting their hearts to the One who knows it best.