John 1:14 The Word became flesh . . . full of grace and truth." The Gospel of John begins like the first notes of some grand symphony, or perhaps the first brushstrokes of a masterpiece on canvas, or the first words whispered to you when you were cradled in your mother's arms. "In the beginning was the Word. . . . And the Word became flesh . . . full of grace and truth." Who was Jesus? Was he born to Mary in Bethlehem? Had he always been? John 1 unlocks a mystery. The Word always was God. Somehow, the fellowship that is God, the intimate relationships of love that are God's heart, have always been, and will always be." --from chapter 1.

This wonderful devotional book will stimulate both mind and heart. Howell provides contexts for the selected verses and draws from a wide range of sources to illuminate their meaning for Christian faith and life today. His insights are richly rewarding. He encourages, inspires, and motivates us to understand the biblical verses in relation to faithful Christian discipleship. Howell's pastoral sensitivities combined with his studies and seasoned wisdom make this book an outstanding companion to Scripture reading and a gift to all Bible readers.

At which Oxford college does a trumpeter summon you to dinner? What does the appearance of a rose bowl signify? How would you use a grace cup as distinct from a sconce cup? The custom of dining in formal hall at Oxford and Cambridge dates back to the earliest days of college life. Before each dinner, according to ancient statutes, grace must be spoken in Latin, and although the text and nature of the grace for each college may have changed over the years, it is a tradition which remains current to this day. Following a historical introduction, the full Latin texts of the graces of the colleges of Oxford and Cambridge are given in this book, accompanied by a facing English translation. Special graces reserved for feast days are also included, along with an explanation of some of the traditions which accompany dining in college halls. From an exploration of the twelfth-century monastic origins of the texts to the creation of two-word graces in the nineteenth century and new texts for the modern age, this meticulous collection reveals how the tradition of the Latin grace has survived and evolved over the centuries and offers a rare glimpse inside the private halls of Oxbridge.

As parents hoping to raise godly children, we may understand the importance of regular family devotions. However, we may find it difficult to get our kids (or even ourselves) fully engaged. But what if devotions looked less like sitting in the living room listening to someone read and trying to pry answers out of reluctant kids and more like, say, electrocuting a pickle? Or converting a leaf blower into a toilet paper launcher? Or lighting toothpaste on fire? These hands-on, kinda dangerous, totally unforgettable object lessons (along with nearly fifty others) are not only more fun than other family devotions--they actually deliver the spiritual impact you desire for your kids. They'll even get dads and any too-cool-for-this-stuff teens jazzed about a weekly family devotional time. So put away the flannelgraph, get out the safety goggles, and start bringing the truths of Scripture to vivid life in your household. Just remember to change out of your Sunday clothes first.

New, updated edition of this classic pastoral staple for members of the United States military, published in partnership with the Presiding Bishop's Bishop Suffragan for the Chaplaincies. With its compact 4 x 5.5 trim size and durable soft binding, the book is designed to fit into side pockets and knapsacks - especially convenient for personnel in or near combat zones. Contents include Daily Devotions (English and Spanish); Holy Baptism, including Emergency Baptism (English and Spanish); the Holy Eucharist in several forms for battlefield conditions; Confirmation; the Sacrament of Penance; Rites for the Sick, the Wounded, and the Dying; Ecumenical and Interfaith Rites at the Time of Death; Burial Rites; and an appendix with selected psalms, hymns, Bible readings, and prayers.

A classic collection of 1,000 hymns and choruses.

Redemption Songs contains 1,000 hymns and choruses on a wide range of themes. It has been a much-loved resource in thousands of churches in the last century and is still widely used around the world today.

Life has its rhythms, and so should prayer. Drawing on the traditions of Celtic Christianity, The Rhythm of Life is a beautiful daily prayer book that provides offices for each day of the week. With canticles following the Common Worship Lectionary as well as original prayers, David Adam offers an easy-to-use guide that shows us how a cycle of prayer helps us to open our hearts and minds and deepen our relationship with God. Each day is centred around a different liturgical theme, and there are prayers for morning, midday, afternoon and night, with stunning Celtic illustrations throughout. This book offers an accessible framework that is ideal for use in small-group prayer, but is also suited for individual use to keep you on track with prayer or help you refresh your prayer life.

Laminated Insets for the Liturgy of the Hours.

A shorter version of the Morning and Evening Prayer, in a handy format, suitable for anyone wanting to pray regularly on their own or in a group setting. Shorter Morning and Evening Prayer is part of the Divine Office range, and is an edited version of Morning and Evening Prayer. It is designed specifically for people who want to pray alone and are seeking a regular, structured cycle of prayer. Being just the bare bones of the Divine Office, it will not be as daunting for the novice reader to get to grips with. As the user's prayer life matures, they then have the foundation to allow them to move on to the fuller Divine Office. It includes the same four-week cycle of the fuller Office with Psalms, Scripture Readings and Intercessions.

Find hope amid anxiety through the spiritual practice of breath prayer in this beautifully illustrated and practical guide to connecting body, mind, and spirit during times of stress. Breath as Prayer will lead you through the practice and the proven health benefits of Christian breath prayer: intentional prayers centered around Scripture that focus our minds on Christ as we calm our bodies through breathing. Breath as Prayer offers: More than 80 breath prayers focused on Scripture, along with brief meditations Gorgeous original full-color illustrations A quick-start how-to guide to refer to as needed Guidance on how to implement a breath prayer practice The science behind breath work and prayer and why it works An invitation to reflect on the effect of breath prayers on your body With a beautiful foil-accented cover, Breath as Prayer is an ideal gift for: Anyone experiencing stress, anxiety, or fear Grief and anxiety support groups Prayer groups and prayer ministries Men and women looking for new avenues for connecting with God Teens and young adults dealing with stress and anxiety Adult baptism and confirmation God created our bodies, minds, and spirits to be intimately connected with one another. Purpose-filled breathing is one of the most effective, calming ways to integrate all aspects of who we are, especially during times of intense stress. Breath as Prayer invites you to the crossroads of Christian contemplative practice, Scripture, psychology, and science to deepen your faith, bring peace to your body, and discover a new reliance on Christ. Breathe deeply, lean into God's Word, and discover why every breath can be an invitation to pray.

"Prayer is God's gift to us, a banquet of good things to feed our inner life, as we respond to the invitation to his feast of peace, forgiveness, challenge and love." If our lives are an open book to God, prayer is the dialogue we share with him over its pages. The Book of a Thousand Prayers is a collection of wise and honest prayers to God about his concerns and ours: who he is to us and who we are to him, and how we experience life, death, relationships, the church, and the world. Ideal for private prayer and public worship, and containing practical advice on how to pray, this book offers a spiritual feast that will nourish you for the rest of your life. "A moving and inspiring medley of prayers--an invaluable aid for individuals, home groups, and those people who lead worship." Joyce Huggett X

The 25th anniversary edition of this favorite companion reconnects a new generation with timeless Catholic spirituality with refreshing changes that create a powerful contemporary resource.

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.

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.

Graduation is one of life's most exciting milestones. It can also be a source of uncertainty and anxiety. What comes after graduation day? More education? A career? Starting a family? Often this time in life can bring more questions than answers, but Max Lucado offers hope and direction by pointing to the Answer to all of life's question. Pocket Prayers for Graduates includes forty scriptures and guided prayers written especially for those considering their futures post-graduation.