It takes courage to hope; to stand in our confusion and grief and still to believe that `God is not helpless among the ruins'. Guided by Habakkuk and his prophetic landmarks, this book is a reflective journey through the tangled landscape of bewildered faith, through places of wrestling and waiting, and on into the growth space of deepened trust and transformation. Read it and learn the value and practice of honest prayer, of surrender, of silence and listening, and of irresistible hoping.

2011 Leadership Journal Top Book of the Year "At the very heart of God is the passionate disposition to be in loving fellowship with you. . . . From the human side of this equation it is meditative prayer that ushers us into this divine-human fellowship." Richard Foster, bestselling author and founder of Renovar?, writes these words as one who has experienced what they describe. And in this new book he will beautifully guide you in this transformational way, that you might come to know deeper fellowship with God. Weaving together quotes and stories from the lives of mothers and fathers of the faith as well as powerful encounters with God from his own life, Foster describes the riches of quieting your mind and heart in order to listen to and obey God more closely. Along the way, at perhaps his clearest, most practical best, he also provides the biblical teaching and step-by-step help you need to begin this prayer practice for yourself. The journey into meditative prayer is not easy, but it is essential. And, as Foster shows, it's possible, even in the midst of the noisy, often chaotic world we live in. Your soul can become a sanctuary where you fellowship with the very God of the universe, who knows you and loves you deeply. These pages point the way.

A revived faith starts with a revived prayer life.

This book will help you develop the faith and prayer life that God desires for you.
What if your communication with God became as vibrant as the interaction between
you and your best friend? What if God literally responded to your praise, your
worship, and your requests? This is absolutely God’s will for your prayer life!

For many, prayer is only a matter of blessing their food, asking for help during a
crisis, or whispering a need when they feel they are at the end of their rope.

Unfortunately, this barely scratches the surface of the prayer life God wants to share
with us.

In Prayer That Changes Everything, Mary Colbert unpacks five principles to
revolutionize readers’ faith and help them experience the full dimension of the
relationship they can have with God through prayer. She challenges readers to:

• Recognize that faith is alive and must be in action
• Live with a faith that excites God
• Realize that faith is the substance of all things
• See the thing they want God to do as done and begin to praise Him for it; and
• know that love is the fuel
  

Having trouble talking to God? You're not alone.

We know we can talk to God, but it just sounds so important, so intimidating, so "religious." We assume that only the very spiritual talk to him or hear from him directly. But author Sheila Walsh says, "Every sound we utter, every thank you we say, every tear we cry in God's presence is prayer."

"Get Off Your Knees and Pray" is a real woman's guide to real prayer―from understanding the biblical basis for prayer to cultivating a vital personal relationship with God. It is the perfect blend of practical advice, personal stories, and biblical truth to encourage and help you achieve greater intimacy with God through prayer. Prayer is not just a few sentences we say while on our knees. It is living out our ongoing, every-moment commitment to God.

"Sheila steers us away from prayer as formula (say the right things the right way and God responds) and toward prayer as picture― a picture of God's desired relationship. Talking. Listening. Trusting. Living. This volume, warm and witty like its author, deserves a spot on every reading calendar." ―Max Lucado, best-selling author and minister

"No matter what kind of difficulty you have about prayer, this book will help. Sheila has experienced all of them, and she will take you through them to where God has taken her: straight into His very real and accepting Presence." ―Dr. Henry Cloud, speaker and coauthor of "Boundaries"

Let's Get Down to the Truth

You know the "prosperity gospel." The "name it and claim it gospel." The "political gospel." The messages being preached on at least 90 percent of religious television. But what about the Gospel? What was it the apostle Paul was "unashamed" of?

Most Christians don't understand what the true Gospel of Jesus is. In our church sanctuaries pastors neglect to preach the fear of God and eternal punishment. Church communities have grown to believe that all are saved and none will be lost. Meanwhile many other Christians lack assurance of their own salvation and focus on sanctification as their only ticket to Heaven.

They ignore what was historically introduced by Jesus, filled out by the apostle Paul, and articulated by the sixteenth-century Reformers. The Gospel has been brushed to one side, and evidence of this is seen in how churches are misleading and even mistreating people.

IT'S TIME TO BRING BACK WHAT IT REALLY MEANS TO BE SAVED.

Respected author and theologian R. T. Kendall sounds a wake-up call for churches across the globe. Whatever Happened to the Gospel? seeks to reacquaint you with the Gospel and reignite a passion in your heart to know more of God.

Traumatized and terrified of cancer? Whether you or a family member is battling the disease, this beautiful, updated edition of the trusted, encouraging 90-day devotional will comfort and strengthen you. Written by women who have faced cancer themselves, this book reminds you that you are not alone and will help set your heart free from fear. When you hear the doctor say the word cancer, your fears can be overwhelming. Thankfully, there is a place of peace you can experience. Through these pages, women who have walked this difficult journey themselves will pray through cancer with you and walk alongside you through your own journey. This encouraging daily devotional is written specifically for women battling cancer, and it is written by women who have faced cancer themselves, containing insight, wisdom, and clarity found only through personal trial. Whether you are facing breast cancer, thyroid cancer, or any form of the disease, the testimonies and prayers in this book will strengthen and bless you in the months ahead. This updated edition features a beautiful new cover. Each daily devotional includes: Scripture verse and prayer Inspirational story where fears and anger are transformed into confident expectation and pure worship Intentional tip of the day to help you personally encounter God Prayer references for encouragement You don't have to face cancer alone. As you read, you'll feel as though you are meeting kindred spirits-old friends who will come alongside you in your journey, encouraging you and understanding what no one else can. Contributors include Kay Warren, Pat Palau, Barbara Johnson, Joyce Wright, and many more. Praise for Praying Through Cancer: "What an encouraging devotional! Written by women who have walked the road and speak from experience, it demonstrates how God can enable you to come through the trials of cancer with praise on your lips, peace in your spirit, and hope in your heart."-Kay Marshall Strom, author of The Cancer Survival Guide "Journeying through breast cancer, the most authentic voices that encouraged me were women who have pilgrimmed ahead of me. . . . This book nourished my spirit and renewed my hope-may it do the same for you."-Karen Hill, Author of Owen's Walk and assistant to Max Lucado

This little book is a treasure trove of reflections and contemplations on images from nature, each one connected to a gospel reading. Based on thirty years of sermons, Skaller explores the essence of sensory images such as flowers, shells, clouds and landscapes, going deeper to help us understand them as divine manifestations in our everyday world. They in turn enable us to come to insights, feelings and intuitions about the purpose of the world, and of ourselves. Presented in a beautiful gift hardback edition, this is a book of reverence and wonder, in which we can glimpse the reality of the divine.

'Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.' Rudolf Steiner once called the Lord's Prayer the 'greatest initiation prayer', and he spoke about it many times, also referring to it as the central prayer of Christian experience. This book is, however, the first time that all of Steiner's comments, accounts and perspectives have been brought together in one place, presenting the full scope and depth of his ideas. Along the way, Peter Selg reveals some surprising insights into the spiritual history and mission of Christianity.

'David Cole is a careful, wise and skilful writer and guide.' The Revd Canon Professor James Woodward, Principal, Sarum College, Salisbury Following the ancient rhythm of the Celtic year, these prayers, meditations and liturgies will help you focus on the natural flow of life as it changes around you. Based on the eight points of the Celtic year - the four season changes, and the four midpoints of each season - and moving from winter to spring, summer and harvest, each of the eight sections includes a liturgy for a full service, a week of daily readings, guided contemplations and a selection of prayers and blessings.

The best memoirs tell a story that is specific and individual and yet somehow transcends particularity. Aching Joy tells a story of one man’s pain and growth in the years following his son’s diagnosis with autism, and at the same time, this book invites me into reflection about my own experience with pain, denial, hope, and healing. As this father begins to let go of fear and open his heart up to trust, I, too, am invited to explore all the ways I have shut myself off from the ache, and the joy, of full life.

Do you ever find it hard to pray and don't know what to say? Prayer is one of the most powerful, life-changing things we will ever do, and yet we often struggle. It's hard to find the time. It's repetitive, we get distracted and sometimes even bored. And the answers often feel few and far between. The good news? There is a simple, powerful way to reignite your conversation with God. In Praying Women, bestselling author Sheila Walsh shares practical helps directly from God's Word, showing you how to

- know what to say when you pray
- understand how to use prayer as a weapon when you are in the midst of a struggle
- pray as joy-filled warriors, not anxious worriers
- let go of the past and stand on God's promises for you now

Prayer changes you and it changes the world. You may have tried before, but if you're ready to start again in your relationship with God, let Sheila Walsh show you how to become a strong praying woman.

It's tough to be a pastor. Pastors face demands and pressures on every side, from the challenges of church ministry to the realities of spiritual warfare. But you can make a difference. Your prayers provide a lifeline for your pastor's spiritual health and ministry effectiveness. Eddie Byun offers a handy, practical guide to praying for pastors. He shares stories of how congregational intercession changes things, with specific guidelines for prayers for protection, rest, anointing, integrity and more. God calls us to pray for our leaders. When we do, their ministry is strengthened, the kingdom is advanced and lives and communities are transformed.

Pray Circles Around Your Greatest Dreams and Biggest Fears Prayer can sometimes be a frightening thing-how do you approach the maker of the world, and what exactly can you pray for? In this student adaptation of The Circle Maker, Pastor Mark Batterson uses the true legend of Honi the circle maker, a first-century Jewish sage whose bold prayer saved a generation, to uncover the boldness God asks of us at times, and what powerful prayer can mean in your life. Drawing inspiration from his own experiences as a circle maker, as well as sharing stories of young people who have experienced God's blessings, Batterson explores how you can approach God in a new way by drawing prayer circles around your dreams, your problems, and, most importantly, God's promises. In the process, you'll discover this simple yet life-changing truth: God honors bold prayers; bold prayers honor God. And you're never too young for God to use you for amazing things. Updated with discussion questions that tie to the Circle Maker video curriculum.

"You will see God do miracles when you pray to the God of miracles believing that He hears you and will answer...Your faith-filled prayers can strengthen your marriage so that it lasts a lifetime." -Stormie Omartian This companion to The Power of Prayer to Enrich Your Marriage will help you reach out to the Lord with your desire for a strong, supportive, and satisfying marriage. As you pray through each of these 60 Scripture-based prayers, you will... ask for God's protection against 14 of the most common yet serious marital problems discover how to better know, love, and communicate with your spouse find peace where there was once tension, both in your heart and in your marriage Featuring a daily verse to inspire reflection and lined space for journaling, this little book will show you how to surrender your marriage to your heavenly Father, knowing He will walk with you through whatever lies ahead. As you and your spouse pray together, you will grow closer than ever before-to God and to each other.

This one-year daily devotional is an invitation--an invitation to come on a fresh and exciting adventure into the Word of God. It is an invitation to enter into a deeper, more intimate relationship with your Heavenly Father--the One who made you, and wants you, and loves you like no other. It is an invitation to enter into the peace, and joy, and protection, and provision, and purpose of an abundant life that can only be found by having a right relationship with the Father through Christ--a covenant relationship of surrender, trust and obedience. It is a call to live in Truth, and to allow that Truth to set you free to be everything that God has called you to be. God's Word has an answer to every situation and circumstance of your life, and this devotional explores many of those answers, as it moves you from fear to faith, from doubt to belief, from despair to hope, from darkness to light, from the lies of the enemy to the truth of God's unrelenting, unending, unfailing, and passionate love for you! Each day's devotion focuses on a particular passage from the Bible, and uses the truth found in the passage to offer a prayer for God's help in correctly understanding and rightly applying that truth to your life. As you move through the year, each new day will bring new insights into who God is and all that He has done for you. It will also reveal who you are in Christ--so you can courageously and confidently do all things that that He asks of you, knowing your strength is found in Him alone. This devotional will change your life--because you cannot come to knowledge of the Truth of the Word of God and not be changed. The way that you allow it to change your life will depend largely on the choices that you make when confronted with the Truth. Use this devotional to help you choose wisely God's very best path for you--and know that He always has your best interests at heart.