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Books > Humanities > Religion & beliefs > Christianity > Christian worship
After resolving to become a Catholic Christian, Augustine spent a
decade trying to clarify his understanding of 'contemplation,' the
interior presence of God to the soul. That long struggle yielded
his classic account in the Confessions. This study explores
Augustine's developing understanding of contemplation, beginning
with his earliest accounts written before his baptism and ending
with the Confessions. Chapter One examines the pagan monotheism of
the Roman Platonists and the role of contemplation in their
theology. Augustine's pre-baptismal writings are then considered in
Chapter Two, tracking his fundamental break from pagan Platonism.
Chapter Three then turns to Augustine's developing understanding of
contemplation in these pre-baptismal texts. Chapter Four
concentrates on Augustine's thought during the decade after his
baptism in 387, a period that encompasses his monastic life in
Thagaste, and his years first as a presbyter and then as a bishop
in Hippo Regius. This chapter follows the arc of Augustine's
thought through these years of transition and leads into the
Confessions, giving a vantage point to survey its theology of
contemplation. Chapter Five concentrates on the Confessions and
sets its most famous account of contemplation, the vision at Ostia
from Book IX, into a larger polemical context. Augustine's defence
of his transcendental reading of scripture in Confessions XII is
analysed and then used to illuminate the Ostian ascent narrative.
The book concludes with observations on the importance of
Augustine's theology of contemplation to the emergence of Christian
monotheism in late antiquity.
This ESV Prayer Journal will guide you in a study on hope over 6
weeks, creating space for writing and praying about the nature of
hope and how it steadies our anxious hearts.
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In Season
(Hardcover)
Luke Timothy Johnson
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R959
R821
Discovery Miles 8 210
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The Prayer
(Hardcover)
Christopher Levan
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R1,002
R852
Discovery Miles 8 520
Save R150 (15%)
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For Christians, prayer is the main way we communicate with God -
but what can we do when we struggle with the question of how to
pray or feel our prayer lives are lacking? Seven Ways to Pray
explores how by looking to ancient prayer practices of
Christianity, we can find fresh ways to relate to God today.
Discovering these tried and tested tools will not only strengthen
our relationship with him but will bring us joy, contentment,
growth and transformation. With warmth and encouragement, Amy
Boucher Pye takes us through seven ways to pray to God: praying
with the Bible, receiving and extending forgiveness, practicing
God's presence, listening prayer, the prayer of lament, praying
with the gospels imaginatively and the prayer of examen. Guiding us
through their history, she shows us how easily we can make these
prayer practices part of our lives and use them to grow closer to
God. Along with prayer exercises to help us engage directly with
God, there are questions for individual reflection or small-group
discussion, making Seven Ways to Pray perfect to use as a family,
in churches or with friends. This is a book for anyone who has ever
wondered how to pray or is looking for ways to revitalise their
prayer lives. It will give you an understanding of some of the
oldest prayer practices of Christianity, and equip you with the
tools you need to renew and refresh your relationship with God.
Come along, and discover Seven Ways to Pray.
You live a busy life, juggling work, family, chores, and more. Into
this busy life come challenges--difficult relationships, health
concerns, deferred dreams, loss--and blessings--a new job, a new
baby, new friends, new hobbies. And all of it is something you can
pray about. But maybe you're not sure how. Beautifully designed and
perfect for gift-giving, 100 Days of Prayer for Women is a
collection of go-to prayers for when you want to say something to
God but you're not sure just what words to use. Covering the
challenging, the joyful, and even the mundane aspects of life,
these prayers help you express yearning, praise, lament, and
gratitude to the One who made you, sustains you, and loves you
through it all. If you need encouragement and inspiration each day,
look no further!
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