Are you trying to do it all yourself? Muyskens reminds us that what God seeks is relationship with us, a two-way communication. What relationship with God requires is very similar to what our earthly relationships require: openness, listening, focused time. One way to practice the skills needed for this relationship is centering prayer, a simple but deeply powerful prayer practice. In beautiful and accessible language, Muyskens invites us to spend time daily focusing our hearts on God, to find the power to be still and be reoriented to "the One who is the Center of all." Exercises in prayer and scripture reading are provided for the 40 days.

Pauline and Dan Campanelli's classic companion to Wheel of the Year is back for a new generation of readers to enjoy Celebrate the seasons of the year according to the ancient Pagan traditions. Ancient Ways shows how to prepare for and conduct the Sabbat rites, and helps you harness the magickal energy for weeks afterward. The wealth of seasonal rituals and charms within are drawn from ancient sources but are easily performed with readily available materials. Learn how to look into your previous lives at Yule. At Beltane, discover the places where you are most likely to see faeries. Make special jewelry to wear for your Lammas celebrations. For the special animals in your life, paint a charm of protection at Midsummer. Most Pagans feel that the Sabbat rituals are all too brief and wish for the magick to continue. Ancient Ways can help you reclaim your own traditions and heighten the feeling of magick all year long. Praise: "A delightful, joyous guide to celebrating the seasons and festivals with homespun magic." --Scott Cunningham, author of Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs "A delightful book that beautifully complements the authors' Wheel of the Year." --Ray Buckland, author of Practical Candleburning Rituals

This book examines the collection of prayers known as the Qumran Hodayot (= Thanksgiving Hymns) in light of ancient visionary traditions, new developments in neuropsychology, and post-structuralist understandings of the embodied subject. The thesis of this book is that the ritualized reading of reports describing visionary experiences written in the first person "I" had the potential to create within the ancient reader the subjectivity of a visionary which can then predispose him to have a religious experience. This study examines how references to the body and the strategic arousal of emotions could have functioned within a practice of performative reading to engender a religious experience of ascent. In so doing, this book offers new interdisciplinary insights into meditative ritual reading as a religious practice for transformation in antiquity.

Thomas Csordas's eloquent analysis of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal answers one of the primary callings of anthropology: to stimulate critical reflection by making the exotic seem familiar and the familiar appear strange. Csordas describes the movement's internal diversity and traces its development and expansion across 30 years. He offers insights into the contemporary nature of rationality, the transformation of space and time in Charismatic daily life, gender discipline, the blurring of boundaries between ritual and everyday life, the sense of community forged through shared ritual participation, and the creativity of language and metaphor in prophetic utterance. Charisma, Csordas proposes, is a collective self-process, located not in the personality of a leader, but in the rhetorical resources mobilized by participants in ritual performance. His examination of ritual language and ritual performance illuminates this theory in relation to the postmodern condition of culture.

In Jewish Integration in the German Army in the First World War David J. Fine offers a surprising portrayal of Jewish officers in the German army as integrated and comfortably identified as both Jews and Germans. Fine explores how both Judaism and Christianity were experienced by Jewish soldiers at the front, making an important contribution to the study of the experience of religion in war. Fine shows how the encounter of German Jewish soldiers with the old world of the shtetl on the eastern front tested both their German and Jewish identities. Finally, utilizing published and unpublished sources including letters, diaries, memoirs, military service records, press accounts, photographs, drawings and tomb stone inscriptions, the author argues that antisemitism was not a primary factor in the war experience of Jewish soldiers.

When love is lost within a family, catastrophic consequences follow. That is not just for the parents, but for the children, too, and society at large. When the God-given love that Jesus Christ introduced into the first Christian family was lost, similar consequences ensued. Loveless men and women not only do damage to themselves, but to others, too - inside and outside of the Church. This last spiritual and supreme masterpiece of a great spiritual master explains and details how the love that was lost can be put back and flourish where it once flourished before. This book is the long-awaited watershed that can slake the thirst of the dry weary land that has been yearning to receive it.

'If someone asked me, "Joyce, if you could make only one comment about prayer, what would it be?" I would have to respond by talking about its simplicity. It is so much easier than we think.' Somehow we have convinced ourselves that prayer is dry and difficult; we have invented religious 'systems' for prayer that place it out of reach for many of us. But THE POWER OF SIMPLE PRAYER shows us that God desires our prayer lives to be enjoyable and as natural as breathing. Joyce Meyer's life-transforming new book: * Answers the most basic questions we are sometimes afraid to ask: what is prayer and how do we do it? * Offers you the key to a more powerful, effective prayer life * Helps you decide when it is and when it is not right to pray * Identifies 'Fourteen Hindrances to Answered Prayer'

The Lord s Prayer is arguably the most important prayer in Christianity. Still, exactly how the prayer developed in the life of the early church has remained hidden in ancient manuscripts. Hammerling s thorough and ground-breaking examination of these works reveals that early authors enthusiastically expounded upon its power and mystery, claiming that the prayer uttered by Christ belonged at the core of Christian ritual and beliefs. Many early church writers labeled it a "perfect summary of the gospel" and joyously referred to it as a pearl of great price and worth.

Leonard Ravenhill's call to revival is as timely now as it was when rst published over forty years ago. The message is fearless and often radical as he expounds on the disparity between the New Testament church and the church today. Why Revival Tarries contains the heart of his message. A.W. Tozer called Ravenhill "a man sent from God" who "appeared at a] critical moment in history," just as the Old Testament prophets did. Included are questions for group and individual study. Ravi Zacharias refers to this as "the book that shaped me...more dramatically than any other..."

The spiritual exercise of making decrees finds its precedent in both Old and New Testaments--the practice means simply quoting God's promises back to him, "reminding" him of what he has said. This kind of prayer is one of the most vital forms of intercession. In fact, the practice of decreeing God's Word not only builds our faith but transforms our lives. In this powerful and enlightening book, bestselling author and entrepreneur Patricia King helps readers grasp the power of inspired and finely tuned prayer. King explains how to * find specific texts of Scripture for your need * counter problems with God's Word * speak truth into reality * understand the difference between confessing the Word, proclaiming the Word, and decreeing the Word * and more Join countless believers who love the Word of God and honor its authority through their prayers. Accept the challenge to pray the words of Scripture boldly--in God's timing, for his will and purposes.

Let's give ourselves an A for effort. We keep our minds so preoccupied with work projects that we act and think on autopilot. We keep our kids so occupied with activities that they need day planners before grade school. We keep our schedules so full with church meetings and housekeeping and even entertaining that down-time sounds like a mortal sin. When we fail to rest we do more than burn ourselves out. We misunderstand the God who calls us to rest--who created us to be people of rest. Let's face it: our rest needs work. Sabbath recalls our creation, and with it God's satisfaction with us as he made us, without our hurried wrangling and harried worrying. It also recalls God's deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, and with it God's ability to do completely what we cannot complete in ourselves. Sabbath keeping reminds us that we are free to rest each week. Eighteen months in Tel Aviv, Israel, where a weekly sabbath is built into the culture, began Lynne M. Baab's twenty-five-year embrace of a rhythm of rest--as a stay-at-home mom, as a professional writer working out of her home and as a minister of the gospel. With collected insights from sabbath keepers of all ages and backgrounds, Sabbath Keeping offers a practical and hopeful guidebook that encourages all of us to slow down and enjoy our relationship with the God of the universe.

Today s spiritually searching culture is less inclined than ever to attend church. Yet, no time of the week is filled with more life-changing potential than Sunday morning. Imagine . . . experiences that bring people heart-to-heart with God.messages in which God s truth connects to everyday life.transcendent moments that leave people awestruck---and transformed. That s what can happen when you unleash the arts in your church through the power of the Holy Spirit. An Hour on Sunday is not about nitty-gritty programming details or cookie-cutter how-to s. It s about foundational issues---ten enduring principles that: unite artists and ministry leaders around a common language empower artists and pastors to effectively work together create the potential for moments that matter on Sunday morning. An Hour on Sunday is for worship and arts ministry leaders, pastors and teachers, artists---including musicians, writers, dancers, actors, visual artists, film makers, light and sound engineers and anyone who believes in the limitless potential of the arts in their church. Whimsically illustrated, written with passion and humor, and filled with stories of both success and failure, An Hour on Sunday explores the deep, shaping forces that can make your hour on Sunday a time of transformation and wonder for believers and seekers alike."

What happens when we pray? Does God always answer? Why does it sometimes feel like he doesn't? Scientific developments and daily encounters with the pain of unanswered prayer can leave us wondering what to make of the whole topic. Scientist and theologian David Wilkinson explores these thorny issues, sharing his insights and struggles as he engages with scientific questions, biblical examples, and his own, sometimes painful, experiences of answered and unanswered prayer.

This examination of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Letters of Paul finds that, in both these bodies of literature, religious self-understanding is expressed in terms of the concept of purity so important to primitive religion and earlier Judaism. Dr Newton contradicts the view held by most scholars that the traditional Jewish attitude to purity had no place in Christianity. By using the concept of purity not unlike that at Qumran or of Pharisaic and Rabbinic Judaism, Paul could elucidate his views on, among other things, the nature of the Church, the divine presence, the basis of ethical behaviour and the significance of the death of Jesus.

Glory in our Midst explores the key themes of Advent, Christmas, Epiphany and Candlemas, setting them within a liturgical context. It can be read either cover to cover or used meditatively throughout the Advent and Christmas seasons, taking us daily more deeply into the mystery of the incarnation and inspiring us to make it a real and vivid part of our lives. Using bible stories and prayer, Michael Perham explores how the meaning of Christ's coming is revealed and, behind that unfolding, how key elements emerge in the Christian understanding of God himself. Michael Perham is well known for his many reflective and liturgical publications, which have inspired, challenged and strengthened many on their spiritual journeys. Michael Perham is the Bishop of Gloucester and was an architect of Common Worship. He has written extensively on liturgy, worship and spirituality and his books include New Testament Handbook of Pastoral Liturgy and Signs of Your Kingdom.

In this engaging series of Advent meditations, David Rhodes uses stories and experiences from the streets of the inner city to help us rediscover the startling message of the gospel. Sometimes humorous, often moving, the book makes adventurous reading. If we run the risk of loving, we soon learn the meaning of vulnerability. Mary knew from the beginning that life with the Christ-child was not going to be easy. Perhaps we should expect it to be no less challenging to live as Christ's disciples today. Lisa Friend, who worked as a prostitute before coming to faith, writes: 'How can you believe you are worth anything if you have been told all your life that you are less than nothing? David Rhodes writes about us, the outcasts. He communicates the radical challenge of God's love to the Church and to Christians everywhere.' 'If you buy only one book this Christmas, then this is the one to go for.' Reform magazine. ' . . . urges us to look beyond the brightly lit shops and glitter of lights to see the true angels of Christmas, many of whom wear 'ragged trousers'.' The War Cry. "'This book may disturb, it may infuriate, but it may lead to a new realisation of Christmas and if that sounds trite, believe me it is not.'" Digest

Many in the church see worship leading and theological processing at opposite ends of a big room. Theology is considered the business of pastors and professors, while worship is the business of musicians and rock stars.
But a new wave of young worship leaders is hungry for something different, the desire to think not just pragmatically (sound, charts, guitars) but theologically (the gospel, justice, pastoral ministry) about worship. Likewise, pastors and churches increasingly desire to be led by thoughtful worship leaders who combine doxology and theology.
"Doxology and Theology" is a resource by worship leaders for worship leaders that clearly articulates how these two pieces join together. Contributions from eleven respected worship leaders around the country including Matt Papa (Summit Church, Raleigh-Durham), Aaron Keyes (Grace Church, Atlanta), Michael Bleecker (The Village Church, Dallas), and Zac Hicks (Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church, Denver) unite worship with themes of mission, disciple-making, the Word of God, the Trinity, family, and more.

The NASB Pew and Worship Bible is perfect for any church pew or classroom and matches page-for-page with the NASB Preacher's Bible. While both Bibles retain their own distinct page layout and font size, they were skillfully designed so that the pages of these two different Bibles begin and end with the same word. This will allow pastors and congregations to literally be on the same page during sermons. Universally recognized as the gold standard among word-for-word translations, the beloved New American Standard Bible, 1995 Edition, is now easier to read with Zondervan's exclusive NASB Comfort Print (R) typeface. Features The full text of the New American Standard Bible, 1995 Edition Matches page-for-page with the NASB Preacher's Bible Premium, durable hardcover binding High-quality paper Double-column, verse-by-verse format Exclusive Zondervan NASB Comfort Print typeface 9-point print size

The Sarum Prayer is a remarkably accessible ancient prayer with contemporary appeal-memorable, physical, genderless, and mystical. It is suited for use throughout the day, invoking a God who inhabits all things, including our senses. Like the Serenity Prayer, it appeals to those relying on God to get through their day. This book offers a step-by-step introduction to the prayer that fosters improved conscious contact with God. With forty short meditations, it draws the reader into the different aspects of the prayer each day and can serve as an easy access Lenten guide. These short essays are designed to mediate an enhanced experience through daily use. Though field-tested as a Lenten prayer guide, it is a devotional suitable for any time of year, making connection with God possible even to those not steeped in a religious tradition.

In his new book "Oraciones que traen sanindad," John Eckhardt wants you to know that no matter what your sickness, no matter who you are, it is God's will for you to live a full, healthy, disease-free life. When Jesus came to a town preaching the coming of the kingdom of God, not only did He heal everyone who came to Him but he also healed "all manner of sickness." This means that there is no sickness, disease, or infirmity God can't or won't heal. When the doctors tell you that you have an incurable disease, know that it is not incurable for Jesus. There is nothing too hard for God. In this book you will discover twelve ways healing takes place. They include:

God has something to say to his daughters. That He will always love them . . . no matter what. In 54:10 author Jada McClintick delivers this message while taking the reader through stories of her own life. Filled with both humor and heartbreak, McClintick makes herself relatable to every woman by the vulnerability and transparency with which she describes some of her choices and mistakes and the lessons she learned, as well as her boldness in her proclamation of faith and her love of God. But the real journey isn't in the stories themselves but in the conversations that she had with God about those stories. McClintick shares with the reader the verbatim dialog between herself and God as she was experiencing various events in her life as well as reflecting on them later. God's love is evidenced throughout each conversation and story. His grace and mercy are reflected in the words spoken back and forth between the two. Have you ever wondered what God would say to you? 54:10 urges the reader to have their own dialog with God and displays the ease with which the author communicates with her Heavenly Father. The overarching message of the text comes through clearly as the abundant, overwhelming, never-ending, and unshakable love that God has for his girls.