This is the first full-length study of the place and meaning of pilgrimage in European Renaissance culture. It makes new material available and also provides fresh perspectives on canonical writers such as Rabelais, Montaigne, Margurite de Navarre, Erasmus, Petrarch, Augustine, and Gregory of Nyssa. Wes Williams undertakes a bold exploration of various interlinking themes in Renaissance pilgrimage: the location, representation, and politics of the sacred, together with the experience of the everyday, the extraordinary, the religious, and the represented. Williams also examines the literary formation of the subjective narrative voice in his texts, and its relationship to the rituals and practices he reviews. This wide-ranging and timely new work aims both to gain a sense of the shapes of pilgrim experience in the Renaissance and to question the ways in which recent theoretical and historical research in the area has determined the differences between fictional worlds and the real.

Using light as fil rouge reuniting theology and ritual with the architecture, decoration, and iconography of cultic spaces, the present study argues that the mise-en-scene of fifth-century baptism and sixth-century episcopal liturgy was meant to reproduce the luminous atmosphere of heaven. Analysing the material culture of the two sacraments against common ritual expectations and Christian theology, we evince the manner in which the luminous effect was reached through a combination of constructive techniques and perceptual manipulation. One nocturnal and one diurnal, the two ceremonials represented different scenarios, testifying to the capacity of church builders and willingness of Late Antique bishops to stage the ritual experience in order to offer God to the senses.

IVP Readers' Choice Award The Book of Common Prayer (1662) is one of the most beloved liturgical texts in the Christian church, and remains a definitive expression of Anglican identity today. It is still widely used around the world, in public worship and private devotion, and is revered for both its linguistic and theological virtues. But the classic text of the 1662 prayer book presents several difficulties for contemporary users, especially those outside the Church of England. The 1662 Book of Common Prayer: International Edition gently updates the text for contemporary use. State prayers of England have been replaced with prayers that can be used regardless of nation or polity. Obscure words and phrases have been modestly revised--but always with a view towards preserving the prayer book's own cadence. Finally, a selection of treasured prayers from later Anglican tradition has been appended. The 1662 prayer book remains a vital resource today, both in the Anglican Communion and for Christians everywhere. Here it is presented for continued use for today's Christians throughout the world.

Do the unending obstacles you face make you feel like you're in a constant spiritual battle? Arm yourself with 100 prayers that will uplift and encourage you during the difficult moments of life. It can be difficult to find the right words when you're praying through hard times. In Battle Prayers, find a classic model to lift your prayers to God, not only for yourself, but others. Each prayer is woven together with Scripture, reminding you that the answers to your struggles can be found in God's Word and by listening to Him. Battle Prayers: Shows how the power of prayer can lead you to find lasting encouragement Provides inspiration and theological accuracy Offers prayers ideal for helping move the mountains that can sometimes stand in between us and God Whether a gift or for yourself, this volume of 100 prayers features: Specific Scriptures and cross-references to other prayers in the book for additional encouragement First-person prayers addressed directly to God, ideal for reading aloud during morning, evening, or devotional prayer time A helpful and encouraging Appendix: "The 10 Essential Qualities of an Effective Battle Prayer" Prayer doesn't stop with the "Amen," and is merely the beginning of deeper, daily, more meaningful communication with our Creator. Find peace in stress, healing for broken relationships, and protection for your loved ones in this essential volume of prayers.

Harry Emerson Fosdick was one of the most popular liberal preachers of the early 20th century, and his The Meaning of Prayer is considered by many one of the finest studies of the meditative communion with God. This lovely little book features daily devotional readings focused on understanding prayer, reflecting upon: . The Naturalness of Prayer . Prayer and the Goodness of God . Hindrances and Difficulties . Unanswered Prayer . Prayer as Dominant Desire . Unselfishness in Prayer ..and other issues arising from conversing with the divine. This warm, friendly guidebook to a profoundly personal act remains an important exploration of one of the world's dominant faiths... just as it was when it was first published in 1915. American theologian HARRY EMERSON FOSDICK (1878-1969) was born in New York, educated at Colgate and Columbia Universities, and served as professor of practical theology at Union Theological Seminary from 1915 to 1946. Among his many works are A Guide to Understanding the Bible (1938) and A Book of Public Prayers (1960).

For women who are on the move, it's comforting to carry along a compact, pocket-size devotional resource to help them meditate anywhere on God's Word and His forgiveness and grace through Christ Jesus. "Blessings and Prayers offers a suggested order for devotions based on the Daily Office. Women using "Blessings and Prayers spend their devotion time reading and meditating on daily prayers, psalms, hymns and canticles, and Scripture. A wonderful gift. DEVOTIONAL CONTAINS- Daily Prayers- Psalms- Hymns and canticles- Scripture readings- A brief summary of the Christian faith

This service book is derived from the Great Book of Needs, and includes the full text, for both clergy and choir for the funeral service of a layperson. A space for special notes is included in the back of the book.