"Worship is man's full reason for existence. Worship is why we are born and why we are born again."--A.W. Tozer A.W. Tozer earned a legendary reputation as a prophetic voice, and he continues to be a bestselling author half a century after his death. A preacher at heart, he found his greatest joy in practicing the presence of God. Worship was his focus and his passion. His sermons were such a strong declaration of what he discovered during private prayer and worship of the triune God that he had both the ability and the Spirit's anointing to move his listeners to wrestle with what God was saying to the Church. His writings carry the same message to a new generation of worshipers. The Purpose of Man is the perfect introduction to Tozer. Drawn from messages he called his best teaching, this book will also delight those already familiar with, moved by, and changed by his other classics. What Tozer offers on the subject of worship here in The Purpose of Man will challenge you to reconsider your life's priorities while at the same time hold out a cup of Living Water for your soul.

Unlike weddings, funerals rarely take place after extensive planning. Often the deceased is not someone the pastor has known well, and preparations for the service of death and resurrection take place in the midst of pastoral care of the grieving, writing the funeral sermon, and the pastor s regular duties. These circumstances make it especially hard to plan an appropriate and meaningful order of worship for the funeral service.

Christian Funerals will help pastors as they attend to this crucial ministry of the church. Drawing on the books of worship from a number of denominations and traditions, it provides several options for each of the elements of the funeral service, from gathering texts to opening prayers to scripture lessons to final prayers. The book is bound in a way that makes it suitable for use at church services and at the grave side."

The Christian longing to share anguish, fear, gratitude, and awe has found expression in many forms of prayer, beginning in Scripture and the practices and words of Jesus. Over the centuries many fruitful approaches to prayer have taken hold, but often there is a certain unease about what is right or what is best. In this welcome and welcoming book, Fr. James Martin eases these concerns with thoughtful, practical encouragement about prayer in all of its forms. In All Seasons, For All Reasons is drawn from "Teach Us to Pray," Fr. Martin's very popular monthly column in Give Us This Day.

This delightful set of practical miniature arrangements of hymn tunes for organ is useful throughout the church year and is accessible to the average church organist. These short pieces not only enhance church services, but also prove invaluable to the church musician looking for something fresh to use during services. The styles of miniatures, which last anywhere from 30 seconds to a minute in duration, are sufficiently varied to maintain interest: some settings are meditative, while others are fanfares, and they can be used during various parts of the service. The book includes a preface that discusses practical usage of the miniatures, citing some examples from te Velde's own experience. It also includes a liturgical index and an index of first lines for the convenience of the organist.

Although numerous studies have examined biblical and theological rationales for using the visual arts in worship, this book by Lisa J. DeBoer fills in a piece of the picture missing so far - the social dimensions of both our churches and the various art worlds represented in our congregations. The first part of the book looks at Orthodoxy, Catholicism, and Protestantism in turn - including case studies of specific congregations - showing how each tradition's use of the visual arts reveals an underlying ecclesiology. DeBoer then focuses on six themes that emerge when Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant uses of the visual arts are examined together - the arts as expressions of the church's local and universal character, the meanings attributed to particular styles of art for the church, the role of the arts in enculturating the gospel, and more.

According to Dom Gregory Dix, the basic shape of the Christian liturgy has remained the same "ever since thirteen men met for supper in an upper room at Jerusalem" some two thousand years ago. According to Martin Connell, the same cannot be said for the liturgical year. The Triduum, or three days of Easter, only emerged in the fourth century. So, too, did Christmas. Earlier, Epiphany was the birthday of the Savior. Although a pre-Easter fast of variable length was observed since earliest times, the precise Forty Day span only appeared, once again, in the fourth century. And that foundational fourth century also saw the beginnings of the observance of Advent, which actually took centuries to catch on. As Connell demonstrates in this fascinating book, the varieties of Christian observance emerged in local communities stretching from Gaul to India and were often born in the struggles that were define orthodoxy and heresy. "Eternity Today" is a vade mecum for anyone who wishes to observe the liturgical year with intelligent devotion. Throughout, Connell aims to recover the theology and spirituality of the Christian year. As an aid to reflection, he incorporates numerous selections of contemporary poetry, thereby demonstrating how secular poets can often hit upon a point that finds its echo in Christian life and ritual. "Eternity Today: The Liturgical Year, Volume 2" covers Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Candlemas, and Ordinary Time.

The English Office contains daily offices for Mattins and Evensong (Morning and Evening Prayer) taken from the Book of Common Prayer, with additional material from Sarum, Roman and other sources. A complete resource for the recitation of morning and evening prayer throughout the year, it also includes: * seasonal propers * propers of saints * commons of apostles, martyrs and saints * an office of Mary * an office of the dead * the Litany * an order of commending a soul * an itinerarium (prayers before a journey) * prayers before and after mass * the Psalms and psalm antiphons First published in 1956, this classic Anglo-Catholic text is a companion volume to The English Missal and The English Ritual. A high-quality hardback with ribbon, it features rubrics printed in red to aid daily use.

This illustrated workbook arises out of many years of leading retreats, study and quiet days on the theme of the cross in many contexts from an English Cathedral city to a South African township. The symbol of suffering and sacrifice, the cross also stands for the triumph of love over hate, life over death, hope over despair.
This includes complete outlines with prayers, readings, guided meditations and instructions for making crosses on the following themes: Crosses from around the world, Holy People, Holy Places & Crosses: Bridget, Francis, Andrew and others, Good Friday Pilgrims: living the cross, Making Crosses: yours and mine, Meditating with Crosses, and Following The Way of the Cross.

If the future is creative, is it any wonder that sometimes the church seems stuck in the past? Now is the time for the church to reclaim its role as a center of creativity. Among your members are artists, musicians and other creatives whose gifts can enhance your worship, inform your theology and impact your community. Christian arts advocate J. Scott McElroy gives a comprehensive vision and manual for unleashing creativity in your congregation so you can connect with the more visual, aural, participatory and expressive generation that is rising up within the church today. In this handbook you'll find clear direction for: Mobilizing and managing artists and other creatives in your congregation Establishing structures and parameters for arts ministry Leading and supporting staff and church members in creative changes Enhancing the worship service Adding creative elements to your sermons Engaging the broader community Activate your church in every avenue of worship with this practical guide for arts ministry.

In the late 1920s, the Church of England was stunned when its first new prayer book since 1662 - a book that had received overwhelming support from bishops, clergy and laity alike - was rejected by the House of Commons. It was almost another sixty years before a new prayer book was attempted and although many of its rites went on to appear in the 1984 Alternative Services Book (and continue today in Common Worship), to many Anglican minds, the 1928 Prayer Book is unsurpassed and it continues in demand, especially among Anglo-Catholics. This facsimile edition will make available to students of liturgy and worship one of the finest written treasures of the Church of England. Although unauthorized for use, this is a resource that many clergy will be glad to have. This is not to be confused with the 1928 US Book of Common Prayer - the authorized prayer book of the Episcopal Church in America for over 50 years.

Jesus is our source for everything. When we rely on him alone, our satisfaction in life increases and anxiety begins to subside. Comparisons cease. Unnecessary pursuits pause. And we begin to notice the little things. The things that matter. Life. Breath. Kindness. Stillness. Beauty. This is where we find deep connection with our loving Savior. As you quiet yourself before him and meditate on these Scriptures, devotions, and prayers, experience the goodness of his presence, and be refreshed with his perfect peace. When you recognize that Jesus really is all you need, other concerns fade. Hope dawns with the sunrise. Tender mercies fall fresh. Boundless joy springs up from a well within. And you find the strength to walk through each day with grace. Features: - High-grade faux leather provides durability and exquisite tactile appeal. - Heat debossing on faux leather darkens its color, giving the cover a two-tone appearance and creating indentation which shows off the intricate design and varied texture. - Metallic and matte foil finishing touches are elegantly placed to enhance certain features, capturing attention and adding class for an aesthetic appeal. - This high-quality sturdy Smyth-sewn binding stitches book signatures together creating durability and allowing pages to lay flat when open. Decorative head and foot bands are also added to further complement the overall design. - This matte art high quality paper with a smooth satin touch provides long-lasting vivid coloration and durability. - A beautiful satin ribbon marker conveniently keeps your place so you can quickly pick up where you left off.

Presents the complete Common Worship lectionary readings, printed out in full from the NRSV translation of the Bible. Old Testament, Epistle and Gospel readings are provided for the Principle, Second and Third Services, making this an essential resource for worship. The Bible texts are clearly laid out with introductions and closing responses included as appropriate, making this an ideal volume for reading aloud.

To most people, the annulment process is shrouded in mystery and is therefore a source of misunderstanding and resentment. This straightforward primer explains the concepts and procedures surrounding annulment and the mechanics of canon law. Using clear, simple language and dozens of concrete examples, the author-a judge on a tribunal-demystifies the procedure while showing how it does not contradict Church teaching on the indissolubility of marriage. In an easy-to-read question-and-answer format, the book covers definitions of and conditions for the right to marry, issues of consent, public dimensions of marriage, functions of the various tribunal and court officials, stages of an investigation, and the personal and family effects of a declaration of nullity. The book also addresses common misconceptions regarding the reception of Communion afterward, the legitimacy of children from an annulled marriage, and the time, cost and ease of getting of an annulment. This is fascinating reading for anyone even remotely interested in the workings of annulment-and an invaluable resource for anyone actively concerned: pastors, pastoral staff members, seminarians, marriage counselors, civil attorneys, professors of canon law, and Catholics involved in any way in the process.

In clear, accessible language, Markham demonstrates how the liturgy of The Episcopal Church can enable us to cope more effectively with the stresses and strains of modern life. This book is a delightful introduction to the movement and flow of Episcopal services and demonstrates how the liturgy can transform human lives. Markham shows persuasively how the whole purpose of the Christian liturgy is to provide us with the resources to enable God to facilitate healthy and authentic living.

The Eucharist should not be limited to the congregation that gathers to hear the word of God and proclaim its faith. It is, first of all, the active presence of the sacrifice of Christ, who gathers us together and lets us partake of his divine life through his body and blood in Communion.

Christians are always hoping to find helpful ways to contemplate the eucharistic mystery in all its fullness, and this set of meditations by Father Raniero Cantalamessa - presented by him in the presence of Pope John Paul II - is written in a simple and warm style and nourished by Scripture and the teachings of the Church Fathers from both the East and the West. These meditations answer the needs of all who hope to experience the radiant and radiating Eucharist that shines into their hearts and into the life of the Church.

The SCM Studyguide: Liturgy, 2nd Edition is an introduction to liturgy that considers the basic 'buliding blocks' needed to grasp the subject area. It outlines the essential shape and content of Christian worship and explores a range of liturgical dynamics of which both students of liturgy and leaders of liturgy need to be aware. This 2nd edition of the popular Studyguide is fully revised, updated and expanded. The book takes account of new developments in scholarship, engages with new contexts for liturgical celebration (notably, fresh expressions as part of a mixed economy of church), encompasses recent revisions in liturgy and seeks to broaden the engagement beyond the British context to consider the wider global context.

'No better way could have been found to mark the end of the long unchallenged reign of Cranmer's Prayer Book than Dr Cuming's superb charting of its history.' Journal of Theological Studies

This book studies later medieval culture (c. 1150-1500) through its central symbol: the eucharist. From the twelfth century onward the eucharist was designed by the Church as the foremost sacrament. The claim that this ritual brought into presence Christ's own body, and offered it to believers, underpinned the sacramental system and the clerical meditation upon which it depended. The book explores the context in which the sacramental world was created and the cultural processes through which it was disseminated, interpreted and used. With attention to the variety of eucharistic meanings and practices, the book moves from the "design" of the eucharist in the twelfth century to its redesign in the sixteenth--a story of the emergence of a symbol, its use and interpretation and final transformation.

Combines the Common Worship Lectionary and the Book of Common Prayer Lectionary in one volume

Centering Prayers is a collection of 365 daily prayers for moments of silence and meditation. Thousands of readers have been inspired by the love, warmth, and peace that radiate from these brief daily prayers that spring from the ancient Christian practice of contemplative prayer. Centering Prayers is: * A book of simple, gentle daily devotions to grow our awareness of God's presence * An invitation to find peace and stillness, to listen and just be * Ideal for centering your mind and heart at the beginning of the day, or at bedtime, to calm anxiety * An ideal gift for anyone who feels lost, doubting, or fearful, anxious, or needs reassurance of the intimate love of God * A helpful tool for letting the noise of the world recede and entering a prayerful space * Structured by the natural seasons of the year, and includes special prayers for holy days Rooted in Scripture and timeless Christian wisdom, these open-hearted prayers are rich in imagery, helping us connect with God as Living Water, Source, Sustainer, Living Gate, Love, Wisdom, Beauty, Strength in Life, Abba, Eternal Listener, Grace-giver, God of Gentle Power, Beloved Source of Security, and more. Centering Prayers is a perfect companion for a personal retreat, or to pray with others in community.

This concise, easy-to-use resource from a team of fresh new voices provides spiritual nourishment and encouragement to help extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion prepare for their role during liturgy or visits to the sick and homebound. By focusing on the Sunday gospels and the Communion minister's own personal reflection, this indispensable aid helps those involved to reverently and prayerfully prepare and carry out their ministry. Living Liturgy (TM) for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion begins with the First Sunday of Advent 2019 and includes the following: Sunday-by-Sunday gospels Personal reflections for Communion ministers A brief theology of the ministry A separate insert card with the rite for Administration of Communion to the Sick by an Extraordinary Minister A page for inscription of the minister's name and church

The liturgical chant sung in the churches of Southern Italy between the ninth and thirteenth centuries reflects the multiculturalism of a territory in which Romans, Franks, Lombards, Byzantines, Normans, Jews, and Muslims were all present with various titles and political roles. Chants, Hypertext, and Prosulas examines a specific genre, the prosulas that were composed to embellish and expand pre-existing liturgical chants. Widespread in medieval Europe, prosulas were highly cultivated in southern Italy, especially by the nuns, monks, and clerics of the city of Benevento. These texts shed light on the creativity of local cantors to provide new meanings to the liturgy in accordance with contemporary waves of religious spirituality, and to experiment with a novel musical style in which a syllabic setting is paired with the free-flowing melody of the parent chant. In their representing an epistemological 'beyond', and in their interconnectedness with the parent chant, these prosulas can be likened to modern hypertexts. In this book, author Luisa Nardini presents the first comprehensive study to integrate textual and musical analyses of liturgical prosulas as they were recorded in Beneventan manuscripts. Discussing general features of prosulas in southern Italy and their relation to contemporary liturgical genres (e.g., tropes, sequences, hymns), Nardini firmly situates Beneventan prosulas within the broader context of European musical history. An invaluable reference for the field, Chants, Hypertext, and Prosulas provides a new understanding of the phonetic and morphological transformations of the Latin language in medieval Italy, and clarifies the use of perennially puzzling features of Beneventan notation.