Ritual has emerged as a major focus of academic interest. As a concept, the idea of ritual integrates the study of behavior both within and beyond the domain of religion. Ritual can be both secular and religious in character. There is renewed interest in questions such as: Why do rituals exist at all? What has been, and continues to be, their place in society? How do they change over time? Such questions exist against a backdrop of assumptions about development, modernization, and disenchantment of the world.Written with the specific needs of students of religious studies in mind, " Ritual: Key Concepts in Religion" surveys the field of ritual studies looking at it both historically within anthropology and in terms of its contemporary relevance to mass phenomena.

?Divine Entreaty is a great resource for all who are called upon to offer prayer for gatherings that include people from diverse backgrounds. The prayers written by Dr. Menz provide us with sensitivity training and show that he is both a verbal artist and philosopher. Suellen Mazurowski, JD; Hilton Head, SC Teach us to pray? was the elementary request of the first disciples of Jesus. Yet their desire is a universal one; a spiritual longing at the heart of persons of all religions and cultures. In this remarkable little volume Dr. Menz captures both the complexity of cultural sensitivity and also the commonality of public prayer. This is a resource for both guiding those who are called upon to articulate a prayer in our diverse world and encouraging business and civic leaders who feel the need for the prayers of the people to be voiced.? ?James Gebhart, PhD, clinical psychologist; Columbus, Ohio ?Bob Menz and I have a friendship that goes back twenty-plus years revolving around human resource conferences and issues. Bob has shared prayers with people for decades and I would like to thank him for giving others a place to begin as we seek communication with our Creator.?Bill Henry, human resources manager; Ava, Missouri ?We live and work in a culturally, religiously, and spiritually diverse world. For those of us who are challenged by issues of diversity every day, Dr. Menz's volume, Divine Entreaty, is a welcome resource calling our attention to the necessity of inclusiveness. Both the famous prayers of the past and those for public and diverse settings will enlighten your own sense of oneness with humanity. Carl Kyle, DMin, board-certified chaplain; Jacksonville, Florida Divine Entreaty offers a collection of inclusive prayers for leadership in civic, business, education, politics, ministry, and other disciplines to adopt or modify when communities seek to clarify their purpose and capture the moment.

THE VOICE OF FAITH explores the sermons and writings of New England divine, Jonathan Edwards, and draws a comprehensive picture of his theology of prayer. Starting with a foundation of who God is-his character and attributes-author Peter Beck illustrates why Edwards believed God would hear the prayers of his people. He also examines Edwards's view of Christ, the work of the Spirit and the nature of man. Interspersed are three external biographies that set the historical and theological scene in which Edwards was writing.

Although Christians are lovers of the Bible, not all have learned and followed the venerable Christian custom of praying directly from Scripture. In this thoroughly readable and helpful book, Evan Howard shows Christians how to recover and reap the rewards of this vital practice. Praying the Scriptures features down-to-earth guidance on praying the Lord's Prayer and the Psalms, on praying out of the Scriptures for worship, thanksgiving, revival and personal needs. It includes a clear and thorough listing of biblical passages for a variety of prayers. Free of gimmickry but full of practical advice, this book is for new Christians and those who desire a deeper, more biblically saturated prayer life.

In 1988 I wrote a book called "Why Pray?" which went through 6 printings by Creation House and one by the author. That book was written because I knew I had something to say to the pray-ers of America. I have, over the past 50 years of ministry, read scores of books on the subject of prayer. Most of them dealt with some rather fundamental issues, but none seemed to answer the questions I had regarding this matter. I wanted to know why God, who has all power, a plan and a will would need us to pray.
I had read early in my life with God a statement attributed to John Wesley in which he said, "God does nothing, but in answer to prayer." He did not explain the statement, but he sure caused me to think. If God does nothing but in answer to prayer, then prayer must be one of the most important things a Christian, can do.
I believed the statement, but did not understand it and Wesley did not explain himself. Later I came to believe the following: God, who is sovereign, certainly has the power to do anything He wills to do whether anyone prays of not, however, I can say, from a careful study of the Word and a thorough examination of life's experiences; as a rule, God does nothing, but in answer to prayer.
THE LAW OF PRAYER is a follow-up of 'Why Pray?" I have included in it some of the same material, with several new chapters, a new cover, forward and updated illustrations.
David Shibley will write the forward. Other recommendations will come from Bishop Ken Ulmer of Los Angeles, CA, Pastor Steve Dixon, Jack Hayford and Mike Bickel.
My Purpose in writing this:
.Is to instruct, encourage and inspire God's children to pray by convincing them that He will hear their prayer as quickly as He will hear the prayer of anyone.
.Is to share the truth that God, our Father desires to have a relationship with each of His children and has made a way for this to happen. His door is never closed, and all are invited to come in for a chat.
.Is to communicate, a few more things I have learned, to the thousands who read "Why Pray?"
.Last but not least. I want to obey my Father.

Perfect for girls 13 and up, this 52-week devotional and guided prayer journal includes Scripture verses, reflections on the Word, and journaling prompts that will help teen girls feel more confident navigating life's challenges and remember that God is with them every step of the way. From bestselling author Shannon Roberts, author of Prayer Journal for Women (more than 500,000 copies sold), comes this new devotional and prayer journal thoughtfully created to comfort and encourage teen girls on their journey to adulthood. As the mom to a young woman herself, Shannon has witnessed firsthand the challenges teen girls face these days, from insecurities and self-doubt caused by social media to peer pressure from friends and at school. Growing up today isn't easy, but Prayer Journal for Teen Girls gives young women a spiritual compass so that they can lean on the Bible for whatever they are facing each week and know God's Truth will guide them every step of the way. A perfect companion for individual worship or for group Bible study, this undated 12-month journal features: A generous 6x9 trim size with plenty of space to write, Four full pages for each week of the year, Original illustrations on each page by author and artist Shannon Roberts, Each week includes four sections: Scripture: An inspiring Bible verse to reflect and meditate on throughout your week, giving you time to memorize the verse and ingrain it into your heart and soul. Reflect: Thoughts and questions prompted by the weekly Scripture verse, along with space to record your own thoughts and responses. Journal: Two full pages to journal your praise for God, your prayer requests, the things on your heart, and how you wish to be taught and guided, as well as a Bible verse about the power of prayer. Answered Prayers: A tracker with space to record your prayers, so you can see how God moves in your life throughout the course of a year. Bible verses are organised thematically to provide lessons for all aspects of life: Love & Inner Beauty, Provision & Faithfulness, God's Love, Adversity & Trials, Awe & Sovereignty, Strength Through Faith, Fear, Grace & Forgiveness.

This book examines both specific issues and more general problems stemming from the interaction of religion, travel and tourism with hospitality and culture, as well as the implications for site management and interpretation. It explores the oldest form of religious tourism - pilgrimage - from its original form to the multiple spiritual and secular variations practised today, along with issues and conflicts arising from the collision of religion, politics and tourism. The volume considers the impact of tourism and tourist numbers on religious features, communities and phenomena, including the deliberate involvement of some religious agencies in tourism. It also addresses the ways in which religious beliefs and philosophies affect the behaviour and perceptions of tourists as well as hosts. The book illustrates how different faiths interact with tourism and the issues of catering for religious tourists of the major faiths, as well as managing the interaction between increasing numbers of secular tourists and pilgrims at religious sites.

This book examines both specific issues and more general problems stemming from the interaction of religion, travel and tourism with hospitality and culture, as well as the implications for site management and interpretation. It explores the oldest form of religious tourism - pilgrimage - from its original form to the multiple spiritual and secular variations practised today, along with issues and conflicts arising from the collision of religion, politics and tourism. The volume considers the impact of tourism and tourist numbers on religious features, communities and phenomena, including the deliberate involvement of some religious agencies in tourism. It also addresses the ways in which religious beliefs and philosophies affect the behaviour and perceptions of tourists as well as hosts. The book illustrates how different faiths interact with tourism and the issues of catering for religious tourists of the major faiths, as well as managing the interaction between increasing numbers of secular tourists and pilgrims at religious sites.

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.

In spite of Islam's long history in Europe and the growing number of Muslims resident in Europe, little research exists on Muslim pilgrimage in Europe. This collection of eleven chapters is the first systematic attempt to fill this lacuna in an emerging research field. Placing the pilgrims' practices and experiences centre stage, scholars from history, anthropology, religious studies, sociology, and art history examine historical and contemporary hajj and non-hajj pilgrimage to sites outside and within Europe. Sources include online travelogues, ethnographic data, biographic information, and material and performative culture. The interlocutors are European-born Muslims, converts to Islam, and Muslim migrants to Europe, in addition to people who identify themselves with other faiths. Most interlocutors reside in Albania, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Great Britain, and Norway. This book identifies four courses of developments: Muslims resident in Europe continue to travel to Mecca and Medina, and to visit shrine sites located elsewhere in the Middle East and North Africa. Secondly, there is a revival of pilgrimage to old pilgrimage sites in South-eastern Europe. Thirdly, new Muslim pilgrimage sites and practices are being established in Western Europe. Fourthly, Muslims visit long-established Christian pilgrimage sites in Europe. These practices point to processes of continuity, revitalization, and innovation in the practice of Muslim pilgrimage in Europe. Linked to changing sectarian, political, and economic circumstances, pilgrimage sites are dynamic places of intra-religious as well as inter-religious conflict and collaboration, while pilgrimage experiences in multiple ways also transform the individual and affect the home-community.