This collection of ground-breaking essays considers the many dimensions of prayer: how prayer relates us to the divine; prayer's ability to reveal what is essential about our humanity; the power of prayer to transform human desire and action; and the relation of prayer to cognition. It takes up the meaning of prayer from within a uniquely phenomenological point of view, demonstrating that the phenomenology of prayer is as much about the character and boundaries of phenomenological analysis as it is about the heart of religious life.The contributors: Michael F. Andrews, Bruce Ellis Benson, Mark Cauchi, Benjamin Crowe, Mark Gedney, Philip Goodchild, Christina M. Gschwandtner, Lissa McCullough, Cleo McNelly Kearns, Edward F. Mooney, B. Keith Putt, Jill Robbins, Brian Treanor, Merold Westphal, Norman Wirzba, Terence Wright and Terence and James R. Mensch. Bruce Ellis Benson is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Wheaton College. He is the author of Graven Ideologies: Nietzsche, Derrida, and Marion on Modern Idolatry and The Improvisation of Musical Dialogue: A Phenomenology of Music. Norman Wirzba is Associate Professor and Chair of the Philosophy Department at Georgetown College, Kentucky. He is the author of The Paradise of God and editor of The Essential Agrarian Reader.

Adapting Wittgenstein's concept of the human species as 'a ceremonial animal', Wendy James writes vividly and readably. Her new overview advocates a clear line of argument: that the concept of social form is a primary key to anthropology and the human sciences as a whole. Weaving memorable ethnographic examples into her text, James brings together carefully selected historical sources as well as references to current ideas in neighbouring disciplines such as archaeology, paleoanthropology, genetics, art and material culture, ethnomusicology, urban and development studies, politics, economics, psychology, and religious studies. She shows the relevance of anthropology to pressing world issues such as migration, humanitarian politics, the new reproductive technologies, and religious fundamentalism.
Wendy James's engaging style will appeal to specialist and non-specialist alike. The Foreword is written by Michael J. Lambek, Professor of Anthropology, University of Toronto.

This book examines the ways in which two distinct biblical conceptions of impurity-"ritual" and "moral"-were interpreted in the Hebrew Bible, the Dead Sea Scrolls, rabbinic literature, and the New Testament. In examining the evolution of ancient Jewish attitudes towards sin and defilement, Klawans sheds light on a fascinating but previously neglected topic.

The religious buildings of the Jewish community in Britain have never been explored in print. Lavishly illustrated with previously unpublished images and photographs taken specially by English Heritage, this book traces the architecture of the synagogue in Britain and Ireland from its discreet Georgian- and Regency-era beginnings to the golden age of the grand "cathedral synagogues" of the High Victorian period. Sharman Kadish sheds light on obscure and sometimes underappreciated architects who designed synagogues for all types of worshipers--from Orthodox and Reform congregations to Yiddish-speaking immigrants in the 1900s. She examines the relationship between architectural style and minority identity in British society and looks at design issues in the contemporary synagogue. Published for the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art

The Vaikhanasas are mentioned in many Vedic texts, and they maintain a close affiliation with the Taittiriya school of the Krsna Yajur Veda. Yet they are Vaisnavas, monotheistic worshipers of Visnu. Generally, Vaisnavism is held to be a post-Vedic development. Thus, the Vaikhanasas bridge two key ages in the history of South Asian religion. This text contains many quotations from ancient Vedic literature, and probably some other older original material, as well as architectural and iconographical data of the later first millennium CE. The Vaikhanasas remain relevant today. They are the chief priests (arcakas) in more than half of the Visnu temples in the South Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka-including the renowned Hindu pilgrimage center Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh.

A Novice's Guide Through the Jewish Holidays explores the traditions, historical events along with Hebrew blessings in transliteration of the holidays for all people of diverse faiths and learning skills. The book engages and encourages the reader to become comfortable practicing the observances of the holidays. This guide will inspire and enlighten multi-generational and interfaith families to learn together. There are recipes and decorations to enhance the richness and beauty of each holiday. The special gift of this book is to bring a better understanding of the Jewish people's rich heritage. May your thirst for knowledge never be quenched

E. M. Bounds is the foremost authority in the knowledge and intimacy of prayer. This book will elevate the reader, preacher, clergy or laymen, in the mode and practice of prayer far above any other... All due to the hours of devotion spent by Mr. Bounds.

In this unique volume, the spiritual journey of the Omer, the period between the end of Passover and the Shavuot, has been re-imagined to make it both meaningful and accessible for the 21st century. The counting of the Omer begins with the escape from enslavement to the wandering path of freedom, leading to a mystical encounter with God, Sinai and Torah. Omer: A Counting provides a daily spiritual guide for a personal journey through the Omer toward meaningful and purposeful living. Beautiful and evocative readings for each day, matched with the daily Omer blessing, offer a transformative path from Passover to Shavuot. Also included is an informative historical introduction.

Could our deepest hurts reveal the key to a powerful form of prayer that was lost 17 centuries ago? What can we learn today from the great secret of our most cherished traditions? "There are beautiful and wild forces within us." With these words, the mystic St. Francis described what ancient traditions believed was the most powerful force in the universe-the power of prayer. For more than 20 years, Gregg Braden has searched for evidence of a forgotten form of prayer that was lost to the West following the biblical edits of the early Christian Church. In the 1990s, he found and documented this form of prayer still being used in the remote monasteries of central Tibet. He also found it practiced in sacred rites throughout the high deserts of the American Southwest. In this book, Braden describes this ancient form of prayer that has no words or outward expressions. Then, for the first time in print, he leads us on a journey exploring what our most intimate experiences tell us about our deepest beliefs. Through case histories and personal accounts, Braden explores the wisdom of these timeless secrets, and the power that awaits each of us . . . just beyond our deepest hurt!

Ever asked Jesus what he likes best about you?

Jesus longs to speak to your deepest desires. These powerful yearnings for things like love, approval, freedom, belonging, and significance animate our lives and lie at the root of the thorny behaviors we most want to change. Our true desires were designed to be filled in our relationship with Jesus. But most of us never learned how to ask.

Questions for Jesus takes you on the exhilarating adventure of hearing Jesus speak to the deepest places of your heart. Your own desires will surface as the meditations help you enter into the thoughts and feelings of characters in the gospel of Matthew. After watching Jesus touch that person's desire, the book will launch your own heart encounter with with five creative, intimate questions for Jesus, like these: "Jesus, what are you proud of in me today? How am I touching your desire?" "Jesus, what will it be like for you to tell the story of the life you and I have lived together to all of heaven?" "How am I valuable to you? What makes me worth your time and attention?" "So what's it like for you to not be afraid of anything?" "Who do you say that I am, Jesus?" Written by a master of the art of asking, the 52 meditations in Questions for Jesus will help you or your small group add an exhilarating new dimension to your prayer life, and encounter Jesus in profound new ways.

Using this Book Written in a devotional format, Questions for Jesus focuses on the passages in the book of Matthew where Jesus touches an individual's deep desire. The author weaves each scene into a powerful story that brings the bible to life, putting you inside the thoughts and feelings of the characters (Jesus included ) Then, you simply take one of the five desire prayers given for each story and ask Jesus that question.

You'll talk about what Jesus was experiencing in those situations, how he feels about waiting for and preparing for your arrival in heaven, what your meeting there will be like, Jesus' own deep desires, and much more. Talking with Jesus is much easier when you are asking the right questions

With 52 devotional meditations (each with five questions) this book can provide a year's worth of encounters with the goodness of God. Facing pages offer space to journal your answers, and pithy articles spaced throughout the text show you how the heart works, how to create your own desire prayers, ways to overcome obstacles to hearing God speak, etc. A free Questions for Jesus Group Guide is also available, letting you use Questions for Jesus with small groups, leadership teams or churches.

Have you ever wanted to pray for your children but been unsure of what or how to pray? Whether it's for their salvation, for them to live a godly life and stand firm in what they believe, or for them to stay pure, what better way to pray than using God's Word?

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV).

Buddhism is a religion indigenous to the Indian subcontinent that encompasses a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, who is commonly known as the Buddha, meaning "the awakened one." He is recognized by Buddhists as an awakened or enlightened teacher who shared his insights to help sentient beings end their suffering through the elimination of ignorance by way of understanding and the seeing of dependent origination and the elimination of craving, and thus the attainment of the cessation of all suffering, known as the sublime state of nirvana.

Filled with more than fifty prayers and blessings for almost every situation in our daily lives, The Book of Light is created for the Christian on the go. It's also great for new Christians looking to build an active prayer life or for those who simply need encouraging during challenging times. Prayers and blessings inspired by Scripture are a sure way to let the Word of God do the work in your life.

Why is Chanukah celebrated close to Christmas one year, but closer to Thanksgiving another year? Why do Jews exchange presents on Chanukah? What is Purim, and why do Jews dress in costumes when they go to synagogue on that day? And what are the Four Questions anyway? After reading The Non-Jew's Guide to Jewish Holidays, you will know the answers to these questions and more. This book will explain why the Jewish holidays are observed and the rituals that are followed during the observances. You will also learn why the holidays are celebrated on different days on the secular calendar each year. Written by best-selling author Elizabeth Reynolds, this book is the one to buy if you want to learn more. It covers the Jewish holidays in chronological order beginning with the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. The holidays included in this book are Shabbat (Sabbath), Days of Awe - Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles), Shemini Atzerit (Eighth Day of Assembly) and Simchat Torah (Joy of the Torah), Chanukah (Festival of Lights), Tu B'Shevat (New Year for Trees), Purim (Feast of Lots), Pesach (Passover), Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), Shavuot (Festival of Weeks), and Tisha B'Av (The Fast of Av).

"I have seen the affliction of my people, and have heard their cry by reason of their enemies and tormentors, for I know their sorrows; and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the wicked and unrepentant enemies. And I will surely bring to pass my plans and counsels concerning...

Loving Stones is a study of devotees' conceptions of and worshipful interactions with Mount Govardhan, a sacred mountain located in the Braj region of north-central India that has for centuries been considered an embodied form of Krishna. It is often said that worship of Mount Govardhan "makes the impossible possible." In this book, David L. Haberman examines the perplexing paradox of an infinite god embodied in finite form, wherein each particular form is non-different from the unlimited. He takes on the task of interpreting the worship of a mountain and its stones for a culture in which this practice is quite alien. This challenge involves exploring the interpretive strategies that may explain what seems un-understandable, and calls for theoretical considerations of incongruity, inconceivability, and other realms of the impossible. This aspect of the book includes critical consideration of the place and history of the pejorative concept of idolatry (and its twin, anthropomorphism) in the comparative study of religions. Loving Stones uses the worship of Mount Govardhan as a site to explore ways in which scholars engaged in the difficult work of representing other cultures struggle to make "the impossible possible."

The annual festivals that are central to the south Indian religious tradition are among the largest religious gatherings found anywhere in the world. Most are located at Hindu temples, but some are at Buddhist, Christian, or Islamic centers, and many involve people or symbols from more than one religious tradition. To an outside observer, the many activities of a festival may seem somewhat chaotic, but the participants see the activities as the ritual focus of a distinct religious experience, and frequently testify that it is in the activity of a festival that they find their most profound sense of religious meaning. In spite of their obvious importance in the lives of participants, these festivals have received scant scholarly attention. In this book, Paul Younger offers a fieldwork-based study of fourteen different religious festivals, shedding light on not only their religious, but also their social and political meanings.