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The Practice of Spiritual Direction
by William A. Barry William J. ConnollyRevised and updated by the authors, this newly repackaged edition of the perennial classic offers wisdom and guidance to those seeking to develop their relationship with God.
The Practice of Texts: Education and Healing in South India
by Anthony CerulliThe Practice of Texts examines the uses of the Sanskrit medical classics in two educational institutions of India’s classical life science, Ayurveda: the college and the gurukula. In this interdisciplinary study, Anthony Cerulli probes late- and postcolonial reforms in ayurvedic education, the development of the ayurvedic college, and the impacts of the college curriculum on ways that ayurvedic physicians understand and use the Sanskrit classics in their professional work today. His fieldwork in south India illuminates the nature of philology and ritual in the ayurvedic gurukula and showcases how knowledge is exchanged among students, teachers, and patients. The result, Cerulli shows, is that the Sanskrit classics are presented and applied differently in the college and gurukula, producing a variety of relationships with these texts among practitioners. By interrogating the politics surrounding the place of the Sanskrit classics in ayurvedic curricula, this book reveals a spectrum of views about the history and tradition of Ayurveda in modern India.
The Practice of the Presence of God
by Tessa Bielecki Brother LawrenceThe Practice of the Presence of God is among the most enduringly popular of all Christian devotional works. It is a collection of conversations with a simple seventeenth-century French Carmelite monk who, through the simplest of everyday activities, was able to achieve a profound intimacy with God. Brother Lawrence's teaching has resonated with Christians for more than three hundred years.
The Practice of the Presence of God
by Brother Lawrence of the ResurrectionHere is a guide for all Christians aspiring to union with God, which, according to Brother Lawrence, is the ultimate goal of every soul. The new Image edition of The Practice of the Presence of God is a reissue of the 1977 translation that was the first to appear in decades. It features an in-depth Introduction by John J. Delaney that examines what is known about Lawrence's life, how the book came to be, and its ongoing relevance throughout the ages. <p><p> In the words of this humble seventeenth-century lay Carmelite, "we must trust God once and for all and abandon ourselves to Him alone." This difficult task necessarily requires perseverance and continual conversation with God in all activities great and small: "speaking humbly and talking lovingly with Him at all times, at every moment, without rule or system..." In reading these conversations, letters, and spiritual maxims, we learn the key to endless joy. <p> In short, this little spiritual classic -- in its fresh, contemporary English translation -- renders the simple wisdom of Brother Lawrence accessible to every Christian who yearns for the fullness of life.
The Practice of the Presence of God: Theology as a Way of Life
by Martin Laird Sheelah Treflé HiddenExploring the unity of the practice of prayer and the practice of theology, this book draws together insights from world-class theologians including Rowan Williams, Andrew Louth, Frances Young, Margaret R. Miles, Sebastian Brock, and Nicholaï Sakharov. Offering glimpses of the prayer-life and witness that undergirds theological endeavour, some authors approach the topic in a deeply personal way while others express the unity of prayer and the theologian in a traditionally scholarly manner. No matter what the denomination of the Christian theologian - Greek or Russian Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist - authors demonstrate that the discipline of theology cannot properly be practiced apart from the prayer life of the theologian. The prayer of the theologian shapes her or his approach to theology. Whether it be preaching, teaching, writing or research, the deep soundings of prayer inform and embrace all.
The Practice of the Presence of God
by Brother LawrenceOften in these times we seem to be grasping at straws in our weak attempts to meet the terrifying demands of a world seemingly at odds with creation and its Creator. Brother Lawrence lived in an era that must have been equally soul-shaking. He began life as Nicholas Herman in Lorraine, when the province was French. In his boyhood began the Thirty Years' War which covered all Europe with terror. No doubt he took part in that war, because he was first a common soldier. In these conversations and letters he takes us intimately into his struggles to meet God until at last he could find the love of God in even the most menial of his kitchen tasks, to which he naturally had a great aversion, and in the midst of noisy confusion, opposition, and temptation. Countless millions have been led into the presence of God through this simple classic since the publication of the original French edition in 1692, a year after the author's death. The beauty and wonder of this book is that it is by one of the humblest of men, a man who was once an awkward footman and then a monastery cook. It is not by someone who was of finer stuff than the men and women of his day or any day. What Brother Lawrence did, all can do.
The Practice of the Presence of God
by Brother LawrenceHere is one of the most beautiful and touching stories of Christian devotion ever written. Brother Lawrence was a Carmelite Brother known for his profound peace and deep relationship with God; many came to seek spiritual guidance from him. The wisdom that he passed on to them, in conversations and in letters, would later become the basis for the book.
The Practice of the Presence of God: and The Spiritual Maxims
by Brother LawrenceThis devotional classic is a compilation of Brother Lawrence’s letters and recorded conversations from the seventeenth century. Brother Lawrence was a simple French Carmelite lay brother who was able to achieve profound intimacy with God through the most mundane activities. He taught that the highest communion with God is not reserved for extraordinary moments but permeates the very core of our most ordinary days. He spent much of his time in the kitchen of a Paris monastery. He learned that our daily activities and thoughts could be acts of worship, engaging in opportunities to “practice the presence of God” by thinking about and loving God. Also included is Brother Lawrence’s “Spiritual Maxims,” a collection of aphorisms and sayings that summarize his teachings. This timeless spiritual treasure has illuminated the hearts of many who yearn for the awe-inspiring knowledge of the divine presence in a hectic modern world. Features a foreword by Matthew Fox, author of Sheer Joy.
The Practice of the Presence of God and The Spiritual Maxims
by Brother Lawrence"Believe me, count as lost each day you have not used in loving God." — Brother LawrenceThis simply written little book about prayer and Christian life conveys a humble man's thoughts on the importance of experiencing God's love. A seventeenth-century French Carmelite, Brother Lawrence spent much of his time in the kitchen of a Paris monastery. Of this experience, he said: "The time of business does not with me differ from the time of prayer, and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen … I possess God in as great tranquility as if I were upon my knees at the blessed sacrament."A collection of Lawrence's messages given to those who lived around him, this book contains The Practice of the Presence of God and The Spiritual Maxims. Both have much to say to modern man about living a spiritual life in a busy world. More widely read today than ever, these two classics — each an easily accessible primer of practical Christian devotion — comprise a particularly good selection with which to begin spiritual studies.
The Practice of the Presence of Jesus: Daily Meditations on the Nearness of Our Savior
by Joni Eareckson TadaDiscover the joy of intentionally dwelling in the presence of God as the beloved author of Joni weaves contemporary insights with the timeless wisdom of seventeenth-century monk Brother Lawrence."Suffering has a way of heaving you beyond the shallows of life where your faith feels ankle-deep. It casts you out into the fathomless depths of God." —Joni, from the IntroductionBrother Lawrence lived through the drudgeries of monastery kitchen duty during the turbulence of 1600s France. Joni Eareckson Tada suffered a terrible accident that broke her neck and left her paralyzed. This tragedy led her from a life of distant faith to a life as a devout Christian, and she later became a worldwide disability advocate and influencer, sharing her experiences of suffering with grace. In both their lives, they each found the secret to peace, joy, and a way of being in constant conversation with the Father . . . every day and every hour . . . practicing the presence of God.The Practice of the Presence of Jesus ushers in wisdom from these two everyday saints, more than 400 years apart, to teach and inspire you to experience the nearness of God in your life. Through rich devotional content from Brother Lawrence&’s The Practice of the Presence of God, accompanied by original art and never-before-published insights from Joni, you&’ll experience a unique blend of past and present wisdom on such themes as humility, thankfulness, fear, worship, obedience, and more. Each devotion ushers you into the peace of the Good Shepherd.
Practice Resurrection: A Conversation on Growing Up in Christ
by Eugene H. PetersonThis is a conversation on becoming a mature Christian, Christian formation, growing up to the stature of Christ. All of us are born. No exceptions. Birth brought us alive, kicking and crying, into a world that is vast, complex, damaged, demanding... and beautiful. In increments, day-by-day, we begin to get the hang of it. We drink from our mother's breast, go to sleep, and wake up. One day on waking up we stand upright and amaze everyone with our pedestrian acrobatics. It isn't long before we're old hands at language, using nouns and verbs with the best of them. We are growing up.
Practice Resurrection: A Conversation on Growing Up in Christ
by Eugene H. PetersonWinner of Christianity Today's 2011 award for best book in spiritualityThough bringing people to new birth in Christ through evangelism is essential, says Eugene Peterson, isn't growth in Christ equally essential? Yet the American church by and large does not treat Christian maturity and character formation with much urgency.In Practice Resurrection Peterson brings the voice of Scripture -- especially Paul's letter to the Ephesians -- and the voice of the contemporary Christian congregation together to unpack the crucial truth of what it means to fully grow up to the "stature of Christ."
Practice Resurrection: And Other Essays
by Erik Reece"Erik Reece is obviously a writer to be reckoned with."—Bill McKibben, author of The End of NatureIn Erik Reece's stunning collection of essays, ideas are the main characters. Written over a period of ten years, and revealing Reece's continued obsession with religion, family, and the natural world, in many ways these essays represent a sequel to his stirring memoir, An American Gospel. In that book, Reece intimitately describes his conflicted relationship with Christianity in the context of the death of his father, and Reece's own journey since then to find meaning and balance in the material and spiritual worlds. Practice Resurrection continues that exploration through essays that take the reader to Norway, New England, London, the Adirondacks, Appalachia, and back to Reece's native Kentucky River. "With his singular wit and pith, environmental writer Reece explores issues such as God, Christianity, the environment (of course), and his father's suicide in essays rife with sentient turns of phrase and exceptionally insightful passages . . . Few are better than [Reece] is at discussing a personal crisis of faith." —Booklist (starred review)
Practice Resurrection Study Guide
by Eugene H. Peterson Peter SantucciThough bringing people to new birth in Christ through evangelism is essential, says Peterson, isn't it obvious that growth in Christ is equally essential? Yet the American church does not treat Christian growth and character formation with equivalent urgency. We are generally uneasy with the quiet, obscure conditions in which growth takes place, and building maturity in Christ too often gets relegated to footnote status in the text of our lives. In Practice Resurrection Peterson brings the voice of Scripture -- especially Paul's letter to the Ephesians -- and the voice of the contemporary Christian congregation together to unpack what it means to fully grow up "to the stature of Christ." Peterson's robust discussion will move readers to restore transformed Christian character to the center of their lives. This helpful study guide is designed to enable small groups in schools or churches -- or even individuals -- to delve deeper into the timely wisdom of Practice Resurrection: A Conversation on Growing Up in Christ. Peter Santucci here breaks up Peterson's book into thirteen "sessions," each of which contains a summary, select quotes to consider, questions for interaction, and a prayer drawn from the text of Ephesians that is covered in the corresponding book chapter.
The Practices of Happiness: Political Economy, Religion and Wellbeing (Routledge Frontiers Of Political Economy Ser. #132)
by John Atherton Ian Steedman Elaine GrahamA PDF version of this book is available for free in open access via www.tandfebooks.com as well as the OAPEN Library platform, www.oapen.org. It has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives 3.0 license and is part of the OAPEN-UK research project. There is growing evidence that rising levels of prosperity in Western economies since 1945 have not been matched by greater incidences of reported well-being and happiness. Indeed, material affluence is often accompanied instead by greater social and individual distress. A growing literature within the humanities and social sciences is increasingly concerned to chart not only the underlying trends in recorded levels of happiness, but to consider what factors, if any, contribute to positive and sustainable experiences of well-being and quality of life. Increasingly, such research is focusing on the importance of values and beliefs in human satisfaction or quality of life; but the specific contribution of religion to these trends is relatively under-examined. This unique collection of essays seeks to rectify that omission, by identifying the nature and role of the religious contribution to wellbeing. A unique collection of nineteen leading scholars from the field of economics, psychology, public theology and social policy have been brought together in this volume to explore the religious contribution to the debate about happiness and well-being. These essays explore the religious dimensions to a number of key features of well-being, including marriage, crime and rehabilitation, work, inequality, mental health, environment, participation, institutional theory, business and trade. They engage particularly closely with current trends in economics in identifying alternative models of economic growth which focus on its qualitative as well as quantitative dimensions. This unique volume brings to public notice the nature and role of religion’s contribution to wellbeing, including new ways of measurement and evaluation. As such, it represents a valuable and unprecedented resource for the development of a broad-based religious contribution to the field. It will be of particular relevance for those who are concerned about the continuing debate about personal and societal well-being, as well as those who are interested in the continuing significance of religion for the future of public policy.
The Practices of the Enlightenment: Aesthetics, Authorship, and the Public (Columbia Themes in Philosophy, Social Criticism, and the Arts)
by Dorothea Von MückeRethinking the relationship between eighteenth-century Pietist traditions and Enlightenment thought and practice, The Practices of Enlightenment unravels the complex and often neglected religious origins of modern secular discourse. Mapping surprising routes of exchange between the religious and aesthetic writings of the period and recentering concerns of authorship and audience, this book revitalizes scholarship on the Enlightenment.By engaging with three critical categories—aesthetics, authorship, and the public sphere—The Practices of Enlightenment illuminates the relationship between religious and aesthetic modes of reflective contemplation, autobiography and the hermeneutics of the self, and the discursive creation of the public sphere. Focusing largely on German intellectual life, this critical engagement also extends to France through Rousseau and to England through Shaftesbury. Rereading canonical works and lesser-known texts by Goethe, Lessing, and Herder, the book challenges common narratives recounting the rise of empiricist philosophy, the idea of the "sensible" individual, and the notion of the modern author as celebrity, bringing new perspective to the Enlightenment concepts of instinct, drive, genius, and the public sphere.
Practices of the Self and Spiritual Practices: Michel Foucault and the Eastern Christian Discourse
by Sergey S. Horujy Kristina StoecklIn this book Sergey Horujy undertakes a novel comparative analysis of Foucault’s theory of practices of the self and the Eastern Orthodox ascetical tradition of Hesychasm, revealing great affinity between these two radical “subject-less” approaches to anthropology. As he facilitates the dialogue between the two, he offers both an original treatment of ascetical and mystical practices and an up-to-date interpretation of Foucault that goes against the grain of mainstream scholarship.In the second half of the book Horujy transitions from the dialogue with Foucault to his own work of Christian philosophy, rooted in -- but not limited to -- the Eastern Christian philosophical and theological tradition. Horujy’s thinking exemplifies the postsecular nature of our contemporary period and serves as a powerful invitation to think beyond religious-secular divides in philosophy and Eastern-Western divides in intellectual history.
Practicing Basic Spiritual Disciplines (Life Principles Study Series)
by Charles StanleyLooking for a church with modern spiritual disciplines? Stop.God has something to say about Bible study, prayer witnessing, church attendance, service, and obedience, but many churches are unknowingly losing what God wants in an effort to become more relevant and increase attendance. Dr. Charles Stanley helps you take another look at what the Bible says concerning the age-old tools presented in the Scriptures and lets you decide if your church is still doing it right.
Practicing Basic Spiritual Disciplines: Follow God's Blueprint for Living (Charles F. Stanley Bible Study Series)
by Charles F. StanleyWhat spiritual disciples do you follow to help you grow closer to God? In Practicing Basic Spiritual Disciplines, you will examine several such practices that will help you mature in Christ and develop a consistent and unwavering walk of faith. Ultimately, these practices will lead to you becoming more like the Savior! You will learn how to develop these disciplines that build "spiritual muscle," learn the ten hallmarks of spiritual strength, and discover Rs of spiritual growth. Most important, you will learn about the character of God.The Charles Stanley Bible Studies are a unique approach to Bible study, incorporating biblical truth, personal insights, emotional responses, and a call to action. Each study draws on Dr. Stanley's many years of teaching on the guiding principles found in God's Word, showing how we can apply them in practical ways to every situation we face. This edition of the series has been completely revised and updated and includes two brand-new lessons from Dr. Stanley.
Practicing Caste: On Touching and Not Touching (Commonalities)
by Aniket Jaaware Anupama RaoPracticing Caste attempts a fundamental break from the tradition of caste studies, showing the limits of the historical, sociological, political, and moral categories through which it has usually been discussed. Engaging with the resources that phenomenology, structuralism, and poststructuralism offer to our thinking of the body, Jaaware helps to illuminate the ethical relations that caste entails, especially around its injunctions concerning touching. The resulting insights offer new ways of thinking about sociality that are pertinent not only to India but also to thinking the common on a planetary basis.
Practicing Catholic
by James CarrollA personal examination of the Catholic faith, its leaders, and its complicated history by a National Book Award–winning, New York Times-bestselling author.James Carroll turns to the notion of practice—both as a way to learn and a means of improvement—as a lens for this thoughtful and frank look at what it means to be Catholic. He acknowledges the slow and steady transformation of the Church from its darker medieval roots to a more pluralist and inclusive institution, charting along the way stories of powerful Catholic leaders (Pope John XXIII, Thomas Merton, John F. Kennedy) and historical milestones like Vatican II.These individuals and events represent progress for Carroll, a former priest, and as he considers the new meaning of belief in a world that is increasingly as secular as it is fundamentalist, he shows why the world needs a Church that is committed to faith and renewal.“Carroll, a former Catholic priest who wrote of his conflict with his father over the Vietnam War in An American Requiem, revisits and expands on that tension in this spiritual memoir infused with church history . . . Readers who, like Carroll, remain Catholic but wrestle with their church’s positions on moral issues will most appreciate his story.” —Publishers Weekly“Thought-provoking.” —San Francisco Chronicle“[An] engrossing faith memoir . . . a page-turner.” —Kirkus Reviews
Practicing Christian Compassion: 50 Devotions to Embody God's Grace in Your Daily Life
by Dale Chamberlain Tamara ChamberlainExpand, nurture, and share your compassion—50 Christian devotions to deepen your faith Deepen your faith and fill your heart with loving kindness. Practicing Christian Compassion is a collection of devotions that help you reflect on the concept of compassion in all aspects of your life so you can embody grace and kindness toward others. Each entry focuses on a key Bible verse centered around compassion so you can learn how to practice empathy toward everyone—from your own family to the global community. Discover how Jesus's wisdom encourages you to be considerate of the people around you through thought-provoking scripture, short prayers, and prompts that help you act on and embody what you've learned. Practicing Christian Compassion features: The five pillars of compassion—Learn how to be compassionate toward family, friends, colleagues, the local community, and the global community in good and bad times. Insightful scripture—Explore what being compassionate truly means for your faith as you learn to open your heart and love the way Jesus does. Helpful tips—Find ways to put your learnings into practice with helpful exercises and suggested action items that show you're truly committed to compassionate living. Become a more compassionate and faithful person with help from Practicing Christian Compassion.
Practicing Christian Doctrine: An Introduction to Thinking and Living Theologically
by Beth Felker JonesThis introductory theology text explains key concepts in Christian doctrine and shows that doctrine is integrally linked to the practical realities of Christian life. In order to grow into more faithful practitioners of Christianity, we need to engage in the practice of learning doctrine and understanding how it shapes faithful lives. Beth Felker Jones helps students articulate basic Christian doctrines, think theologically so they can act Christianly in a diverse world, and connect Christian thought to their everyday life of faith. This book, written from a solidly evangelical yet ecumenically aware perspective, models a way of doing theology that is generous and charitable. It attends to history and contemporary debates and features voices from the global church. Sidebars made up of illustrative quotations, key Scripture passages, classic hymn texts, and devotional poetry punctuate the chapters.
Practicing Discernment With Youth: A Transformative Youth Ministry Approach
by David F. White"Over the last half-century," says David White, "congregational youth ministry has undergone a separation from its own sense of place. The expectations, imaginations, and practices of youth ministry are more likely to originate in Southern California. Colorado, or denominational headquarters than they are within the unique and particular setting of a congregation. " In Practicing Discernment with Youth, White calls for congregations to engage their young people in practices of discernment that involve the gifts and problems of their unique context, bringing their lives more fully into partnership with God's work in their given place. He develops the notion of practicing discernment among youth as a means of returning the responsibility for youth ministry to local congregations and youth groups and provides a new understanding of youth ministry as a way of responding to the particular wounds, blessings, gifts, and charisms of youth and congregations. White uses historical discernment practices of Christian communities such as Ignatian contemplative practices, Quaker clearness counsels, consensus decision making, and silence; biblical reflection that emerged from Protestant reformation; and social analysis of Latin American base communities.
Practicing Extravagant Generosity: Daily Readings on the Grace of Giving (Five Practices Of Fruitful Congregations Ser.)
by Robert SchnaseAn indispensable part of the Extravagant Generosity stewardship program, this volume, by Bishop Schnase, opens the Scriptures to show the joy and grace of giving. Designed to provide daily Bible reading for the four weeks of the program, it leads the reader to explore such questions as "Why do we give," "Who benefits most from our giving," and "Where does true contentment come from?" By reading and following this guide to the spiritual discipline of stewardship, church members will experience afresh the joy of serving God with their time, talents, and gifts. Additional program components (available seperately) include: An overview timeline, providing quick information on what happens during each week of the stewardship campaign. A guidebook for leaders that covers all aspects of the campaign, from detailed plans for each of the four Sunday services to marketing materials like flyers and postcards to e-mail messages and letters designed to be sent to specific groups within the congregation-all available on the enclosed CD-ROM. A small-group leader's guide to host Sunday school and other small groups during the program using the devotional book. A DVD with video segments for four group-study sessions and short clips for use in worship. The Extravagant Generosity kit is also available.