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Blessing, whether we are giving it or seeking it, is perhaps one of the most overused but least understood Christian terms. Yet it is a rich biblical concept history reaching back to the earliest Old Testament writings. It is everywhere in our liturgies and is frequently on our lips (Bless!). This engaging introduction to blessing unpacks this rich, many-layered word, exploring:What it means to Bless the Lord, which the Bible repeatedly urges us to do Blessing as a way of recognising the proper relation of people, things and situations to God The effect of blessing does it work? The absence of blessing the pastoral challenge when lives feel more cursed than blessed How blessing enters our livesChrist as the promise of blessing for all
Guli Francis-Dehqani was born in Isfahan, Iran, to a family who were part of the tiny Anglican Church established by 19th century missionaries. Her father, a Muslim convert, became the first indigenous Persian bishop. As the Islamic Revolution of 1979 swept across the country, church properties were raided, confiscated or closed down. Guli’s father was briefly imprisoned before surviving an attack on his life, which injured his wife. Soon after, whilst he was out of the country for meetings, Guli’s 24 year-old brother, Bahram, a university teacher in Tehran, was murdered. No one was ever brought to justice and the family were advised to leave Iran. Guli was 14. They eventually settled in England with refugee status. Drawing on the riches of Persian culture and her own dramatic experience of loss of a homeland, Guli offers memorable and perceptive reflections on Jesus’ seven final sayings from the cross, opening up for Western readers fresh and arresting insights from a Middle Eastern perspective.
For every major feast, saint’s day and commemoration in the calendars of the Anglican churches of the UK, this liturgical resource and spiritual companion offers a feast of readings that reflects the richness, depth and variety of the Christian tradition from the earliest years of the church to the present day. Writings from across the centuries represent the Eastern, Western, Roman and Celtic traditions and constitute a vibrant history of Christianity manifested in the lives of hundreds of holy men and women as diverse as first century martyrs, or twentieth century social reformers. A complementary volume to Exciting Holiness which provides scripture readings and prayers for the calendar, this is now updated to include the additional commemorations in the Church of England’s calendar of saints.
Beloved theologian and bishop Graham Kings has been writing poetry for thirty-five years, with many of his poems used in retreats and preaching throughout the Anglican Communion. This collection brings together Graham's poems on a range of devotional subjects, looking on the world with the eyes of faith and observing the sacred in the ordinary. With this perspective, all things are capable of pointing beyond themselves to the truth and beauty of God. Graham’s poetry celebrates the people, places, art, past and present, the practice of prayer, the stories that shape our lives, the rhythms of the spiritual year that have been for him doorways to the divine.
An Advent Book of Days tells the stories of all the characters and creatures that make up the Christmas story, with daily prayers and reflections based on their experiences. Fully illustrated in colour, this rich seasonal companion combines the bible, history, art and legend to explore the story of the incarnation. For each day of Advent, we meet a character caught up in the drama of the nativity, from the archangel Gabriel to the ox and ass in the stable. We discover what their portrayal in scripture reveals about them, how they have been understood in history, what folk legends have accrued around them, and what their stories offer for faith and devotion today. This is a book to engage all the senses and the imagination, to be enjoyed slowly and to shed new light on the most famous and familiar story of all.
The world's most famous hymn book has been completely revised and now offers the broadest ever range of traditional hymns and modern compositions, from the Psalms to John Bell, Bernadette Farrell and Stuart Townend. Its 847 items have been specially selected for their singability, theological richness and relevance. Organ edition. 2 volume set.
Shrine enthusiast Michael Tavinor explores the history and the present day significance of the shrines to the saints that can be found in many cathedrals and abbeys. He includes information on current ‘working shrines’ and a reflection on the power of shrines now, from cathedrals to the 'roadside shrines’ prevalent today.
This collection of around 500 original collect-style prayers and biddings covering the life of the Church and the life of the world. Contemporary in focus and language, the prayers are written in a concise style that makes them ideal for public worship but will also appeal to those who wish to pray privately but struggle to find the words. Prayer topics include: • The Church Year and Festivals • The Global and Local Church • The Environment and Social Justice • Politics and the Leaders of the Nations • Life Stages • Spheres of Work, Arts and Education • Suffering and Tragedy Helpful guidance on leading public prayer and writing your own collects is also included.
Almost without noticing it happen, we have found ourselves shopping, communicating, playing and even worshipping online. Andrew Graystone aims to help Christians who want to think through their own engagement in digital culture, addressing ten key questions on how digital technology is changing our lives today.
A ground-breaking theological appreciation of neo-Darwinism, arguing that evolution is not the way that God creates, but is a consequence of creatures’ imitating and participating in God.