Rating: 
Summary: structured, thematic devotional w/scripture & readings
Review: A Christian devotional that provides structure/ritual for use throughout the church year; weekly and retreat model. Weekly devotional themes include Choose Life, The Call of God, The Meaning of Discipleship. Format is eight steps of (1) An Opening Invocation, (2) Psalm for the week, (3) Reading and Reflection (readings include numerous authors as Mother Theresa, Henri Nouwen, Carlo Caretto and John Wesley), (4) Daily Scripture Readings, (5) Reflection: Silent and Written, (6) Prayers: For the Church, for Others, for Myself, (7) A Hymn, and (8) A Closing Benediction. Properly utilized, the format can take 20 minutes or an hour. I usually take about 20 minutes on a daily basis. As a pastor, pastoral counselor, and clinical psychologist, I utilize this for my personal spiritual journey as well as for group devotions and as a resource for clients seeking to nurture the soul.
Rating:
Summary: structured, thematic devotional w/scripture & readings
Review: A Christian devotional that provides structure/ritual for use throughout the church year; weekly and retreat model. Weekly devotional themes include Choose Life, The Call of God, The Meaning of Discipleship. Format is eight steps of (1) An Opening Invocation, (2) Psalm for the week, (3) Reading and Reflection (readings include numerous authors as Mother Theresa, Henri Nouwen, Carlo Caretto and John Wesley), (4) Daily Scripture Readings, (5) Reflection: Silent and Written, (6) Prayers: For the Church, for Others, for Myself, (7) A Hymn, and (8) A Closing Benediction. Properly utilized, the format can take 20 minutes or an hour. I usually take about 20 minutes on a daily basis. As a pastor, pastoral counselor, and clinical psychologist, I utilize this for my personal spiritual journey as well as for group devotions and as a resource for clients seeking to nurture the soul.
Rating:
Summary: This is a real treasure.
Review: A wonderful book of daily Bible readings and excerpts from the spiritual classics. The readings for each week are devoted to a theme; this week of October 4 is "Faithfulness". This is a book I dearly love and depend on...it's wonderful.
Rating:
Summary: This books is a companion with my Bible
Review: December 1986 my family presented me with this book. I enjoy readings of William Barclay, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Carlo Carretto, Richard Foster, Carl Jung, C. S. Lewis, Henri J. Nouwen, Mother Teresa, Elton Trueblood, John Wesley, to name a few. But to have writings by these great authors compiled in one book is unimaginable. On top of that there are the lyrics of some of the most well known and loved hymns included in this book. There are monthly retreat models that can be done individually or with a group. The story "A Doll of Salt" by Anthony Bloom is a wonderful simile of our developing relationship with God. I have highlighted, written in the margins, and dogeared so many pages that I had to get a second copy because the first one is falling apart (and it was the leather bound copy). The readings are so inspiring and uplifting as well as thought provoking for the layperson as well as the ordained minister. If you are going to get this book I encourage you to get the leather bound for you will discover you will use it on a daily basis along with your Bible.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent devotional guide
Review: I have studied under Dr. Norman Shawchuck and I know this work to be a valid personal testimony of his spiritual journey. This is one of the best devotional guides ever printed. It includes daily lectionary readings, deeply moving meditative excerpts from many great theologians, and monthly retreat models. The retreat models have been a Godsend to my wife and I. We find much healing and renewal in these retreats. The passion of the writer's own spiritual growth is clearly evidenced in these pages. This is a vital tool for all clergy. No pastor should be without the benefit of this kind of refreshing and renewal. This guide is a daily trip to the well.
Rating:
Summary: A Powerful Spiritual Experience For All Ministers of God!
Review: I have studied under Dr. Norman Shawchuck and I know this work to be a valid personal testimony of his spiritual journey. This is one of the best devotional guides ever printed. It includes daily lectionary readings, deeply moving meditative excerpts from many great theologians, and monthly retreat models. The retreat models have been a Godsend to my wife and I. We find much healing and renewal in these retreats. The passion of the writer's own spiritual growth is clearly evidenced in these pages. This is a vital tool for all clergy. No pastor should be without the benefit of this kind of refreshing and renewal. This guide is a daily trip to the well.
Rating:
Summary: A unique gift for those who seek God
Review: I was given this book in 1984, shortly after it was first published. Since then the bible and this book have been the foundation of my daily prayer life. I have given countless copies to family and friends. Each of the men I meet with each week for prayer all use it as the foundation of their spiritual reading. There is hardly a week goes by that one or the other of us begin our sharing with the words, "I was reading THE BOOK this week and came across...."As a retreat leader, I have used this book as the source of readings for reflection and sharing on many retreats. I've built whole retreats around one week's scripture and reading selections. A must for all seekers.
Rating:
Summary: Daily structure resource for multi-dimensional worship
Review: I've used this book for about two years as a simple, predictable structure for prayer and bible reading. Each week, new area or faith is explored, following the lectionary used in most churches today. A simple invocation (or opening) prayer is presented, followed by a Psalm reading. Next is a reading on the subject, which is borrowed from other resources (these readings cross all boundaries in terms of geography and date written), followed by a Scripture reading. Next is a time of reflection, where one is encouraged to journal and reflect upon the topic in light of the information presented from man and the Word. Next is prayer time, a hymn, and a closing prayer. A weekly "recipe" with some ingredients provided, the book has a life span of 4 years, with the current edition 2001-2004.
Rating:
Summary: Daily structure resource for multi-dimensional worship
Review: I've used this book for about two years as a simple, predictable structure for prayer and bible reading. Each week, new area or faith is explored, following the lectionary used in most churches today. A simple invocation (or opening) prayer is presented, followed by a Psalm reading. Next is a reading on the subject, which is borrowed from other resources (these readings cross all boundaries in terms of geography and date written), followed by a Scripture reading. Next is a time of reflection, where one is encouraged to journal and reflect upon the topic in light of the information presented from man and the Word. Next is prayer time, a hymn, and a closing prayer. A weekly "recipe" with some ingredients provided, the book has a life span of 4 years, with the current edition 2001-2004.
Rating:
Summary: A Means to the Discipline of Scripture Reading and Prayer
Review: Provides a wonderful outline and schedule for getting into or maintaining the habit of daily prayer and devotions. The themes that permeate this book are Worship, Forgiveness, and Servanthood. This is a great tool to grow with!
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