Download or read book Upper Room Worshipbook written by Elise S. Eslinger and published by . This book was released on 2006 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Included features in the new Upper Room Worshipbook: - Praise to God-in-three-persons, the Trinity - Biblical vision of Shalom and Sabbath for an emerging Church - Prayer reflecting the full, honest, emotive range of the Psalms - Word-soaked and image-rich texts which are foundational, evocative, and formative - Music which is delightfully varied in origin and style, yet accessible - Songs which pray for aching creation and peoples yet embody the expectancy of healing and restoration - Eucharistic joy in community, expressed in fresh language Use this volume to relate to others who seek a structured way of daily deepening their faith through prayer and mediation. Target: - The UR Academy of Spiritual Formation - Persons who practice daily prayer of the hours - Prayer groups - Churches that stress spiritual formation as a primary means of deepening a life in the spirit

Download or read book A Guide to Prayer for All Who Walk with God written by Norman Shawchuck and published by Upper Room Books. This book was released on 2013-10-01 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book, the fourth in The Upper Room’s bestselling “Guide to Prayer” series, offers a simple pattern of daily prayer built around weekly themes and organized by the Christian church year. Each week follows this pattern: Affirmation Psalm Psalm Prayer Daily Scripture Readings Silence Daily Reading Reflection (Silent or Written) Prayers Offering of Self to God Blessing The daily readings are drawn from the history of Christian spirituality and feature such writers as Francis of Assisi, Teresa of Avila, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Henri J. M. Nouwen, Sue Monk Kidd, Douglas Steere, Jan Richardson, Trevor Hudson, Wendy M. Wright, and many others. Beautifully bound in a leather-like cover, A Guide to Prayer for All Who Walk with God makes a perfect gift and a reliable companion for anyone seeking to deepen a steady life of prayer.

Download or read book The Africana Worship Book written by Abena Safiyah Fosua and published by Upper Room Books. This book was released on 2008-10 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Completing the series, The Africana Worship Book (Year C), offers the same diversity as the past two volumes with all new materials from new and experienced voices. The Africana Worship Book (Year C), contains new calls to worship, liturgies, prayers, litanies, offertory prayers, doxologies, choral readings, creeds, chants, and benedictions. The compilations are related to Year C of the Revised Common Lectionary. This volume invites the whole church to become open to the fresh movements of God in the midst of corporate worship. The book includes a bound-in CD, making it easy for congregations to reproduce the material for use in worship.

Download or read book Blue Christmas written by Todd Outcalt and published by Upper Room Books. This book was released on 2018-09-01 with total page 91 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Advent and Christmas season is often associated with joy, love, generosity, and unity. But for many people, this time of year magnifies loneliness, anxiety, grief, and despair. While others are enjoying celebrations with their friends and families, those who are hurting often feel even more lost, abandoned, and alone than ever. "Not all Christmases are white; some are blue," Todd Outcalt writes. Blue Christmas is a devotional book for the 28 days of Advent and Christmas Day. Each devotion includes a scripture selection, meditation, prayer, and suggested Advent action. The book also features additional prayers, a "Blue Christmas" worship service, and reflection questions. In these honest devotions, readers will find their fears and realities named and brought into the light of God's love. They will be led to sit with their experiences, acknowledge their losses, and remember Jesus' promise "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Blue Christmas reminds us that all of our Christmases, even the darkest ones, can be filled with honesty and hope if we are first willing to sit in silence and bring our deepest fears to God.

Download or read book Soul Reset written by Junius B. Dotson and published by Upper Room Books. This book was released on 2019-09-01 with total page 103 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Everything was going fine … until it wasn't. For Reverend Junius B. Dotson it took an actual breakdown during a funeral for him to realize he needed a reset. As he recalls his own journey through grief, depression, burnout, and emotional breakdown, Dotson is passionate about calling for a Soul Reset for pastors, church leaders, and all disciples of Jesus Christ. This is a 6-week churchwide study for everyone who moves at breakneck speed through their daily lives, often relying only on their own strength to bring God's kingdom on earth. Jesus shows us a different way, an easier, unforced rhythm of what kingdom work looks like. It's a balance of work, rest, play, worship, exercise, and eating well—spiritual practices that keep our souls hydrated and healthy as we do the work of the church in the world. Soul Reset: Breakdown, Breakthrough, and the Journey to Wholeness includes a book; a DVD; downloadable video segments; age-level discussion guides for children, youth, and adults; sermon starters; and more. Soul Reset is a call for the church and all of Jesus' disciples to reset and reorder their lives around spiritual practices, to learn to walk through our difficult seasons with our souls connected to the source of Living Water so that we don't burn out or break down. And if we do burn out or break down, we learn to lift one another up and point one another back to Jesus. Introduction Chapter 1: Watch How I Do It – Jesus Chapter 2: Knocking on God's Door – David Chapter 3: It's Not All on Me – Mary and Martha Chapter 4: Eat Something – Elijah Chapter 5: Life in Crisis – Job Chapter 6: Living in the Light – Judas and Peter

Download or read book Walking in the Wilderness written by Beth A. Richardson and published by Upper Room Books. This book was released on 2020-10-01 with total page 142 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: People of faith are struggling these days as they watch unbelievable events unfold. The United States, once a refuge for immigrants, has closed its borders to many of the world's most vulnerable citizens. Fear of people different from us has created an atmosphere of hatred, incivility, and violence. We are living in a time of wilderness and exile. Yet the wilderness is a familiar place for those who follow Jesus. Like Jesus, we spend 40 days in the wilderness. During Lent God calls us to examine ourselves, repent, and make room in our lives for the Holy One. Walking in the Wilderness is meant to be a companion for readers' journey through Lent. It may be studied by individuals or groups. The book includes daily reflections for Ash Wednesday through Easter. Sunday of each week introduces a spiritual practice for the wilderness. The practices for the six Sundays of Lent are Being Present, Lament, Lectio Divina, Trust, Compassion, and Hospitality. Each reading contains a quotation from an Upper Room resource, a short scripture passage, an insightful reflection and prayer written by Richardson, and a single word for readers to carry with them throughout the day. "We come hungry to this season of Lent," Richardson writes, "hungry for words of life, for rituals of preparation, for disciplines to help us on our way." Walking in the Wilderness provides a spiritual feast for readers during the longest season of the Christian year.

Download or read book Rally written by and published by Upper Room Books. This book was released on 2020-08-01 with total page 239 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "This is a prayer book for revolution—a revolution of love and compassion and justice," Shane Claiborne writes in the foreword. The prayers in this collection are meant to be prayed in community. Rally is a prayer book for faith communities searching for words to respond to the injustices around them. It's a prayer book for Christian activists who believe in putting feet to their prayers. The book supplies words for concerned Christians who yearn to lift their voices to God about such issues as racism; the abuse of power and privilege; mistreatment of migrants and refugees; lives tragically lost; our violent society; white supremacy; and people being marginalized because of their gender, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, or economic status. Rally contains prayers for perpetrators, for loving our bodies, for listening to one another, for those who have been wounded by the church. In this resource, readers will find prayers that evoke hope and connection, guidance for sifting through the news and social media headlines, laments about destruction of the earth, and pleas for loving alike though we don't think alike. The beauty of this book lies in the rich variety of voices and experiences of its writers—leaders who work at the intersection of Christianity and social justice and who want to resource those who gather to lament the needs and celebrate the possibilities of a better world. "Lord, stir us up to holy action," cries this powerful book. Rally spurs people to compassionately continue the important work of loving God and neighbor until all of God's people feel safe and seen.

Download or read book Brave Church written by Elizabeth Hagan and published by Upper Room Books. This book was released on 2021-06-01 with total page 140 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In today's deeply divided world where discussions can quickly become heated and uncivil, churches need to learn how to talk about sensitive issues. Our society needs brave churches where people can talk about the real struggles they are experiencing without fear of being dismissed, shamed, or judged. Brave Church helps congregations talk about controversial topics with sensitivity to those who see the world and have experienced life differently from themselves. It guides readers to think through how they can foster conversations about such challenging topics as infertility/miscarriage, mental health, domestic violence, racism, and sexuality. In this 6-week small-group study, pastor Elizabeth Hagan weaves personal and theological reflections with scripture, discussion questions, and real-world examples to move readers from exploration to action. Brave Church includes a Leader's Guide and suggests resources for further reading and action.

Download or read book Becoming Who God Wants You to Be written by W. Paul Jones and published by Upper Room Books. This book was released on 2014-01-01 with total page 142 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For those who do not have a spiritual director – or are curious about the concept – W. Paul Jones has crafted a series of topical meditations that facilitate self-guided spiritual direction. In this refreshing approach to the means of spiritual growth, you will explore self-guided spiritual direction with the ultimate spiritual director – The Holy Spirit. Examine your inner thoughts, truths, difficulties, and triumphs through reflection questions at the end of each chapter that prompt introspection and ultimately direction in your spiritual life. Chapter Topics Include: Abandonment, Being Second, Covenant, Envy, Prayer, and Religion

Download or read book We Are Beloved written by Kristen E. Vincent and published by Upper Room Books. This book was released on 2019-10-01 with total page 98 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Christians often have the head knowledge that we are beloved, but deep in our hearts do we truly believe it? When we encounter Jesus in scripture, we tend to hear Jesus' words with judgment, thinking we cannot be beloved because we will never measure up to God's standards. Author Kristen Vincent takes us on a journey alongside Jesus that helps break this false understanding and allows us to discover how deeply beloved we are. This 6-week Lenten journey follows stories of Jesus' experience of God's love. The incarnate Son of God was made fully human, which means that Jesus had to fully mature in strength and wisdom to learn that he was beloved. Just as Jesus learned of his belovedness, we, too, can cultivate the wisdom and knowledge that we are deeply loved. Each week begins with a scripture passage, a weekly devotion, reflection questions, an optional prayer bead experience, and a listening meditation. A Leader's Guide for small-group study is also included. Be transformed by God's love this Lenten season.

Download or read book The Lord s Prayer written by Mary Lou Redding and published by . This book was released on 2011 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Much more than a formula, the Lord's Prayer teaches us about our relationship with God and with one another. Rediscover Jesus' great gift of the Lord's Prayer phrase by phrase in this 6-week study tailored for individuals with busy lifestyles and for small groups. Short daily readings and reflection questions accompany each week's reading. The Leader's Guide section outlines weekly group meetings and provides Going Deeper activities. Book jacket.

Download or read book The God We Can Know written by Rob Fuquay and published by Upper Room Books. This book was released on 2014-09-01 with total page 103 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The God We Can Know is a 7-week study designed for the entire congregation to explore the "I Am" sayings of Jesus found in the Gospel of John. Perfect for Lent or any time of year, this series will help you find and form an answer to the most essential question in the Christian faith, "Who do you say I am?" One by one, Jesus' statements grab our imagination, reveal more about his identity and purpose, and connect us to the God of Moses, who spoke the first "I Am." These significant yet ordinary images (bread, light, shepherd, vine, and more) give us insightful ways to experience Jesus and point us to a God who wants to be known. The DVD, filmed on location in the Holy Land, allows you to travel with Rob Fuquay and actually see the places where Jesus stood when he disclosed his true identity, and in what context he spoke each "I Am." The book, DVD/study guide combo, and online support work together to provide one of the most meaningful, transforming initiatives your church can provide for the entire congregation. Weekly themes include: Introduction to "I Am"—Knowing God I Am the Bread of Life—Knowing God's Satisfaction I Am the Light of the World—Knowing God's Guidance I Am the Good Shepherd—Knowing God's Care I Am the True Vine—Knowing God's Power I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life—Knowing God's Way I Am the Resurrection and the Life—Knowing God's Possibilities

Download or read book The Upper Room Disciplines 2021 written by The Upper Room and published by . This book was released on 2020-09 with total page 448 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How important is it to have a daily spiritual routine? "When we engage in daily spiritual formation, we deepen our roots . . . and grow our capacity to handle any season of life," Junius Dotson wrote in the 2018 edition of The Upper Room Disciplines. Daily devotional reading helps keep our faith alive. Disciplines invites readers to spend unrushed time with God, reading a lectionary-based scripture passage, reflecting on the author's insights, and thinking about how to apply the truths from the readings to their daily life. This devotional book features 53 authors from diverse backgrounds, including some of the leading Christian thinkers of our time. Among the writers for 2021 are J. Dana Trent, James A. Harnish, Enuma Okoro, Jean-Claude Masuka, George Donigian, Beth A. Richardson, Kenneth H. Carter Jr., D. L. Mayfield, Stephane Brooks, Rachel Hackenberg, Rosalind Hughes, Memory Chikosi, Liz Magill, Charity Kiregyera, Joe Pennel, and Beth Taulman Miller.

Download or read book The Faith Sharing Congregation written by Roger K. Swanson and published by Discipleship Resources. This book was released on 2003-05 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "In a society where many people search desperately for elusive 'family values,' this book roots hospitality where it belongs--in the graciousness of God," writes one reviewer. In The Faith-Sharing Congregation, Swanson and Clement reclaim the local congregation as the center of ministry and mission, demonstrating that evangelism is the responsibility of the entire congregation--clergy and laity--working together. The Faith-Sharing Congregation suggests a threefold evangelism strategy that includes: sharing faith through the practice of genuine hospitality sharing faith through relationships and personal stories sharing faith through the "domestic church," the body of Christ

Download or read book Companion to the Africana Worship Book written by Valerie Bridgeman Davis and published by Discipleship Resources. This book was released on 2008-02 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Worship is when "God shows up and shows out!" African-American worship affirms that an active God embodies human lives through companionship and communion. This volume of essays, interlacing worship pieces with reflections from prominent leaders and emerging thinkers in Africana life, is designed to help churches, professors, and students reflect more deeply on worship and practice. Building a bridge of understanding through collective experiences, the Companion to the Africana Worship Book shows the roots and fruits of rich worship. The series of worship books includes The Africana Worship Book (Year A | Volume 1) and The Africana Worship Book (Year B | Volume 2). Essays and contributors in the Companion include: "21 Questions Revisited" by Valerie Bridgeman Davis "Go Play with God: Reclaiming Liturgy for Spiritual Formation" by Valerie Bridgeman Davis "Liturgy as Subversive Activity" by Safiyah Fosua "To Serve This Present Age" by Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. "Africana Theology for the Black Church" by Safiyah Fosua "Worshipping Contextually: the Bassa People in the United Methodist Church in Liberia" by Pianapue Kept Early "Translatability as Belonging: Bassa United Methodist Christians in Liberia" by Pianapue Kept Early "The Creation of an Africana Worship Ritual: Baptism in the Shouters of Trinidad" by Gennifer Benjamin Brooks "The African-American Church and Sacraments: But Can We Still Get Our 'Circament?'" by William B. McClain "Death as Worship: Celebrating Dying as Part of Life" by Cheryl Kirk-Duggan "The African-American Funeral Sermon: Divine Re-Framing of Human Tragedy" by Frank A. Thomas "Music in Africana Worship" by Melinda Weekes "Doxology in Darkness" by Jessica Kendall Ingram "In the Spirit" by Lisa Allen "That Was Then, This Is NOW" by Otis Moss III "Emerging Possibilities for African-American Churches" by Douglas Powe "Technologies for Worship" by Elonda Clay "Lord, How Come We Here?" by William B. McClain "Spiritual Focus and Africana Worship" by Henry Mitchell "Worship: The Realm of the Spirit, the Realm of the Imagination, and Real Time" by Marilyn Thornton "Inclusive Language and Africana Worship" by Valerie Bridgeman Davis "Testify!" by Wilma Taylor "A Womanist Perspective on Spiritual Practices" by Linda Hollies

Download or read book The Cycle of Grace written by Trevor Hudson and published by Upper Room Books. This book was released on 2013-01-01 with total page 125 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Are you soul-weary? Do you struggle to make time for God in the midst of a packed schedule? Or do you sometimes stay so busy doing things for God that you can't relax and just "be"? Jesus faced amazing pressure and overwhelming demands throughout his ministry, but he did not experience the burnout so common today among Christian ministers and laypersons. You can learn the rhythm of living that Jesus demonstrates — the Cycle of Grace — throughout the Gospels. Use this workbook and accompanying video about the Cycle of Grace either individually or in a small group. The Cycle of Grace examines 4 components of a grace-filled life: Acceptance Sustenance Significance Fruitfulness Trevor Hudson, a dynamic pastor, author, and speaker, introduces each part of the Cycle of Grace in a short video segment (available on YouTube). The video segments are titled as follows: Cycle of Grace 1: Acceptance Cycle of Grace 2: Sustenance Cycle of Grace 3: Significance Cycle of Grace 4: Fruitfulness Cycle of Grace 5: A Grace-filled Way to Live In the workbook Jerry Haas provides practical exercises for individuals and groups, complete with suggestions for journaling and preparing for group sessions. This 6-week study will help you know that God loves you nurture your spiritual life understand who you are called to be in the world learn how to restore balance to your life The workbook includes a Leader's Guide and several useful appendixes. A must-have resource for clergy and lay leaders, The Cycle of Grace is also an excellent text for seminary and college classes preparing students for ministry.

Download or read book Shaping a Life of Significance for Retirement written by R. Jack Hansen and published by Upper Room Books. This book was released on 2010-07-01 with total page 112 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This retirement book focuses on the personal dimensions of the move from full-time work to partial or full retirement. Drawing upon conversations with retired professionals from around the country, it identifies some of the key transitions in the first years of retirement, the unique opportunities for personal growth in this phase of life, and the real challenges we must face. Retired engineer Jack Hansen and spiritual formation leader Jerry Haas explore the transitions, opportunities, and challenges of facing retirement through a series of interviews with persons facing and in retirement. It is about the more personal dimensions of the transition from working full time to retirement, including relationships, feelings of self-worth and purpose, and spiritual and intellectual growth. Taken as a whole, the conversations and interactions with retirees suggest an exciting and challenging picture of retirement. This time of life can be one of significant personal growth. It can also be an opportunity for further contribution to one's professional field or the investment of one's talents and experience in volunteer capacities. It is also clear that moving from full-time work to retirement involves important and sometimes painful adjustments in key relationships and in sources of self worth. With some attention and effort, however, these are usually worked through successfully in early retirement years.