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Hearers of the Word

Nov 10, 2020 | 2020 - Winter, Book Reviews, Section1

Hearers of the Word

Author Kieran J O’Mahony OSA
Publisher Messenger Press €19.95
Format pbk
ISBN 9781788122849

This is a substantial set of reflections for the daily lectionary (Year B) for Advent and Christmas, written by an Irish Augustinian friar and biblical scholar principally, but not exclusively, for Catholic readers. The author draws out subtle resonances and meanings from passages which may appear familiar, but which often contain a deeper significance. Apart from the useful commentaries, there are pointers for impromptu prayer and actual formal intercessions. I recommend this book to all who are seeking profound daily engagement with scripture during the Advent and Christmas seasons.

Reviewed by KATE BURTON

Advent, Lectionary commentary

 

Into the Heart of Advent

Nov 10, 2020 | 2020 - Winter, Book Reviews, Section1

Into the Heart of Advent

Author Penelope Wilcock
Publisher SPCK £7.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9780281084449

Have you ever imagined a personal conversation with Jesus – a time to speak about your inner concerns and to hear his response? We know from the gospels that anyone who spoke with Jesus, whether questioning his authority or pleading for help, was invariably surprised – for conversations with Jesus usually changed people’s lives for ever. As the title suggests, this welcome book draws us into the heart of Advent by using a series of twenty-five reflections based on such imagined conversations with Jesus. Homes and hospitality, the rich pageant of family life, its turmoil and its joys, the daily concerns of life – all are thoughtfully covered alongside the spiritual mysteries of our faith. This is a different kind of devotional reading which brings out the meaning of Advent for our daily lives and fills us with hope during these dark and difficult days. In short, this is an imaginative and helpful book for Advent 2020, and one that I can heartily recommend.

Reviewed by KATE BURTON

Advent, Devotional

 

Let Everyone Find Their Voice

Nov 10, 2020 | 2020 - Winter, Book Reviews, Section2

Let Everyone Find Their Voice

Author Lezley Stewart
Publisher Saint Andrew Press £14.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9780715209844

Lezley Stewart’s intent in this useful book is to create a meaningful worship experience which – ‘when done well’ – leads the worshipper to ‘transformative encounters’ with God and with one another. Her approach is to ‘re-imagine’ the Psalms in a shared language for worship today, which the author explains is language that is relevant, and contemporary, inspired by the context in which we find ourselves. It is, she says, very much about today. The Psalms are presented in a thematic and metaphorical framework where the God within the text is revealed, rather than the text itself. So we have sections of Psalms under headings such as Refuge, Refreshment. Each Psalm is followed by questions for contemplation, suggestions for liturgy, and several ‘new’ Psalms. As Lezley Stewart intends, this is a book to encourage new expression and praise of God.

Reviewed by RAYLIA CHADWICK

Psalms, Worship

 

Psalm Prayers

Nov 10, 2020 | 2020 - Winter, Book Reviews, Section2

Psalm Prayers

Author Stephen Cherry
Publisher Canterbury Press £12.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9781786222374

This profoundly thoughtful book brings to life the cry of the human heart, an invitation to the reader to develop his or her own relationship with the Psalms. The result of this invitation is an engagement with God born of desperate human need in all the complexities of human existence. We get a deep sense of the immediacy of each Psalm, of its being written by real people out of real experience. Each Psalm is accompanied by a personal prayer, a great resource for our own prayers. Additionally, there is a delightful pairing of the Psalms with Choral Evensong and the beautiful cadences of Anglican chant. To immerse oneself in Stephen Cherry’s rich outpouring of his love for the Psalms is a spiritual journey in itself.

Reviewed by RAYLIA CHADWICK

Psalms, Prayer

 

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