Spiritual Growth

Reading Program 2001

CONVERSATIONS: MEETING OUR FOREBEARS IN FAITH

Morehouse Publishing, 1997
108 pages
Hannah Ward and Jennifer Wild (#3111) /$11.95

Brief meditations by ancient and modern spiritual leaders help us join them in conversation with God. Hildegard of Bingen, Florence Nightingale, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Henri Nouwen are some of the authors. The selections include a brief biography of each writer, related Scripture, the meditation, and a closing prayer.

FINDING OUR VOICES

(Difficult reading, Study and discussion)
The Crossroad Publishing Company, 1997
143 pages

Patricia O’Connell Killen (#3119) /$15.95

The author invites us on a journey to "wise faith" defined as recognizing that Christianity brings women elements of death (such as patriarchy) as well as life and liberation. We meet women in the Bible who courageously claimed the life-giving elements of the faith. Questions for reflection end each chapter.

GLIMPSES OF GLORY: DAILY REFLECTIONS ON THE BIBLE

(Easy reading, Study and discussion)
Westminster John Knox Press, 1998
128 pages
Carol M. Bechtel (#3125) /$10.00

An inspiring and uplifting collection of meditations on Scripture brings glimpses of a more intimate relationship with God. Each meditation is followed by questions for discussion and reflection, making the book an excellent resource for personal devotions or for use in small groups.

GOLD IN YOUR MEMORIES: SACRED MOMENTS, GLIMPSES OF GOD

Ave Maria Press, 1998
165 pages
Macrina Wiederkehr (#3172) /$11.95

This unique book helps us understand that our memories are great sources for spiritual enrichment. Sharing her own memories, the author encourages us through prayer, poetry, ritual, and journaling to find the riches within our past and present that put us in touch with the spiritual energy within, bringing us closer to Christ.

HOW CAN I FIND GOD?

Triumph Books, 1997
204 pages
James Martin, ed. (#3131) /$13.00

Well-known spiritual leaders and ordinary people from a wide spectrum of faith traditions–Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist–address the ultimate question of finding a relationship with God. This thought-provoking book can strengthen your faith and enrich your walk with God.

JESUS AND THOSE BODACIOUS WOMEN: LIFE LESSONS FROM ONE SISTER TO ANOTHER

United Church Press, 1998
213 pages
Linda H. Hollies (#3138) /$11.95

"Bodacious" biblical women who were remarkable and noteworthy, such as Eve, Mary Magdalene, the bent-over woman, and the "prodigal daughter," emerge in a new light. Told with vivid imagination and real heart, the stories encourage women to become "whole persons in Jesus Christ." An excellent resource for the 2001-2002 spiritual growth study on Jesus and Courageous Women.

A JOURNEY IN SONG: LENTEN REFLECTIONS ON HYMNS BY WOMEN

Women’s Division, General Board of Global Ministries, 1999
100 pages
Joyce D. Sohl (#2831) /$4.95

In 40 Lenten reflections, Joyce Sohl shares hymns written by women, along with Scripture, reflection questions to guide thinking and journaling, and a prayer. The meditations are useful as unit or circle devotions or for a personal journey through the holy season leading to Easter.

LIFE DIRECTIONS: EXPERIENCING THE GIFT OF GOD’S GUIDANCE

(Study and discussion)
Bethany House Publishers, 1999
239 pages
Jane Kise and David Stark (#3142) /$11.00

Using biblical and real-life examples, the authors explore four ways Christians can search for direction in their lives–Scripture, the leading of the Holy Spirit, our gifts and talents, and life circumstances. Each chapter ends with questions for reflection and exercises.

MARY MAGDALENE: BEYOND THE MYTH

Trinity Press International, 1997
147 pages
Esther De Boer (#3145) /$15.00

Through Gospel texts, texts from the early church, and the Gospel of Mary which was not accepted in the biblical canon, the author presents a fascinating picture of a woman of the Bible who is often misunderstood. An excellent resource for the 2001-2002 spiritual growth study on Jesus and Courageous Women.

MEDITATIONS ON THE CROSS

(Difficult reading)
Westminster John Knox Press, 1996
94 pages
Dietrich Bonhoeffer (#3147) /$12.00

In this powerful book, Bonhoeffer addresses the realities of the cross and resurrection, suffering, and overcoming death as central themes in the Christian message. His letters and sermons give assurance that, through the cross and resurrection, Christ is with us and does not abandon us.

ON A WING AND A PRAYER: DEVOTIONS FOR BUSY CHRISTIANS

(Easy reading)
Dimensions for Living, 1998
206 pages
Brian K. Bauknight (#3151) /$10.00

These "devotions for busy Christians" begin with a word to lift, guide, or challenge. A prayer focus from Scripture and other texts moves the reader from reflection to the intentional business of daily living.

SABBATH SENSE

(Easy reading)
Innisfree Press, 1997
121 pages
Donna Schaper (#3162) /$11.95

The sense of Sabbath as spiritual leisure is very much needed in our world, even as the reality of Sabbath time has been lost amidst our to-do lists, day-organizers, and endless errands. The author gives practical suggestions for learning to live "clutter-free" and creating space for play, for the sacred, and for the spirit.

TOGETHER WE PRAY: MEDITATIONS FOR KOREAN AMERICAN FAMILIES

(Bilingual–ENGLISH/KOREAN)
Abingdon Press, 1998
112 pages
Hea Sun Kim (#3175) /$11.00

In this inspiring and insightful book of devotions for each week of the year, written in English and Korean, Rev. Kim draws on personal experience in her reflections. Scripture passages and prayer make this an excellent resource for personal or group meditations for people of all cultures.