Pastors and others who want to develop their skills as teachers of prayer and spiritual practices will find in this book not only wisdom for themselves but easily accessible lesson plans, enabling them to share Vennard's insights with others while infusing the activities with their own spirit and creative ideas. Through this book, readers' hearts are made ready to explore the wonder of strengthening their relationship with God through prayer.

A Comprehensive Guide to Corporate Prayer God commands his people to pray together and answers graciously when they do. The Bible specifically calls on church leaders to guide this essential form of corporate worship, but it can be challenging to pray boldly and confidently in front of others. This practical, step-by-step guide was created to help pastors and church leaders pray thoughtfully and biblically in public. Through seven guiding principles, Pat Quinn illustrates how to lead prayers of adoration, confession, and supplication to God, and covers the history of public prayer in Scripture. He also includes elegant, reverent, gospel-centered examples from the Latin Liturgy, John Calvin, the Puritans, John Wesley, and others, as well as many examples of his own congregational prayers. Pastors and church leaders will learn to glorify God more passionately, effectively intercede for the church and the world, and find joy—not fear—in praying publicly.

Nearly all Christians would affirm the centrality of prayer for a healthy Christian life. And yet, for many, prayer is often a challenge, requiring intense personal commitment and self-discipline. However, as Megan Hill points out in Praying Together, our normal approach to prayer leaves out a crucial component: other people. While personal prayer is important, God designed the church to be a community of believers who regularly pray together. Exploring the Bible's rich teaching on what it means to gather at God's throne with one voice, Hill lays a theological foundation for corporate prayer and offers practical guidance for making it a reality—in our families, churches, and communities.

For the first time in more than sixty years, the Congregation of Holy Cross has produced a new prayer book designed to serve the spiritual needs of both the priests and brothers of the Congregation and the thousands of Catholics who are the recipients of the education and ministry of Holy Cross parishes and schools. The Congregation of Holy Cross presents its new Directory of Devotional Prayer, a handsomely produced pocket-size treasury of everyday prayers, popular devotions, and reflections. Printed in two colors and durably bound, this elegantly designed prayer book showcases the spiritual heritage of Holy Cross: Eucharistic devotion, daily meditation, the examination of conscience, the Way of the Cross, the rosary, litanies, and devotion to the principal patrons of the Congregation—Saint Joseph, Our Lady of Sorrows, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Directory also celebrates the fundamental and distinctive elements of the Holy Cross charism: conformity to Christ, trust in Divine Providence, and hope in the Cross.

In this in depth look at hymns, Brian Wren explores the theological significance of congregational song, asks how music has meaning for its singers, and considers the importance of contemporary worship music. He argues that a hymn is a complex art form, deserving of recognition and study for its contributions to worship, education, and pastoral care.

Published on the occasion of the 450th anniversary of the Book of Common Prayer.

The most popular image of prayer is an individual with eyes closed, head bowed, hands folded, and kneeling, silently communing with God. Prayer is an experience of open communion between one human being and God. But prayer experiences can and should be shared with community. Jesus taught his disciples to pray, and the Bible tells us that when two or more are gathered, God is there. Praying Together looks at the most popular and effective ways in which people are praying together in local churches today. Twenty-one prayer models are described with each model containing a plan and practical tips to consider. Some offer a personal reflection from one who has experienced transformation through the model. Several traditional models are described including prayer chains, prayer vigils, and prayer retreats as well as fresh, new ideas such as hosting Taize services, labyrinth walking, Prayer Walks, and Internet sacred spaces. No model is perfect, and the author asks church leaders to consider them all to determine which ones best meet the needs of varying congregational members. Praying Together is a much needed resource for church leaders who wish to broaden their congregational prayer efforts, to cultivate an active prayer community, and most importantly, to deepen the spiritual lives of their church members.

When asked by his barber and good friend, Peter Beskendorf, for some practical guidance on how to prepare oneself for prayer, Luther responded by writing this brief treatise, first published in the spring of 1535. After 500 years, his instruction continues to offer words of spiritual nurture for us today.

Praying together not only enriches family life but also leads the Catholic family toward its primary goal: the holiness and salvation of each member. This wonderful little book provides a simple and easy-to-implement plan for family prayer. Arranged successively according to the basic stages of prayer, A Short Guide to Praying as a Family allows each family to progress step by step from one level of prayer to the next. Beautiful stained-glass images invite you to enter the mystery of each prayer and give glory to God as a family. Designed to be used throughout the day, this book will help your family speak to God, turn to Him for help, listen to Him, and praise Him. What better gift could you give them? Compiled by The Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia in Nashville, this little book is backed by a strong Catholic tradition rooted in teaching the faith. From making time to recite basic oral prayers throughout the day to making each moment of life a prayer, A Short Guide to Praying as a Family is a lifelong guide to the spiritual life and a powerful means to building a relationship with the Lord.

This collection for the first time makes Karl Barth's pastoral prayers available to an English-speaking audience, offering a fresh perspective on how the great Swiss theologian understood this central practice of Christian life. The prayers are organized according to seasons of the liturgical year, making them ideal for both group use and individual reflection.