A Praying Congregation: The Art of Teaching Spiritual Practice
Jane E. Vennard
“I believe that God is calling all of us into deeper prayer and is longing for our congregations to become places of prayer,” writes Jane E. Vennard. 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.
Readers are invited to gently explore questions such as, who taught you to pray and how? what do you believe about prayer? what is your image of the God to whom you pray? and what is prayer anyway? Through this book, readers’ hearts are made ready to explore the wonder of strengthening their relationship with God through prayer.
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Praise for the Book
“I have been saying that we should drop all church programs for a year and just teach our people how to pray! This book could well be the foundation and program for that teaching. Jane Vennard has given us guidance that is both simple and profound, practical yet very mature, personal yet social. Her wisdom about prayer is what we need!” —Richard Rohr, O.F.M.
“In a creative and refreshing approach, Jane Vennard invites the reader to ‘stop trying to do prayer right and simply be in the presence of God.’ If you have ever pondered how to become a person of prayer, let the expressions she offers become your guide. If you have ever struggled to help a congregation engage in the practice of prayer, take up this book and let it lead you to the well of prayer. And then invite others to come and drink with you from its depths.” —Carole Cotton Winn
“If you have been reluctant to pray because of an image of God who is judgmental or vindictive, this book will be a source for healing and an encouragement to a new adventure in prayer with the God of love. This book is for people and congregations who are eager to experience prayer.” —Rev. Brent Dahlseng
About the Author
Jane E. Vennard is a United Church of Christ pastor and spiritual director who has been leading retreats for over 15 years. An adjunct faculty member at Iliff School of Theology, Denver, she teaches courses on prayer, spirituality, spiritual direction, and retreat design and leadership. She is the author of numerous articles and books, including Be Still: Designing and Leading Contemplative Retreats (The Alban Institute, 2000).
ISBN# 1-56699-313-X
Alban No. AL303
paper, 145 pages
2005
In stock
$17.00
($13.60 for members)
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