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Before the Gregorian Reform: The Latin Church at the Turn of the First Millennium
by John HoweHistorians typically single out the hundred-year period from about 1050 to 1150 as the pivotal moment in the history of the Latin Church, for it was then that the Gregorian Reform movement established the ecclesiastical structure that would ensure Rome’s dominance throughout the Middle Ages and beyond. In Before the Gregorian Reform John Howe challenges this familiar narrative by examining earlier, "pre-Gregorian" reform efforts within the Church. He finds that they were more extensive and widespread than previously thought and that they actually established a foundation for the subsequent Gregorian Reform movement.The low point in the history of Christendom came in the late ninth and early tenth centuries—a period when much of Europe was overwhelmed by barbarian raids and widespread civil disorder, which left the Church in a state of disarray. As Howe shows, however, the destruction gave rise to creativity. Aristocrats and churchmen rebuilt churches and constructed new ones, competing against each other so that church building, like castle building, acquired its own momentum. Patrons strove to improve ecclesiastical furnishings, liturgy, and spirituality. Schools were constructed to staff the new churches. Moreover, Howe shows that these reform efforts paralleled broader economic, social, and cultural trends in Western Europe including the revival of long-distance trade, the rise of technology, and the emergence of feudal lordship. The result was that by the mid-eleventh century a wealthy, unified, better-organized, better-educated, more spiritually sensitive Latin Church was assuming a leading place in the broader Christian world. Before the Gregorian Reform challenges us to rethink the history of the Church and its place in the broader narrative of European history. Compellingly written and generously illustrated, it is a book for all medievalists as well as general readers interested in the Middle Ages and Church history.
Before the Religious Right: Liberal Protestants, Human Rights, and the Polarization of the United States (Intellectual History of the Modern Age)
by Gene ZubovichWhen we think about religion and politics in the United States today, we think of conservative evangelicals. But for much of the twentieth century it was liberal Protestants who most profoundly shaped American politics. Leaders of this religious community wielded their influence to fight for social justice by lobbying for the New Deal, marching against segregation, and protesting the Vietnam War. Gene Zubovich shows that the important role of liberal Protestants in the battles over poverty, segregation, and U.S. foreign relations must be understood in a global context. Inspired by new transnational networks, ideas, and organizations, American liberal Protestants became some of the most important backers of the United Nations and early promoters of human rights. But they also saw local events from this global vantage point, concluding that a peaceful and just world order must begin at home. In the same way that the rise of the New Right cannot be understood apart from the mobilization of evangelicals, Zubovich shows that the rise of American liberalism in the twentieth century cannot be understood without a historical account of the global political mobilization of liberal Protestants.
Before the Scarlet Dawn
by Rita GerlachIn 1775, Hayward Morgan, a young gentleman destined to inherit his father's estate in Derbyshire, England, captures the heart of the local vicar's daughter, Eliza Bloome. Her dark beauty and spirited ways are not enough to win him, due to her station in life. Circumstances throw Eliza in Hayward's path, and they flee to America to escape the family conflicts. But as war looms, it's a temporary reprieve. Hayward joins the revolutionary forces and what follows is a struggle for survival, a test of faith, and the quest to find lasting love in an unforgiving wilderness. "Filled with true-to-life characters whose struggles will linger with readers long after the last page is turned, Before the Scarlet Dawn is a memorable story of Revolutionary War-era England and America." - Amanda Cabot, author of Summer of Promise "Rita Gerlach has written a colorful historical with a feisty heroine on a search for survival, romance, and a place to belong." Cynthia Hickey, author of the Summer Meadows mysteries "Ms. Gerlach's unique literary prose has once again captured my heart with a stirring tale of love and loss, desperation and hope during one of the most uncertain times in American History--the Revolutionary War. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!" - MaryLu Tyndall, author of Surrender the Dawn "A stirring story of love and its consequences, Before the Scarlet Dawn will draw you in from the start and not let you go again." ~ Roseanna M. White, author of Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland and Jewel of Persia "While reading Before the Scarlet Dawn, you'll travel back in time--and from England to Maryland--without ever leaving your easy chair! This is a big, beautiful, well-told story of love, faith, and the struggles of war that changed lives...and hearts. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!" Loree Lough, best-selling author of more than 80 award-winning books, including reader favorite From Ashes to Honor
Before the Scarlet Dawn
by Rita GerlachIn 1775, Hayward Morgan, a young gentleman destined to inherit his father's estate in Derbyshire, England, captures the heart of the local vicar's daughter, Eliza Bloome. Her dark beauty and spirited ways are not enough to win him, due to her station in life. Circumstances throw Eliza in Hayward's path, and they flee to America to escape the family conflicts. But as war looms, it's a temporary reprieve. Hayward joins the revolutionary forces and what follows is a struggle for survival, a test of faith, and the quest to find lasting love in an unforgiving wilderness.
Before the Season Ends (The Regency Trilogy #1)
by Nick Harrison Linore Rose BurkardAriana Forsythe is sent to her wealthy aunt's London townhouse and thrust into the world of the upper crust. Trouble finds her with an instant enemy in Lady Covington, an aging beauty. Ariana must team up with the Paragon, the darkly handsome and powerful Phillip Mornay, to quench the scandal. She can trust God's hand in her life, but can she resist Mr. Mornay's increasing claim on her heart? When she finds herself betrothed to him, she is faced with a terrible choice--and she must make it soon, before the season ends!
Before the Throne (An 8-Week Bible Study): Finding Strength Through Prayer in Difficult Times
by Crickett KeethWhere do you go when life overwhelms you? Before the Throne.God&’s people know they can turn to Him when times get tough. Instead of trying to fix things on our own, we can enter God&’s throne room in prayer. The access granted to us by Jesus our High Priest is our comfort when the world is turned upside down. In Before the Throne, Crickett Keeth, author of On Bended Knee, offers a follow-up study of eight prayer warriors from Scripture who turned to God when times became difficult. You&’ll learn to pray with:Moses in times of disappointmentThe Psalmists in times of needJonah in times of disobedienceHezekiah in times of battleHabakkuk in times of questioningJesus in a time of intercessionPaul in times of hardshipRevelation saints in times of worshipCrickett&’s studies are known for taking you deep—then even deeper!—into God&’s Word. As you study these prayers, you&’ll be strengthened as you see how these godly Bible characters poured out their hearts to God and how He responded to them. You&’ll learn how to pray with the same power when you feel weak, helpless, stressed, or afraid. As you turn your focus toward God&’s character through prayer, He will supply the strength you need to face whatever is before you. Because that&’s the privilege you have when you come Before the Throne.&“Let us then approach God&’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.&” Hebrews 4:16
Before the Throne (An 8-Week Bible Study): Finding Strength Through Prayer in Difficult Times
by Crickett KeethWhere do you go when life overwhelms you? Before the Throne.God&’s people know they can turn to Him when times get tough. Instead of trying to fix things on our own, we can enter God&’s throne room in prayer. The access granted to us by Jesus our High Priest is our comfort when the world is turned upside down. In Before the Throne, Crickett Keeth, author of On Bended Knee, offers a follow-up study of eight prayer warriors from Scripture who turned to God when times became difficult. You&’ll learn to pray with:Moses in times of disappointmentThe Psalmists in times of needJonah in times of disobedienceHezekiah in times of battleHabakkuk in times of questioningJesus in a time of intercessionPaul in times of hardshipRevelation saints in times of worshipCrickett&’s studies are known for taking you deep—then even deeper!—into God&’s Word. As you study these prayers, you&’ll be strengthened as you see how these godly Bible characters poured out their hearts to God and how He responded to them. You&’ll learn how to pray with the same power when you feel weak, helpless, stressed, or afraid. As you turn your focus toward God&’s character through prayer, He will supply the strength you need to face whatever is before you. Because that&’s the privilege you have when you come Before the Throne.&“Let us then approach God&’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.&” Hebrews 4:16
Before: Children's Memories of Previous Lives
by Jim B. TuckerA fully updated 2-in-1 edition, with a new introduction by the author, combining Dr. Jim B. Tucker's bestselling books about children who remember past lives—Return to Life and Life Before Life. These two books contain first-person accounts of Jim B. Tucker's experiences with a number of extraordinary children with memories of past lives, and expands on the international work started by Tucker's University of Virginia colleague Ian Stevenson. Tucker's work has been lauded by the likes of parapsychologist Carol Bowman and Deepak Chopra, and has been described by some as quantum physics. His goal in each case of a child reporting memories of previous lives is to determine what happened—what the child has said, how the parents have reacted, whether the child's statements match the life of a particular deceased person, and whether the child could have learned such information through normal means. Tucker has found case studies that provide persuasive evidence that some children do, in fact, possess memories of previous lives. Thought-provoking and captivating, the stories in Before urge readers, skeptics and supporters alike to think about life, death, and reincarnation and to reflect about their own consciousness and spirituality.
Befriending Life: Encounters With Henri Nouen Nouwen
by Beth PorterA beautiful collection of reminiscences celebrating the life and works of the bestselling author of The Wounded Healer, The Return of the Prodigal Son, and The Inner Voice of Love.Henri Nouwen (1932-96) was a Catholic priest who taught at several theological institutions and universities in his home country of the Netherlands and in the United States. He spent the final years of his life teaching and ministering at the L'Arche Daybreak Community in Toronto, Canada. His writings have touched millions of readers around the world, and since his death, recognition of their enduring value has continued to grow. Oprah Winfrey, one of Nouwen's many admirers, ran an extensive excerpt from The Return of the Prodigal Son in her magazine, O, with Hillary Clinton contributing an introduction revealing the profound effect Nouwen had on her own life. Nouwen's influence was not limited to the printed page. His one-on-one encounters as a lecturer, teacher, and spiritual guide, and as a leader at the L'Arche Daybreak Community, a home for people with mental and physical disabilities, enriched the lives of a wide variety of people. Now, Befriending Life brings together thoughtful, heartfelt remembrances of Nouwen by those who knew him best, from members of the L'Arche community to such prominent figures as Joseph Cardinal Bernardin of Chicago and Hillary Clinton. Their personal reflections on his life both on and off the page magnificently capture his spirit, compassion, and wisdom. With a wealth of quotations from Nouwen throughout, Befriending Life, like Nouwen's own great books, will inspire readers in all walks of life.
Befriending The Beloved Disciple: A Jewish Reading Of The Gospel Of John
by Adele ReinhartzAdele Reinhartz has been studying and teaching the Gospel of John for many years. Earlier, she chose to ignore the love/hate relationship that the book provokes in her, a Jew, and took refuge in an "objective" historical-critical approach. At this stage her relationship to the Gospel was not so much a friendship as a business relationship. No longer willing to ignore the negative portrayal of Jews and Judaism in the text, nor the insight that her own Jewish identity inevitably does play a role in her work as an exegete, Reinhartz here explores the Fourth Gospel through the approach known as "ethical criticism," which is based on the metaphorical notion of the book as "friend"—not "an easy, unquestioning companionship," but the kind of honest relationship in which ethical considerations are addressed, not avoided. In a book as multilayered as the Gospel itself, Reinhartz engages in 4 different "readings" of the Fourth Gospel: compliant, resistant, sympathetic, and engaged. Each approach views the Beloved Disciple differently: as mentor, opponent, colleague, and as "other." In the course of each of these readings, she elucidates the three narrative levels that interpenetrate the Gospel: the historical, the cosmological, and the ecclesiological. In the latter, Reinhartz deals at length with the so-called expulsion theory, the dominant scholarly notion that the Johannine community, which included believers of Jewish, Gentile, and Samaritan origins, engaged in a prolonged and violent controversy with the local Jewish community, culminating in a "traumatic expulsion from the synagogue.">
Begegnung mit dem eigenen Tod: Nahtoderfahrungen als Brüche und Kontinuitäten in autobiografischen Erzählungen
by Stefan NadileIn diesem Open-Access-Buch wird die Nahtoderfahrung (NTE) als Phänomen im Kontext der Erforschung des Todes, daraus abgeleitete Todesdefinitionen und ihr Wandel vor dem Hintergrund historischer Entwicklungen und ihren gesellschaftlichen Trends beleuchtet. Mit dem Bekanntwerden des Phänomens können in Bezug auf die Aussagekraft von NTE verschiedene Deutungen identifiziert werden, die sich zum Teil mit dem Aufkommen neureligiöser Bewegungen institutionalisieren. Darauf folgt eine Hinwendung zu individuellen Innensichten auf die NTE und ihrer Kommunizierbarkeit. Die kommunikative Erörterung solcher Ereignisse gilt als Gegenstand der Darstellung eines außergewöhnlichen Ereignisses in der autobiografischen Erzählung. Die Argumentationslinie einerseits und die Topologie der Deutungsebenen andererseits bilden die Grundlage für die Analyse der Studienergebnisse. Als Datengrundlage dienen eigens für diese Arbeit erhobene biografisch-narrative Interviews. Deren Analyse resultiert in einer Typisierung, wie NTE im autobiografischen Kontext gedeutet werden, welche sozialen Deutungsmuster dabei implizit zum Tragen kommen und wie die Person von ihrer Biografie erzählt. Jeder Typus steht je für eine Grundhaltung zur Lebenswelt und je für eine Strategie zur Integration der Erfahrung in das eigene Leben.
Begetting: What Does It Mean to Create a Child?
by Mara van der LugtAn investigation of what it means to have children—morally, philosophically and emotionally&“Do you want to have children?&” is a question we routinely ask each other. But what does it mean to create a child? Is this decision always justified? Does anyone really have the moral right to create another person? In Begetting, Mara van der Lugt attempts to fill in the moral background of procreation. Drawing on both philosophy and popular culture, van der Lugt does not provide a definitive answer on the morality of having a child; instead, she helps us find the right questions to ask.Most of the time, when we talk about whether to have children, what we are really talking about is whether we want to have children. Van der Lugt shows why this is not enough. To consider having children, she argues, is to interrogate our own responsibility and commitments, morally and philosophically and also personally. What does it mean to bring a new creature into the world, to decide to perform an act of creation? What does it mean to make the decision that life is worth living on behalf of a person who cannot be consulted? These questions are part of a conversation we should have started long ago. Van der Lugt does not ignore the problematic aspects of procreation—ethical, environmental and otherwise. But she also acknowledges the depth and complexity of the intensely human desire to have a child of our own blood and our own making.
Begging, Street Politics and Power: The Religious and Secular Regulation of Begging in India and Pakistan (Routledge Studies in Religion)
by Sheba SaeedBegging, Street Politics and Power explores the complex phenomenon of begging in the context of two different religions and societies in South Asia. Focusing on India and Pakistan, the book provides an in-depth examination of the religious and secular laws regulating begging along with discussion of the power dynamics involved. Drawing on textual analysis and qualitative field research, the chapters consider the notion of charity within Hinduism and Islam, the transaction of giving and receiving, and the political structures at play in the locations studied. The book engages with the conflicting compassionate and criminal sides of begging and reveals some of the commonalities and differences in religion and society within South Asia. It will be of interest to scholars working across the fields of religious studies, social science, law and Asian studies.
Begin Again, Believe Again: Embracing the Courage to Love with Abandon
by Sharon A. HershOur hearts as women were made by God for relationships. Why is it, then, that the thing we most deeply desire—relationships—becomes the source of so much pain? Difficult marriages, the loneliness of being single, problem children, abusive employers, fractured friendships...life's realities are often very different from the dreams we dreamed for ourselves as girls. How do we live with this beautiful ache for relationships in a world that doesn't always work? When we've been betrayed, how do we trust again? When we've been disappointed, how do we hope again? When we've been terribly hurt, how do we love again? In this honest, intimate, and transformative book, counselor Sharon Hersh helps you gain a new, truly biblical perspective on relationships that can help you endure the heartaches and still come up living wholeheartedly, loving with abandon, and daring to hope and believe. The stories of the women in this book, including that of the author, are signposts that point you beyond the sometimes devastating problems of life to the deep, rich reason and root of all relationships, both good and bad: God's desire for relationship with you. In Sharon's words, “Relationships are not the destination—they are the path to something more.”
Begin Again: Your Hope and Renewal Start Today
by Max LucadoAre you ready to leave 2020 behind and start a new chapter in 2021? If so, there is good news: our God is a God of fresh starts. In Begin Again, pastor and New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado celebrates God&’s promise to restore and renew. Max will prepare you for the journey ahead by encouraging you to:Believe in Your Trustworthy GodEnjoy God&’s Good GiftsGround Yourself in His PromisesInfluence Your WorldNurture an Eternal PerspectiveThis compilation—which also includes original content from Max—assures us of the new possibilities ahead.Take the next step toward hope and renewal. It&’s never too late to Begin Again.
Begin With Me
by Mike RyanEPPIE AWARD Winner! Matt Druker loses his job and his girl. He lost his faith long ago. Now he struggles with no job, but one day he drifts into the local church which needs help. Matt decides to impersonate an Irish priest to help the struggling pastor. Does he have a prayer?
Begin: A Journey Through Scriptures for Seekers and New Believers
by Ken Ham Bodie HodgeBegin is a journey through the Scriptures designed to help someone simply understand the structure and context of the Bible. Ken Ham and Bodie Hodge compiled this critical resource which brings to light often difficult concepts through easy-to-understand commentary. Readers will enjoy a quick and concise presentation of the following core concepts with a brief summary of events and history in-between Genesis 1- 11 (The Foundation), Exodus 20:1-17 (The 10 Commandments), John (The Gospel), Romans (An Epistle from Paul to the Christians), and Revelation 21-22 (The Fulfillment in Heaven). New believers, seekers, and even skeptics can use Begin as a first step to building a consistent study of God’s Word. It is not intended to replace the Bible but to serve as a supplemental resource. Pastors and teachers will find this book helpful when leading congregants and students into a greater understanding and focus on the infallible message of God.
Beginner's Bible Study Guide: An Introduction to All 66 Books of the Bible
by Cameron TrimbleExplore each book of the Bible with a comprehensive Bible study guide for beginnersStudying Scripture can help you see God's love for all creation and apply God's wisdom to your life. This Bible study guide for adults simplifies the process of learning the Bible with clear breakdowns of each of its 66 books, from Genesis to Revelations.Tools for Bible study—Discover synopses, important themes, and key verses to help you understand the context and essence of each book of the Bible.Reflection questions—Use this book alone or as part of a Bible study group, with thought-provoking questions to guide further study and group discussion.Inclusive guidance—Written by a woman pastor who is proud of her leadership in the United Church of Christ, this study guide welcomes all Christians who want to connect with God's Word.Learn the Bible and deepen your understanding and your faith with this Bible study book for beginners.
Beginner's Bible e-book, Vol. 1 (The Beginner's Bible)
by The Beginner's BibleIntroduce children to the stories and characters of the Bible with this best-loved Bible storybook. Children six and under will enjoy the fun illustrations and compelling text from The Beginner&’s Bible, just like millions of children before. This eBook edition includes captivating narration enhanced with music and sound effects that help bring the following sixteen stories to life: The Beginning (Creation)Adam and Eve The Sneaky Snake (The fall)Noah&’s Ark The Tall Tower (The Tower of Babel)A New Home (Abraham and Sarah)The Visitors (God&’s promise to Abraham)A Bride for Isaac (Isaac and Rebekah)Isaac&’s Blessing (Jacob takes Esau&’s blessing)Jacob&’s Dream (God&’s promise to Jacob)Jacob and Esau Meet Again Joseph&’s Colorful Robe (Joseph sold into slavery)Pharaoh&’s Dreams (God blesses Joseph)Joseph Saves His Family A Baby in a Basket (Baby Moses)The Burning Bush
Beginner's Bible e-book, Vol. 2 (The Beginner's Bible)
by The Beginner's BibleIntroduce children to the stories and characters of the Bible with this best-loved Bible storybook. Children six and under will enjoy the fun illustrations and compelling text from The Beginner&’s Bible, just like millions of children before. This eBook edition includes captivating narration enhanced with music and sound effects that help bring the following sixteen stories to life: Ten Plagues (The Israelites leave Egypt)The Red Sea (God delivers the Israelites)Food From Heaven (God feeds the Israelites in the desert)Ten Commandments Twelve Spies (Spies search the promised land)Joshua and the Spies (Two spies escape from Jericho)The Battle of Jericho Deborah Leads the Way (Deborah the Prophetess)Gideon&’s Battle (God saves his people through Gideon)SamsonRuth and NaomiHannah&’s Prayer (God blesses Hannah with Samuel) A Voice in the Night (God calls to Samuel)Israel&’s First King (Saul is named king)A Good Heart (David is chosen as the next king)David and Goliath
Beginner's Bible e-book, Vol. 3 (The Beginner's Bible)
by The Beginner's BibleIntroduce children to the stories and characters of the Bible with this best-loved Bible storybook. Children six and under will enjoy the fun illustrations and compelling text from The Beginner&’s Bible, just like millions of children before. This eBook edition includes captivating narration enhanced with music and sound effects that help bring the following sixteen stories to life:Best Friends (David and Jonathan)King David (David becomes king)The Lord Is My Shepherd (Psalm 23)The Wise King (King Solomon)God Watches Over Elijah (God feeds Elijah during a drought)Elijah Helps a Widow (Elijah and the miracle of oil and flour)Fire From Heaven (God vs. Baal)Chariot of Fire (Elijah taken to heaven)Jars of Oil (God&’s provision for a poor woman)Elisha&’s Room (God blesses a couple&’s kindness)Naaman Is Healed (God heals Naaman&’s leprosy)Boy King Josiah (Young Josiah honors God)The Brave Queen (Queen Esther)Fiery Furnace (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are saved)Daniel and the LionsJonah and the Big Fish
Beginner's Bible e-book, Vol. 4 (The Beginner's Bible)
by The Beginner's BibleIntroduce children to the stories and characters of the Bible with this best-loved Bible storybook. Children six and under will enjoy the fun illustrations and compelling text from The Beginner&’s Bible, just like millions of children before. This eBook edition includes captivating narration enhanced with music and sound effects that help bring the following sixteen stories to life: An Angel Visits Mary Baby Jesus Is BornShepherds Visit (Angels appear to the shepherds)Simeon and Anna Meet Baby JesusThe Bright Star and Three Visitors (Three wise men visit Jesus)An Angry King (Herod wants to kill Baby Jesus)Jesus Is Lost! (Jesus in the temple)John Baptizes JesusJesus Chooses his DisciplesJesus&’ First Miracle (Water into wine)Jesus Teaches on a MountainThe Lord&’s PrayerA Captain&’s Faith (Jesus heals the captain&’s servant)A Hole in the Roof (Jesus heals a paralytic) Jesus Calms the StormTwo Miracles (Jesus heals a sick woman and raises Jairus&’ daughter from the dead)
Beginner's Bible e-book, Vol. 5 (The Beginner's Bible)
by The Beginner's BibleIntroduce children to the stories and characters of the Bible with this best-loved Bible storybook. Children six and under will enjoy the fun illustrations and compelling text from The Beginner&’s Bible, just like millions of children before. This eBook edition includes captivating narration enhanced with music and sound effects that help bring the following fifteen stories to life: A Fishermen&’s Net Jesus Feeds ThousandsJesus Walks on WaterJesus Heals a Blind BeggarMoney in a Fish (Jesus pays the temple tax) The Good SamaritanMary and MarthaThe Lost SheepThe Lost SonTen Lepers (Jesus heals ten lepers)Jesus and the Children A Short Man (Zacchaeus meets Jesus)Lazarus Lives Again (Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead)A Gift for Jesus (Mary anoints Jesus with oil)The True King (Jesus rides into Jerusalem)
Beginner's Bible e-book, Vol. 6 (The Beginner's Bible)
by The Beginner's BibleIntroduce children to the stories and characters of the Bible with this best-loved Bible storybook. Children six and under will enjoy the fun illustrations and compelling text from The Beginner&’s Bible, just like millions of children before. This eBook edition includes captivating narration enhanced with music and sound effects that help bring the following fifteen stories to life: A Poor Widow&’s Gift Washing the Disciples&’ FeetThe Last SupperJesus Is Arrested and CrucifiedJesus Is Risen!Jesus Returns (Jesus appears to the disciples)A Net Full of FishJesus Goes to HeavenThe Holy Spirit ComesThe First ChurchThe Lame Man (God heals a lame beggar)A Changed Man (Saul believes in Jesus)Paul&’s Journeys Earthquake in Prison (God frees Paul and Silas from prison)Jesus Is Coming! (John&’s vision of heaven)
Beginner's Grace: Bringing Prayer to Life
by Kate BraestrupPrayer is an ancient and simple way to prepare yourself for grace, or love, and to learn to recognize it when it comes. Even the briefest "grace" spoken before dinner offers its time-honored wisdom. Yet in spite of hundreds of traditions and teachings and books about prayer, millions of Americans have become ambivalent about it. They are unsure how, when, where, and even why they might pray, afraid they’ll do it wrong, or worried that they won’t be heard. Writing in the beautiful, funny, honest narrative style that moved and inspired readers of her first book, Here If You Need Me, Kate Braestrup explains what prayer is and the many ways we can pray. With an approach that is both personal and inclusive, Beginner’s Grace is a new kind of prayer book. Even if you don’t pray and don’t consider yourself religious, there’s room in this book for you. In these pages, Braestrup explains how and why the practice of prayer can open a space in our busy lives for mindfulness, gratitude, contentment, and a wider compassion toward others. Inspired by her work as a chaplain, Braestrup includes many examples of prayers to draw from—beginning with grace, a brief prayer of thanks. She provides clear models and practical suggestions for making your own and your family’s prayers meaningful and satisfying, and offers prayers for situations in which words might fail: times of anxiety, helplessness, or grief. And she invites you to explore forms of prayer that extend into the wider community, including prayer with and for people we don’t like or with whom we disagree. A welcoming modern guide to the simplest, most effective way to satisfy a universal spiritual hunger, Beginner’s Grace is for the religious and nonreligious and even irreligious in its generous, good-humored approach to spirituality. With its insight and warmth, Beginner’s Grace is sure to become a spiritual touchstone for people of all faiths