- Table View
- List View
Undistorted God: Reclaiming Faith Despite the Cultural Noise
by Ray WaddleRay Waddle encourages us to find meaning inside, sometimes despite, the contentious times we live in. He helps readers see through spiritual insecurity and distraction to see God in new places: in the sky, in writing, in walking, in music, in memory, in Gospel reading, the bread and wine, worship, the very name Jesus—and get beneath social habits or routine theological assumptions in order to find a fresh core of epiphany.
The Caring Congregation Ministry Implementation Guide: Implementation Guide
by Karen Lampe Melissa Collier GepfordPastors and church leaders genuinely want to care for people in their congregations and communities. But pastors cannot care for an entire church, and most laypersons don't have the training to do it. The Caring Congregation Ministry is a model for person-to-person care that's been proven to work in small and large churches across the U.S. It is a laity-centered ministry, where laypersons receive rigorous training and then are commissioned to serve as Congregational Care Ministers, caring for others in their own congregation and their extended community.This remarkable approach to congregational care was first developed by author Karen Lampe and her team at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, in Kansas City. It has been tested, refined, and strengthened, and is now being adapted in all sorts of congregational settings. One early adapter was co-author Melissa Gepford, who launched a Caring Congregation Ministry in her own rural church. Together, they have created this immensely practical guide for any pastor or leader seeking to create a congregational care ministry.This Implementation Guide is the main book for getting started. It introduces the ministry model and explains the Five Essentials which form the ministry's foundation. It is extremely practical, full of checklists and other tools to help pastors and other leaders understand (and explain) this way of providing congregational care.The Implementation Guide also includes a section focused on the crucial component of this ministry–the Congregational Care Minister, or CCM. This section fully describes the characteristics of CCM's, how to recruit people to this ministry, how to discern if candidates are a good fit, and how to conduct the CCM training over a multi-week period. It details the critical information CCM's must know, and the behaviors and habits they must practice in order to be effective.Note that the companion book, The Caring Congregation Ministry: Care Minister's Manual, is required for the CCM training. It serves as a training workbook, which then becomes the CCM's personal reference manual.
Learning to Study the Bible Leader Guide
by L. J. ZimmermanLearning to Study the Bible is an eight-week study for adults, exploring the biblical history and methods of interpretations using the classic questions: Who? What? When? Where? Why? and How? This study explores geography, archeology, biblical genre, context, and interpretation. Participants will also learn how to use important biblical resources such as Bible dictionaries, commentaries, concordances, and more. The goal of Learning To Study the Bible is to equip participants to read and study the Bible for themselves. It seeks to deepens one's understanding of the biblical stories and to help participants grow in their biblical faith. Tween version of this resource is also available. Session Outline and Learning Goals: Who? Author and Audience Learn about the authors and original audiences of the Bible Use a Bible dictionary Sharpen deductive reasoning skills in biblical interpretation What? Genre Introduce and explore biblical genres Learn to use Bible commentaries and apps to identify possible genres of texts Explore the significance of genre for biblical interpretation When? Context Investigate the connection between context and meaning Spark curiosity about biblical and modern cultural contexts Use Bible dictionaries, commentaries, and handbooks to research biblical context Where? Geography Spark curiosity about the biblical landscape Prompt reflection on the relationship between land and daily life Use biblical maps and archaeological research to explore biblical geography Why? Interpretation Create awareness of interpretive lenses and layers Spark curiosity about our own and others’ interpretive lenses Use a concordance and various translations to compare meanings How? Read Closely Cultivate appreciation for the way our ancestors preserved the biblical text Practice reading carefully and paying attention Discover the four meanings of Scripture and practice interpreting them How? Reread Create awareness of our own role in making meaning Prompt reflection on the nature of Scripture as the "living word of God" Practice the ancient tradition of divine reading How? Read Together Create awareness of the diversity of voices within the canon Inspire students to enter into the centuries-long biblical conversation Practice reading the Bible inter-canonically
Social Principles of The United Methodist Church 2017-2020
by United Methodist ChurchThis 64-page booklet is a tool designed to help individuals and small groups study The Social Principles of The United Methodist Church. It contains the official text of The Social Principles from The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church 2016 along with exercises for individuals or small groups, a topical index, and Social Creed.The Social Principles of The United Methodist Church are the product of over one hundred years of legislative decisions made by lay and clergy members of The United Methodist Church and its predecessor denominations. The Social Principles are prayerful and thoughtful efforts on the part of many General Conferences to speak to complex and controversial issues in the global community.Studying The Social Principles provides opportunities to examine your own theology and ethics and to practice discipleship.
Get Their Name: Grow Your Church by Building New Relationships (Get Their Name)
by Bob Farr Kay KotanThe Participant Guide is a workbook to facilitate the layperson’s experience as the church studies Get Their Name. It includes group and individual activities, and personal devotional material.Church leaders and members should all read the original Get Their Name book during the month of this church-wide experience.
The Greeter and Usher Handbook: Creating a Ministry of Welcome
by Yvonne GentileAn update to 2005’s The Usher’s Book: Creating a Welcoming and Safe Environment for Worship, The Greeter and Usher Handbook provides a guide to the responsibilities of those who are generally the first faces visitors encounter in church: the usher and the greeter. Intended for training use by church staff or volunteers, the text covers responsibilities related to all aspects of creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors and new members.
Tweet You Tweet Me - eBook [ePub]: A Twitter Startup Guide for Churches
by John VoelzJumping into the world of Twitter can be a little frightening at first. It’s not that it’s difficult to set up an account, but it can seem everyone who is already on Twitter has been given a secret decoder ring. The rules are quite simple really, and the benefit once trained is tremendous. Use this handy starter guide, written in Voelz’ quirky style as a set of Frequently Asked Questions, to get started.For a more complete view of social networking in ministry, read Follow You Follow Me: Why Social Networking Is Essential To Ministry, by John Voelz (Abingdon, 2012).
Revival: Faith as Wesley Lived It (Revival)
by Adam HamiltonWesley’s message and his faith continue to speak to 21st-centuryChristians—calling for a revival of our hearts and souls so that ourworld might be changed.Join Adam Hamilton for a six-week journey as he travels to England,following the life of John Wesley and exploring his definingcharacteristics of a Wesleyan Christian. Wesley’s story is our story. Itdefines our faith and it challenges us to rediscover our spiritualpassion.This is a graciousgift that we will benefit from reading. The commentary is written by asuperb preacher who has a pastor’s heart and knows how to make the pastcome alive to strengthen our own experience. Prepare to be transformed.Richard P. Heitzenrater, William Kellon Quick Professor Emeritus of Church History and Wesley Studies at Duke Divinity SchoolAdam Hamilton connects John Wesley’s contribution in 18th-century England with his legacy for 21st-centuryAmerica, bringing lessons from Wesley’s life and ministry to bear ondiscipleship today. This is an excellent resource for personal anddenominational revival.Scott Jones, Resident Bishop of the Great Plains area of The United Methodist Church and author of The Wesleyan Way
The Jesus Revolution: Learning from Christ's First Followers
by Leith AndersonThe story of Jesus cannot be contained in a history of 33 years on an ancient strip of land along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. The group of 120 followers Jesus empowered transformed the world with the good news of redemption and reconciliation he preached. In this journey through the book of Acts, discover the leaps of faith taken by the early church to spread the news of the miracles they'd witnessed and the message they'd received. Their story carries us—his current followers—into our future. Their devotion and perseverance challenges us to step out in faith and make a difference in Jesus' name. We can experience Jesus' presence and power as the early church did, and be part of the ongoing movement to change the world with his revolutionary message. http://www.cokesbury.com/media/video/abingdonpress/LeithsInterview.asx
Seven Words Leader Guide: Listening to Christ from the Cross (Seven Words)
by Susan RobbWhile many of us naturally wish to avoid the reality of the cross, it’s from the cross that Jesus speaks and shows his deepest love for us. It’s from the cross that Jesus' full humanity draws us closest to him. It’s from the cross, as Jesus breathes his last breath and speaks his last words, that his deep trust in the Father and his divine glory are revealed. Those who listen to Jesus' last words from the cross will discover what he most wants them (the world) to hear and will experience an intimate and divine awe only available to those who are willing to draw near his cross.In Seven Words, Susan Robb looks at the seven last words of Christ on the cross through a lens that finds life and hope in his final sayings, while exploring each from a biblical and historical perspective. The book brings a hopeful and contemplative take on the cross during the weeks of Lent.The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the six-week study including session plans, activities, and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options.
Moving Miss Peggy: A Story of Dementia, Courage and Consolation
by Robert Benson"I am not ever going to get to go home, am I?," she said one day. This is the story of moving Miss Peggy to a new place to live, to a new way of life, to a new kind of reality. All of which became necessary because Miss Peggy had begun to live a life colored by dementia. All of us who love her have begun to live that new life with her. Some of that story is here as well. In Moving Miss Peggy we also meet the story of siblings, grown apart over years, with nothing in common except for a mother who in wrestling through her own challenges gave each grown child the gift of a deeply felt reunion, long years after any of them suspected there was a possibility of reconciling grace. Written with grace, candor and bittersweet humor, Moving Miss Peggy tells a story that many others are now facing, bringing strength and wisdom and inspiration to readers. We learn (and learn again) along with Miss Peggy and her family some of the very basics for living life well.
The Trouble with the Truth Leader Guide: Balancing Truth and Grace (The Trouble with the Truth)
by Rob RenfroeThere’s a lot of talk today about "culture wars," but these external conflicts are only a symptom of a deeper problem: there is trouble with the truth. Beneath our differences about the values that should define our culture is a real disagreement about what is true. Those who hold to the traditional beliefs of the Christian faith find themselves at odds with a culture that no longer believes there are universal spiritual or moral truths that apply to everyone. And they grieve that the confusion about what is true is just as strong in the church. The Trouble with the Truth explores the truth—why it’s in trouble, what the culture tells us about it, and why the church is so confused about it. In an engaging and compelling style, Rob Renfroe reminds us that the Christian life requires commitment to both truth and grace. Like a tightrope walker with a balance bar, we must learn to balance compassion for people and passion for truth, combining them in equal measure just as Jesus did. Readers will examine the essentials about truth and grace, understand the differences between a cultural worldview and a scriptural worldview, and discover how to be instruments of real influence and transformation in our time by following Jesus’s example. The Leader Guide contains six session plan outlines, complete with discussion points and questions, activities, prayers, and more—plus leader helps for facilitating a group.
Parables from the Back Side Volume 2: Bible Stories With A Twist
by J. Ellsworth KalasThis study is an addition to the author’s popular “Back Side” books. J. Ellsworth Kalas presents new insight into twelve of Jesus’ parables by entering them through a unique starting point, a creative retelling, a new “lens,” or the eyes of a minor or unsympathetic character. Chapter titles:1. The Value of the House--Matthew 7:24-272. The Man Who Talked with His Soul--Luke 12:13-213. What Chance Does an Average Sinner Have?--Luke 7:36-484. The Importance of Downward Mobility--Luke 14:7-115. The Danger of Being Good and Empty--Matthew 12:43-456. Risky business--Matthew 13:45-467. Miracles Can Be Overrated--Luke 16:19-318. Second Chance for a Poor Manager--Luke 16:1-139. A Laugh and a Prayer--Luke 11:5-13, 18:1-810. It Happens While We Sleep--Matthew 13:24-30, 36-4311. The Importance of Being Dressed for the Party--Matthew 22:1-1412. The Genius of Effective Waiting--Luke 12:32-40
Genesis to Revelation: A Comprehensive Verse-by-Verse Exploration of the Bible
by Woodrow A. GeierStudy the entire Book of John, beginning with the Good News and ending with the victory of Christ and his call. Some of the major ideas explored are: a new day in religion,what does it mean for me to live on the bread of life, the resurrection and the life, "My peace I give to you," and searching for Jesus.Leader Guide includes: A verse-by-verse, in-depth look at the Scriptures. Background material, including word studies and history of the biblical setting. Answers to questions asked in the Participant Book. Application of the Scripture to daily life situations. Discussion suggestions. A variety of study options. Practical tips for leaders to use.More than 3.5 million copies of the series have been sold.This revision of the Abingdon classic Genesis to Revelation Series is a comprehensive, verse-by-verse, book-by-book study of the Bible based on the NIV. These studies help readers strengthen their understanding and appreciation of the Bible by enabling them to engage the Scripture on three levels: What does the Bible say? Questions to consider while reading the passage for each session. What does the passage mean? Unpacks key verses in the selected passage. How does the Scripture relate to my life? Provides three major ideas that have meaning for our lives today. The meaning of the selected passages are made clear by considering such aspects as ancient customs, locations of places, and the meanings of words.The meaning of the selected passages are made clear by considering such aspects as ancient customs, locations of places, and the meanings of words. The simple format makes the study easy to use. Includes maps and glossary with key pronunciation helps.Updates will include: New cover designs. New interior designs. Leader Guide per matching Participant Book (rather than multiple volumes in one book). Updated to 2011 revision of the New International Version Translation (NIV). Updated references to New Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible. Include biblical chapters on the contents page beside session lesson titles for at-a-glance overview of biblical structure. Include larger divisions within the contents page to reflect macro-structure of each biblical book. Ex: Genesis 1-11; Genesis 12-50; Exodus 1-15; Exodus 16-40; Isaiah 1-39; Isaiah 40-66.The simple format makes the study easy to use. Each volume is 13 sessions.
Motherprayer: Lessons in Loving
by Barbara MahanyBarbara Mahany writes, "Mothering was my crash course in love. Love of the sort I call Divine. Love in the way we yearn to be loved: Without end. Without question. Without giving in to exhaustion. Love with a big and boundless heart. Love with eyes and ears—and soul—wide open. Love even when it’s not so easy." In Motherprayer, Mahany generously shares personal love letters on the mysteries and gifts of mothering, interspersed with family recipes and gentle essays, all offering beautiful lessons in how to love, and how to love well. In her bracingly honest style, she captures the ephemeral moments of motherhood—the hard, the glorious, the laughter, and the tears—and invites readers to pay attention, cradle our loved ones in prayer, and see the sacred lessons in loving. These stirring meditations bring into sharp focus one essential question: How do we love breathtakingly?
Down to Earth [Large Print]: The Hopes & Fears of All the Years Are Met in Thee Tonight (Down to Earth Advent series)
by Mike Slaughter Rachel BillupsNothing in all the vast, created universe could prepare us for God coming down as a helpless infant, or for Jesus the son of God intentionally positioning himself as a mere servant, identifying with the lowest of lows. It's enough to confound the mind, to make the heart contrite. This Advent, God's great surprise changes everything.
Inside the Organic Church: Learning from 12 Emerging Congregations
by Bob WhiteselA new generation of churches is emerging, calling new disciples to the way of Jesus by proclaiming the Good News and seeking the transformation of culture. Bob Whitesel takes us inside congregations that draw upon ancient traditions and modern technologies to create a spiritual community and shows how the practices of the "organic church" can be instructive for all those wishing to reach today's world with the gospel of Christ. Bob Whitesel is Associate Professor in the Department of Graduate Studies in Ministry at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana. A sought-after speaker and conference leader, he is the author of several books, including Growth by Accident, Death by Planning, also published by Abingdon Press.
Black Church Studies: An Introduction
by Carol B. Duncan Nancy Lynne Westfield Stacey Floyd-Thomas Juan M. Floyd-Thomas Stephen G. Ray JR.Religious StudiesOver the last thirty years African American voices and perspectives have become essential to the study of the various theological disciplines. Writing out of their particular position in the North American context, African American thinkers have contributed significantly to biblical studies, theology, church history, ethics, sociology of religion, homiletics, pastoral care, and a number of other fields. Frequently the work of these African American scholars is brought together in the seminary curriculum under the rubric of the black church studies class. Drawing on these several disciplines, the black church studies class seeks to give an account of the broad meaning of Christian faith in the African American experience. Up to now, however, there has not been a single, comprehensive textbook designed to meet the needs of students and instructors in these classes. Black Church Studies: An Introduction will meet that need. Drawing on the work of specialists in several fields, it introduces all of the core theological disciplines from an African American standpoint, from African American biblical interpretation to womanist theology and and ethics to sociological understandings of the life of African American churches. It will become an indispensable resource for all those preparing to serve in African American congregations, or to understand African American contributions to the study of Christian faith.Looks at the diverse definitions and functions of the Black Church as well as the ways in which race, class, religion, and gender inform its evolution.Provides a comprehensive view of the contributions of African American Scholarship to the current theological discussion.Written by scholars with broad expertise in a number of subject areas and disciplines.Will enable the reader to relate the work of African American theological scholars to the tasks of preaching, teaching, and leading in local congregations.Will provide the reader the most comprehensive understanding of African American theological scholarship available in one volume.Stacey Floyd-Thomas, Brite Divinity SchoolJuan Floyd-Thomas, Texas Christian UniversityCarol B. Duncan, Wilfrid Laurier UniversityStephen G. Ray Jr., Lutheran Theological Seminary-PhiladelphiaNancy Lynne Westfield, Drew UniversityTheology/Theology and Doctrine/Contemporary Theology
Cross-Examined: Reading the Bible in Times of Division
by Josh ScottIncisive responses to society’s most pressing biblical questions.Does the Bible really say that women shouldn’t lead in the church or that the LGBTQ+ community can’t be included in the church? Does the Bible support racism, white supremacy, and Christian nationalism? Do we have to choose between an understanding of the Bible that has been weaponized for harm and exclusion or not engaging the Bible at all? This book explores what the Bible is and what it does (and, maybe more importantly, doesn’t) say about these important questions. The answers might surprise you.Through thoughtful analysis and personal transformation, Josh Scott invites you to rethink dominant interpretations and uncover new possibilities for justice, inclusivity, and generosity in faith. Perfect for those seeking a deeper connection with their beliefs or grappling with these pressing issues, Cross-Examined serves as both a guide and a conversation starter. Open your heart and mind to an alternative understanding of faith, and join the movement toward a future of hope, justice, and unity.
Give It Up!: A Lenten Study for Adults
by Dottie Escobedo-FrankThis Lenten study reflects on all the things that hold our attention, occupy our minds and monopolize our time, yet still isolate us from God and the world around us. Things like social media, phones, the noise of life, and focus on the external. Imagine taking on the challenge of giving up each of these for a week. During this seven-week study, Dottie Escobedo Frank takes the reader on a journey of self discovery, where he or she learns that the power of release brings great gain. The biggest gain is a stronger relationship with Christ. In the release, each person is freed to "give it up" in applause and praise for a life deeply lived in Christ.This thematic Bible study is designed to be used by individuals and small groups during the Lent 2015 season. In addition to the main content, each chapter offers questions for reflection and discussion, a brief prayer, and a focus for the week. The focus emerges from the chapter content and encourages readers to engage in a spiritual practice or do something specific that will help them grow in faith. On the whole, this thematic seasonal Bible study series is designed for transformation and application of Bible study to everyday, practical life experience.
A Full-Hearted Life: Following Jesus in This Secular Age
by Jake OwensbyMeaningful answers for life’s big questions.Everyone must ask life’s big questions. Even people who reject any hint of the supernatural and insist that nothing exists apart from matter will have to find meaning for themselves. To put this another way, the defining mark of our secular age is not the absence of belief, but rather the effect on our consciousness of the sheer number of competing belief systems. That effect is fragilization. And so, belief is fragile. We don’t have to believe what we believe. We could believe something else entirely. This book articulates how believing in Jesus gives us a sense of who we are, why we’re here, what the good life is, and how to move toward that good life. This is not traditional apologetics, offering logical proofs that God exists or that Jesus is God incarnate or that all those alternative belief systems are false. Put simply, the aim of this book is to help you see for yourself and to explain to others how Christian belief and Christian practice can make life meaningful."If you want to know what it looks and feels like to be a Christian, read this book. If, as a Christian, you could use a little encouragement, look no further.”—The Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington DC, author of How We Learn to Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith
Pond River Ocean Rain: Find Peace in the Storms of Life
by Charles Lattimore HowardFor those who seek to find new depths in their spiritual lives, Pond River Ocean Rain helps readers wade into the beautiful water that is God through stories, questions, and accessible illustrations.Feelthe Living Water wash over you while contemplating chapters onstillness (such as a pond), the full trust in God’s will (much like therush of a river), peace within mystery (as experienced in the depths ofthe ocean), and the movement of God’s relentless love for us (therefreshing rain we receive).Pond River Ocean Rain,like all bodies of water, is simple, occasionally wild, andconsistently beautiful. And there are depths that, when explored, revealabundant life for all who jump in.
The Generous Church: A Guide for Pastors (Defying Gravity)
by Tom BerlinOur possessions can create unbearable weight and affect our abilityto serve and thrive. How do we defy gravity and find freedom? In this4-week small group study and stewardship campaign, pastor and author TomBerlin explores what is required to sustain a vibrant life, what weneed versus what we want, and what we can do to avoid being pulled intothe orbit of materialism. The Generous Church helps the pastor and leadership team thinkstrategically about financial planning and giving beyond the annualcampaign vision. Tom Berlin believes and teaches that the church, inorder to inspire generosity in individuals, needs to be seen andunderstood as generous. People will embrace giving if they see the waystheir gifts are used in the community and the world. Generous church…generous people.Sermon helps and fresh illustrations will be included, broken down intofour segments: Think About It – How do I think through the key aspects of our church’s financial reality and plan? Communicate It – How do we tell our story so the whole congregation shares a vision who we are, what we do, and what changes we can make in the world with our people and resources. Plan It – What’s the short-term campaign plan, the annual plan, and our long-term plan for the financial and spiritual life of our congregation? Manage It - How do we set up processes, reports, goals, and metrics to stay true to our plan?
Worship as Pastoral Care
by William H. WillimonDemonstrates how worship and pastoral care can be blended to sustain and enrich each other.Using insights gained from pastoral care and pastoral psychology, William H. Willimon explores what happens to people when they become involved in Christian worship. True pastoral care, he shows, cannot take place apart from an active worshiping community of faith.Worship as Pastoral Care sensitizes pastors to the many ways Christian worship and pastoral care methods can be blended to enrich and support one another. It encourages pastors to broaden their understanding of corporate worship and to become aware of the importance of their role as priests.To illustrate his concepts, Dr. Willimon examines four familiar acts of worship: the funeral, the wedding, baptism, and the Lord's Supper. The psychological dimensions are discussed and suggestions are given on ways pastors can nurture and sustain their congregations through these services.
Elijah - Women's Bible Study Leader Guide: Spiritual Stamina in Every Season (Elijah)
by Melissa SpoelstraGo the distance in the life of faith.Life is like a rollercoaster. One day it seems that everything in life is good, and the next day it can feel like everything is falling apart. Then there are those in between days when we’re coasting along without much thought to the highs or lows. The prophet Elijah experienced this rollercoaster ride as well. One moment he was hiding out in the wilderness during a famine, being fed by the ravens, and the next he was on the mountaintop where God showed up in a powerful way with fire and then rain. Even Elijah grew weary of all the ups and downs, telling God, “I have had enough” (1 Kings 19:4). He needed spiritual stamina in order to keep on going and fulfill all the plans God had for his life. We do too!In this six-week study grounded in 1 and 2 Kings, we will examine the life of the prophet Elijah, an ordinary man who did extraordinary things for God in the midst of the highs and lows of life. We’ll learn some of the spiritual stamina secrets that helped him to hold on and persevere in faith, including practical habits related to making decisions, caring for the soul, accepting his circumstances, mentoring, and finishing well—which was his ultimate legacy. Whether we’re currently in a mountaintop season where we’re experiencing God’s power and blessing, a valley season where we feel like running away, or somewhere in between, Elijah’s life will inspire us to go the distance in the life of faith. Best of all, his story will challenge us but not shame us, because we’ll discover that Elijah was just as human as we are. He doubted and struggled just as we do, but ultimately, he chose to believe God. As we study his life, we will grow in faith and develop spiritual stamina that will help us not only to survive but actually thrive in every season.The Leader Guide, to be used along with the study's workbook and DVD, contains six session plan outlines, complete with discussion points and questions, activities, prayers, and more—plus leader helps for facilitating a group.Bible Study Features:Examine the life of the prophet Elijah.Learn practical disciplines that give us spiritual stamina for every season in life.Grow in faith and be inspired by an ordinary man who did extraordinary things for God.Be enabled to not just survive but thrive in the midst of the ups and downs of life.Other components for the Bible study, available separately, include a Participant Workbook, DVD with six sessions of about 25 minutes each, and boxed Leader Kit (an all-inclusive box containing one copy of each of the Bible study’s components). A companion Prayer Devotional is also available.