Resource list

Below is a partial list of an annotated bibliography that was handed out to our gathering last Wednesday evening. Enjoy!

Christmastide: Prayers for Advent through Epiphany from the Divine Hours by Phyllis Tickle
This is one in a whole series of prayer books for individuals by Phyllis Tickle. She has been an inspiration to many of the laity and clergy in our diocese after her visit with us last December. This series of books simplifies the daily office in such a way that makes possible praying the hours with ease while maintaining the integrity of its prayers. I cannot recommend these books highly enough!

Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster
A tidy and helpful contemporary approach to centuries old spiritual disciplines.

Open Mind Open Heart: The Contemplative Dimension of the Gospel by Thomas Keating
This is a great primer in Centering prayer. Keating is Roman Catholic and so his writing is informed by his experience. In other words, you may notice some slight theological differences. Anything by Keating is a worthy read.

New Seeds of Contemplation by Thomas Merton
In my humble opinion, one does not get much better than this text or Thomas Merton generally speaking. This book is digestable – short essays on the spiritual life. An inspiring read!

Be Still and Get Going: A Jewish Meditation Practice for Real Life by Alan Lew
For those wanting to venture into other Abrahamic traditions, this is a great start. Rabbi Lew writes beautifully and incorporates the Hebrew scriptures with scholarly and spiritually deep exegesis as well as practical applications in a very user-friendly way. Solid writing, solid theology, and solid application. This is one of my favorite books of all time!

Keeping the Sabbath Wholly: Ceasing, Resting, Embracing, Feasting by Marva J. Dawn
I found this book very helpful in structuring a Sabbath practice for myself. Dawn is practical, down-to-earth, and realistic while still extolling the great gifts Sabbath practice gives us.