Thomas R. Steagald

Sacred Days

Sat, 14 May 2022 01:04:23 GMT

Praise for Sacred Days

Tom Steagald knows how to write, which is to say he knows how to use his own true voice instead of one he has borrowed for the occasion. He also knows how to read, finding in the Gospels not just the same old stories we have heard all our lives but glimpses of the astonishing treasure to be found in those stories if we have our hearts open as well as our eyes."

—Frederick Buechner, author

"Christ takes time and thereby redeems time. This is the testimony of the church. Steagald creatively and faithfully demonstrates how the sanctification of all life and time in the light of Christ has implications for our lives as disciples."

—William H. Willimon
Retired United Methodist bishop and
Professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry, Duke Divinity School

Have you ever wondered about the meaning of certain seasons or days of the Christian year?

Steagald uses the Christian year as a map to help us understand the overarching story of Jesus' life. As you follow the events—from Jesus' birth, to his ministry and miracles, and finally his death and resurrection—you will come to understand the importance of the entire story.

Length of study: 6 weeks. Includes Leader's Guide.

A House of Prayer

Sat, 14 May 2022 00:53:41 GMT

A House of Prayer begins with a personal story: a moment of a deep sense of isolation and spiritual distress that gives way to a deep sense of abiding connectedness and community. That movement from isolation to serenity by means of praying together, spiritually or physically, is the emphasis of this book. Steagald believes that praying together allows the church to become "one," as Jesus intended, and the "Body" St. Paul described. The author incorporates memoir, travelogue, reflection on scripture, church history, and psychology as he builds a compelling case for congregations to put more focus on praying as a community.

Sacred Days

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:48:46 GMT

Praise for Sacred Days

—Frederick Buechner, author

—William H. Willimon
Retired United Methodist bishop and
Professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry, Duke Divinity School

Have you ever wondered about the meaning of certain seasons or days of the Christian year?

Length of study: 6 weeks. Includes Leader's Guide.

A House of Prayer

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:05:15 GMT

A House of Prayer begins with a personal story: a moment of a deep sense of isolation and spiritual distress that gives way to a deep sense of abiding connectedness and community. That movement from isolation to serenity by means of praying together, spiritually or physically, is the emphasis of this book. Steagald believes that praying together allows the church to become "one," as Jesus intended, and the "body" St. Paul described. The author incorporates memoir, travelogue, reflection on scripture, church history, and psychology as he builds a compelling case for congregations to put more focus on praying as a community.

Shadows, Darkness, and Dawn

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:02:37 GMT

How will you make more room for God in your life this Lent? Let Thomas Steagald be your travel guide as you journey through Lent with Jesus.

Steagald skillfully moves you from being a mere observer to becoming an actual participant in the scripture stories. You'll enter the wilderness with Jesus. Later, you'll meet some of the people who are touched by Jesus:

Nicodemus
the woman at the well
the man who was born blind
Mary and Martha after the death of their brother, Lazarus
religious and government leaders

Perhaps you'll find some similarities between these people's spiritual journeys and your own. As Jesus bravely enters the thickening shadows of conflict and rejection, you'll be led to explore shadows in your life. You'll discover the power of Christ's love to set you free from sin and the fear of darkness.

Each of the six chapters contains six daily readings that end with thought-provoking questions or calls to action. Day 7 of each chapter encourages you to rest and reflect on the week's theme, and to pray for yourself and others.

An ideal resource for individual or group reflection.

6 weeks • Includes Leader's Guide