Openings (2nd Edition): A Daybook of Saints, Sages, Psalms and Prayer Practices

by Larry J. Peacock

Overview

Move closer to God one day at a time by reading the Psalms and practicing prayer in ways you may not have imagined before.

This is a prayer book for every day of the year for people who don't usually think about using a prayer book. Drawing on a wide variety of resources—lives of saints and sages from every age, psalms, guides for personal reflection and suggestions for practice—Rev. Larry J. Peacock offers helpful guidance for anyone hungry for a richer prayer life. Each day's reading has four parts:

• Remember a notable person of faith or a significant event
• Read a psalm or another scripture passage
• Ponder that day's scripture or person of faith
• Practice a variety of ways to pray, including prayer through play, music and physical movement

This new edition features the addition of ancient and modern sages from inside and outside the Christian tradition as well as updated resources for deepening your spiritual life throughout the year.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781594735455
Publisher:	TURNER PUB CO
Publication date:	04/01/2014
Pages:	448
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Rev. Larry J. Peacock, executive director of Rolling Ridge Retreat and Conference Center in North Andover, Massachusetts, is a pastor in the United Methodist Church, a retreat leader, a spiritual director and an educator specializing in spiritual formation. He is the author of Heart and Soul: A Guide to Spiritual Formation in the Local Church and The Companions in Christ Getting Started Guide.

Table of Contents

Preface to the Second Edition ix
Acknowledgments xiii
An Invitation xv

January 1
February 33
March 63
April 95
May 127
June 159
July 191
August 223
September 255
October 287
November 319
December 351

Using Openings for Holidays and Festivals 383
Notes 386
Suggested Resources 393
Sourcebooks on Saints, Sages,
Psalms, and Prayer Practices 405
Index of Prayer Themes and Practices 409
Index of Saints, Sages, and Events 413
Credits 418

Editorial Reviews

"Lives up to its title.... Put the contents of this book into practice and it will hallow your daily life.
—Parker J. Palmer, author, Healing the Heart of Democracy, Let Your Life Speak and A Hidden Wholeness

“Larry Peacock ... has poured his spiritual insight into the pages of this wise book."
—Martin Sheen

“Enriched by the guidelines for use on retreats, in prayer groups, and for special occasions, and is very user friendly.... Creates a rhythm in the reader's soul, helping to establish a rule of life.”
—Rev. Jane E. Vennard, spiritual director, retreat leader; author, Fully Awake and Truly Alive: Spiritual Practices to Nurture Your Soul

“Wonderfully helpful [and] wise.... No matter where you may be in your exploration of prayer and meditation, [this] is an excellent guide.”
—Rev. Dr. Ted Loder, author, Guerrillas of Grace

“A freshly prepared feast for the hungry heart.... Accessible to anyone—inside and outside gathered communities of faith—willing to pause for a few moments to be fully present to this particular day.”
—Alice Mann, consultant, speaker; author, Holy Conversations and The In-Between Church

“Like a fresh spring, Openings invites those thirsty for God to 'come to the waters’ (Isa. 55:1).... Simple yet wonderfully wise ponderings and prayer practices refresh the spiritual traveler and help to uncover the source of blessing hidden in each day.”
—Wendy M. Wright, PhD, professor of theology, John C. Kenefick Chair in the Humanities, Creighton University

“Sensibly down-to-earth ... will appeal to Christians of all denominations who want to stay alive to the Spirit one day at a time.”
—Wilkie Au, PhD, associate professor, Department of Theological Studies, Loyola Marymount University

From the Publisher