Why is it important to prepare your heart for Holy Communion? Holy Communion (also known as the Lord's Supper, service of Word and Table, or Eucharist) is an act of worship that Christians are called to offer to God, Robert Benson believes. "[The observance of Communion] is a critical part of our life together," he notes. "It seems critically important that we approach this act of praise and thanksgiving with some measure of reverence." Benson invites us to take a fresh look at this central p...

"Pray for me," someone says to you. How seriously do you take such a request? Ken Carter, a pastor for nearly 30 years, says he has learned to honor the request "Pray for me" as a cry for help. "It is an acknowledgment that we are limited and finite creatures. It is a trust placed in a higher power," he comments. "It is always prompted by a situation that would not be desired, yet it is always an occasion for the grace of God." Carter compares a person in need—whether it's because of illness,...

Caregiving is a demanding task that takes a huge toll on the person providing care—mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Nell Noonan, speaking from her own experience as caregiver for her husband, describes caregiving as a "cataclysmic spiritual experience." She says it's critical for caregivers to practice self-care so they can cope with their situation. Paying attention to one's spiritual health is especially important. The 28 Days format (4 weeks of brief daily readings that ...

As a way of infusing participants with a sense of God's unconditional (agape) love, tangible signs of agape are everywhere during a Walk to Emmaus or a Chrysalis weekend. This book explains the various forms of agape and anonymous acts of servanthood that are vital to communicating unconditional love during each 3-day event.

Derek Maul beckons you to join him on a devotional pilgrimage through Lent. Imagine yourself sitting at the table with Jesus and his disciples. Walk with Jesus on the dusty path from Bethany to Jerusalem. Watch him closely and listen to his words of grace, hope, and challenge as he moves purposefully toward the Cross. Reaching Toward Easter features 49 daily devotions that include in-depth Bible study, personal stories, and prayers. Maul hopes that you will arrive at Holy Week refreshed rath...

Behold is an old-fashioned word we rarely hear these days. It's not in most modern translations of the Bible. Yet Pamela Hawkins says this word softens the edges of her heart. "I cannot say this word without moving, without extending and lifting a hand, palm open, toward the object of my attention," she remarks. Enter Advent this year with an attitude of curious expectancy and trustful anticipation. Linger for a while and pay close attention to the meaning of the season as you focus on a si...

Many of us feel intimidated about our prayer life—we look at other Christians, and prayer seems to come naturally to them. But somehow we feel that we just don't "get it." Author Mary Lou Redding reminds us that the disciples were with Jesus continually, and still they had to ask him for help in learning how to pray. That should reassure us, she says. Because the Lord's Prayer is so familiar, we run the risk of praying it by rote without really thinking about the meaning of the words. Redding...

Aging is part of God's plan, says author Missy Buchanan—and it's a gift, not punishment. Buchanan reminds us that aging is a matter of perspective—if we fix our eyes on negative images of growing old, we will miss the treasures right before us. But when we focus on God, we will discover an abiding joy that comes only with a long life. Aging Faithfully is divided into four weekly themes: Accepting the Challenges of Aging Finding God's Purpose in Aging Overcoming the Temptations of Aging Dis...

Can I trust God when my child is seriously ill? Wessel Bentley knows the agony of this question, and he writes from his own experience of having a child with severe heart problems. Bentley understands parents' need for spiritual support when they face the tough task of raising a child with a serious illness. He sensitively guides parents through a 28-day process of prayer, reflection, and practical suggestions for coping with their situation. The four weeks of readings address these themes: ...

Want to learn how to delegate, prioritize, get organized, listen, serve humbly, and become more Christlike? The Walk to Emmaus and Chrysalis can revitalize your faith and help you discover how you can lead as Christ's servant in your home, church, school, or workplace.