Overview

Written for all who want to strengthen their roots in God, this book introduces us to renewed patterns and rhythms for living which cultivate God's presence in our everyday lives. Inspired by the accounts of Celtic monastics, Richard Roberts blends their example with personal experience and biblical insights to create an integrated approach to Christian living, fit for the twenty first century. Many Christians are on a quest to discover more authentic ways to live the Gospel in their everyday lives. Some feel that their roots in a particular branch of the Church have been immensely valuable but that there are yet more treasures to be unearthed. These treasures will help us become more consistent in our following Jesus and more integrated as people. Other Christians, although serious followers of Jesus, have become disillusioned with their church's approach to the spiritual life; perhaps they are tired of triumphalism and easy answers to life's difficult questions - or, at the other extreme, they are bored with the formality of the services. Many are looking for something more, for renewal, for deeper roots. This book was written for people who wish to understand more about the Celtic roots of some contemporary forms of Christian spirituality and to explore how we might help develop a more integrated approach to what has become known as New Monasticism. It will help those who are beginning such an exploration, as well as for those further along the path who want to delve deeper. There is no attempt to provide a set of ready-made answers but rather to suggest a framework for understanding what monastic-inspired spirituality might look like today. The heart of monasticism is adopting a set of practices which interlock and provide an integrated approach to cultivating God's presence and carrying his presence into our everyday lives. These practices are expressed in what is termed a 'Rule of Life'. The idea of a Rule can be off-putting but the meaning of 'Rule' in this case has more to do with patterns of living than a set of regulations. A Rule is a guide to daily life and having such a guide is essential if we truly wish to emulate the example of the Celtic saints. Celtic Christians emphasised an awareness of God's presence, prayer and carrying God's presence with them in pilgrimage - this makes them an inspiring movement and one which we can learn from and emulate.

Full Product Details

9781838419011

Table of Contents

Reviews

Cultivating God's Presence is an accessible and comprehensive introduction to the growth of 'New Monasticism', a movement drawing on ancient Christian traditions and calling multitudes of believers into a deeper and more authentic spiritual walk. Richard Roberts has a gift for making the complex seem simple and the daunting attainable. Richard draws on his own fascinating journey of life-giving spiritual discovery and combines it with intriguing history and everyday theology blended with practical wisdom. I left this book with a clearer rationale for monastic practices and their importance for us today but, more importantly, I was inspired to pursue God's presence in a more intentional and determined way; an excellent, even essential, contribution. Ian Nicholson, Europe Director 24/7 Prayer Cultivating God's Presence is a fascinating foray into the significance of the monastic for today. Richard writes with humour and takes us with him on his personal journey of discovery. This book is highly informative, but accessible to all who are unwilling for followership of Jesus to be a spectator activity. Clive Orchard, Warden and Team Leader, Ffald y Brenin Richard Roberts has crafted a marvellous description of prayer and God's presence that is offered more as a journey than an academic exercise. He refers to both ancient and modern sources that can help the reader develop an ear for the 'almost inaudible whisper of God' by 'renewing, retrieving and repurposing ancient Celtic practices'. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is serious about their walk with Jesus - in my humble opinion, should find a home in every serious Christian disciple's bookcase and life. Bob Garrett, Overall Coordinator, The Alleluia Community, Augusta, Georgia Richard gives hope and detailed orientation as to how to develop a Rule of Life - according to old paths trodden by the Benedictines, the ancient Celtic monks or those from other monastery traditions. The book is a reminder for me personally and an inspiration for all those willing and wanting to cultivate the conditions for consistent growth 'into this presence of God'. Deacon Johannes Fichtenbauer, President of The European Network of Communities & former director of the Catholic Deacons Seminary of Vienna Cultivating God's Presence will be a book that every leader will want to use to establish a foundational vision for restoring the church to its proper neighbourhood based 'discipleship ministry'! My prayer is that all renewal minded Christian leaders will use this resource to foster neighbourhood-based ecumenical houses of prayer to transfigure the cultures of our ever-changing societies. Darrell Wentworth, Founder, Awakening the Domestic Church Richard's work is profoundly biblical, well researched and thoroughly theological and yet it is accessible, very readable, non-threatening and practical because it comes from the heart. It is a must for anyone seeking to deepen their walk with God and their effectiveness in life! John Noble, Chair of the UK Charismatic Leaders Conference (1984 -2006)

Author Information

Dr RICHARD J ROBERTS holds qualifications in medicine, theology, and counselling. He has decades of experience in church leadership and has been a theological educator. Richard is a trustee of the International Charismatic Consultation and of Ffald y Brenin Retreat Centre in Wales. Since 2012 he has been involved in official contact between the New Charismatic Churches (non-denominational) and the Vatican. He is the author of Redeeming Prophecy: A Practical Guide to Authentic Prophetic Ministry.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available