https://store.upperroom.org:443/contributors/beth-a-richardsonBeth A. Richardson is Dean Emeritus of The Upper Room Chapel and a retired elder in the Mountain Sky Conference of The United Methodist Church. Richardson received her Master of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt Divinity School in Nashville, Tennessee. A native Oklahoman, Richardson is a photographer, spiritual director, artist, musician, writer, and worship leader.https://store.upperroom.org:443/product/christ-beside-me-christ-within-me-6<p>Many Christians long to sense God's presence in their everyday lives but don't know how. Inspired by the ancient form of prayer practiced by the Celtic people, Beth Richardson offers a multitude of short prayers&mdash;blessings&mdash;that embrace every aspect of daily life.</p> <p>A sense of joy about ordinary moments of the day pervades this book. Many of the blessings came to Richardson during one of her daily activities&mdash;walking her dogs. As she welcomed the day, she thought about celebrations, challenges, and other situations people she loved were facing.</p> <p>The result is a lovely collection of prayers that recognize God's presence in each moment, from waking to sleeping, from birth to death. The blessings will help readers acknowledge the richness of the gifts of life; express their feelings about special moments such as births, marriages, and graduations; offer words to pray during times of struggle; and give them a way to pray for the world and all its people.</p> <p><strong>KEY FEATURES</strong></p> <div style="margin: 5px 20px;"> <ul> <li>Short, simple prayers to read aloud or memorize</li> <li>Organized for simple accessibility</li> <li>Digital versions feature color photography</li> </ul> </div>Tue, 24 May 2022 16:00:21 GMThttps://store.upperroom.org:443/product/christ-beside-me-christ-within-me-6https://store.upperroom.org:443/product/walking-in-the-wilderness-2<p><strong>A Lenten Companion for Life's Challenges</strong></p> <p>"We come hungry to this season of Lent," author Beth Richardson writes, "hungry for words of life, for rituals of preparation, for disciplines to help us on our way."</p> <p>People of faith today are struggling as they navigate a world filled with uncertainty, fear, and division. These moments of wilderness and exile test our faith and invite us to seek God's presence more deeply. The wilderness, however, is a familiar place for those who follow Jesus. Just as Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness, Lent calls us to examine ourselves, repent, and make room in our lives for the Holy One.</p> <p><em>Walking in the Wilderness</em> is designed to be your companion on this sacred journey. With daily reflections from Ash Wednesday through Easter &mdash; as well as weekly spiritual practices &mdash; this devotional offers guidance for individuals or groups seeking to grow spiritually and navigate personal and collective experiences of wilderness during Lent.</p> <p><strong>Daily Devotions:</strong> Each daily devotion includes:</p> <ul> <li>A quotation from an Upper Room resource.</li> <li>A short scripture passage to reflect on.</li> <li>A thoughtful and inspiring meditation by Richardson.</li> <li>A prayer to center your heart.</li> <li>A single word to carry with you throughout the day.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Weekly Spiritual Practices:</strong> Each Sunday introduces a practice to help you navigate life's wilderness seasons with purpose:</p> <ul> <li>Being Present</li> <li>Lament</li> <li><em>Lectio Divina</em></li> <li>Trust</li> <li>Compassion</li> <li>Hospitality</li> </ul> <p><em>Walking in the Wilderness</em> provides a spiritual feast, offering readers the sustenance they need to grow in faith, renew their spirit, and embrace the hope and promise of Easter.</p> <p><strong>Perfect for Individual or Group Study</strong></p> <p>Whether you're seeking personal reflection or a resource for small group discussions, this devotional provides meaningful insights and practices for deepening your connection with God.</p>Sat, 14 May 2022 04:13:28 GMThttps://store.upperroom.org:443/product/walking-in-the-wilderness-2https://store.upperroom.org:443/product/the-uncluttered-heart-3<p>It's a time when we prepare our lives—hearts, minds, and spirits—for the coming of the Christ child. We sweep out the corners of our hearts, cleaning up the clutter, to make space for God's hope, peace, joy, love, and presence.</p> <p><em>The Uncluttered Heart</em> offers four weeks of guided reflection through the weeks of Advent on through Epiphany. Each day provides a</p> <div style="margin: 5px 20px;"> <ul> <li>quotation</li> <li>scripture passage</li> <li>reflection</li> <li>prayer</li> </ul> </div> <p>This book includes a study guide for groups.</p>Sat, 14 May 2022 02:32:15 GMThttps://store.upperroom.org:443/product/the-uncluttered-heart-3https://store.upperroom.org:443/product/child-of-the-light-3<p>If the Christmas season has become more of a chaotic consumer ritual rather than a nurturing spiritual time, you need this brilliant "Advent survival guide"! </p> <p>If you set aside just 10 minutes per day, <em>Child of the Light </em>will help you find your quiet center amid the stressful flurry of the November/December busyness. As you read the book's brief readings inspired by the season's carols and hymns, your spirit will be lifted, and your thoughts will be redirected to the purpose of the season: preparing for the coming of Christ.</p> <p>"Take time for God: that's exactly the challenge God gives us during this season of preparation," writes Richardson. "Personally and culturally, this time of year already seems to race out of control toward a Christmas finish line. In Advent, we are invited to take time out…[In] doing so, we nurture our spiritual self, that sometimes fragile part of us who longs for a connection with God."</p> <p>The reflections extend past Christmas to Epiphany, January 6, encouraging you to live into the joy of Christmas beyond traditional seasonal celebrations. </p> <p>A 5-week study guide is included at the back of the book, offering a simple structure for meetings: centering, reflecting, reading scripture, going deeper, and closing. The use of hymns and carols will engage even the most nonmusical among us to fully appreciate the lyrical richness of the season.</p> <p>Do you long for a more sacred and measured observance this year? Be joyfully carried through the pre- and post-Christmas pandemonium as a child of the light!</p>Sat, 14 May 2022 02:15:41 GMThttps://store.upperroom.org:443/product/child-of-the-light-3https://store.upperroom.org:443/product/christ-beside-me-christ-within-me-3<p>Many Christians long to sense God's presence in their everyday lives but don't know how. Inspired by the ancient form of prayer practiced by the Celtic people, Beth Richardson offers a multitude of short prayers&mdash;blessings&mdash;that embrace every aspect of daily life.</p> <p>A sense of joy about ordinary moments of the day pervades this book. Many of the blessings came to Richardson during one of her daily activities&mdash;walking her dogs. As she welcomed the day, she thought about celebrations, challenges, and other situations people she loved were facing.</p> <p>The result is a lovely collection of prayers that recognize God's presence in each moment, from waking to sleeping, from birth to death. The blessings will help readers acknowledge the richness of the gifts of life; express their feelings about special moments such as births, marriages, and graduations; offer words to pray during times of struggle; and give them a way to pray for the world and all its people.</p> <p><strong>KEY FEATURES</strong></p> <div style="margin: 5px 20px;"> <ul> <li>Short, simple prayers to read aloud or memorize</li> <li>Organized for simple accessibility</li> <li>Digital versions feature color photography</li> </ul> </div>Sat, 14 May 2022 01:12:57 GMThttps://store.upperroom.org:443/product/christ-beside-me-christ-within-me-3https://store.upperroom.org:443/product/christ-beside-me-christ-within-me<p>Many Christians long to sense God's presence in their everyday lives but don't know how. Inspired by the ancient form of prayer practiced by the Celtic people, Beth Richardson offers a multitude of short prayers&mdash;blessings&mdash;that embrace every aspect of daily life.</p> <p>A sense of joy about ordinary moments of the day pervades this book. Many of the blessings came to Richardson during one of her daily activities&mdash;walking her dogs. As she welcomed the day, she thought about celebrations, challenges, and other situations people she loved were facing.</p> <p>The result is a lovely collection of prayers that recognize God's presence in each moment, from waking to sleeping, from birth to death. The blessings will help readers acknowledge the richness of the gifts of life; express their feelings about special moments such as births, marriages, and graduations; offer words to pray during times of struggle; and give them a way to pray for the world and all its people.</p> <p><strong>KEY FEATURES</strong></p> <div style="margin: 5px 20px;"> <ul> <li>Short, simple prayers to read aloud or memorize</li> <li>Organized for simple accessibility</li> <li>Digital versions feature color photography</li> </ul> </div>Thu, 05 May 2022 20:23:45 GMThttps://store.upperroom.org:443/product/christ-beside-me-christ-within-mehttps://store.upperroom.org:443/product/walking-in-the-wilderness<p><strong>A Lenten Companion for Life's Challenges</strong></p> <p>"We come hungry to this season of Lent," author Beth Richardson writes, "hungry for words of life, for rituals of preparation, for disciplines to help us on our way."</p> <p>People of faith today are struggling as they navigate a world filled with uncertainty, fear, and division. These moments of wilderness and exile test our faith and invite us to seek God's presence more deeply. The wilderness, however, is a familiar place for those who follow Jesus. Just as Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness, Lent calls us to examine ourselves, repent, and make room in our lives for the Holy One.</p> <p><em>Walking in the Wilderness</em> is designed to be your companion on this sacred journey. With daily reflections from Ash Wednesday through Easter &mdash; as well as weekly spiritual practices &mdash; this devotional offers guidance for individuals or groups seeking to grow spiritually and navigate personal and collective experiences of wilderness during Lent.</p> <p><strong>Daily Devotions:</strong> Each daily devotion includes:</p> <ul> <li>A quotation from an Upper Room resource.</li> <li>A short scripture passage to reflect on.</li> <li>A thoughtful and inspiring meditation by Richardson.</li> <li>A prayer to center your heart.</li> <li>A single word to carry with you throughout the day.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Weekly Spiritual Practices:</strong> Each Sunday introduces a practice to help you navigate life's wilderness seasons with purpose:</p> <ul> <li>Being Present</li> <li>Lament</li> <li><em>Lectio Divina</em></li> <li>Trust</li> <li>Compassion</li> <li>Hospitality</li> </ul> <p><em>Walking in the Wilderness</em> provides a spiritual feast, offering readers the sustenance they need to grow in faith, renew their spirit, and embrace the hope and promise of Easter.</p> <p><strong>Perfect for Individual or Group Study</strong></p> <p>Whether you're seeking personal reflection or a resource for small group discussions, this devotional provides meaningful insights and practices for deepening your connection with God.</p>Thu, 05 May 2022 20:07:09 GMThttps://store.upperroom.org:443/product/walking-in-the-wilderness