Over 12,000 copies of this book have sold since publication in 2004. Containing completely new material, this user-friendly sequel to the bestselling Intercessions Handbook is for individuals and groups involved in the vital task of leading prayers in public worship. Easy to adapt to particular situations and with a wealth of creative suggestions for enlivening the prayers, The Second Intercessions Handbook covers: mainstream public worship festivals and special events, informal worship and worship for small groups, intercessions with children and young people, and personal intercession.

"Homilies for Weekdays: Solemnities, Feasts, and Memorials" is a requested and welcome addition to the first two volumes of weekday homilies by Father Don Talafous, OSB. Here, he offers creative homily suggestions for solemnities, feasts, and obligatory memorials that fall on weekdays. Readers will deeply appreciate the faithful representation of the Scripture readings and their practical applications for Christian living. "Don Talafous, OSB, PhD, serves as alumni chaplain for Saint John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota. He is author of "Homilies for Weekdays: Year I "and"Homilies for Weekdays: Year II."

What does it mean to be in the presence of God's holiness? How can it affect us whether we seek it out or stumble upon it? Can it truly change our very reality to encounter it? The essayists in this volume explore these questions at the heart of Christian worship, considering the oft-neglected Old Testament as essential to understand our purpose in worship. Following the structure of the Hebrew canon -- beginning with the Pentateuch, moving through to the Psalms, then wisdom literature -- each chapter considers a separate aspect of worship, from theater to the Sabbath to sacred space, offering new inspiration. In the final essay Carol Bechtel "rereads the book of Job through the lens of our human limitations (as opposed to the usual theme of theodicy)," with compelling applications for both life and worship. Each of these essays concludes with two appropriately themed hymns and a "For Further Reading" list. Five of the seven contain sidebars that illustrate and enrich key points. Evocative woodcut artwork by Margaret Adams Parker provides a striking backdrop to the text. Taken together, these essays testify powerfully to the belief that the Old Testament is not only valuable but also essential to "whole" and fully foundational preaching and worship. Written primarily by Old Testament professors, Touching the Altar will make an engaging supplemental text for introductory or elective Old Testament courses and will also go far toward providing deeper worship for any Christian. Contributors: Carol M. Bechtel Thomas A. Boogaart Corrine L. Carvalho Ellen F. Davis J. Clinton McCann Jr. Dennis T. Olson Margaret Adams Parker John D. Witvliet

Each elegant volume features - large, easy-to-read type on cream-colored paper - readings arranged in sense lines - beautiful cover art that wraps God's word in beauty - five light-reflecting foils stamped on the cover - over 40 pieces of original art by Linda Ekstrom - premium materials and durable binding - quality ribbon marker and a dedication page

The Psalms have long served a vital role in the individual and corporate lives of Christians. The church fathers employed the Psalms widely—as hymns, Scripture readings, counsel on morals, forms for prayer, and in the great doctrinal controversies. In this ACCS volume readers will find rich comment and theological reflection from more than sixty-five ancient authors.

What happens to the Responsorial Psalm in the Sunday liturgy? How can it help us pray the Sunday readings? How can it help in planning the liturgy? The Responsorial Psalm is the most neglected part of the Liturgy of the Word, yet it can be the key to all the rest. Its intent is to help bring the message of the other readings into our lives. This book addresses the riches of the Responsorial Psalm for every Sunday of the three-year cycle. It explains the psalm genre, offers exposition on the meaning and beauty of the psalm itself, and comments on the relationship of the Responsorial Psalm to the other readings. It is the book for anyone who wants to understand and appreciate the Sunday readings -- preachers, catechists, liturgists and all the people in the pews.

The Catholic Lectionary guides us through the liturgical year, presenting Old and New Testament readings that together reveal God’s unfolding plan for our salvation. In The Word of the Lord: Reflections on the Mass Readings for Solemnities and Feasts, biblical scholar Dr. John Bergsma provides commentary alongside each celebration’s readings. Whether you are a homilist seeking insight into the meaning of difficult scriptural passages or a Catholic desiring a deepened understanding of the readings you hear at Mass, The Word of the Lord serves as an invaluable guide. This volume includes commentaries for liturgies that utilize the same readings across Cycles A, B, and C for The Season of Christmas The Season of Lent The Sacred Triduum The Season of Easter And Solemnities and Feasts of the Lord and His Saints Series Description The Lectionary guides our reading of Scripture through the liturgical year, presenting Old and New Testament readings that together reveal God’s unfolding plan for our salvation. In The Word of the Lord series, biblical scholar Dr. John Bergsma provides commentary on each Sunday’s selection of readings. Whether you are a homilist seeking insight into the meaning of difficult scriptural passages or a Catholic desiring a deepened understanding of the readings you hear at Mass, The Word of the Lord series is an invaluable guide.

Three minutes of prayer a day is all it takes to change your life for the better. In Messages of Perseverance for Lent 2024, Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran offer practical, everyday wisdom for persevering in your journey of faith. They will help you develop the grit and tenacity needed to overcome trials and temptations. Even in the midst of hardship, they encourage you to grow in faith and rely on God’s strength as you persevere toward the joy of Easter. For each day of Lent and Holy Week 2024, White and Corcoran—the authors of the bestselling and award-winning books Rebuilt and Seriously, God?—offer a verse or two of scripture, a short reflection, and a simple prayer prompt that will help you draw closer to God. While each devotion can be completed in as few as three minutes, you’ll reap the comfort and inspiration the words bring throughout the day.

Each elegant volume features - large, easy-to-read type on cream-colored paper - readings arranged in sense lines - beautiful cover art that wraps God's word in beauty - five light-reflecting foils stamped on the cover - over 40 pieces of original art by Linda Ekstrom - premium materials and durable binding - quality ribbon marker and a dedication page

Responding to the request "Teach us to pray", Jesus outlined a pattern of prayer with five basic movements of prayer. We call this outline "the Lord's Prayer" and often simply recite it. The five kinds of praying patterned in the Lord's prayer form the basic structure for the body of the prayers in this book. This is a collection of forms for prayer day-by-day. Each day's form has an initial section for reflecting on scripture and then the rest of the form is patterned by the Lord's Prayer with a variety of words and phrases which combine seasonal and biblical themes. Many of the prayers draw directly and indirectly from scripture. They also draw inspiration from Celtic, Anglican, Catholic, Orthodox and other ecumenical sources. These forms of prayer are written so as to be used by groups as well as lone pray-ers. This collection of prayers is also a helpful resource to supplement or enrich other forms of daily prayer.