Protestants looking for a little more ritual and liturgy in their religious lives without going too far out on a limb will find this easy introduction to be just the thing. A writer, editor and occasional PW
contributor, Ford offers a collection of 28 practices grounded in biblical tradition or early Christian worship. Many of these rituals have fallen by the wayside in modern Protestants' religious practice. These include praying for the gift of tears and bereavement; using silence and solitude; and employing fixed-hour prayer, memorial meals, spiritual mentoring, and more. Written in a pleasant, conversational style, the book offers some interesting ideas to readers wishing to climb out of ruts in their prayer and worship habits. Ford makes it safe for evangelicals to borrow back a little of the high church liturgy and ritual from Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, as well as from Judaism. Want to feel physically wrapped in the love of God? Try wearing a prayer shawl. Want to pray unceasingly, but don't know how to start? Try reciting the Jesus Prayer. The book may be best appreciated by baby-boomer Protestants who will resonate with Ford's own religious journey. (Apr.)
