We all have times when we are wanting to talk with God but wonder how or cannot find the words. In Henry Baron's excellent book, Talking with God we are provided thoughts and reflections that bring us closer to a creator who is there to listen when we are in wonder, comfort when we are in need and a companion when we are alone.
Years ago I read Practicing Our Faith: A Way of Life for a Searching People (The Practices of Faith Series) by Dorothy C. Bass. It is an excellent book that engages the practicalities and practices of the Christian faith. As a lifelong sceptic traveler her book is a good resource that helped me to understand why and how Christians believe. Henry Baron's book, while similarly organized, takes the reader to a more intimate place with the Divine. Every page is loaded with pearls of wisdom and thought that help the reader get into just the right frame of mind to engage the Creator; whether our mood is melancholy or joyous.
"Talking with God" is aptly subtitled: "prayers, meditations & conversations with God-seekers." For me I was especially drawn to the word "God-seeker." For me it defines my own life as a seeker and spiritual traveler. Henry's book does not seek to judge or preach. Rather it is that constant companion there for us during thick and thin.
After each entry there is a single simple thought to ponder. Each helps us to think beyond the meditation or prayer to contemplate for ourselves what we have just read. For example, in the chapter titled "Comforting the Sick and Sorrowing" is a wonderful "Prayer of the Incurably ill" which is followed by the pondering question: "What do you fall back on when bad things happen?" Another chapter titled "Forgiveness, Grace and Hope" includes a story simply titled, "Grace." The pondering question that follows it simply asks: "Recall an instance of grace-receiving and giving in your life."
In "Talking with God" author Henry J. Baron helps us each to think more deeply about our faith or lack thereof, and then comes along beside us in our own God-seeking journey. It is a book that does not judge or condemn, rather it engages our minds to think, contemplate and explore. This is the kind of book that is a great gift for anyone, whether they are a devout follower or an explorer. It would also be good for use in a study class or small group.
In our lives we all have to decide for ourselves what we are going to believe. For those who choose to believe in the God of Christianity I can think of no better roadmap than Talking with God by Henry J. Baron. Five stars plus two for good measure.
Available at Amazon.com and select booksellers
No comments:
Post a Comment