7 WAYS TO PRAY - autumn, a giveaway, a sneak preview, & thoughts on a new rhythm of life
Can you believe we're over halfway through September already?
Life has picked up speed again, don't you feel? Certainly the traffic around here is exceptionally busy again, rush hour has returned especially at school pickup time, and I've already had SOS calls from family members needing me to help out with school runs, overnights, even the privilege of attending induction day at secondary school with one grandchild. Home group has started again properly (ie not online but together for real! but lateral flowtest required that morning to attend) and Pilates, and I'm having to make sure there's SOMETHING written in the diary a couple of times each week otherwise I could have every moment filled! I've composed a new rhythm of life for this season and I'm absurdly pleased with it!
What's your rhythm for this season?
Is it working?
Does it need tweaking?
I posted this on social media a few days ago:
How might the leaves be inspiring you this season? As we thank God for the glorious autumn colours, listen to the promptings of His Spirit:
Learning the freedom that it's ok to change, let go, be in a different season. And learning to live in the NOW and not worry about what lies ahead. Lots of deep breaths to stop the anxious moments, and lots of fresh air and exercise to keep me sane. You?
I'm so excited by a new book I read a few weeks ago
and even more excited to tell you I have TWO COPIES to give away!
7 WAYS TO PRAY by Amy Boucher Pye is a wonderful new resource, because its delightful personal style and readability draws you in and then helps you to connect with God. There are stories, suggestions, examples to try and even some new ways to pray! I can't recommend this book highly enough for you.
AND there are a LOT (and I mean a lot! Wow, Amy, you've done so much to help us pray; thank you!) of online resources too - you can find a long list on Amy's website that includes interview videos, home group resources with leaders' guides, questions and videos for each week, a free YouVersion daily devotional journey, AND it's featured on the Big Church Read. There is so much to help us in our prayer life from this book and all these resources!
Amy says:
Dear lovely readers of Penelope’s regular missives I’m so honoured to be featured in this newsletter! Although I’ve known of Penelope for many years, it was this summer when I joined her for a day of her Winchester-to-Canterbury pilgrimage that I got to know her so much better. She’s the real deal. We’ve had many things in common over the years – both being based at the Falls Church Anglican in Virginia for a season (but not at the same time); both living a short distance from each other in North London (but not really knowing each other); both with hearts geared towards God through prayer; both so enjoying the privilege of leading retreats and me now joining her as a spiritual director. That day walking in the glorious (and humid) English countryside gave me a new appreciation for this woman of God. Penelope has encouraged me in this new book, 7 Ways to Pray. I suspect she’s led many individuals and groups in most of them at some point, so to have her endorsement means so much. I hope that this new book-baby can be a conduit of God’s grace in your life, that you might encounter him in new and surprising ways.
- Amy
Interview with James Catford:
I especially appreciated Amy's video interview with James Catford, who had a career in commercial publishing before leading Bible Society for fourteen years. He now serves as Chair of SPCK and also the US renewal ministry Renovaré, founded by Richard Foster. He is a consultant to American Bible Society, a columnist for the magazine Preach, and lives with his wife Sue in London. He speaks movingly of experiencing God in his life and in particular shares how to practice the presence of God in our daily lives.
There are 2 different book covers - one for the UK and one for the USA.I've the UK version for you; the one on the right is USA.
GIVEAWAY
I have TWO FREE COPIES of 7 Ways to Pray in a giveaway for you! In order to enter, sign up on the pop-up form on here and details for entry will be emailed to you. But BE QUICK - entries close at midnight Wednesday Sept 22nd (BTS)
Available to readers anywhere not just the UK!
Pitch Your Tent in the Land of Hope
I'm speaking at a Women's Breakfast Event in Newbury on Saturday Oct 9th. It's the first speaking engagement for nearly 2 years due to Covid; this event itself has been postponed several times! Please pray for the right words, for the Lord to be at work, and for women to know new HOPE as we choose to pitch our tents in the land of hope. Ive been studying HOPE in Scripture all year and am looking forward to sharing some of what I've been learning!
Sparkle and Go Deeper
(Almost) Daily thoughts and inspiration to help you go deeper with God.
I began this closed Facebook group in January and we're already over 100 members. But I've been pondering recently whether to close it as I wasn't sure whether it was helping anyone! And then a Vicar I meet with for Spiritual Direction told me this past week of the difference it has made to her over the summer - both in her own personal walk with the Lord and in her parish ministry. My own despondency, at seeming lack of making a difference and helping others, was suddenly turned to thanks and praise as I heard how the Lord was using it to bless others! It's worth carrying on, even if it's only one person it helps. Be encouraged - you never know who you might be helping as you respond to the little nudges and prompts the Lord gives you!
A sneak peak at future giveaways!
Coming over the next few months! Don't miss the emails and don't miss the Giveaways. Especially with Christmas coming up.
On the evening when there were 100 days til Christmas I went to the book launch of The Christmas Story by Jo Swinney. We had mulled wine, mince pies, twinkly lights and crackers! And what an advent adventure this promises to be. I'm looking forward to reading it!
Autumn, books, rhythm of life, giveaways, Christmas, Advent ..... what spoke most to you as you read? Do hit reply and let me know.
