Biola University Bookstore
I am standing in line at the Biola Bookstore. There are 17 people in front of me. I am illegally parked. In my hand is ANSWERING GOD- THE PSALMS AS TOOLS FOR PRAYER by Eugene Peterson. This book was suggested by Bryan Sherwoodvia Alan Creech.
What is it about these Psalms that graps us like a magnet as we grow older. What do I wait in such a lengthy line?
This is an interesting bookstore. I see only one catholic book, The Homecoming by Henri Nouwen. No Thomas Merton. Lots of C.S. Lewis and books by Michael Reagan, R.C. Sproul, John Piper, and Charles Swindoll.
What book would you stand in line for?
posted by Dan Phillips @ 7:09 PM
13 comments
13 Comments:
PSALMS......The Psalms are so very special to me...would feel bad if I could never read them again...such images...such love for God...so 'teaching.' My Confirmation name is David so that might explain some of it. Precious old prayers. Must be dear to the heart of God...a 'language of the heart.' My favorite of all is that said by Christ on the cross and I say that psalm every Friday with Cross in hand. (Psalm 22) It greatly touches my heart and helps me to remember the painful desolation of the Lord on Calvary. "My God, My God, why hast Thou abandoned Me? Our fathers trusted in Thee and they were aided. And so I cry out with great confidence in Thee."
BLESSINGS..........Psalm 128:8 Contains this beautiful passage: "They that pass by have not called out to us: 'The blessing of the Lord be upon you..We have blessed you in the name of the Lord.'" It touches my heart when I think that this speaks of the love that all people of faith ought to bear towards one another. How can we not call a blessing down on everyone? If we love the Father, do we not love His children?
JOY IN GOD.....Psalm 121:1 "I rejoiced when they said to me: 'We shall go up to the house of the Lord.' " To love God is to also love all the things of God. Joy is one of the signs of a true and deep and abiding faith.
WORDS GIVEN........Ever notice how words will be given to you when you are asked to explain the faith in you? God will give the wisdom needed for the situation. You will be surprised at the words coming forth...I know that has been my experience on more than one occasion. HE will teach. Psalm 80:11 "...open thy mouth, I shall fill it."
Hi Dan,
It was lovely to stumble across your blog today. Well, to answer your question, there are many books I would stand in line for, but if I had to pick just one it would probably be "the Spiritual Canticle" of St John of the Cross - a book that has had a hugley formative effect on my life and spiritual journey since I first read it at the age of sixteen.
Noreen
(www.noreenmackey.com)
IMITATION OF CHRIST.....Worth the waiting in line. Book 2, Chapter 5: "Let nothing be great, nothing high, ...nothing acceptable to thee but God Himself or what comes from God." I make sure that AM prayer includes a brief reading from this little treasure. So much wisdom shared down through the years.
LARKS OF UMBRIA......A beautiful book on Francis and his early followers.I read this back in the late fortys but it is still fresh in my heart. On good example: I recall his words: "We shall go and tell the people the good news...sometimes we shall use words."
STORY OF SOUL....A classic. The book written by St Therese, the 'Little Flower.' You cannot read a page of this book without being drawn to a little more love for Christ. How she got the name 'Little Flower:' "In the Church there are many stately and grand flowers...marvels to see. But for me, I am content to be a tiny violet back in the far corner of the garden, maybe hidden by a burdock leaf, to be seen only by Jesus."
VESSELS OF CLAY......Great little work. In it the author speaks of the precious ointment of great sincere faith and enduring hope and selfless love being kept in a very ordinary clay jug. The jug is not that precious but the contents are so precious and are given to be poured out on those suffering and searching...fearful and lonely...lost and seeking. Very moving book.
HOLY BIBLE...Especially EXODUS....Back in the fortys when I was ten years old, we studied the Book of Exodus the whole school year. We read every word and loved the story of God's love for His people. In it, we saw many prefigures of the New Testament...like the serpent on the staff and the healing of all who looked to it. Also, that special bread that God supplied...and the saving water out of the rock (the last place to find water in the desert, in a solid rock). The dear nun who taught me is now ninety one and I write to her each month...grand lady who gave her life to God and never took it back.
SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL FOR GOD....You cannot read this book without wanting to reach out and help someone. The love is contagious. Mother Teresa says you do not have to go far...right in your own family there ae those who need your love ...and in your neighborhood. You don't have to come back with me to Calcutta...start at home right where you are.
THE NEW TESTAMENT...Kleist - Lilly
Fom the Greek by two scholars, Kleist and Lilly. Clear, easy to read and yet not so modern that it loses its sacred tone. Often, I have looked up a passage there and found it was a refreshing change from other translations.
NAVES CONCORDANCE....Wonderful help if you are looking for a certain passage of Scripture. I bought mine in 1974...great book...1464 pages...more than 20,000 topics and sub topics...fourteen years of work by Orville J. Nave, Moody Press, Chicago. Helped me many times through the years.
Post a Comment
<< Home