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Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life

Paperback |English |1640606432 | 9781640606432

Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life

Paperback |English |1640606432 | 9781640606432
Overview

"Embark on a spiritual quest to the heart of the practice of centering prayer. Biblical scholar and coach Brian Russell discovered centering prayer at a crossroad in his life over a decade ago. He embraced the practice and it has continued to lead him to ever deepening experiences of the grace and love of God in Jesus Christ. He wrote this book as a guide to help you grow spiritually and to open yourself up to the work of the Holy Spirit in fresh ways in your life. God's love is the true essence of this book and centering prayer is the vehicle for freeing your true self to experience more of God's love. Whether you are at a difficult crossroads or simply interested in learning about growing deeper in your faith through silent meditative prayer, you will find a clear and substantive deep dive into "how" "why" and "what" of sitting quietly in God's presence. Beginners as well as seasoned practitioners will gain inspiration, rich insight, and practical knowledge of a contemplative prayer practice that can truly be life changing.In Centering Prayer: How Sitting Quietly Before God Can Change Your Life, you will:-Be inspired by the personal stories of the author about the impact of centering prayer in his life-Learn the practice of centering prayer including its roots in the early church-Be empowered to establish your own practice and find clear actionable instructions to make centering prayer a consistent spiritual habit in your life-Gain a practical biblical and theological foundation for understanding centering prayer-Identify and overcome common obstacles faced by practitioners of all levels of practice-Discover how centering prayer will open you up to deep experiences of inner healing by God's grace-Find encouragement and guidance to shape your journey toward even greater levels of love for God, others, and self-Understand how sitting quietly in God's presence impacts your inner life as a means to transforming how you show up in your family, job, and life-Be transformed for witness and mission as a disciple of Jesus shaped by faith, hope and love"
ISBN: 1640606432
ISBN13: 9781640606432
Author: Brian D. Russell
Publisher: Paraclete Press
Format: Paperback
PublicationDate: 2021
Language: English
PageCount: 176
Dimensions: 5.75 x 0.5 x 8.75 inches
Weight: 7.2 ounces

A new, but ancient, way to pray can turn your life around. Discover how to experience God's love at your core, freeing you to love others, and even yourself.

When biblical scholar and coach Brian Russell discovered centering prayer at a difficult crossroad in his life, he had no idea how his life would change. "Sensing God's love for me has been so transformational that it almost feels as though I've experienced conversion all over again," he writes. He became calmer, less anxious, less reactive, freed of past wounds, and a better listener in the presence of others.

Centering prayer, also known as the prayer of silence, helps you quiet your mind from the constant thoughts and impulses, and frees your true self to experience more of God's love in the very core of your being.

This inviting guide gives you practical tools to make centering prayer a consistent habit in your life, gives the history and theological foundation for the practice, and helps identify and overcome common obstacles. Beginners, as well as seasoned practitioners, will gain inspiration, rich insight, and practical knowledge of a contemplative prayer practice that can open you up to deep experiences of inner healing and peace.

Editorial Reviews

"Brian invites us to trust God's own heart as our most true dwelling place. He shows how this centering is not an escape to an ethereal realm but inhabits God's own life in the glorious messiness of our own." -- Dr. Amy Oden, Professor of Early Church History and Spirituality; author of, Right Here, Right Now: The Practice of Christian Mindfulness "Most of us sort out life's problems using words and logic. Brian Russell shows us a better way--to begin from our divinely designed center of gravity: prayer. The best way to experience 'lavish love' and pay it forward is to pray (and play) it forward. This book could change your life." -- Leonard Sweet, best-selling author, preacher, and educator "We live in a crazy world, where people are stressed and burning out. Spiritual burnout occurs when we don't give ourselves time to stop and rest from our busy routine. More than ever, we need to recenter our lives on Christ. More specifically, we need to rediscover the practice of centering prayer that will help sustain us. Centering Prayer is a timely book. Read it and you will be refreshed, renewed, and recentered in the presence of God." -- Dr. Winfield Bevins, Director of Church Planting at Asbury Seminary and author of Ever Ancient Ever New "Brian Russell shares his story of moving from intellectual assent to heartfelt experience of being loved by God. How did that transformation happen? Read this book to find out for yourself, and you too might discover the beauty of sitting in silence before the One who knows you completely and loves you deeply." -- Virginia Todd Holeman, PhD, LPCC, Professor of Counseling, Asbury Theological Seminary "Soon enough, none of us will remember life before the internet. Our online technologies will have become a kind of foundational myth. Something essential will be missing from our lives, something our ancestors took entirely for granted -- an ability to be absent. Whether you are leading in the marketplace or the Church, Centering Prayer offers you timeless practices that will help you foster a spirituality that is not just another connection but is the connection to grow in your love of God, neighbor, and yourself." -- Dr. Mark Dunwoody, Co-Founder of Missional Formation Coaching and author of Healthy Rhythms for Leaders "Brian Russell invites us to recenter ourselves in God's loving presence through centering prayer. As a gifted teacher and experienced practitioner, Brian is a trustworthy guide for anyone who thirsts, not only to know more about God, but to be with God and walk in his way of love every day." -- Alastair Sterne, lead pastor of St. Peter's Fireside in Vancouver, British Columbia, and author of Rhythms for Life "Russell gives a very down to earth, practical presentation of centering prayer and how it can help us grow in the spiritual journey. In particular, he shows how beautifully it reflects the Scriptures and how it can open us up to the healing power of God's Spirit, as experienced through silence. I think this is a very useful read for anyone trying to grow in the spirit." -- Rev. Dr. Murchadh O'Madagain, author of Centering Prayer and the Healing of the Unconscious "The loss of prayer in the Christian church is not due to lack of time. We binge watch Netflix with immense efficiency. It is due to a deep conviction. We think we're better at things than God. Brian Russell invites us not to a new way, but the old way, which is laced with patience and quiet, hope and love, yearning and hoping. Highly recommended." -- A.J. Swoboda, assistant professor of Bible, theology, and World Christianity at Bushnell University and the author of After Doubt "Brian has been to the desert of a fullblown spiritual and emotional crisis, and he knows the way through. The practice of centering prayer has been a sustaining force in his life, and now he shares deep insights from his own growth and failures. This is more than a book--it is a pathway into the transformative love of God." - Rev. Dr. Michael Adam Beck, author and Director of the Fresh Expressions House of Studies at United Theological Seminary "Dr. Brian Russell's book is an indispensable guide to discovering the depths of God's love, who we are, and how we're created to live." -- John Carroll, Director of the School of Kingdom Living, Dallas Willard Ministries "Russell reimagines for this day and age what it means to dwell in prayer with the Divine. A must read!" -- Tiffany Bluhm, author of Prey Tell: Why We Silence Women Who Tell the Truth and How Everyone Can Speak Up

Dr. Brian D. Russell is an ordained pastor, an award winning professor of Biblical studies, and founder of Deep Dive Spirituality, a coaching program for pastors and spiritual leaders interested in deepening their spiritual formation for authentic Christian living and mission in the world. Brian and his wife are parents to six adult children and three grandchildren, and live in Orlando, Florida.
 
Dr. Brian D. Russell (Ph.D.) is an ordained pastor, an award winning professor of Biblical studies, and founder of Deep Dive Spirituality a coaching program for pastors and spiritual leaders interested in deepening their spiritual formation for authentic Christian living and mission in the world. Brian's calling is this: to seek out, study, and embody the deepest truths of God in order to model and teach them to others lovingly, compellingly, and transformationally. Brian is married to the love of his life. Together they are parents to six adult children and three grandchildren.

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  • Used - Acceptable: All pages and the cover are intact, but shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may include limited notes, highlighting, or minor water damage but the text is readable. Item may but the dust cover may be missing. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting, but the text cannot be obscured or unreadable.

Note: Some electronic material access codes are valid only for one user. For this reason, used books, including books listed in the Used – Like New condition, may not come with functional electronic material access codes.

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The usual time for processing an order is 24 hours (1 business day), but may vary depending on the availability of products ordered. This period excludes delivery times, which depend on your geographic location.

Estimated delivery times:

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  • Expedited Shipping: 3-5 business days

Shipping method varies depending on what is being shipped.  

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All orders are shipped with a tracking number. Once your order has left our warehouse, a confirmation e-mail with a tracking number will be sent to you. You will be able to track your package at all times. 

Damaged Parcel
If your package has been delivered in a PO Box, please note that we are not responsible for any damage that may result (consequences of extreme temperatures, theft, etc.). 

If you have any questions regarding shipping or want to know about the status of an order, please contact us or email to support@stevensbooks.com.

You may return most items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.

To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.

Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. Perishable goods such as food, flowers, newspapers or magazines cannot be returned. We also do not accept products that are intimate or sanitary goods, hazardous materials, or flammable liquids or gases.

Additional non-returnable items:

  • Gift cards
  • Downloadable software products
  • Some health and personal care items

To complete your return, we require a tracking number, which shows the items which you already returned to us.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable)

  • Book with obvious signs of use
  • CD, DVD, VHS tape, software, video game, cassette tape, or vinyl record that has been opened
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  • Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery

Items returned to us as a result of our error will receive a full refund,some returns may be subject to a restocking fee of 7% of the total item price, please contact a customer care team member to see if your return is subject. Returns that arrived on time and were as described are subject to a restocking fee.

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If you are shipping an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.

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Overview

"Embark on a spiritual quest to the heart of the practice of centering prayer. Biblical scholar and coach Brian Russell discovered centering prayer at a crossroad in his life over a decade ago. He embraced the practice and it has continued to lead him to ever deepening experiences of the grace and love of God in Jesus Christ. He wrote this book as a guide to help you grow spiritually and to open yourself up to the work of the Holy Spirit in fresh ways in your life. God's love is the true essence of this book and centering prayer is the vehicle for freeing your true self to experience more of God's love. Whether you are at a difficult crossroads or simply interested in learning about growing deeper in your faith through silent meditative prayer, you will find a clear and substantive deep dive into "how" "why" and "what" of sitting quietly in God's presence. Beginners as well as seasoned practitioners will gain inspiration, rich insight, and practical knowledge of a contemplative prayer practice that can truly be life changing.In Centering Prayer: How Sitting Quietly Before God Can Change Your Life, you will:-Be inspired by the personal stories of the author about the impact of centering prayer in his life-Learn the practice of centering prayer including its roots in the early church-Be empowered to establish your own practice and find clear actionable instructions to make centering prayer a consistent spiritual habit in your life-Gain a practical biblical and theological foundation for understanding centering prayer-Identify and overcome common obstacles faced by practitioners of all levels of practice-Discover how centering prayer will open you up to deep experiences of inner healing by God's grace-Find encouragement and guidance to shape your journey toward even greater levels of love for God, others, and self-Understand how sitting quietly in God's presence impacts your inner life as a means to transforming how you show up in your family, job, and life-Be transformed for witness and mission as a disciple of Jesus shaped by faith, hope and love"
ISBN: 1640606432
ISBN13: 9781640606432
Author: Brian D. Russell
Publisher: Paraclete Press
Format: Paperback
PublicationDate: 2021
Language: English
PageCount: 176
Dimensions: 5.75 x 0.5 x 8.75 inches
Weight: 7.2 ounces

A new, but ancient, way to pray can turn your life around. Discover how to experience God's love at your core, freeing you to love others, and even yourself.

When biblical scholar and coach Brian Russell discovered centering prayer at a difficult crossroad in his life, he had no idea how his life would change. "Sensing God's love for me has been so transformational that it almost feels as though I've experienced conversion all over again," he writes. He became calmer, less anxious, less reactive, freed of past wounds, and a better listener in the presence of others.

Centering prayer, also known as the prayer of silence, helps you quiet your mind from the constant thoughts and impulses, and frees your true self to experience more of God's love in the very core of your being.

This inviting guide gives you practical tools to make centering prayer a consistent habit in your life, gives the history and theological foundation for the practice, and helps identify and overcome common obstacles. Beginners, as well as seasoned practitioners, will gain inspiration, rich insight, and practical knowledge of a contemplative prayer practice that can open you up to deep experiences of inner healing and peace.

Editorial Reviews

"Brian invites us to trust God's own heart as our most true dwelling place. He shows how this centering is not an escape to an ethereal realm but inhabits God's own life in the glorious messiness of our own." -- Dr. Amy Oden, Professor of Early Church History and Spirituality; author of, Right Here, Right Now: The Practice of Christian Mindfulness "Most of us sort out life's problems using words and logic. Brian Russell shows us a better way--to begin from our divinely designed center of gravity: prayer. The best way to experience 'lavish love' and pay it forward is to pray (and play) it forward. This book could change your life." -- Leonard Sweet, best-selling author, preacher, and educator "We live in a crazy world, where people are stressed and burning out. Spiritual burnout occurs when we don't give ourselves time to stop and rest from our busy routine. More than ever, we need to recenter our lives on Christ. More specifically, we need to rediscover the practice of centering prayer that will help sustain us. Centering Prayer is a timely book. Read it and you will be refreshed, renewed, and recentered in the presence of God." -- Dr. Winfield Bevins, Director of Church Planting at Asbury Seminary and author of Ever Ancient Ever New "Brian Russell shares his story of moving from intellectual assent to heartfelt experience of being loved by God. How did that transformation happen? Read this book to find out for yourself, and you too might discover the beauty of sitting in silence before the One who knows you completely and loves you deeply." -- Virginia Todd Holeman, PhD, LPCC, Professor of Counseling, Asbury Theological Seminary "Soon enough, none of us will remember life before the internet. Our online technologies will have become a kind of foundational myth. Something essential will be missing from our lives, something our ancestors took entirely for granted -- an ability to be absent. Whether you are leading in the marketplace or the Church, Centering Prayer offers you timeless practices that will help you foster a spirituality that is not just another connection but is the connection to grow in your love of God, neighbor, and yourself." -- Dr. Mark Dunwoody, Co-Founder of Missional Formation Coaching and author of Healthy Rhythms for Leaders "Brian Russell invites us to recenter ourselves in God's loving presence through centering prayer. As a gifted teacher and experienced practitioner, Brian is a trustworthy guide for anyone who thirsts, not only to know more about God, but to be with God and walk in his way of love every day." -- Alastair Sterne, lead pastor of St. Peter's Fireside in Vancouver, British Columbia, and author of Rhythms for Life "Russell gives a very down to earth, practical presentation of centering prayer and how it can help us grow in the spiritual journey. In particular, he shows how beautifully it reflects the Scriptures and how it can open us up to the healing power of God's Spirit, as experienced through silence. I think this is a very useful read for anyone trying to grow in the spirit." -- Rev. Dr. Murchadh O'Madagain, author of Centering Prayer and the Healing of the Unconscious "The loss of prayer in the Christian church is not due to lack of time. We binge watch Netflix with immense efficiency. It is due to a deep conviction. We think we're better at things than God. Brian Russell invites us not to a new way, but the old way, which is laced with patience and quiet, hope and love, yearning and hoping. Highly recommended." -- A.J. Swoboda, assistant professor of Bible, theology, and World Christianity at Bushnell University and the author of After Doubt "Brian has been to the desert of a fullblown spiritual and emotional crisis, and he knows the way through. The practice of centering prayer has been a sustaining force in his life, and now he shares deep insights from his own growth and failures. This is more than a book--it is a pathway into the transformative love of God." - Rev. Dr. Michael Adam Beck, author and Director of the Fresh Expressions House of Studies at United Theological Seminary "Dr. Brian Russell's book is an indispensable guide to discovering the depths of God's love, who we are, and how we're created to live." -- John Carroll, Director of the School of Kingdom Living, Dallas Willard Ministries "Russell reimagines for this day and age what it means to dwell in prayer with the Divine. A must read!" -- Tiffany Bluhm, author of Prey Tell: Why We Silence Women Who Tell the Truth and How Everyone Can Speak Up

Dr. Brian D. Russell is an ordained pastor, an award winning professor of Biblical studies, and founder of Deep Dive Spirituality, a coaching program for pastors and spiritual leaders interested in deepening their spiritual formation for authentic Christian living and mission in the world. Brian and his wife are parents to six adult children and three grandchildren, and live in Orlando, Florida.
 
Dr. Brian D. Russell (Ph.D.) is an ordained pastor, an award winning professor of Biblical studies, and founder of Deep Dive Spirituality a coaching program for pastors and spiritual leaders interested in deepening their spiritual formation for authentic Christian living and mission in the world. Brian's calling is this: to seek out, study, and embody the deepest truths of God in order to model and teach them to others lovingly, compellingly, and transformationally. Brian is married to the love of his life. Together they are parents to six adult children and three grandchildren.

Books - New and Used

The following guidelines apply to books:

  • New: A brand-new copy with cover and original protective wrapping intact. Books with markings of any kind on the cover or pages, books marked as "Bargain" or "Remainder," or with any other labels attached, may not be listed as New condition.
  • Used - Good: All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May include "From the library of" labels. Shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Item may be missing bundled media.
  • Used - Acceptable: All pages and the cover are intact, but shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may include limited notes, highlighting, or minor water damage but the text is readable. Item may but the dust cover may be missing. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting, but the text cannot be obscured or unreadable.

Note: Some electronic material access codes are valid only for one user. For this reason, used books, including books listed in the Used – Like New condition, may not come with functional electronic material access codes.

Shipping Fees

  • Stevens Books offers FREE SHIPPING everywhere in the United States for ALL non-book orders, and $3.99 for each book.
  • Packages are shipped from Monday to Friday.
  • No additional fees and charges.

Delivery Times

The usual time for processing an order is 24 hours (1 business day), but may vary depending on the availability of products ordered. This period excludes delivery times, which depend on your geographic location.

Estimated delivery times:

  • Standard Shipping: 5-8 business days
  • Expedited Shipping: 3-5 business days

Shipping method varies depending on what is being shipped.  

Tracking
All orders are shipped with a tracking number. Once your order has left our warehouse, a confirmation e-mail with a tracking number will be sent to you. You will be able to track your package at all times. 

Damaged Parcel
If your package has been delivered in a PO Box, please note that we are not responsible for any damage that may result (consequences of extreme temperatures, theft, etc.). 

If you have any questions regarding shipping or want to know about the status of an order, please contact us or email to support@stevensbooks.com.

You may return most items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.

To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.

Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. Perishable goods such as food, flowers, newspapers or magazines cannot be returned. We also do not accept products that are intimate or sanitary goods, hazardous materials, or flammable liquids or gases.

Additional non-returnable items:

  • Gift cards
  • Downloadable software products
  • Some health and personal care items

To complete your return, we require a tracking number, which shows the items which you already returned to us.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable)

  • Book with obvious signs of use
  • CD, DVD, VHS tape, software, video game, cassette tape, or vinyl record that has been opened
  • Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error
  • Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery

Items returned to us as a result of our error will receive a full refund,some returns may be subject to a restocking fee of 7% of the total item price, please contact a customer care team member to see if your return is subject. Returns that arrived on time and were as described are subject to a restocking fee.

Items returned to us that were not the result of our error, including items returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address, will be refunded the original item price less our standard restocking fees.

If the item is returned to us for any of the following reasons, a 15% restocking fee will be applied to your refund total and you will be asked to pay for return shipping:

  • Item(s) no longer needed or wanted.
  • Item(s) returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address.
  • Item(s) returned to us that were not a result of our error.

You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).

If you need to return an item, please Contact Us with your order number and details about the product you would like to return. We will respond quickly with instructions for how to return items from your order.


Shipping Cost


We'll pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.). In other cases, you will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund.

Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you, may vary.

If you are shipping an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.

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