Bøger af Esther de Waal

Esther de Waal, one of Celtic Christianity's preeminent scholars, shows how this tradition of worship draws on both the pre-Christian past and on the fullness of the Gospel. It is also an enlightening glimpse at the history, folklore, and liturgy of the Celtic people.Esther de Waal introduces readers to monastic prayer and praise (the foundation stone of Celtic Christianity), early Irish litanies, medieval Welsh praise poems, and the wealth of blessings derived from an oral tradition that made prayer a part of daily life. Through this invigorating book, readers enter a world in which ritual and rhythm, nature and seasons, images and symbols play an essential role. A welcome contrast to modern worship, Celtic prayer is liberating and, like a living spring, forever fresh.

Combining monastic, Celtic and desert traditions, this title offers a practical guide to finding God through the everyday circumstances of life. Seemingly small, insignificant things then become windows through which the light of Christ can shine.

"A threshold is a sacred thing," goes the traditional saying of ancient wisdom. In some corners of the earth, in some traditional cultures, and in monastic life, this is still remembered. But in our fast-paced modern world, this wisdom is often lost on us.It is important for us to remember the significance of the threshold. While it is certainly true that thresholds mark the end of one thing and the beginning of another, they also act as borders-the places in between, the points of transition. These can be physical, such as the geographical borders of a country; others, such as the spiritual border between the inner and outer world-between ourselves and others-are intangible.In To Pause at the Threshold, Esther de Waal looks at what it is like to live in actual "border country," the Welsh countryside with its "slower rhythms" and "earth-linked textures," and explores the importance of opening up and being receptive to one's surroundings, whatever they may be.

Holding up segments of the Rule of St. Benedict, Ester de Waal's meditations on Benedict's words illumine the wisdom found there not only for those of Benedict's time, but for all of us today as well.

This concise and clear introduction to Celtic spirituality provides an overview of all aspects of Celtic understandings. By providing readers not only with a narrative, but with the poetry and songs of the ancient Celts, she explores Celtic views of pilgrimage, solitude, creation, and healing. De Waal also looks at their understanding of core Christian concepts, such as sin, sorrow, salvation, and the cross. Written accessibly, this book is excellent for parish study as well as individual reading.

This reflective commentary explores the Rule of St Benedict from the perspective of someone whose life and faith has been shaped by its gentle wisdom and realism. Its approach is personal and contemplative; it is written for all who seek to deepen their Christian understanding and discipleship.

The celebrated spiritual writer Thomas Merton remains one of the most influential voices of our day. Here, Esther de Waal devises a seven day personal or group retreat programme using extracts from Thomas Merton's writings and a selection of his photography.

Esther de Waal's classic guide to Celtic spirituality makes vital connections between the Celtic Christian world and our own world. This is an essential read for those wishing to engage with Celtic history and spirituality; its beauty and wisdom lingers in the mind well after the book has finished.

Celtic and monastic wisdom teaches that thresholds are sacred places. These meditations encourage us to become more receptive to our surroundings and learn to pause, reflect and meet God at the places of encounter and change in our lives.

A new edition of this contemporary spirtitual classic in which the ancient and gentle wisdom of the Rule of St Benedict is explored in realtion to the demands of modern living and the importance of balance between prayer, work and study.

St Benedict's writing is steeped in scripture. In the Middle Ages, his Rule was seen as a digest of the Bible. It therefore crosses the divides of the church and speaks to Christians of all denominations. Approaching the Rule in a prayerful way, this commentary aims to help those who seek a contemplative centre in a busy life in modern times.