Listening spirituality, Vol. 1: Personal Spiritual Practices Among Friends
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4.40 · Rating details · 20 ratings · 3 reviews
This volume of personal spiritual practices, located within the context of Quaker spirituality, formations and transformation, if the first part of a longer work on Quaker spiritual formation.
An important part of the underlying vision, however, is that personal practice, corporate practice and ethics are inseparable within Quaker formation and transformation.
An important part of the underlying vision, however, is that personal practice, corporate practice and ethics are inseparable within Quaker formation and transformation.
Neither the inner life nor meeting life nor an active relationship with the rest of the world is optional. Prayer that does not issue in deeds of love becomes a form of narcissism or an aesthetic exercise. Activity that does not take time to find its source grounding in prayer, worship and divine leading becomes dry, exhausting, and exasperating--or an exercise in power.
This book has grown out of seven years of teaching and leading retreats and workshops under the oversight of Bethesda (MD) Friends Meeting.
This book has grown out of seven years of teaching and leading retreats and workshops under the oversight of Bethesda (MD) Friends Meeting.
The basic curriculum as a whole was intended as a spiritual formation program for Friends. Over the years, there have been numerous requests from outside Bethesda for one or another of the individual courses, either in full length or as intensive weekend work shops. (less)
Paperback, 206 pages
Published June 1st 1997 by Openings
Showing 1-35
4.40 ·
· 20 ratings · 3 reviews
Feb 28, 2015Ann Webb rated it really liked it
Shelves: spirituality, spiritual, self, religious, philosophy, mysticism
This is a very rich book of helpful insights into the world of mysticism, or for the lay person, the world of prayer and devotional reading. I have researched and been through most of these practices before, so knew of some of the techniques Loring discusses: lectio divina, contemplative prayer/listening, journal writing as devotional practice, etc. Loring's incredibly readable style helps make this book a very good resource for those wishing to go deeper into any spiritual practice they have taken upon themselves. (less)
Loring's book really spells out how to worship Quaker-style. It answers many questions people may have about this group, but more importantly helps individuals understand how to practice this type of worship and apply it to their own lives. Contains many interesting resources for further reading. Best of all are the queries which require some internal exploration of your thoughts and actions. (less)
Dec 08, 2013Sonja Darai rated it it was amazing
Fantastic guide to personal spiritual practices among Friends (also known as Quakers)
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Amazon Review
Thewayibee
5.0 out of 5 stars A Warm and Informative Resource for Anyone Looking to Deepen their Spiritual Practice
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2016
Verified Purchase
This book is a treasure to anyone looking to deepen their spiritual practice. It offers such a wide array of practices that anyone, regardless of their lifestyle, time constraints, or preferred spiritual modality, can find something that fits. It is written with a respect for the practices and for the reader, unpretentious and open. A valuable resource for anyone looking to connect in a more meaningful way with their own spirituality regardless of their religious beliefs.
2 people found this helpful
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Hunter
5.0 out of 5 stars The Wisdom of Experience
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2013
Verified Purchase
This is a basic introduction and introduction to contemplative spirituality from a quaker perspective. It is remarkably thorough, with many wonderful moments gleaned from the author's own experience in practice and teaching. It is a good idea to check out the prices on quakerbooks for this one, to avoid paying exorbitant prices for a used copy!
One person found this helpful
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Ginger B.
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2016
Verified Purchase
Very interesting... just have to read slow so you can take it all in.
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Nana Annie
5.0 out of 5 stars More than 5 stars...
Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2005
There are two parts to Patricia Loring's "Listening Spirituality". Volume One Personal Spiritual Practices Among Friends, is for individuals. (ISBN 0965759903), Volume Two Corporate Spiritual Practice Among Friends is for those interested in the spiritual life of the whole meeting for worship (ISBN 0965759911).
Both of these books are incredible additions to any Quaker library, whether your meeting is programmed or unprogrammed.
Volume One is also good for any spiritual seeker to find. She offers guidelines and thoughtful queries that can help you focus on living a more spirit-led life. Great idea for worship sharing or prayer groups, its chapter titles are revealing of the content
"Foundational Personal Practices in Support of Listening for God",
"Active Meditative Personal Practices in Support of Listening for God",
Moving Toward and Away from Listening to God in Contemplative Prayer and Personal Retreats".
Though those titles may sound a bit stiff and huge, the book is incredibly warm and inviting, soft and centered, inspiring to read.
Inside these chapters, the sections are small, intense and yet sweet - with queries and small stories, information and historical bits.
I wish I was as gifted a writer, so I could get this review right!
This is a wonderful book. My copy is as crumpled, bent and well loved as any wise old woman could hope to be.
The corporate book is highly recommended for clerks - meeting clerks, committee clerks -- and anyone interested in the history and current spiritual nurture of Quaker meetings.
This book goes in my bag for Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business, if only to find an inspiring reading or to give strength to the on-going attempt to keep the focus on the Divine rather than on the secular world.
Wonderful wonderful books, true treasures. They will be classics for years to come. And you don't have to be a Friend to enjoy and gain from them!
11 people found this helpful
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Listening Spirituality Vol II
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4.14 · Rating details · 7 ratings · 2 reviews
The spiritual basis of the structures and practices that sustain a Quaker worshiping community; the spiritual grounding and understanding of worship, ministry, eldering, oversight and other spiritual gifts in mutual service within the meeting as spiritual formation; personal transformation and transformed relationships within spiritual community; communal discernment in personal matters and in the conduct of meeting business; wider Quaker service; adult religious education as part of spiritual formation. (less)
Paperback, 320 pages
Published August 7th 2009 by Patricia Loring (first published July 21st 2009)
Showing 1-15
4.14 ·
· 7 ratings · 2 reviews
Dec 30, 2016Carl Williams rated it really liked it
This volume’s focus is on Friends' practices, the ways in which the community interacts and corporately seeks—worship, ministry, seeking clearness—in the formation and transformation of a spiritual community.
Some history, some clear definition, some description, many useful queries.
Recommended for both those familiar with Quaker ways and seekers.
Some history, some clear definition, some description, many useful queries.
Recommended for both those familiar with Quaker ways and seekers.
Aug 19, 2015Vickie Aldrich rated it it was amazing
I suspect this book may only be of interest to Quakers or those studying Quakers as it covers the corporate practice of the Religious Society of Friends. I only read a little bit each day and probably took 4 or 5 months to read it.
