Description
The Grace-filled Wilderness connects contemporary encounters of wilderness with the traditional themes of Lent and Jesus' journey to the cross. Magdalen Smith invites us to consider a series of subjects that are double - edged - they can bring us life or, if we handle them in the wrong way, drain life from us. Our appetites, our identity, our work, our sense of freedom and our struggles with anxiety and pain are explored in connection with what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Six full weeks of readings help us to move gradually from wilderness to grace, until, finally, we encounter the miracle, hope and joy of Easter. 'On every page of this Lent book, there's an invitation to journey which is as enticing as it is challenging. I found myself wanting to venture into the wilderness out of choice and not simply circumstance, and the adventure left me seeing, feeling and sharing in God's grace.' Jo Wells, Bishop of Dorking
A hope-filled journey through Lent, Magdalen Smith explores how God's grace through wilderness encounters and the traditional elements of Lent.
About the Author
Magdalen Smith is a National Adviser for Selection in the Ministry Division of the Church of England. She was formerly Director of Ordinands for Chester Diocese and has worked in parish ministry in a variety of contexts. Magdalen has a background in the visual arts and is interested in the dialogue between faith and contemporary culture. A retreat leader and spiritual director, she has published Unearthly Beauty: Through Advent with the Saints, Fragile Mystics: Reclaiming a prayerful life and Steel Angels: The personal qualities of a priest.
Reviews
On every page of this Lent book, there's an invitation to journey which is as enticing as it is challenging. I found myself wanting to venture into the wilderness out of choice and not simply circumstance, and the adventure left me seeing, feeling and sharing in God's grace. -- Bishop Jo Wells
Unearthly Beauty (SPCK, 2017): With heartfelt honesty, clarity and humanity, Magdalen Smith challenges the Church to see the journey ahead with new eyes. This book is a timely prophetic call to be refreshed by our inheritance in ways that renew integrity and hope. -- Libby Lane, Bishop of Stockport
A treasure chest of gems. -- Jill Duff, Director of St Mellitus North West training course
Fragile Mystics (SPCK, 2015): The mystics, both medieval and modern, bring a welcome invitation to be still, adore, face the reality of darkness and grow above all in the love of God which, as Paul says, 'surpasses knowledge'. If prayerfulness is diminishing in your life or ministry, Magdalen Smith's quiet skill will help you see that it doesn't have to be this way. -- Keith Sinclair, Bishop of Birkenhead
Magdalen Smith enables us to reclaim a sense of mystical living . . . you will want to revisit [this book] again and again. * Magnet *
Steel Angels (SPCK, 2014): This book is a breath of fresh air. It takes the nine Criteria which the Church uses for selecting clergy and applies them to reflect on the practicalities of lived-out ministerial life. But what is so exciting is the engaging way this is done: the world of art, film, novels and poetry are all richly evoked to spark the reader s imagination and to enable creative connections. This is an insightful and thought-provoking book which will provide fresh perspectives, set theological hares running and serve as a valuable resource for all those involved in pastoral ministry or exploring their vocation. -- Stephen Ferns, Senior Selection Secretary, Church of England Ministry Division
Magdalen's book could produce a rethinking and reorientation of pastoral theology. -- The Revd Ken Leech
Steel Angels by Magdalen Smith is an excellent contribution to the discernment canon. Smith uses a range of techniques to look at the spiritual, emotional, pastoral, and administrative aspects of the life and work of a priest . . . Drawing on appropriate personal experience, church politics, art and the Bible, her beautifully written book offers many delights. Her capacity for taking the mundane and finding an illuminating illustration from scripture, literature, the visual arts or popular culture ensures that there is no dryness of approach. * Church Times *
Book Information
ISBN 9780281080106
Format Paperback
Page Count 216
Imprint SPCK Publishing
Publisher SPCK Publishing
Weight(grams) 282g
A hope-filled journey through Lent, Magdalen Smith explores how God's grace through wilderness encounters and the traditional elements of Lent.
About the Author
Magdalen Smith is a National Adviser for Selection in the Ministry Division of the Church of England. She was formerly Director of Ordinands for Chester Diocese and has worked in parish ministry in a variety of contexts. Magdalen has a background in the visual arts and is interested in the dialogue between faith and contemporary culture. A retreat leader and spiritual director, she has published Unearthly Beauty: Through Advent with the Saints, Fragile Mystics: Reclaiming a prayerful life and Steel Angels: The personal qualities of a priest.
Reviews
On every page of this Lent book, there's an invitation to journey which is as enticing as it is challenging. I found myself wanting to venture into the wilderness out of choice and not simply circumstance, and the adventure left me seeing, feeling and sharing in God's grace. -- Bishop Jo Wells
Unearthly Beauty (SPCK, 2017): With heartfelt honesty, clarity and humanity, Magdalen Smith challenges the Church to see the journey ahead with new eyes. This book is a timely prophetic call to be refreshed by our inheritance in ways that renew integrity and hope. -- Libby Lane, Bishop of Stockport
A treasure chest of gems. -- Jill Duff, Director of St Mellitus North West training course
Fragile Mystics (SPCK, 2015): The mystics, both medieval and modern, bring a welcome invitation to be still, adore, face the reality of darkness and grow above all in the love of God which, as Paul says, 'surpasses knowledge'. If prayerfulness is diminishing in your life or ministry, Magdalen Smith's quiet skill will help you see that it doesn't have to be this way. -- Keith Sinclair, Bishop of Birkenhead
Magdalen Smith enables us to reclaim a sense of mystical living . . . you will want to revisit [this book] again and again. * Magnet *
Steel Angels (SPCK, 2014): This book is a breath of fresh air. It takes the nine Criteria which the Church uses for selecting clergy and applies them to reflect on the practicalities of lived-out ministerial life. But what is so exciting is the engaging way this is done: the world of art, film, novels and poetry are all richly evoked to spark the reader s imagination and to enable creative connections. This is an insightful and thought-provoking book which will provide fresh perspectives, set theological hares running and serve as a valuable resource for all those involved in pastoral ministry or exploring their vocation. -- Stephen Ferns, Senior Selection Secretary, Church of England Ministry Division
Magdalen's book could produce a rethinking and reorientation of pastoral theology. -- The Revd Ken Leech
Steel Angels by Magdalen Smith is an excellent contribution to the discernment canon. Smith uses a range of techniques to look at the spiritual, emotional, pastoral, and administrative aspects of the life and work of a priest . . . Drawing on appropriate personal experience, church politics, art and the Bible, her beautifully written book offers many delights. Her capacity for taking the mundane and finding an illuminating illustration from scripture, literature, the visual arts or popular culture ensures that there is no dryness of approach. * Church Times *
Book Information
ISBN 9780281080106
Format Paperback
Page Count 216
Imprint SPCK Publishing
Publisher SPCK Publishing
Weight(grams) 282g
