Books in the Breath of Life series

Do you feel that there should be something more to life than what you''re experiencing? Do you wonder what you can do to make your relationship with God more satisfying?In ''The Hunger of the Heart'', Ron DelBene responds to these questions that are in the hearts of so many people today. In his well-known and well-loved style of sharing personal, real-life stories in his writing, the author issues a call to spiritual growth to all persons - regardless of where they are in their spiritual journeys.DelBene describes fourteen stages of spiritual development, using the image of a tree''s growth, rather than the typical ladder image for Christian growth. Based on the experiences of thousands of people he has met and counseled, these stage descriptions serve as guidelines for making sense of the yearnings, doubts, anger, and wonder that enter every Christian''s life.Ron Delbene has been doing spiritual direction and leading programs in the area of spirituality and pastoral care across the country since 1963. He holds a Master''s agree in Theology and a Doctor of Minstry degree in Spirituality and Organizational Systems. He is a poet, artist, author of books and videos and an Episcopal priest. With his wife, Dr. Eleanor McKenzie Delbene, he directs The Hermitage, a non-profit corporation devoted to providing spiritual growth and direction. Ron and Eleanor have two grown children, Paul and Anne. Paul and his spouse, Gayle, have a daughter, Matsue, and a son, Luca. Mary and Herb Montgomery are professional writers who make their home in a suburb of Minneapolis.

Many of us find it difficult to be alone with God because we are not sure what to do and have no idea what to expect...there is no reason to be afraid of drawing closer to the God who is love.Alone with God was written especially for people who have the desire to spend time alone with God and to be more attentive to God''s presence in their lives but do not have a practical sense of how to begin. Drawing on his background as a spiritual leader and retreat leader, Ron DelBene has a format for personal retreats that is flexible enough to be used in a two-hour block of time or expanded to as many as eight hours. He explains each part of the retreat format in detail, providing a thorough understanding of what is to take place and how best to put it into practice. Twelve retreats explore different themes, such as Seeking Forgiveness, Overcoming Anxiety, Called to Serve, Freedom - all designed to guide participants through their time alone with God.Ron DelBene has been doing spiritual direction and leading programs in the area of spirituality and pastoral care across the country since 1963. He holds a Master''s agree in Theology and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Spirituality and Organizational Systems. He is a poet, artist, author of books and videos and an Episcopal priest. With his wife, Dr. Eleanor McKenzie DelBene, he directs The Hermitage, a non-profit corporation devoted to providing spiritual growth and direction. Ron and Eleanor have two grown children, Paul and Anne. Paul and his spouse, Gayle, have a daughter, Matsue, and a son, Luca. Mary and Herb Montgomery are professional writers who make their home in a suburb of Minneapolis.

In this book, Ron DelBene introduces a concept of prayer that will help persons new to prayer as well as veterans of the life of prayer. The Breath Prayer is a short prayer of praise and petition that is meant to help us become aware of the presence of God. It is a way to have on our lips what is always in our heart, DelBene explains. The author leads the leader to discover his or her own personal and individualized breath prayer, a prayer that may be prayed at any time of the day or night. He gives historical examples of the breath prayer used in ancient writings as well as modern-day examples of how persons have utilized and been helped by this way of praying Other titles in the The Breath of Life Series are The Hunger of the Heart: A Call to Spiritual Growth and Alone with God: A Guide for Personal Retreats, both written by Ron DelBene with Mary and Herb Montgomery.Ron DelBene has been doing spiritual direction and leading programs in the area of spirituality and pastoral care across the country since 1963. He holds a Master's agree in Theology and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Spirituality and Organizational Systems. He is a poet, artist, author of books and videos and an Episcopal priest. With his wife, Dr. Eleanor McKenzie DelBene, he directs The Hermitage, a non-profit corporation devoted to providing spiritual growth and direction. Ron and Eleanor have two grown children, Paul and Anne. Paul and his spouse, Gayle, have a daughter, Matsue, and a son, Luca. Mary and Herb Montgomery are professional writers who make their home in a suburb of Minneapolis.