Books published by Paraclete Press

A handbook for the resurgence of Gregorian chant

The essential guide for understanding the rich world of Christian liturgy - now in an expanded edition!

Scot McKnight, best-selling author of The Jesus Creed, invites readers to get closer to the heart of Jesus' message by discovering the ancient rhythms of daily prayer at the heart of the early church. "e;This is the old path of praying as Jesus prayed,"e; McKnight explains, "e;and in that path, we learn to pray along with the entire Church and not just by ourselves as individuals."e; Praying with the Church is written for all Christians who desire to know more about the ancient devotional traditions of the Christian faith, and to become involved in their renaissance today. With his trademark style of getting right to the heart of theological concepts through practical, witty, and memorable examples from everyday life, Scot invites readers to explore: How Jesus prayed, How the Psalms teach us to pray, How Orthodox Christians pray, How Roman Catholics pray, How Anglicans pray, How The Divine Hours of Phyllis Tickle teaches us to pray, And, how praying with the church is an essential part of spiritual formation.

Discussion around the bestseller The Benedict Option by Rod Dreher has led many people to want to know more about Benedictine principles.One of the world's experts on monastic spirituality, Michael Casey offers wise teachings on what it means to live today in the distinctive path of St. Benedict.

Have you stood in front of a painting and thought, What does this mean?The Art of Faith answers this question again and again, with insight, wit, and verve, providing a thorough reference to Christian art through the centuries. Practical and easy to read, this book unfolds the ancient world of Christian images for believers who want to enrich their faith, college students studying art history, and travelers to religious sites. With this book in hand, you can visit museums, churches, or other sacred places and identify a work of art's style and meaning. Or even explore the signs and symbols of your local church. Whatever your relationship to art or Christianity, open this book when you're curious about a painting, sculpture, symbol, or other sacred work. It will answer your questions about The Art of Faith. "e;Couchman offers a readable and user-friendly guide to deciphering and interpreting Christian visual art. She is rightly keen to meet the urgent need for a new depth of theological vision in the church and beyond."e;-Jeremy Begbie, Duke Divinity School; Author of Voicing Creation's Praise: Towards a Theology of the Arts

The first fully-realized biography of Julian of Norwich-theologian, anchorite, and visionary of the Middle Ages. A groundbreaking and sometimes controversial biography that offers full tribute to the mystic Julian of Norwich. In May 1373, a thirty year-old woman living in East Anglia suffered an illness. She received visions-what she later called "e;sixteen showings"e;-revealing to her secrets of the love of God. When she fully recovered, Julian recorded and richly explored those revelations, creating what became the first English-language book written by a woman. Drawing on Julian's own writings, Frykholm's biography paints a vivid picture of the 14th century and this remarkable woman's place in it. Through plague, church corruption, economic devastation, and great personal loss, she presciently addressed her culture's greatest fears and anxieties. Ultimately, Julian of Norwich's life is shrouded in mystery, and yet she has become a significant figure in contemporary spirituality today. "e;Frykholm...has audaciously done something many people would have said was not possible: written [Julian's] biography. Frykholm has combined a careful reading of Julian's writings (at times scrupulous, at times midrashic, but at all times attentive) with a deep immersion in the scholarship of 14th-century England to offer an informed and absorbing...account of Julian's life."e;-Lauren F. Winner, Books & Culture"e;[Frykhom's] narrative, which she calls 'an act of empathetic imagination,' crackles with life."e;-The Denver Post"e;A sympathetic and realistic portrayal of a saint who, as it turns out, is both holy (that is, set apart) and as complicated as you and me....It reads with the energy of a novel and the insight of a spiritual classic."e;-Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, Christianity Today

An engaging and complete guide to the writings and life of this groundbreaking English mystic.

Daily Devotions for Lent"e;Griffin is a trustworthy guide . . . She writes with the unmistakable authenticity and authority of a woman steeped in prayer."e;-AmericaJoin Emilie Griffin in these daily devotions for Lent. Using ancient and modern texts as inspiration for her own reflections, Emilie Griffin nurtures and guides us into a deeper knowledge of ourselves and God. We discover that Lent is our chance for a fresh start, and an opportunity to joyfully put ourselves in God's hands. We are converted not only once in our lives but many times, and the conversion is little by little and often imperceptible. But Lent gives us a time to move the process along, intentionally, by a series of small surrenders. When we choose some exercise for Lent-daily worship, daily prayer, abstinence from one thing or another, it is not so much the practice that transforms us, but it is our willingness to change. -from Small Surrenders

Forward by Shane Claiborne and Jonathan Wilson-HartgroveIn the 21st century, Spirit-energized people of all ages are searching for a new (yet ancient) way of life together. A new generation of intentional communities is emerging with inspiring stories to tell of discoveries and struggles as they find their way. David Janzen, a friend of the New Monasticism movement with four decades of personal communal experience, has visited scores of communities, both old and new. This book shares the wisdom of many communities in many locales over the last half century. David Janzen grew up on a Kansas Mennonite farm, graduated from Bethel College, and studied at Harvard Divinity School. In 1971, he and his wife helped found New Creation Fellowship, a Christian intentional community in Newton KS. In 1984, they moved to Reba Place Fellowship in Evanston IL, where David now runs an affordable housing ministry.

Presents a collection of prayers inspired by the words of the Rule. Each reflection is prefaced by an excerpt from one of the Rule's seventy-three chapters, and then explores the Benedictine themes of humility, prayer, community, compassion, justice, hospitality, moderation, and reverence.