Over the last few days I have feasted on books. Reading a lot is not unusual for me , in fact it has been part of the rhythm of my life since I was about 5 years old. I have always loved books and for me to read 5-10 books a week is quite normal.
What is unusual is the number of really good books I have come across this week. My favourite was The Contented Soul by Lisa Graham McMinn. It is a beautifully written book of reflections on simplfying and finding a more relaxed rhythm for life. I have also dug back into From Strangers to Neighbours, a provocative book written some years ago by David Evans and Mike Fearon of Tearfund UK about how to make a difference in your community. Andii Bowsher’s little book Praying the Pattern, The Lord’s Prayer as a Framework for Prayer and Life, is an interesting and very practical book that explores ways that we can use the Lord’s prayer to deepen our prayer life. I particularly enjoyed the chapter that looks at different body movements for each part of the prayer. I read some years ago that connecting actions to words actually creates neural pathways in the brain and facilitates our learning processes.
I also read a great article by Lauren Winner Divine Mysteries about why so many detective stories are set in churches – particularly liturgical churches . I love her suggestion that “Perhaps liturgical forms of Christianity, which emphasize theological mystery, lend themselves to the consideration of criminal mystery. In any case, a candle-lit, stained-glass Episcopal church seems a more fitting setting for a mysterious deed than a bright and airy Baptist church.”
I am a keen reader of mystery stories and nothing delights me more than a good clerical detective. My favourite is Brother Cadfael, Ellis Peter’s twelth century Benedictine monk who is constantly tripping over dead bodies. He is also the herbalist in the monastery which is another attraction from my perspective as a medical doctor. I am not embarrassed to admit that I have learned a lot both about my faith and about medicine by reading Ellis Peters.
Filed under: Books, Personal, Rhythms of life, spirituality
[...] Here’s some nice things some readers have said. “It is the best book I’ve seen on teaching how to use the Lord’s Prayer as a pattern for prayer. Bowsher’s little book not only teaches, but provides an abundance of examples and suggestions. … Now here’s what this book does: it thinks about prayer, dwells on prayer, and teaches all about prayer through the lens of the pattern of the Lord’s Prayer. Worth having. [Scot McKnight] ..the book is FANTASTIC. I recommend it wholeheartedly!” Simone Andii Bowsher’s little book Praying the Pattern, The Lord’s Prayer as a Framework for Prayer and Life, is an interesting and very practical book that explores ways that we can use the Lord’s prayer to deepen our prayer life. I particularly enjoyed the chapter that looks at different body movements for each part of the prayer. -Christine Sine [...]
How do you read 5-10 books a week?
I would love to be able to do that but I’m too
slow of a reader I guess.
Do you have a habit or routine? How many hours do you spend
reading? Are you a speed reader or photo-reader?
Tell me secrets please…
Sambo I have been reading prolifically since I was 5. I have never done any speed reading courses but I guess I am naturally a speed reader. If I want to read a book in depth it does take a lot longer but if I am trying to get a sense of a topic and wanting to read a lot of books that relate to it then I can get through a lot of books in a short time
Thanks for the responce