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May, 2004 Jim Rosemergy Our lives are the prayers that God is praying,” says Unity author Jim Rosemergy in this refreshing, heartfelt book. Chal-lenging readers to deepen spiritually through frequent praying, Rosemergy tells about an experience that gave him an insight into what he considers the “perfect prayer.” In suggesting ways to put this prayer into regular, daily use, Rosemergy emphasizes that prayer is not about human problems. Rather, it’s about becoming aware that God is ever present, always here. A central point he makes is that the great challenge of prayer is waiting. As we wait, he says, “prayer does the sacred work of uncovering us.” Prayer is God’s way of entering the door of our soul and speaking through us, just as a stone cast upon water causes ripples to radiate upon its surface; these ripples are the life experiences that God has “prayed” through us. Along with lovely insights and teachings, the author includes several suggested exercises, making The Prayer That God Prays a wise and moving manual of spiritual practice. — Kathy Juline
Our mission is to help build a foundation for world peace and justice.” This goal, according to Burnham “Bud” Philbrook, co-founder of Global Volunteers, is most readily attained not through the efforts of national governments, but the service of individual volunteers. Founded in 1984, Global Vol-unteers sends teams of short-term volunteers for a period of two to three weeks to nearly one hundred communities in some twenty countries throughout the world. The organization has presently enrolled nearly two thousand individuals willing to serve others in various needed capacities. This excellent website lists a half-dozen service descriptions. Among those listed are the teaching of English conversation, care of disabled children, the building and repair of housing, and improvement of health care and hygiene. Under each category are listed the countries which desperately require these services. Volunteers become part of a team which is led by a Global Volunteers team leader. The group lives and works in the community, learning first-hand about the culture, lifestyle, economy, and structure of the host country. The cost of the program is borne by the volunteer, but is tax-deductible. Thinking about where to go on that next vacation? Why not consider making a trip that is truly worth remembering? And one long remembered by those you have helped. — Cliff Johnson Mindfulness meditation is not about being in a trance, or about escaping from reality. It is about waking up.” Contrary to the popular belief that Buddhism is about detaching from (i.e., as in not feeling) one’s feelings, this book presents the idea that the transformation of suffering involves not suppressing the emotion, but instead, entering deeply into the experience of it, to “be completely one with it, and not be annihilated.” It is in the maintaining of balance—in not shying away from suffering, and at the same time, “to do practices that nourish joy and happiness within you”—that transformation takes place. Author Andrew Weiss has written a straightforward and thoughtful book on what the practice of mindfulness can mean to the reader who is just beginning to explore the concept. He builds a case for using mindfulness practice both to heal one’s own wounds, and also to become a better participant in the larger world which needs us. Guided meditations and exercises accompany each chapter. “ None of us can live a life in which every action creates only positive consequences. At best, the consequences of each action we take will be mixed. All we can do is live as mindfully as possible…” This book helps show us how. — Jan Suzukawa |
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