Synopses & Reviews
"It is a well-known paradox of the spiritual life that when we gather together and focus our love and attention outward--on God's goodness and grace--we actually grow closer to one another. That is the secret of praying together as a family. . . ."
--Gregory and Suzanne Wolfe
Prayer, it has been said, is the natural language of the heart. Indeed, surveys reveal that Americans overwhelmingly believe in the power and efficacy of prayer. Yet many parents feel uncertain about introducing their children to prayer because they themselves have forgotten--or never learned--how to pray. Consequently, their children too are kept in the dark, uncertain how to start, what to say. Now Circle of Grace gives parents the inspiration, confidence, and practical help they need to begin integrating prayer into the fabric of family life. This compelling book contains more than four hundred prayers from many faiths--as fresh and moving today as when they were first uttered.
Writing from their own experiences with family prayer, the authors answer such questions as: What is the best and most natural way to introduce your children to prayer? What if parents are of different faiths? Are there special times and places for praying? What if your child resists this intimate new family activity? Inside you'll discover prayers of praise and petition; for bedtime, mealtime, and birthdays; for holy days and the seasons; for sickness, death, and times of special need; for family, friends, even pets.
Praying with your children not only passes on a precious gift but also can become a source of spiritual renewal for parents--a chance to rejoin the pilgrim's path. With wisdom and common sense, Circle of Grace sets us on our way.
Synopsis
This essential handbook for parents provides reassuring guidance on how to integrate prayer into a busy home life, with more than 400 prayers and blessings for all occasions. 448 p.
About the Author
Gregory and Suzanne M. Wolfe are the parents of four children. With William Kilpatrick, they have written The Family New Media Guide and Books That Build Character. Gregory serves as Writer in Residence at Seattle Pacific University. He is the publisher and editor of Image: A Journal of the Arts and Religion, one of America's leading quarterlies, and is the author of several books, including Malcolm Muggeridge: A Biography. Suzanne teaches English literature at Seattle Pacific University and is currently working on her first novel. Both Gregory and Suzanne hold degrees from Oxford University. They live in Seattle, Washington.