Practicing the Presence of Jesus: Contemporary Meditation

Description: Many Christians long to know God more deeply but find themselves limited by old understandings and ways of knowing. Practicing the Presence of Jesus rediscovers the centuries old Ignatian tradition of placing oneself into the gospel story to experience the presence of Jesus in a vital and real way. Each chapter explores another angle to come to the stories while remaining true to the scripture. Irene Alexander gives examples of her own retellings and real life interactions with the gospels to illustrate the process and make it accessible to contemporary readers. Readers will be led through a process of entering the stories themselves so that they connect with the Jesus human and divine in the present reality of their daily lives. Relevant for new believers as well as those who have known God for decades these stories introduce readers to a vibrant way of being present to the reality of our God. Endorsements: Many Christians in the West no longer have a deep connection with the biblical story. They simply dont read it except for the occasional Psalm and the story of Christmas. This book may revive their interest in re-engaging Gods grand and invitational narrative. For as the author has so clearly demonstrated in this winsome and personal storytelling of psychological depth and spiritual insight scripture is the profound story in which we can find ourselves with all of our lifes issues. And where we can hear the invitation to become a renewed and enlarged self in the grace of Christ and the generative work of the Spirit. --Charles Ringma Author of Seek the Silences with Thomas Merton and The Seeking Heart: A Journey with Henri Nouwen Dont think of this as a book to read. Think instead of it as a wonderful conversation over coffee--or perhaps while on a long walk--with a warm and very wise Christian woman whose faith is grounded in her own ongoing dialogue with the living God. This isnt a book of ideas. It is much more personal than that. It is a book in which the author invites the reader to accompany her in engaging with scriptures--not as a text to be studied but as the living word of the Creator that must therefore be engaged with the senses and imagination not just reason and analysis. Read it slowly and prepare for your life to be changed. --David G. Benner author of Opening to God and Soulful Spirituality About the Contributor(s): Irene Alexander is a psychologist and spiritual director. She lectures at Christian Heritage College and the Australian Catholic University in Brisbane Australia. She is the author of several books including Dancing with God: Transformation through Relationship (2007).