Holy Conversation: Spirituality for Worship
Despite widespread interest in spirituality, its most common corporate form, congregational worship, is rarely discussed in those terms. This book explores liturgical spirituality as a holy conversation between God and us.
Linking the themes of spirituality and worship and giving each needed focus in ways that are biblically and theologically rich and consistent with ecumenical traditions, this book specifically explores the relationship of sacred reading (lectio divina) to worship. Linman sees this practice as one element in the larger liturgical action of Gathering, Word, Meal, and Sending. Our "spiritual worship" (cf. Rom 12:1), he argues, is the holy conversation between worshipers and the triune God who leads us to greater participation in Christ and to transformation through Christ's presence.
Raising important issues for worship renewal and interspersed with practical insights and suggestions, this book serves as a primer for those who want to more fully learn how to worship, and, through the power of the Spirit, to deepen their awareness of the encounter with Christ made known in Word and Sacrament.
- Publisher Fortress Press
- Format Paperback
- ISBN 9780800621308
- eBook ISBN 9781451411676
- Dimensions 5.5 x 8.5
- Pages 224
- Publication Date March 15, 2010
Endorsements
"This is a book to be savored. By interpreting liturgy in light of the movements of lectio divina, Jonathan Linman offers a fresh approach to the dynamics of liturgy. Holy Conversation invites both those responsible for preparing for or leading worship and those yearning for a deeper spiritual experience in worship to listen and respond to the work of the Spirit and so to engage liturgy deeply and richly."
—Ruth Meyers
Church Divinity School of the Pacific
"This book beautifully embodies what it describes: attentive and reflective conversation with the reader about the 'holy conversation' that is liturgy. Liturgical theologians have focused on the meaning of liturgy's deep structure or ordo; Linman presents a model for engaging the ordo and, in the process, richly redescribes the ordo itself. Holy Conversation is the next step in the study of liturgy."
—James W. Farwell
Bethany College, West Virginia
"The heart of any authentic Christian spirituality is the church's liturgical life, the feast of Word and Sacrament. Linman opens the contemplative experience of liturgical worship in new and deeply faithful ways, inviting an encompassing, personal 'holy conversation' with the One who is life for the world. A great gift." —Lisa E. Dahill
Trinity Lutheran Seminary
—Ruth Meyers
Church Divinity School of the Pacific
"This book beautifully embodies what it describes: attentive and reflective conversation with the reader about the 'holy conversation' that is liturgy. Liturgical theologians have focused on the meaning of liturgy's deep structure or ordo; Linman presents a model for engaging the ordo and, in the process, richly redescribes the ordo itself. Holy Conversation is the next step in the study of liturgy."
—James W. Farwell
Bethany College, West Virginia
"The heart of any authentic Christian spirituality is the church's liturgical life, the feast of Word and Sacrament. Linman opens the contemplative experience of liturgical worship in new and deeply faithful ways, inviting an encompassing, personal 'holy conversation' with the One who is life for the world. A great gift." —Lisa E. Dahill
Trinity Lutheran Seminary