Fortress Press

eBook-Getting Ready for the New Life: Facing Illness or Death with the Word and Prayers

eBook-Getting Ready for the New Life: Facing Illness or Death with the Word and PrayerseBook-Getting Ready for the New Life: Facing Illness or Death with the Word and Prayers

eBook-Getting Ready for the New Life: Facing Illness or Death with the Word and Prayers

by Richard F. Bansemer (Author)
Illness is a great teacher, says the author. More convincing than an athlete's achievements, illness lets us know, in no uncertain terms, that we are intensely human. Drawing on the resources of years of pastoral experience and reflecting on key Scriptural texts, Bansemer provides comfort while encouraging honest reflection.

The book consists of fifteen devotional readings followed by Scriptural texts, prayers, and reflection questions. Intended for use by those facing suffering and loss, those who provide them with comfort and care, and groups wanting to explore and share their experiences.
  • Format eBook
  • ISBN 9781451416978
  • Publication Date March 30, 2004

Endorsements

"If you're facing death—if you feel the pain of losing a loved one—Richard Bansemer walks through the valley of the shadow with you."
— Edward R. Schaack, Pastor of Atonement, Attoway-Kimberlin Parish, Rural Retreat, Virginia

''In these wise and moving meditations, Richard F. Bansemer shows us how the Gospel promise intersects life's most fearful experiences. The mature spirituality of his counsel revels a man profoundly formed by scripture and the prayerful life. Getting Ready for the New Life is an unflinching examination of the hard personal realities of serious illness and death through the eyes of a seasoned pastor who writes our of his own lived experience of the One who says 'I am the Life.'''
— John Largen, Pastor to the Seminary Community for Spiritual Formation, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Columbia, South Carolina

''This material brings me face to face with the harsh realities of life, pain, suffering, and death. It also catches me up in the truth about God's mercy and love. It pushes many buttons. I do not want to go there or be there. I have been there and now wish to avoid it at all cost. Nevertheless, I am aware of its consoling and healing potential.''

''The Christian community needs this kind of spiritual empowerment that engages the searching spirit in times of serious need. Truly we live in the presence of ultimate mystery, yet convincing promise.''
— The Rev. Fred Castor, Retired Campus Pastor, Fort Collilns, Colorado

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction


  2. Losses
  3. You Love Me
  4. Ready to Die
  5. Tending
  6. Purpose
  7. The Point
  8. Doing the Dying
  9. When God Says "No"
  10. Prime Time
  11. The Christian Funeral
  12. Coping with Grief
  13. In Time
  14. Thou Mine Inheritance
  15. Love Is Why We're Here
  16. Turning from Disbelief to Joy
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