Best Loved Prayers and Words of Wisdom

Best Loved Prayers and Words of Wisdom
Martin Manser

A timeless collection of prayers, quotes, poems and speeches for every occasion. Complete with a brief introduction to each piece and its author, this book features words and prayers from 300BC to the present day. It provides a great source of inspiration when planning a speech or ceremonial occasion or can be used for personal devotions.This carefully chosen selection of the best loved prayers and words of wisdom is a staple for any bookshelf.The many contributors include C. S. Lewis, Florence Nightingale, St Francis of Assisi, John & Charles Wesley, Mother Teresa, John Stott, Oswald Chambers, G. K. Chesterton and Julian of Norwich. From The Lord's Prayer and Footprints, to excerpts from A Pilgrims Progress and A Christmas Carol, this compilation is a useful for individuals to read and reference, and a great source of inspiration when planning for a ceremonial occasion, speech, wedding or funeral.Each reading is introduced with a brief history to the piece and its author, providing new levels of interest and a sense of context.The 300 hand-picked pieces have been arranged alphabetically, so that selecting a favourite work is easy. This guide is also accompanied by a set of indexes which detail first lines, themes, Bible references, and authors, so that each entry is thoroughly cross-referenced, enabling you to make the most of this fabulous selection.

best

loved

Prayers

& Words

of Wisdom

Compiled by Martin H. Manser

Associate Editor: Nicola L. Bull

Contents

Cover

Title Page (#u2ae9cc4c-055a-53fe-a7fc-81e224a4f658)

Introduction

Indexes

Author Index

Index of Bible References

Index of Titles and First Lines

Best-Loved Prayers and Words of Wisdom

Acknowledgements

Copyright

About the Publisher (#litres_trial_promo)

Introduction

We live in an age that demands quick fixes to problems and immediate answers to difficulties. Alongside such a desire for instant solutions to major issues, another, deeper, desire surfaces from time to time. Such a longing recognizes that at least some of our difficulties can be resolved by looking at lasting, time-honoured values of human experience and wisdom such as faith in God through Jesus Christ, the importance of prayer, love and service, strength of character, integrity, loyalty and humility.

As we explore for ourselves what generations before us have discovered as the qualities of being human, we realize afresh we are not alone but many before us have trodden a similar path. Our task then is to stop and listen, to follow in their footsteps, to move in the direction they point us to, to apply the principles that underpinned their lives to our own way of living.

>We have had in mind two kinds of readers as we have compiled this collection of readings, prayers and quotations. First, those planning a gathering such as a wedding or a funeral who are looking beyond mere quick ‘sound bites’ to more profound wisdom. Secondly, those who are seeking for deeper meaning and purpose in life or who want inspiration above the ordinary daily routine.

Each reading is given an introduction which sets its background or gives interesting or helpful information. All the readings are arranged in alphabetical order of title (ignoring ‘A’ or ‘The’ at the beginning of a title). For ease of reference there are also indexes to help you locate a particular reading.

The voices of the speakers and writers quoted in these pages echo to us through the ages to say, ‘There is more to life than your present experience.’ Our desire is that we will all not only stop and listen but also respond to the message given here so that we will find the refreshment, peace and light for our own journey that we can then pass on to others.

Martin H. Manser

Nicola L. Bull

Indexes

Author Index

Index of Bible References

Index of Titles and First Lines

(where the first line differs from the title, the first line appears in italics)

Abandonment to God

Abbot Anastasius had a book written (#litres_trial_promo)

Accept our sacrifice

All dear Friends everywhere, who have no helper but the Lord (#u3b05af62-38e4-50d1-a24e-09ef35475306)

All manner of thing shall be well

All nature owns with one accord. (#litres_trial_promo)

All other love

All the danger is when the world gets into the heart. (#litres_trial_promo)

All true knowledge of God (#litres_trial_promo)

Alleluia

All-knowing God

Almighty God, Father of all mercies (#litres_trial_promo)

Almighty God, in this hour of quiet I seek communion with thee (#litres_trial_promo)

Almighty God, merciful Father, and my good Lord (#litres_trial_promo)

Alone with none but thee, my God (#litres_trial_promo)

Although today he prunes my twigs with pain (#u525572bf-b315-5a27-b034-2129f51a0124)