Earth Gospel: A Guide to Prayer for God's Creation [Perfect Paperback]

Sam Hamilton-Poore (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2009

Do something for the environment - pray. The icecaps are melting. The air we breathe and water we drink are polluted. Forests are being cleared of oxygen-making trees and ecosystem-integral wildlife. Our daily lives impact our earth - mostly leaving negative footprints. The environmental challenges we face are real and almost out of control. We're free to enjoy the earth's bounty and beauty, but that privilege brings responsibility. How are Christians to respond as stewards of God's creation? Explore through prayer the interconnecting love that binds God, humankind and creation - forming a sacred trust. Hamilton-Poore found himself thinking about nature and preservation while being drawn to a certain riverside when he lived in Iowa. "...Every time I came within sight or sound of the river, I found myself in prayer," he writes. "'Wading into Willow Creek' was like walking into a sanctuary where a divine liturgy was already in progress - a liturgy that the creation itself was singing to its Creator. I experienced myself and creation 'held' in the hands of Christ, the 'first-born of all creation,' who holds together all life, all creation." He came to realize that loving God means also loving God's creation. Christian love-in-action on behalf of the earth is essential. How we live should be informed and shaped by prayer, and how we pray should be informed and shaped by how we live. God's beloved creation is groaning. May we rediscover hope and be led to a renewal of prayer and action on behalf of our home. Tread lightly.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This is a utilitarian book -- you will use it daily, and by the time you've worked your way through it the world will look considerably different. You may too. --Bill Mckibben, author DEEP ECONOMY, THE WEALTH OF COMMUNITIES AND THE DURABLE FUTURE, THE END OF NATURE, and AMERICAN EARTH ENVIRONMENTAL WRITING SINCE THOREAU (editor)

About the Author

Samuel Hamilton-Poore is director of the Program in Christian Spirituality at San Francisco Theological Seminary, and a pastor, spiritual director and environmental activist.

Product Details

• Perfect Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Upper Room (January 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0835899438
• ISBN-13: 978-0835899437
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #427,609 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A gift to self and others, February 18, 2009

By 

Jennifer B. Lewis "pastor" (Western Springs, IL United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Earth Gospel: A Guide to Prayer for God's Creation (Perfect Paperback)

This is a wonderfully rich book containing sensitive insights from the author as well as well-known writers and theologians such as Sallie McFague, Denise Levertov, Wendell Berry and more. A careful weaving of prayer, scripture and eloquent reflections, Earth Gospel is a gift to oneself and would make a great gift to others. I plan to use it in my own devotional life and to order many more to give as gifts.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Star Seeker, March 13, 2009

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Elizabeth Nordquist "Mormor and Farmor to the... (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Earth Gospel: A Guide to Prayer for God's Creation (Perfect Paperback)

This book helps make the connection between the natural world and the spiritual. It is full of resources prayers, suggestions for practice that are wide-ranging, liberating and insightful. It is an invaluable contribution for those who find that Creation is their first source of consciousness Spirit, and for those who are seeking to develop that consciousness.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource, January 8, 2011

By 

Deborah A Cenko - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Earth Gospel: A Guide to Prayer for God's Creation (Perfect Paperback)

Had this book on my wishlist for a long time...finally got it. GREAT book. I am enjoying using the book as a morning and evening devotion. Really celebrates God's creation.