Old Wine in New Skins: Centering Prayer and Systems Theory [Kindle Edition]

Paul David Lawson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Lawson, an Episcopal priest at St. Cross by the Sea in Hermosa Beach, CA, has written a surprising but ultimately insightful hybrid of two genres: the systems theory study and the prayer manual. He asserts that the daily meditative practice of Centering Prayer, together with an informed understanding of how institutional structures work, can help clergy and congregations deal with stress and conflicting wishes constructively. It may be difficult for most congregations to attain the complex self-awareness demanded here, much less to achieve Centering Prayer, but Lawson's small book ought to help many congregations on their way. For most collections.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 895 KB
• Print Length: 120 pages
• Publisher: Lantern Books (August 31, 2001)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0031ESMWU
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #418,683 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a shot of good news, November 8, 2001

By 

John Day "commielefty" (Saint Maries, ID United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Old Wine in New Skins : Centering Prayer and Systems Theory (Paperback)

I read this book when still in manuscript form several years ago. Since that time I have put into practice many of the ideas in this very timely book. I believe that a working understanding of systems theory is very important to anyone in a leadership position. Dr. Lawson provides a readable, easy to understand overview of Bowen Theory and Systems Theory. I believe Dr. Lawson is spot on in saying that knowledge without practice isn't much help. Centering Prayer offers a tried and true spiritual practice that provides benefit to the individual as well as the organization.

I have been rector of a parish in So. California for 7 years and can attest that the prinicples in this book really do work. Forget what you have learned about management techniques and read this book.

The Rev. John Day

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Rambling Rose, September 8, 2008

By 

Gloria J. Boesch - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Old Wine in New Skins : Centering Prayer and Systems Theory (Paperback)

This book has very useful information and that's probably why my spiritual companioning class wants me to read it - BUT - it rambles. Get to the point! Did you have to coin your own new system for us to try and follow? I have read other books with this slant that were easier to read and more to the point. The conclusion of each chapter gets to the point.
I did purchase a used book and it is not in "good" condition - the person who had it previously underlined what seems like the whole book.