For Those We Love But See No Longer: Daily Offices for Times of Grief [Paperback]

Lisa B Hamilton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2004

On October 4, 1990, Lisa Hamilton's husband, Scott, was diagnosed with a cancer that killed him eight months later, at age 32. Finding prayer to be the greatest teacher in the midst of her rage, depression, loneliness, and overwhelming grief, Rev. Hamilton has designed a prayer book for those who mourn.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

As fixed-hour prayer gains in popularity among Christians of all persuasions, it is only natural that they should want to adapt this ancient practice to particular life circumstances. Drawing on her own experience of losing her young husband to cancer, Lisa Belcher Hamilton accommodates the practice of fixed-hour prayer for those who mourn in For Those We Love but See No Longer: Daily Offices for Times of Grief. Fixed-hour prayer may be especially suited for times of grief, Hamilton explains, because it provides structure and comfort throughout the day. The book is small enough to be carried in one's pocket and offers lined pages for journaling. (Paraclete, $11.95 paper 198p ISBN 1-55725-271-8; Apr.)

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review

Hamilton designed a prayer book for those who mourn. . . part of her healing process. -- Depauw Alumni Magazine

"As heat and pressure make diamonds out of coal, so pain and prayer have made this book a priceless gem." -- Robert Owens Scott, Editor in Chief, Spirituality and Health

...her personal experience with grief has been a great asset in ministering to those who’ve lost loved ones. -- Indiana Alumni Magazine, Sally Tusa, January/February 2002

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 195 pages
• Publisher: Paraclete Press (April 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557252718
• ISBN-13: 978-1557252715
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,319,053 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

The Rev. Lisa B. Hamilton (www.lisabhamilton.com) has lived into her call of listening to and sharing faith stories -- and facilitating others to tell theirs -- in some surprising ways. Of course Lisa has served as a parish priest, but while a member of the staff of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," she also "portrayed" Purple Panda. In a completely different corner of the television world, Lisa was an assistant producer for CBS News' Relgion Unit, and has also written and produced for The Episcopal Church Center and Trinity Wall Street. She currently serves as a hospice chaplain, college chaplain and retreat leader.

Lisa's theological work has appeared in "Christian Century," "Journal of Biblical Storytelling" and "Spirituality & Health." Her writing for parents has been published by "Redbook," "Family Circle" and over two dozen parenting publications. Lisa's work for children has been published by "Cricket," "Humpty Dumpty" and "Cobblestone." Her poetry has appeared in "The Laurel Review," "The Midwestern Review," "The Kentucky Review" and "Indiana Review."

Lisa holds degrees from DePauw, Indiana and Yale Universities. Widowed when her 32-year-old husband died of cancer, Lisa's son is now a college student. She recently remarried, and Lisa and husband Jim, also an avid traveler, divide their time between Venice, Florida and the Berkshires.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I wish I'd have known of this book..., July 24, 2001

By 

M. Todd Hall (TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: For Those We Love But See No Longer: Daily Offices for Times of Grief (Paperback)

when my wife, Jennifer, died in June 2000. There is a time of spiritual suffering that every believer must face. There are the great questions, the deep valleys followed by even deeper ones. There is incredible and acute loneliness, followed by guilt at the occasional joy and laughter.

I struggled very much after losing my Jennifer. The Psalms, in which so many find comfort, were difficult. Any kind of "discipline" in my spiritual life seemed impossible. It was so hard to structure my day, and even harder to find time to engage in the spiritual disciplines to shape (and re-shape) my relationship with God. The despair simply built and built.

I was able to find my way, through the help of many friends, but I can tell you now that I wish I had had this book a year ago. What a difference it would have made to be able to follow the daily office with texts built around the pain of grief.

There is something about praying the Psalms. They are ordained praise, regardless of your meaning, intent, and feeling. God has ordained these texts as his praise, his conversation and instruction. And within the leaves of this work they are alive and molding. For those of you who are now in the throes of grief, I pray that you find this book soon. Immerse yourself in the daily office, let God speak to you as you draw near to him through the life-giving streams of spiritual devotion. I find powerful peace in them even today, as the pain surfaces again and brings to mind the questions of faith. If you have recently lost, this book is vital for you.

God bless you in your coming struggle, and may the communion of the saints bring you peace. Feel free to email me if you need someone to talk to. The Lord be with you.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stumbled upon what I was looking for, found what I needed, April 6, 2011

By 

Joseph - See all my reviews

This review is from: For Those We Love But See No Longer: Daily Offices for Times of Grief (Paperback)

I recently lost my partner. I had kept my loved one in my prayers for over 17 years and felt a great loss when praying and not fully understanding how to pray for the one I lost. I was searching for a prayer guide to assist me in focusing at a time when remembering the day of the week was difficult.

I could find thousands of books to deal with grief. No difficulty finding books for prayers on thousands of topics. None of them brought together the need of finding structure in praying for my loved one while helping me with my loss, spiritual confusion, and grief.

I stumbled upon this book and found that it had the structure I needed. The books preface provides a great historical insight into the prayer structure used. While using the book as my template I learned it not only provided structure but flexibility. The book itself has given me piece of mind and an ability to focus and meditate for the loved one I no longer see. I now have a very healthy tool to keep my loved one in my prayers and keep the spirit close to me.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For all who have lost a loved one, September 11, 2010

By 

Cameron L. Macdonald "Siouxsie85" (Arlington, MA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: For Those We Love But See No Longer: Daily Offices for Times of Grief (Paperback)

My husband, Greg and dearest friend, Caroline both died of cancer in their forties. He died after a protracted illness and she followed him four months to the day afterwards, from a sudden illness. There are no words for the devastation I felt. I was completely alone, although surrounded by loving friends. This book became my lifeline. I prayed with it every day for four years, and gradually, it healed me.

I since have worked in a cancer center with other widows and widowers, and no matter their faith tradition, they find this little book a help and a comfort. I have probably given away over one hundred copies so far.

Thank you, Lisa, for this healing gem.