Gentle Words in a Raging Storm: Prayers for All Seasons

by Gary R. Weaver

Book Overview

Gary Weaver says that prayer is part poetry, part free-association, and part love letter to God. When spoken, it is the most intimate, sacred speech we utter. When written down, it becomes a diary of the heart. And that's a perfect description of this compelling collection of more than 160 prayers. Some are songs of celebration and joy that dance before the Lord, while others are desperate pleas for clarity, direction, and meaning amidst loss, divorce, suffering, injustice, fear, and anger. But all of them bring the gentle words of thoughtful introspection and a sustained conversation with the Almighty to the raging storm of daily life with its overwhelming cacophony of motion, noise, and imagery.

These prayers can be used in almost any setting from the sanctuary to the stadium, as well as in study groups, prayer circles, nursing homes, or for private meditation. If you're looking for a prayer resource that speaks clearly about the Christian faith while addressing serious human questions, concerns, doubts, and distress, Gentle Words In A Raging Stormis a first-rate compilation you'll find yourself returning to again and again.

Themes include:
* Personal prayers
* Pastoral prayers
* Prayers about the seasons of life
* Prayers about suffering, dying, and grief
* Prayers for the journey of faith
* Prayers for special occasions

Gentle Words In A Raging Storm invites the worship leader to explore a rich variety of prayer topics, images, and metaphors. I would prescribe a careful reading of this book for anyone who suspects that repetition and sameness have invaded their public prayers.
R. David Steele
Pastor Emeritus, Christ Presbyterian Church
Terra Linda, California
Former columnist, The Presbyterian Outlook

Gary R. Weaver is the executive presbyter of the Presbytery of Pueblo (Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.) in Pueblo, Colorado. He has pastored churches in California, Utah, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, and Arizona. Weaver holds degrees from the University of Kansas, the University of New Mexico, and Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1556732880
• ISBN13: 9781556732881
• Release Date: August 1995
• Publisher: CSS Publishing Company
• Length: 182 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.6" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Gentle Words That Address a Deep Yearning

Gary Weaver shares a voice of quiet powerful peace that washes over the pain and the anger of a troubled world. His words speak to the deep yearning for peace that resides in each of us. Gary's prayers provide the words that bring focus and meaning to that yearning. John Blinn CompanionSpirit Spiritual Director

Feeds My Soul

Gary Weaver's words feed my soul. In this frantic, scary world, Gary's prayers are a rich source of encouragement and strength, reminding me to slow down, trust my whole life to God, and live a life based on eternal, divine Love." Richard Craft, Associate for Stewardship Education Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.

A One of a Kind Prayer Guide!

After reading Gary Weaver's "Gentle Words in a Raging Storm," I found it to be one of the most inclusive and well-worded colleciotns of prayers available. He has a unique gift of being able to express the heart's desires while others of us remain speechless. I have found this book ideal for public use and a source for my own personal consolation. This is a book people will find useful for a long time. James L. P. Hurd, DMA Professor of Music, El Camino College Director of Music, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Redondo Beach, CA

Supports all faith walks

I have moved from my orthodox Christian upbringing to more of an interfaith comtemplative approach to my spiritual path now, but Gary Weaver's book of prayers, GENTLE WORDS IN A RAGING STORM, still speaks deeply to me. His unfailing, faithful hope in the midst of the trials and troubles of this human life offers me support and a means of prayerful expression for my journey. The beauty and depth of feeling of his words offers delight to my soul. Ann Ladd, psychotherapist

Prayerful eloquence

Especially for those of us whose gifts do not include well-articulated prayer, this book offers beautifully phrased, eloquent prayers to use in private, with family, or in front of a congregation. After reading them, you'll think, "Yes--that's what I want to say."