Still looking for that elusive perfect present for a special friend? The search is over with the publication of two gift books that combine biblical insights with warm pastoral sensitivity: Flourish: Prayers for a Well-Tended Heart and Flourish: Devotions for a Well-Tended Heart both published by Tyndale. The underlying concept is this; just as a garden needs nurturing to grow and thrive, so does our relationship with God. Each of the two Flourish books features 75 devotional readings to help us dig deeper in our faith and cultivate trust in our Creator God. Each reading is backed up with superb photography of a garden flower – together with a short description or interesting fact – so we can admire God’s beautiful handiwork. The books are based on Mike Beaumont and Martin Manser’s successful daily devotional Walking with God, with substantial revisions and additions.
The target audience is the gift market, especially those who enjoy gardening and flowers. We all go through difficult times when we need help and encouragement. These two hardbacks offer that … and more. They make ideal presents for garden lovers and anyone for birthdays, Easter and Christmas, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, to say thank you, for when friends are going through difficult times, a wedding, anniversary, retirement or welcome to a new home.
Each two-page section opens and closes with a Bible verse from the New Living Translation and features a commentary (or a prayer) together with a stunning floral photograph and caption. The aim has been to produce two books that refresh the spirit and nurture our inner lives.
Flourish: Prayers for a Well-Tended Heart is not another book about prayer but a book of actual prayers that readers can use for themselves. We know that many people find books of prayers helpful as launchpads for their own prayers. Themes in Flourish: Prayers for a Well-Tended Heart include: teach us to pray; the Lord’s prayer; Two beautiful gift books with a difference. trusting God when we are going through difficult times; turning back to God; prayer as our relationship with the Lord; seeing God as magnificent; expressing our appreciation of God; praise and worship; wanting to know God more; being God’s children; praying for other people – even our enemies; seeking God for wisdom and understanding; praying for revival; praying God’s promises; seeking God for his help; prayer changes things; prayers for patience; learning from failure; keeping a heart that is responsive and tender towards God; remaining humble; praying for God‘s power; realising God’s presence; perseverance; unanswered prayer; turning away from ourselves; when God feels far away; allowing the Holy Spirit to help us; expressing ourselves honestly; praying about our work; dealing with jealousy; praying for guidance; listening to God; slowing down enough to hear God’s ‘gentle whisper’.
Themes in Flourish: Devotions for a Well-Tended Heart include: our response when going through challenging times; aspects of the character of God such as his holiness, goodness, faithfulness and compassion; spiritual warfare; coping with changes in life; dealing with fear and insecurity; guidance; counting the cost; the importance of the church; knowing God more; our response to suffering; the need for forgiveness; being thankful; knowing God as our friend; the kingdom of God; hope; following Christ as his disciples; generosity; telling others about Jesus; weakness and strength; trust in God’s guidance.
These books are the latest to have come from the joint authorship of Mike Beaumont and Martin Manser, who have been compiling books successfully together for over 30 years. They enjoy working together as the combination of Mike’s wealth of preaching, teaching and pastoral skills complement Martin’s long-standing editorial experience. They were the editors of the ground-breaking Christian Basics Bible, published in 2017 by Tyndale.
Mike Beaumont
Martin Manser
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