Books for Lent 2020 - Eavesdropping: Learning to pray from those who talked to Jesus.

Daily readings suitable for Lent or any time of the year …

 

 

 

Overview:

Acclaimed on publication (January 2019) by David Wilbourne in the Church Times as ‘a classic’, this book of daily readings offers a wonderfully fresh way of deepening the way that we talk to God. Alongside author Henry Martin, we ‘eavesdrop’, or ‘listen in’, on 49 instances of people who actually spoke to Jesus in the Bible, and ask what we can learn from what they said and how he responded. Sometimes his answers brought delight to those who asked him, and sometimes his response was not what they expected or hoped for. In the final section of the book, the conversations listened to took place during Jesus’ final days and bring us closer to him during Holy Week. Eavesdropping can be read in daily sittings at any time of year, and is particularly suitable for Lent.

Henry Martin is an artist, writer and ordained Anglican minister. He has worked in ministry in Dagenham, Salford and most recently for seven years as the Managing Chaplain at HMP Manchester (Strangeways).

Key selling points:

> Offers an original approach to engaging with the Gospel stories.

> Ideally suited to Lent, with a new chapter for each day although it could be read at any time of year, as the discussions about prayer are not that specific to Lent.

> Written in an accessible and engaging way for as wide an audience as possible.

> Contains many stories of Jesus’ interactions with the marginalised and most vulernable in society and highlights his profound respect, in stark contrast to the norms of his society.

What was the inspiration for the book?

Eavesdropping began life as a series of twelve All Age sermons delivered by Henry Martin when vicar of Salford. These sermons asked the same question as the book, ‘What can we learn, when we listen in on other people’s prayers/conversations with Jesus?’

Henry then spent Lent 2016 looking each day at one such conversation and scribbling a few notes. This was initially for his own personal devotion and growth, but halfway through the process it seemed as if there might be a book developing. Henry says he was particularly taken with the questions that did not delight Jesus and did not elicit the desired response. 

Who is the book intended for?

For anyone interested in Christian prayer – they will find Eavesdropping useful and insightful.

Where can one get a copy?

All good bookstores and www.dltbooks.com for £12.99 – you can read a sample first here.