From the back cover:
Perfect as a gift for yourself or a F/friend this charmingly illustrated journal contains the thoughtful and prayerful devotions of two members of the Religious Society of Friends. Written over a three-year period with 2000 miles between them, this small volume brings together many elements of Quaker faith and practice.
“Within these pages are simply stated truths and experiences—often profound—that elicit ‘aha’s’ of recognition. They offer insights that ring true whether one’s experience of God is as a Presence or as Lord.”
—Joan Broadfield, clerk of Chester Monthly Meeting, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting
“These deceptively simple devotions provide a glimpse of the spiritual discipline practice by Friends over time and across a great distance. They can open our listening hearts to a more profound experience of Divine love. Reading one each day helps refocus our attention on the Presence.”
—Marty Grundy, author of Resistance and Obedience to God
Library Journal Review, 2001:
The Religious Society of Friends has enjoyed a fame and influence rather out of proportion to its size, and it does not pour forth publications so almost any book issued under its sign is worthy of attention, not least this charming, moving, characteristically brief book. The authors, friends, and Friends since the 1950s produced this book over about three years as an exchange of meditations rather as one might exchange letters and the result is a familiar, accessible, and surprisingly unified reflection on the Quaker ideals of peace, humility, and deep attentiveness to what is called here the Divine Presence. Highly recommended, both for Friends and for those curious about the practice of the Society.
Friends Bulletin Review, November 2001
After Francis Hole and Ellie Shacter had known each other for more than fifty years, they agreed to this experiment of sharing spirituality with each other across the miles on a weekly basis.
Francis Hole shared insights which he composed on his typewriter. Ellie Shacter shared by telephone, letters and occasional packages of cheese and nuts.
The contents of this little book consists of one hundred and four brief exercises in reaching to one’s relationship to the Divine within and universally. Each contemplative offering looks to one’s awareness of Presence: reaching, praying, apologizing, exploring, questioning, revealing how often we fail [to] pinpoint the many ways we are distracted.
These meditations could well serve as daily devotional readings, for more than three months used once over. They contain insights that can challenge the reader again and again, creating enduring value in this small volume.
Reviewed by Lois Barton, Eugene (OR) Meeting.
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