The Holy Ordinary - A Way to God

"The Holy Ordinary takes its inspiration from mystics, modern prophets, and saints, with surprising insights from Christian scriptures. "Mysticism is a stream of the experiential, flowing from the hearts of those who knew and know God," explains Mark Longhurst, demonstrating the availability to every person of a mystical life. Through topics such as "How to be contemplative and active" and "Live green like Hildegard of Bingen," Longhurst speaks to each person's need for transformation. This book is both profound and practical, a reflective guide for anyone-Nones, Dones, former Christians, and Christians open to learning from people of all backgrounds-seeking a vibrant, just, and inclusive spirituality"--

List of contents

Preface

Part 1: Contemplation

Say Yes

Be Active and Contemplative

Flee to the Heart of the World Like Thomas Merton

Live Vibrantly Now (Not Only Later)

Recognize God in All Places

Show Up to Reality

Contemplate Together Like Howard Thurman

Part 2: Connections

Connect to Source of Love

Love Animals Like St. Francis

Live Green Like Hildegard of Bingen

Make Sense of Angels Like a Scientist

Love Like My Grandmother (And the Trinity)

Sing to the Cosmic Christ Like John Muir

Join the Resurrection Movement

Part 3: Liberations

Be Subversively Joyful

Love Like James Baldwin

See Whiteness

Embrace Light and Darkness

Be Happy with Enough

Part 4: Embodiment

Make Room for the Holy

Create Sacred Space

Sit at Wisdom’s Feet

Pray through Your Body

Greet Christ Like a Yogi

Know More than Books

Meet God in the Arts/p>

Part 5: Transformations

Find God at the Margins

Enter that Dark Night

Welcome Christ’s Arrival (Like Shakers)

Prepare for Death

Live from the True Self

Pray and Listen on Your Way

Acknowledgements and Permissions

About the author

Mark Longhurst is a writer and “ordinary mystic.” He is a member of the new monastic “Community of the Incarnation” and works as the Publications Manager at the Center for Action and Contemplation. A former pastor, he served United Church of Christ churches for ten years and worked as a faith-based social justice activist in the Boston area for ten more. A graduate of Harvard Divinity School, and a longtime yoga-practitioner, he runs two Substack newsletters at marklonghurst.substack.com. Mark lives in western Massachusetts with his family. 

Summary

Locates mysticism as the essential experiential center of any Christian faith

“Herein lies support for your deepest self. Mark illuminates for you that in the ordinary aspects of life there is an extraordinary way to live. Drink from these reflections and prepare to be awakened and transformed.” —Phileena Nikole, author of Pilgrimage of a Soul

The Holy Ordinary takes its inspiration from mystics, modern prophets, and saints, with surprising insights from Christian scriptures. “Mysticism is a stream of the experiential, flowing from the hearts of those who knew and know God,” explains Mark Longhurst, demonstrating the availability to every person of a mystical life.

Through topics such as “How to be contemplative and active” and “Live green like Hildegard of Bingen,” Longhurst speaks to each person’s need for transformation. This book is both profound and practical, a reflective guide for anyone—Nones, Dones, former Christians, and Christians open to learning from people of all backgrounds—seeking a vibrant, just, and inclusive spirituality.

“For years, I’ve been wishing for a book that could introduce ordinary people to the spiritual life in a healthy, honest, accessible way. Mark Longhurst has written what I’ve been waiting for.” —Brian D. McLaren, author of Faith After Doubt

Foreword

• Author will offer a rolling online course based on the book.
• Select bookstore, guest preaching, and speaking events.
• Center for Action and Contemplation (Richard Rohr’s organization) feature and social media exposure.
• Joint retreat planned with Rev. Adam Bucko in New York City.
• Host “A Vibrant Life” podcast with featured guests exploring themes from the book.
• Guest feature on spirituality podcasts.
• Substack and social media sharing (1000-3000 people engaged).

Product details

• Authors: Mark Longhurst
• Publisher: Ingram Publishers Services
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Release: 22.10.2024, delayed
• EAN: 9781958972519
• ISBN: 978-1-958972-51-9
• No. of pages: 180
• Subjects: Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Religion: general, reference works; RELIGION / Meditations, RELIGION / Christian Theology / General