A sampling of what is covered in some of his meditations:

 

#11 “Worship in a culture of Entertainment” - It is so insidious – we easily adopt the attitude that the purpose of life is to be entertained. But we ought to remind ourselves constantly that when we worship, it is to please God and not ourselves.  Look out for substance versus style because the techniques and language of entertainment can distract us.

 

#19 “Perils and Possibilities” – Wealthy (or poor) but not greedy? Bishop explains that greed can be (i) to get what we do not have (versus contentment) and/or (ii) to keep what we have (versus merciful generosity). We are reminded to lead a godly, simple life and to be contented.

 

I was also challenged by this one:

 

#17 “Why We need Solitude” - We are constantly pushed by the world on its selfish, uncritical path. Power, attention and success are what most of us are driven to seek and in the process put on false masks. In order to anchor our soul in God, and avoid being adrift on the world’s currents and fads, we need to be alone with ourselves and become alone with God. Only then will we discover our loneliness and need for God. Through regular times of solitude, Scripture reading, prayer, reflection and being in God’s presence, we allow God to heal us and bring beauty to our faces. Recall how Jesus himself spent time alone in the wilderness. He also prayed alone in the garden of Gethsemane. Jacob was alone when he struggled with God. Will I decide to set aside a place and time for regular meeting with God alone?

I have gained much from the meditations and will try to review them periodically to refresh my understanding. More importantly, I should track my progress in what I have wished to put into practice. I urge you – allow Bishop to journey with you over 52 weeks. Mull over the writings and decide to make changes in your life where God prompts you. You may be pleasantly surprised by how God works in your life. This book will also make a great companion for this year’s Lent – the 40 days of preparation for Easter beginning with Ash Wednesday on 9 March. Wish you a blessed time of reading and prayerful consideration.