God of My Heart

A Prayer Book for Youth

Connie Wlaschin Ruhlman and Shannon Ferguson Kelly

Mar/2013, 176 Pages, PAPERBACK, 6 x 9

ISBN-13: 9780819228659

Topics chosen by youth and prayers written by youth—their ideas, their language

Originally released in 1998, this 176-page collection of prayers for youth written by Catholic high school students was a steady seller in its first 10 years. This new, expanded version offers a fresh, contemporary design, an ecumenical format and approach, plus additional prayers written by today’s high school teens and artwork contributed by Episcopal youth from across the country. Other features include a four-page introduction that suggests multiple ways to use the book, a one-page introduction for each season of the church year, scripture index and topic index, plus more than 150 prayers.

Shannon Kelly is a freelance writer and consultant for formation programs. She develops curricula for The Episcopal Church and Forward Movement, serves as the Province V Youth Ministries liaison to the Episcopal Church, is chaplain to the Official Youth Presence at the 2012 General Convention, plus is involved in programming for Episcopal camps and conference centers.

Connie Wlaschin Ruhlman has 20 years of experience teaching Catholic high school theology. Her students provided the prayers for the original edition of God of my Heart. She now serves as a procurator and advocate for the Diocese of Grand Island, NE’s Marriage Tribunal.

"God of My Heart gives voice to the hopes and fears young people have for this world.  Lifting up these prayers is a holy endeavor.  Amplifying the voices of young people in particular affirms their prophetic and challenging witness. This is a gift for the churches and communities who have the courage to listen."
Samuel A. McDonald, Deputy Chief Operating Officer and Director of Mission, —The Episcopal Church Center, New York, NY

"What a joy and treat to have these prayers. I saw each of the Advent prayers as a daily meditation, asking myself the same questions or admitting the same short-fallings as the writers. I could see each of these prayers being a program for youth group or on Sunday mornings and working with them on the struggles and issues that are very relevant for today’s youth!"
—Sabrina Evans, Director of Christian Formation, Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City OK

"I have been waiting: not years, but decades, for what God of My Heart provides! This well laid-out, very accessible resource has broad application and has the potential to be a staple in every congregation, Episcopal school, and camp. I envision using it with both young people and adults!"
—The Rt. Rev. Brian N. Prior, Bishop, Episcopal Church in Minnesota

"God of My Heart is a useful tool to help youth develop their own language to talk to and about God as they deepen their own relationship with the Holy One. I found the seasonal prayers unique in the way they teach into prayer." —Missy Morain, Director of Christian Formation for Children and Youth,  The Parish of St Matthew, Pacific Palisades, CA  

 

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