ChurchPublishing.org: Living the Way of Love

Reflections follow the practices of The Way of Love—Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go, Rest

Living the Way of Love offers forty brief reflections about the seven Jesus-centered practices identified by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry in “The Way of Love” initiative. Sullivan tells stories from her own and others’ experiences as a starting point for discussion about how to seek and find a deeper connection to God. Rotating through each practice so that each is covered once a week, going deeper into the practice throughout the forty days, each reflection ends with questions designed to spur further discussion and assist readers in making the practices their own. Perfect for using as a Lenten devotional or at any time of the year, the book includes a guide for creating a personal rule of life, and a downloadable Facilitator’s Guide.

Mary Bea Sullivan is a graduate of Virginia Theological Seminary and Associate Rector at Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church in Birmingham, Alabama. She is a trained Spiritual Director and author. She leads retreats and facilitates small groups. She is the chair of the Commission on Spirituality in the Diocese of Alabama and is on the faculty for the Metagem Institute. She lives in Birmingham, Alabama.

"Mary Bea Sullivan's devotional gifts us with the present of presence; she opens the door for the replenishing of our spirit. It is up to us to walk through that door and utter the 'holy yes.'" —Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author

"With compelling stories that invite personal reflection and discovery of grace buried in the soil of our everyday lives, Mary Bea Sullivan takes us on a Lenten journey into deeper companionship with the One in whom 'we live, and move and have our being.' Along the way, we encounter time honored practices and disciplines that can heighten our capacity to respond to God's voice 'with the ear of the heart.'" ––The Rt. Rev. Frank T Griswold, XXV Presiding Bishop

"The Rev. Mary Bea Sullivan has written a guide for Lent, organized into the seven practices our Presiding Bishop calls us to reclaim as we offer ourselves to Jesus' way of love. These are not concepts for our minds to consider but a faithful person sharing her story, her ministry, and her love for our hearts to hear. Lent can be difficult if we pay attention; it's good to have a friend to walk with us." ––The Rt. Rev. John McKee Sloan, 11th Bishop of Alabama

"A good devotional is like a cherished walking friend who encourages you to stay with your daily routines, especially when you might be tempted to sleep in. She rewards you each day with engaging stories and bracing insights, questions to carry you through the day and guidance for new exercises to try. In Living the Way of Love: A 40-Day Devotional, Mary Bea Sullivan proves to be that kind of walking friend for our spiritual lives. This is a devotional you will cherish." ––The Rt. Rev. Jake Owensby, author of A Resurrection Shaped Life: Dying and Rising on Planet Earth and Your Untold Story: Tales of a Child of God