Publisher's Synopsis
Description: God is already at work in your life--whether or not you recognize it. Most people are too busy to see or hear God and most Christians lack the intentional practice of listening to the stories of outsiders. In Echoing the Story, Brady Bryce provides a simple way for people to come together and tell the scattered stories of their lives in order to imagine them as part of a bigger story. His innovative, narrative approach invites curious skeptics, casual followers of God, and committed disciples of Jesus into community through listening to shared stories. If you are interested in exploring the entire story of the Bible, if you wonder how its stories fit together, or if you simply want to experience God in the ordinariness of your life, then this reliable guide can lead you in listening to the echoes of God. Part spiritual formation, part discipleship, part journey through the Bible--this guidebook is an experience in hearing the word of God in life. You can learn the skill of echoing the story through listening in this informative, experiential, and missional process. As participants in the story we can begin to imagine our everyday lives as stories oriented toward God. Endorsements: ""Everyone has a story. A story has everyone."" In his poetic way, Brady draws one into the story of God. The narrating process of the four movements of his guidebook, a contemporary version of lectio divina, help the participants open their hearts to God's movement and use of them in this world. It is more than an intellectual exercise; it is an experience in placing God at the center of one's life and community. I highly recommend this study as an opportunity to learn from one who is practiced in listening to God and others."" --Jackie L. Halstead Lipscomb University ""So often our reading of scripture is from the neck up--we find it, on any particular day, boring or interesting. But what if I was urgently trying to make sense of my life today and these texts might give me some clue? All of a sudden it matters in vital ways. Bryce's book will invite you to see God's story as your story and how that changes everything. Very practical, and doable--the prayer pattern itself is worth the price of the book."" Don't read this book--do it."" --Randy Harris, Abilene Christian University. ""What a great gift Dr. Brady Bryce has given to us in teaching us how to listen to God. Dr. Bryce helps us listen to the story of God at work on this planet, as he takes us through the whole of the Bible, helping us see the great themes. Along the way he helps us listen to God's work now, in the present, in and through us and others. This new way of doing small groups blends ancient spirituality (lectio divina) with postmodern love of narrative, while teaching the spiritual discipline of deep listening."" --Richard V. Peace Fuller Theological Seminary About the Contributor(s): Brady Bryce (DMin, MDiv) is Director of Ministry Events at Abilene Christian University where he teaches ministry and evangelism. As a lifetime minister, Bryce is nurturing a new neighborhood faith community with his family and neighbors. He preaches and speaks to groups on Christian Spirituality and Mission.
