Gary Neal Hansen

Theology. It's good for you.

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You are here: Home / Archives for Prayer

A New View of Contemplative Prayer, from St. Clare of Assisi

August 11, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

I first knew of St. Clare of Assisi (c. 1193-1254) through one of my favorite films: Franco Zeffirelli’s Brother Son, Sister Moon (1972). I was totally smitten by Judi Bowker’s portrayal of the young noblewoman who risked all to live in poverty with St. Francis, joining him in serving Christ in the poor. Today is her […]

Filed Under: Prayer, Saints Tagged With: Bride of Christ, Clare of Assisi, Contemplation, Contemplative prayer, Francis of Assisi, Prayer, Song of Songs

Small Group Leader’s Guide for Kneeling with Giants!

April 14, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

I am very happy to announce that the Small Group Leader’s Guide for Kneeling with Giants is now available! It is also free, and only in the Free Member Library here at GaryNealHansen.com. What could be better than finding ways to draw close to God that really fit? Ways of prayer with deep roots in authentic […]

Filed Under: Prayer Tagged With: Adult education, Adult Study Groups, Kneeling with Giants, Leader's Guide, Prayer, Small groups

The Little Known Secret to Seeing God at Work

January 30, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

Last week I posted on John Beadle, the English Puritan who wrote the first book on journal keeping as a spiritual discipline back in 1656. It is an odd book — Beadle could have used a good editor. It is also a wise book — he has excellent advice that can make journaling a fantastic […]

Filed Under: Prayer, Theology Tagged With: Diary keeping, Joel Montes de Oca, John Beadle, Journal keeping, Prayer, Puritans, Seeing God at work

Why I Love St. Teresa of Avila

October 17, 2013 by Gary Neal Hansen 4 Comments

It is my Breviary that most often reminds me of various saints being commemorated by the Church around the world. So when I have a day or two when something bumps my attention away from praying the Divine Office, someone I love as dearly as St. Teresa of Avila can sneak by completely unnoticed. Her […]

Filed Under: Prayer, Saints Tagged With: Jesus, Prayer, Saints, Teresa of Avila

Praying On Your Smart Phone: Review of 4 iOS Apps for the “Divine Office”

September 27, 2013 by Gary Neal Hansen 16 Comments

Wouldn’t St. Benedict be surprised to find people praying the Divine Office on their smart phones? Okay, he would be surprised if he even heard about smart phones. Or not-so-smart phones. Or telegraphs for that matter. As I describe in my book, Kneeling with Giants: Learning to Pray with History’s Best Teachers (InterVarsity Press 2012) the practice of […]

Filed Under: Prayer, Reviews Tagged With: App reviews, Benedict of Nursia, Daily Office, Divine Office, Liturgy of the Hours, Prayer

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Theology. It’s good for you.

I'm a Church historian by trade. My writing, speaking, and teaching explores the Christian past to equip today's disciples. Join me here for regular posts on the best of theology, spirituality, community, and ministry. read more…

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