Cynthia Coe

Considering Birds & Lilies Cynthia Coe

CONSIDERING BIRDS & LILIES explores the deep connection between time in nature and the Christian faith. In this thoughtful book, Cynthia Coe takes the reader through a number of expressions and examples of spirituality in nature in both the Old and New Testaments, along with nature-based practices of spirituality by Jesus and by early Christians. Topics include the role of wilderness in preparation for leadership and for new mission, the use of nature by Jesus to teach important concepts of spirituality, and the practice of faith outdoors, in the garden, and even in our own backyards. The author offers an introduction to a number of nature-based practices of spirituality, along with a series of Garden Meditations for individual use. These meditations introduce readers to the practice of Lectio Natura, the spiritual practice of seeing parables in the natural world around us in everyday life. This book will affirm the importance of time in nature as an essential part of the Christian faith and in the practice of Christian spirituality. Questions for small group discussion, journaling, or individual reflection are offered at the end of each chapter, making this book an excellent resource for Christian formation by groups or individuals.