God Encounter: Experiencing the Power of Creative Prayer Book

Through imaginative prayer we can meet God in any way our spirits lead. The imagination is, in fact, one of the greatest blessings God has given us–a tool that can help us in some small way to comprehend the incomprehensible fact that God is truly at our side. Now, in God Encounter, best-selling author Lisa Tawn Bergren taps in to this underutilized gift, introducing a creative, exciting, and biblically sound prayer practice that will revitalize Christians’ prayer lives and transform the way they see God.

Blending the trusted, ancient Christian practice of meditation and the contemporary use of visualization, Lisa leads readers again and again to safe places–a cabin deep in a cool, dense forest; a foggy California bay; a rustic beach house; a refreshing desert oasis–where they can interact with God as never before: sharing their hearts, expanding their spirits, and opening up to God’s presence.

Filled with creative prayers that will awaken readers soul and teach them much about their desire for God, God Encounter also prepares and encourages believers to adapt and create their own imaginative prayers–a process that will enable them to encounter God in all new ways and better understand the immeasurable depth of his love for them.

Publishers Weekly

In this marvelous book, Bergren reverses the command frequently given on prime-time television programs: do try this at home! This flavorful how-to manual guides readers to "encounter" God through imaginative, meditative prayer. Bergren, a prolific novelist in the CBA market, uses imagery so vivid it borders on the poetic to engage readers' senses. In one sequence, she describes walking in a dark forest, alone and afraid, and the relief that arises when shelter is found. She likewise tells of being bathed inside and out in the enveloping comfort of a hot spring-a metaphor for how Christians may engage God with their whole being. Bergren cleverly walks her audience through the steps to creative prayer. Readers learn simple breathing techniques to make them more physically aware; a brief Scripture selection is then offered as a meditative appetizer. This is followed by a prayer of quiet petition and protection. Then Bergren spins her tales of personal experience with God with masterful grace and agility. Although some very conservative Christians may balk at Bergren's suggestions about breathing and meditation, thinking them too close to New Age teachings, those Christians who are energetic toward prayer disciplines will heartily embrace Bergren's creative, and most appropriate, use of imagination to gain a closer audience with the divine. She has discovered a fresh twist on a timeless Christian discipline. (Dec.) Forecast: The low price gives this hardback a gifty quality, which should prove a boon. This will not be a mega-hit, but should be a steady word-of-mouth title, particularly among women readers. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.