This confirmation gift book is a wonderful conversation style text bringing together the voices of a Bishop and an experienced youth worker. these two voices bring different perspectives for the intended readers who have recently been confirmed.
Echoing words used in the Anglican Confirmation service, it offers the newly confirmed some great ideas for living out their newly confirmed faith in private devotion and in public witness. They discuss meeting with other Christians for support and community with encouraging personal stories of being part of a running club and struggling with prayer - even when you're a bishop!
The format of the book is really appealing as it is easily portable and fits nicely in the hand with vibrant purple patterns that add interest but are not so overwhelming as to distract from the text. It was reviewed by teenagers before publication and I think it will certainly appeal to teen readers as do many of the cultural references to recent movies and online prayer resources. Although coming from a predominantly evangelical stance, it also draws from the rich heritage Christian tradition throughout the centuries from Biblical texts to St Patrick's Breastplate or ancient hymns like Come Holy Ghost Our Souls Inspire and Ignatian practices from the Jesuit tradition.
This is not just a comforting text but one which also challenges readers to act on their faith in serving others, praying for people in different areas of life and talking to others about your faith.
It also offers further resources on an attractive partner website also called Living Your Confirmation.
I would certainly recommend this to churches and families to give to teenagers who have recently been confirmed and if I were preparing a group of teenagers at my church right now I would have bought more copies already !
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