SPIRITUAL RENEWAL

"But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit."

Titus 3:4-5

    • You can utilize prayer beads in your prayer time. These sites provide more information, as well as sources for ordering beads.



    • Anglican Rosary/Anglican Prayer Beads
      This site contains an explanation of the background and purpose of Anglican prayer beads, and several prayers to use with the beads.

      Prayerbdzs
      Read about the spiritual meaning behind prayer beads. Books about prayer beads are available for sale, as well as products such as bracelets and prayer shawls. The artist featured on this site is Eleanor Wiley.

      Rings & Things
      All kinds of supplies for jewelry making, including beads, free project sheets, and tips, are found here. You can order various types of pendants, including crosses; beading cords, and many other related supplies.

      The Rosary Shop
      Here you can buy pre-made rosaries or custom hand-made rosaries. You can download instructions for making your own rosaries, and purchase supplies and kits. The site also includes the Rosary Partners Guild, where you can advertise and sell rosaries that you make.

      Shipwreck Beads
      What a great selection of beads, tools, findings, and accessories! Shells, crystal, gems, pearls - the list goes on!

    • 1st Presbyterian Church of Second Life
      A virtual church? Visit this site to find out more about the virtual community of Second Life, and 1PCSL (1st Presbyterian Church of Second Life). Currently there are meetings for conversation and prayer. There is an FAQ on the site if you have more questions and are interested in this new church.

      Blue Mountain Center of Meditation
      Learn about Passage Meditation and its originator Eknath Easwaran. Free resources, such as recommended passages and mantrams are available, as well as books, DVDs, and podcasts. You can subscribe via mail or online to the quarterly journal Blue Mountain.

      Bread on the Waters
      Read prayer books online, pray the stations of the cross, or visit the virtual retreat house. You can also find out about the Community of Christ Crucified, and how to join it. The Passionists also have information on this site, and there is an 'Ask a Catholic' page as well.

      Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
      Many resources are available on this website including essays, planning materials, and stories of worship renewal. Grants are available for worship renewal, as well as training events and an annual symposium on worship.

      Christians in the Visual Arts
      Established in 1979 to support the relationship between Christians and visual art work, this site lists member museums and galleries, exhibits, and resources. They have an online store with books, artwork, CDs, and DVDs. The site displays recent artwork by member artists.

      Christians Practicing Yoga
      This site introduces and describes several types of yoga and meditation techniques, how to practice them, and how these spiritual practices can be Christ-centered and enhance your prayer life.

      Creeds of Christendom
      Christian creeds and their history are presented here. They are categorized by the faith stream, such as Baptist and Anabaptist, Lutheran, Pentecostal, and Reformed. The site author's vision is to 'have a one stop shop for Christian creeds and confessions', and the site has an extensive amount of material, organized in a very clear manner.

      Formation House
      Christian community, prayer, and discipleship are found in this house which is part of the New Monastic movement. Formation House is located in Pittsburgh, and offers community experiences in one-year cycles.

      Grace Cathedral
      The Cathedral labyrinths at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. Contains lots of useful information about labyrinths in general as well as the two labyrinths at Grace Cathedral.

      Inspiritnews.com
      Here you will find inspirational thoughts, and articles on faith, kindness, inspiration, and patriotism. This site is designed to uplift you, and to counteract all the bad news that's all around us.

      International Arts Movement
      IAM (International Arts Movement) is an organization with a vision of re-humanizing the world. Using the Judeo-Christian frame of reference, the movement aims to catalyze artists everywhere to share truth, beauty, and goodness, and to change the world for the better. It's a big vision and a big goal! You can read about their events and projects, and sign up to be a part of this exciting movement.

      The International Parish Nurse Resource Center
      This organization supports the mission of parish nursing, which integrates faith with the practice of nursing. Find out how your community of faith can explore health ministry. Materials are available for order, and there are also links to free online resources.

      John Main Christian Meditation
      You can learn more about the Christian Meditation as described by the late Fr. John Main, O.S.B. You can also purchase books, tapes, CDs, and DVDs.

      Labyrinth Enterprises
      An amazing site with a great variety of resources regarding labyrinths! If you want to buy or build a labyrinth, this is the place. Also you can find out the '12 Reasons to Have A Church Labyrinth', reference many links, and find out about the training and lectures offered. This site is a real treasure trove if you are interested in labyrinths.

      Labyrinth Online
      This site has great information about labyrinths, including links to other sites, and several virtual online labyrinths. It has a lovely clean design and is extremely easy to navigate. There are many references to meditation from different religious practices, so it is not a Christian site specifically, yet the information can be used by all who would like to explore the use of labyrinths for meditation and spiritual growth.

      Lift Up Your Hearts
      This is the "Worship and Spirituality Site of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada". Here you will find essays for worship leaders, and links to sites with resources for Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Holy Week, and Easter. The site has worship resources, and spirituality, music, and visual arts links.

      Listening Hearts Ministries
      Spiritual discernment is taught at Listening Hearts Ministries, through retreats, workshops, discernment training, and leadership training. You can order their publications, access meditations online, and find out about their programs. These programs are very useful in church settings for both clergy and laity.

      Lloyd John Ogilvie Institute of Preaching
      The Ogilvie Institute's vision is to catalyze preachers for the work of Jesus Christ in the world. Find out about the Micah Groups (preacher-formation groups), join in prayer, and hear sermons and interviews.

      Ministry Tools Resource Center
      This nondenominational site offers a number of resources, including a spiritual gifts inventory test, bibliographies and links organized by ministry areas, and online Biblical lessons for building your congregation. You can also purchase devotion and study books, or schedule a seminar speaker. The site has holiday and seasonal ministry resources, including bulletin inserts and drama scripts.

      The National Cathedral
      The Washington National Cathedral is "a house of prayer for all people". This is a great website, packed with interesting information. Find out the difference between a gargoyle and a grotesque, read "The Cathedral Voice" newsletter, or watch videos of recent church services. Did you know there is a carving of Darth Vader on the cathedral? Read about school and family programs, browse the Museum shop, or listen to organ music. It's all here, and lots more!

      A Network for Grateful Living
      This site has great resources for encouraging gratefulness. Read topics related to grateful living, purchase items, send an e-card, view videos, and read about recommended books. There is a richness of resources here, and the site is very easy to use and pleasant to view. There are even step-by-step practices for increasing gratefulness in your life.

      The Order of Saint Benedict
      Read about the monastic order of Saint Benedict and what it means to be an oblate of a monastery. You can be a lay person, and don't need to be Catholic to do so! The site has excellent information about programs and publications.

      Reformed Worship
      If you want help on planning a worship service, this is the site for you. You can search for articles by subject, season, or author. There is a print version that you can subscribe to. The publication includes music and art as well. This is a very easy site to search, and you can print or email the articles.

      Renovare
      Renovare USA is a nonprofit organization, founded by author Richard J. Foster, which models intentional living through Christian spiritual formation. Sign up for their newsletter, find out about events in your area, read articles about the spiritual disciplines, or order books, CDs, and DVDs.

      Servant Evangelism
      Kindness is the way to start evangelism. Read about how this works, and the success this approach to living as Jesus would have us live, is having. Do you want to find out how to share God's love in this practical way? This site has lots of useful information, an ezine, and a blog.

      Sojourners
      Sojourners is a ministry focused on social justice and spiritual renewal. You can subscribe to "Sojourners" magazine, and even read articles from back issues. You can also choose from several email newsletters, check the resource catalog, read news items, and find out how to take action on important justice issues.

      Spirit Home
      This is a directory and informational site of "resources for spirituality and faith". You can read about spiritual practices and disciplines, the environment, church seasons, worship, and the work of the Holy Spirit. You can even take a self-test to discover your passion!

      Spiritual Directors International
      Inclusive of all faith traditions, SDI provides information and a directory of spiritual directors worldwide. You can find out about educational events, check the 'Frequently Asked Questions', or become a member.

      Spirituality & Practice
      On this site you can take a self-test to find the best spiritual practices for you, purchase books, sign up for a free e-newsletter, or share your thoughts in the Sharing Forums. There are film reviews, and online guides for film discussions. Watch videos of spiritual teachers, sign up for an e-course (very reasonably priced), or read about 'Naming the Days'. There's a lot of great information on this site, and it's very well organized.

      Taize
      Learn about the Taize Community, including their music and prayers. You can order products, read about international meetings, and find out about life at Taize.

      Upper Room Ministries
      The Living Prayer center offers a 24/7 prayer ministry staffed by volunteers. On this site you can also view scenes from the Upper Room Chapel in Nashville, visit the bookstore, and learn about the programs of spiritual renewal such as the walk to Emmaus and the Academy for Spiritual Formation.

      Weavings
      Weavings: a journal of the Christian spiritual life. This is a magazine you can subscribe to. The website lists the contents of the issue, and has a discussion room and area for letters to the editor.

      The World Community for Christian Meditation
      Here you can find Christian meditation centers from all over the world, or read about events and retreats that are upcoming. You can learn about Christian meditation and read past issues of their newsletter. There are instructions on how to meditate, and even a list of Frequently Asked Questions.