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Listening to the Groans
A Spirituality for Ministry and Mission
by Trevor Hudson, Stephen D. Bryant
For we know that the whole creation groans and labors… (Romans 8:22)
A short but powerful discourse, Listening to the Groans rejects a spirituality that’s inward, personal and individual for one that’s faithfully attentive, active and compassionate in society.
Sadly, many Christians talk more than listen. The danger is that those who have shut out their neighbor may also shut out God — losing in the process a chance to participate in God’s dream of mending a broken world.
For God so loved the world…so God must care about what happens in it.
“Listening to the groans…is the ticket to evangelism, healing, pastoral care, community building, peacemaking and so much more,” the authors write. “As we listen we find ourselves able to love God with all our hearts, souls, minds and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves.”
Hudson and Bryant challenge Christ-followers to be vulnerable enough to listen to the groans of creation, to be still enough to hear the groans within ourselves, and to find hope and strength for the journey by relying on the Holy Spirit. They breathe new life into familiar scripture to propel laity, clergy, scholars and mystics to be transformed to a deeper faithfulness.
Are you ready to really listen and engage? A more equitable, compassionate and just society won’t happen if we remain the same and continue life as usual.
Illustrated with charcoal drawings by Jan L. Richardson.
Listening to the Groans also includes a retreat model for group study and action.
2007
About the Authors
Trevor Hudson has been part of the Methodist movement for over 40 years. Serving primarily around Johannesburg, he is deeply committed to the work of spiritual formation within local congregational contexts. A significant part of his weekly work presently consists of leading people through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and offering spiritual direction. Trevor also travels widely, preaching and teaching. He lectures at Fuller Seminary, the Renovaré Institute, the Dallas Willard Center for Christian Spiritual Formation, and the Jesuit Institute in South Africa. He is the author of 24 books including Discovering Your Spiritual Identity, Beyond Loneliness (Upper Room), Seeking God-Finding Another Kind of Life with St. Ignatius and Dallas Willard (NavPress), and In Search of God’s Will (NavPress).
Stephen D. Bryant was the world editor and publisher of Upper Room Ministries from 1997 to 2009 and is currently directing international ministry initiatives for the General Board of Discipleship. Before his election as world editor and publisher, Bryant served as director of spiritual formation for The Upper Room and as the international director of The Walk to Emmaus and Chrysalis movements. His vision of small groups as important settings for spiritual formation and his experience in the contemplative life as well as local churches provided the inspiration for the Companions in Christ series. Bryant was instrumental in shaping the foundational 28-week resource.