For Those We Love But See No Longer: Daily Offices for Times of Grief

when my wife, Jennifer, died in June 2000. There is a time of spiritual suffering that every believer must face. There are the great questions, the deep valleys followed by even deeper ones. There is incredible and acute loneliness, followed by guilt at the occasional joy and laughter.I struggled very much after losing my Jennifer. The Psalms, in which so many find comfort, were difficult. Any kind of "discipline" in my spiritual life seemed impossible. It was so hard to structure my day, and even harder to find time to engage in the spiritual disciplines to shape (and re-shape) my relationship with God. The despair simply built and built.I was able to find my way, through the help of many friends, but I can tell you now that I wish I had had this book a year ago. What a difference it would have made to be able to follow the daily office with texts built around the pain of grief. There is something about praying the Psalms. They are ordained praise, regardless of your meaning, intent, and feeling. God has ordained these texts as his praise, his conversation and instruction. And within the leaves of this work they are alive and molding. For those of you who are now in the throes of grief, I pray that you find this book soon. Immerse yourself in the daily office, let God speak to you as you draw near to him through the life-giving streams of spiritual devotion. I find powerful peace in them even today, as the pain surfaces again and brings to mind the questions of faith. If you have recently lost, this book is vital for you. God bless you in your coming struggle, and may the communion of the saints bring you peace. Feel free to email me if you need someone to talk to. The Lord be with you.