The Everyday God: Encountering the Divine in the works of mercy

Jonathan Arnold has produced a thought provoking, practical and meditational book on the Everyday God who is alive and active, quite often in the most unexpected of places, and always both inside and outside of church buildings. The book reminds the reader that everyone is created in the image of God and that caring for all living beings and the environment as a whole is something that must be central to the life of a christian.

This is a book that can be read by an individual at a pace to suit one's own needs or indeed would be a brilliant book for a church home group or equivalent gathering. Each chapter presents the reader with challenges to think about, includes thoughts, reflections and teachings from a wide range of individuals, and links in scripture to the particular work of mercy being explored. The book is accessible and the fact each chapter finishes with a reflection, prayer and spiritual exercise allows the reader to use it in a manner to aid their spiritual life and development both in terms of prayer and considering practical actions that could be taken forward.

The work Jonathan is engaged in the Diocese of Canterbury is brought to life through the pages of this book and provides the reader with significant insights into how it makes a significant difference to the lives of so many people each and every day.

We live in a challenging world where so often it is easy to over look those in need. This book reminds the reader that we should not consider helping those in need as an option but as a duty.

Jonathan highlights to the reader that at different times in life, all of us can be scared or troubled in some way, and the Bible reminds us that loving our neighbour is something we should all do despite its challenges. God is there for everyone and through the works of mercy (feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, give shelter to travellers, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned, and bury the dead) we can all see God in the face of others, through our spiritual and practical actions linked to the works of mercy.

This book has inspired me to find out more about Jonathan's work and to reflect more on how I can find God in all things and in all people, and consider what works of mercy there are for me to do each and every day.

The Everyday God: Encountering the Devine in the works of mercy
by Jonathan Arnold, 2024. Publisher: Bible Reading Fellowship

For more details see: www.brfonline.org.uk/collections/new-titles/products/the-everyday-god