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Author Stretchen offers a sensitive and inclusive view of one's battles against human foibles and failings, presenting a pathway to spiritual satisfaction. Within this deft amalgamation of largely Holy Bible and Torah-based beliefs is the opportunity for those whom the author addresses as "eyes of the reader" to comprehend that the devil’s plotting may destroy the patterns that God, in his inclusive and forgiving way, offers to all who ask for it, no matter how extreme one’s failings. In the first segment of this two-part narrative, the author acknowledges that not everyone has a strong religious practice, while others may profess spiritual beliefs without being aware of certain essential, eternal truths, even within established churches. The holy figure of Jesus, primarily identified here as Yeshua, must be remembered and revered by all as one who willingly took on the suffering of humanity in order that God's love and concern may be more clearly understood and human sins forgiven.
To establish this strong thesis, Stretchen examines memorable biblical figures like Samson, who, despite his wrongful deeds, "still believed that somehow, God would help him just one last time. And God did." Harrowing descriptions of subtle ways that Satan's darkness may infuse one's life with the propensity to commit sins powerfully illustrate why those afflicted are often unable to imagine that forgiveness could be proffered in their evil-laden lives. In the second half of this inspiring collocation, the author demonstrates how hope and rightful living can be nurtured and sustained through exercises of twenty daily prayers, to be recited morning, noon, and night. Through these exercises, developed through diligent faith and intelligent research and touching on recognizable regrets to be overcome by God’s perpetual mercy, the author hopes to bring readers to an understanding that, through spiritual discipline and the willingness to admit one's failures, God’s mercy and forgiveness conquers all sinful, self-destructive tendencies.
Stretchen, born in Great Britain, was drawn early on to community studies, and as a nurse and immigration officer, has traveled and worked globally in locations such as Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean islands. As a Bible teacher and scholar, among her other sterling roles, she has written several religious works, which, as in this volume, vigorously reach out to "the eyes" to create a heartfelt understanding that can lead to deeper biblical belief and faith sustained through sincere effort. The prayers composed here are given emotive, descriptive titles, such as: "When you cannot stop lying and fail to tell the whole truth," which asks God to make truth be one's anchor, and "How do I forgive myself, O Lord?" with the devotee's simple yet profound declaration that, "My first step toward repentance is to admit that I need the first step, which is honesty." Utilizing such profound spiritual outpourings, Stretchen's audience will find genuine empathy and straightforward solutions to most human difficulties, satisfying the author's wish to enlighten and ensuring that her work reaches a wide audience. Due to the quality of the writing and the author’s candid presentation, this book is likely to prove an excellent choice for both group discussions and individual reflection.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review