Christ in Our Midst: Daily Lenten Reflections Through Scripture and Gregorian Chant - Hardcover

by Editors at Paraclete Press (Author), The Gloriae Dei Cantores Schola (Performed by)

Deepen your faith and enrich your journey to Easter with the centuries-old practice of Gregorian Chant, a beautiful gift of Scripture, prayer, and song.

The ancient practice of Gregorian chant is rooted in the Psalms and prayers of the earliest Christians, yet many people haven't discovered its life-giving power. Expressed through simple, intentional melodies accessible to all, Gregorian chant opens a door to communicate with God. Besides spiritual value, chant has been proven to lower stress and anxiety, enhance focus and deep meditation, and promote emotional and physical well-being. A devotional unlike any other, Christ in Our Midst invites you to experience this easy to use and thought-provoking resource to instill peace and renewal through word and sound.

From Ash Wednesday through the first week of Easter, each day includes a verse of Gregorian chant to hear and sing, paired with Scriptures, meditations, reflection questions, and guided prayers. The chants include a QR code link to recorded audio, as well as written music to follow and enjoy.

As you become familiar with Gregorian chant, this devotional will help you to:

• Express your hopes, fears, frustrations, joy, and gratitude to God naturally, through the words of the Psalms
• Quiet your mind as you focus on the sound of the chant
• Learn more about the history of Gregorian chant and its significance in the life of the Church through relatable text
• Establish a vital, nourishing connection with God that remains steady amid all the ups and downs of life
• Join the stream of continuous prayer being offered to God by Christians all over the world in a similar and profound way

In an artfully designed format with a ribbon marker, this book will add a dimension to your journey this Lent that is ancient, yet new. Whether you're familiar with Gregorian chant or discovering it for the first time, let Christ in Our Midst be your guide as you draw from a deep and inexhaustible well of inspiration, stability, and peace.

Author Biography

Paraclete Press publishes spiritually enriching literature rooted in Scripture and biblical principles, inspiring spiritual growth, sparking imagination, and supporting a variety of educational endeavors. Its publications embrace the full spectrum of Christian traditions, including Catholic, Evangelical, Protestant, and Orthodox.

Honoring the wisdom of the past while addressing contemporary needs, Paraclete's collection spans an array of topics, such as Christian living, Orthodoxy, monasticism, prayer, psalms, saints, mystics, and the Desert Fathers. With works ranging from timeless Christian classics to modern writings, their catalog features a variety of genres, including fiction, poetry, devotionals, gift books, prayer books, and explorations of faith, art, and monastic spirituality. A steadfast commitment to excellence, authenticity, and the transformative power of words guides every editorial decision.

Gloriæ Dei Cantores Schola is dedicated to the singing and study of Gregorian chant. Its expertise and experience come from daily chanting of the Liturgy of the Hours as well as the Ordinary and Proper of the Mass at the Church of the Transfiguration in Orleans, Massachusetts. The Schola also conducts chant workshops and performs in concert with Gloriæ Dei Cantores. Years of study with Dr. Mary Berry, CBE, founder of the Schola Gregoriana in Cambridge, England, and the monks of St. Peter's Abbey in Solesmes, France, also contribute to the Schola's passion for Gregorian chant as a vibrant and living form of sung prayer. Gloriæ Dei Cantores Schola has been critically acclaimed in both Europe and the United States for its proper regard for rhythmic flexibility and its sensitivity to both musical and textural phrase.