Grace upon Grace - Marlene Marburg

In Grace upon Grace: Savouring the Spiritual Exercises through the Arts, spirituality meets creativity in a unique and compelling way. This book presents contemporary retreats for daily life that are fresh and innovative adaptations of the original Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius. These exercises, traditionally focused on deepening one's spiritual life through prayer and reflection, are reimagined to incorporate the transformative power of the arts.

Grace upon Grace places a spotlight on various art forms-poetry, visual art, movement, and music-as means to explore and engage with the sacred Mystery. This creative approach allows individuals to connect with their spirituality in new and profound ways. By integrating the arts into spiritual practice, the book opens up new pathways for experiencing and expressing faith.

One of the standout features of this book is its special focus on poetry. Poetry is not only highlighted as a powerful tool for spiritual reflection but also as a practice of writing poetry as a form of prayer. This approach invites readers to engage with their spiritual journey actively and creatively, using the written word to articulate and explore their relationship with the divine. Writing poetry as prayer allows for a deeply personal and intimate expression of one's spiritual insights and emotions.

The inclusion of other art forms, such as visual art and movement, further enriches the spiritual experience. These practices encourage a holistic approach to spirituality, where the body, mind, and spirit are all engaged in the process of seeking and encountering the sacred. Music, too, plays a crucial role, with its ability to evoke deep emotional responses and connect us to transcendent realities.

Grace upon Grace is a valuable resource for anyone seeking inspiration or fresh ideas for their next retreat. Whether you are a seasoned retreat-goer or new to the practice, this book offers a wealth of creative and spiritually enriching exercises. It provides practical guidance and thoughtful reflections that can be incorporated into daily life, making the spiritual exercises accessible and relevant to contemporary seekers.

This book is not just a guide for retreats but a companion for anyone looking to deepen their spiritual practice through the arts. Its innovative approach makes it a standout resource, offering new ways to experience and savour the spiritual exercises. By embracing the arts as a pathway to the divine, Grace upon Grace invites readers to embark on a journey of creativity, reflection, and profound spiritual growth.