Nicholas Heale

In a culture where hearts are warmed by stories and personalities, rather than theories and propositions, this book is an invitation to share the authors' experience of becoming friends in faith with the saints and mystics. Those who feature reflect the wide sweep of Christian spiritual heritage: several are from the ancient and Celtic background; several reflect medieval spirituality - including women's spirituality; there are the so-called 'Spanish Mystics', and some from more recent times. In short chapters which provide a brief summary of each saint's experience of prayer and spirituality, Jill and Nicholas reflect on how the saints have enabled them to grow in insight and maturity. Engagingly, they respond to each other's encounters - focusing particularly on the biblical sources of each saint's spiritual life - to help these voices speak more clearly to all of us. Each chapter concludes with a study guide for individual or group study.

This book describes the experiences and reflections of a Christian priest living and working in a predominantly Muslim community in Blackburn. It explores the complexities of coexistence and the ways in which engaging with Islam has changed his perception of prayer, and strengthened the depth and experience of his Christian faith. Sharing prayer fosters understanding, but it can also create a 'God-filled space' in which a Christian encounter with God can be enriched. Fr Heale examines the Christian church's approach to engaging with Islam, and the way in which Muslims perceive Christianity, influenced by historical and doctrinal differences. His exploration highlights the importance of faith and love in Christian-Muslim interactions. The concept of mission is examined in the light of the transformation of understanding that comes through a deeper understanding of Islam.