Traditions of the Ancients: Vintage Faith Practices for the 21st Century

by Marcia Ford

What was old is new and relevant again. For many Christians today, the growing desire for a deeper faith experience is being met in the study and application of ancient worship practices. Traditions of the Ancients is filled with candidly informative looks at such themes as mysticism, praying for the gift of tears, reciting the Jesus prayer, and asking God for the gift of bereavement.

Genres: Christianity, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2006

Reviews

[Donna Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Traditions of the Ancients lays out 28 Christian traditions which have been mostly lost over the centuries. Marcia Ford explains a bit of the history of each, how they were practiced, and why we can still benefit from the practices.

I read this book with my husband. We were fascinated by the traditions and are looking forward to trying several of them. We had a fun time trying out chanting some Psalms together! Maybe we enjoyed a little too much levity with that one. 😊

We are thinking some of these practices would be especially meaningful during the Lenten season. This book is easy and enjoyable to read, as well as being informative and useful. The format is pleasing and the quotes are beautiful. Good read.

[Ed Eaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great intro to many ancient spiritual practices!

The book doesn’t go to deep into any of the practices but does a great job introducing you to them. I am sure you will find some new spiritual practices to incorporate into the rhythm of your life.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mostly I just got this book so it could spark ideas for a religious group I have in the novel I'm writing (it did). "Traditions of the Ancients" has a chapter for different traditions that were practiced anciently (around the time of Christ), including meditating, memorizing prayers, etc. It was a fascinating look into the different ways people not only practiced their faith, but the ways in which they tried to commune with God. Ford asserts that since every one of us is different, it stands to reason that we each communicate with God in our own way—and she wrote this book out of a desire to help us become closer to God.

[Regis Saxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The richness of our ancient history as Christians must be reclaimed. This book helps immensely towards that end, and also towards helping us become better spiritually formed into the likeness of Christ.

If you are a person who experiences stagnation in your prayer life, or even an inability to jumpstart a prayer life, you need to pick up this book and practice the spiritual disciplines within it.

[Liz Huddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book for me. I have often felt like I'm in "left field" in the things that touch me and lead me to that intimate place with God, but I find, in this book, that I'm not alone...

[Bryan E · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be fascinating and inspirational. Learning how others have worshiped over the centuries has added immeasurably to my own journey.

[Floyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the author's down to earth approach to the ancient spiritual traditions.