Fresh Bread: And Other Gifts of Spiritual Nourishment

by Joyce Rupp

This popular classic introduced a hungry world to Rupp's unique brand of spiritual prose, poetry, and prayer to help us reflect upon and rejoice in the sacred everyday world that is both around and within us. This Twentieth Anniversary Edition includes a new foreword, revealing retrospective insights about the budding of Rupp's own spirituality and illustrating the ongoing relevance of Fresh Bread in today's chaotic and fragile world. More than 100,000 copies of Fresh Bread are found throughout the world, along with Rupp's many other popular books and CDs, such as Out of the Ordinary, Praying Our Goodbyes, Inviting God In, May I Have this Dance? , and The Cup of Our Life.

Genres: Spirituality, Religion, Prayer, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

Joyce Rupp is well known for her work as a writer, a spiritual "midwife," and retreat and conference speaker. She has led retreats throughout North America, as well as in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Joyce has a B.A. in English, a M.R.E. in Religious Education, and a M.A. in Transpersonal Psychology. She is a member of the Servites (Servants of Mary) community and was a volunteer for Hospice for fifteen years. She currently resides in Des Moines, Iowa. A list of Joyce's works can be found in the left column of this page. Click on the book title to find out more information about that title.

Reviews

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully-written meditation book that can be used over and over. It is broken down in months of contemplation starting with a religious poem, then a reflection and then daily bible verses on which to meditate. The reflections are worth re-reading every now and then to centre oneself in meditation. I found Rupp's use of prosaic imagery deep but soothing which led naturally to more prayer. I looked with joy in opening her book and am excited about reading more of her work.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I am removing the book from my list, I believe that our group will continue to look at it because it is a structured way to examine spiritual progress. Also, in any given month, the author provides a framework of readings to stimulate one's thoughtful approach to the Bible and one's place in the universe.
My negatives about the book. It seems sort a simplistic approach without the degree of sophisticated questions that I have found in other books of this type.

[Bonnie Westmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy every Rupp book I read. I finished this under the stars tonight. Her words remind me to find gratitude in everything, and to give and love abundantly. I so enjoy her poems and personal stories. This book is a reminder that God is always near.

[Patti Clement · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book meant to be used throughout the year. It has a chapter for each calendar month with rich symbolism regarding being the leaven of faith for others.

[mary catherine · Rating 1 out of 5]

couldnt get into this book no matter how hard I wanted to.