Upcoming: Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God

 

Here is the cover of my upcoming book to be published internationally on 30th September by Circle Books. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pray-Then-Listen-heart-heart/dp/1789043697/ref=sr_1_3?crid=29KKTA0E2LL2O&keywords=teresa+o%27driscoll&qid=1659363438&sprefix=%2Caps%2C126&sr=8-3

Click on the link for more info and pre-orders...

Hello dear friend,

Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you are keeping well…

Today, I am so very happy to show you the cover of my upcoming prayer guide, Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God. And to tell you a bit about its contents.

Talking to God informally and actively listening for His reply is something I have been doing for many years. Because of this I was not surprised to hear from Him when He said to me one day, + ‘Write a book and show people how to speak to Me.’ But He had never asked such a thing from me before. I did, though, obey Him. And Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God is the result.

In the book I share a variety of prayers I have formulated over the years that I use in a wide-range of everyday situations. Then, I encourage you to move from those into your own words and ways to pray. And I am very happy to report that independent reviewers are enjoying the book and finding it useful. See but one of these below. I was thrilled to see it! Especially the exclamation marks which reveal the reviewer’s enthusiasm.

Jul 28, 2022: Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Angie Williams (Reviewer) | NetGalley  

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. “Great devotional book! This book was broken down in an easy to read and understand format. The author included biblical verses as well as a personal account of how she grew stronger in her prayer life. This was a thoroughly enjoyable book!”

When I read the above it moved me to tears… And each subsequent rave review has done the same. And I will tell you why. When writing anything one does not know how it will be received by the reader. With this book I so wanted it to help to forge a strong personal relationship with Christ. To do that by bringing Him into the whole of your life with all its ups and downs. And to work through everything with Him through the Holy Spirit. And I see by the responses that is happening.  

I will, of course, be sharing more reviews with you, over the coming weeks, on my new website and I hope that you will visit and check everything out. And let me know what you think.

Meantime, I wish you a happy and fulfilling week. And please remember that the Holy Spirit is with you always. So, if you have a problem take it to God with a humble and open heart.

God bless

Teresa

https://www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk/

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My debut novel, Angel at the Paradise Hotel,  Christian fiction - Holidays-romance-suspense - is set in Corfu and features characters from Wales, America and Ireland. Find all the details here.  

 

Russian Evangelical Alliance: Stop Putin's war in Ukraine!

 

Kyiv, Vozdvizhenka District, September 2020

https://www.boredpanda.com/beautiful-ukraine-pics/

Hello dear friend,

Thank you for stopping by to read of the bravery of a Christian leader in Russia, who, unlike the Russian Orthodox leader, Patriarch Kirill, has spoken out against the War in Ukraine. 

Despite living in Russia, Vitaly Vlasenko, the General Secretary of the Russian Evangelical Alliance, says he felt "called by God" to speak out against the invasion of Ukraine. He has written an open letter saying he mourns what his country has done and is sharing his sorrow for the victims and those forced to flee Ukraine. He bitterly regrets the actions taken by his country's leadership.

Speaking to Premier Christian News ( https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/i-m-not-courageous-i-was-called-by-god-says-russian-church-leader-after-criticising-russia-s-invasion?_psrc=personyzeRelated  ) about his choice, as  a public figure in Russia, to risk personal safety (anyone in Russia who, for instance, calls the War against Ukraine: "The War" - Putin prefers the euphemism "Special Military Operations"- can be imprisoned for 10-15 years!) he says, "I don’t think it’s courageous." He added, "A friend of mine asked me what I would regret in five years’ time about this situation." He told them, "I would remember those people in Ukraine who several days ago were peacefully living, planning their day, planning their future and immediately their lives changed."

Most of us watching the horror unfold in Ukraine, from before the invasion when people in Ukraine said that they were brothers with the Russian people and so Russia would never invade their country, until only days later Putin did just that, are still in shock at this barbarity happening in the 21st century. Vlasenko shares that shock. "I imagined my own children, or some of my relatives in such a situation. And I was ready to write this open letter."

"I felt it deep in my heart and I believe this was the Spirit of God really calling me for hope, because hope is when the power of God is working through the hearts of men."

Vlasenko believes, as most of us do, that Church must be a place of reconciliation, peace and love. He says he wrote to President Putin 12 hours before the invasion to implore him to think again, but he hasn’t received a reply. 

He has, however, received letters of support from all over the world. "They think that I’m really courageous or something but I’m a simple pastor of the local Baptist Church."

As the majority of Christians are in Holy Week, and the Orthodox Church will be too next week, commemorating the Passion, Crucifixion and Resurrection of our dear Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, we are praying for peace in Ukraine.

To join us please say the following prayer, or one of your own:

"Dear Lord, as we commemorate Your Son's Sacrifice for us, please pour the balm of Your heavenly love into the hearts of everyone caught up in this terrible War in Ukraine - including the hearts of Russian soldiers, and in so doing bring about peace to Ukraine. I ask this in Jesus' name, Amen."

Wishing you a blessed Easter!  

Teresa 

For more info please visit my website:www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk and my other blog: https://creativelivingforthebestyou.blogspot.com/

For further inspiration take a look at my book 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life, is a practical guide to joyful living which has already helped many through a crisis in their life.  To see the book trailer click on this link: 9 Days to Heaven

The book is available as a paperback from any good bookshop and many websites. Click here to buy the e-book on Amazon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Days-Heaven-Make-Everlasting-Meaning-ebook/dp/B00AIR8CSC

News News News!

I have two new books published. 

My book Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God is a prayer guide that shows you how to listen for God's voice in order to draw closer to Him. It is for all. You may not know God yet or you may know Him well, in either case the book can be of great help in deepening Faith. Check out Pray Then Listen

My debut novel, Angel at the Paradise Hotel,  Christian fiction - Holidays-romance-suspense - is set in Corfu and features characters from Wales, America and Ireland. Find all the details here.  

Former Archbishop of Canterbury: Expel Russian Orthodox Church

 

https://www.boredpanda.com/beautiful-ukraine-pics/

Hello dear friend,

Thank you so much for stopping by today to learn of the former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams' suggestion that the Russian Orthodox Church be expelled from the World Council of Churches. This has come about as their Patriarch, Kirill 1, has said he agrees with President Putin's War against Ukraine - referred to in Russia by the euphemism: Special Operations.  

Speaking on BBC’s Radio 4 Program on 3rd April, Mr. Williams also said that many other Orthodox churches were likely to take the same view point. "When churches are actively supporting the war of aggression, failing to condemn nakedly obvious breaches in any kind of ethical conduct in wartime then other churches do have the right to raise the question."

 He added, “I think there is a strong case for expulsion, because we have seen those signs."

Of course, patriarch Kirill is in a tricky position, given that in Russia it is a huge risk to show any opposition to its current leader. (Anyone even calling this war "The War" risks 10 to 15 years imprisonment.) However, as Mr. Willams points out, “There could just be a sense that the Orthodox leadership would press for a ceasefire, an effective and credible ceasefire, that would be something that will be the basis on which conversation could start.”

“I have a suspicion that at least some other Orthodox churches would take the same view because I know that there are many people in the Orthodox world who feel that orthodoxy itself is compromised by this, who feel almost ashamed to be associated and I would want to listen very carefully to what other Orthodox churches have to say.”

Mr. Williams also had a stern message for Patriarch Kirill, he said: "Your own flock are being killed in Ukraine, by other members of your own flock.

"It is your responsibility to condemn the killing of your own flock, for whom you are answering to Jesus Christ."

To add your prayers to others praying for peace in Ukraine, and everywhere in the globe, say the following prayer, or one of your own.

"Dear Heavenly Father, I humbly ask You to look with pity upon the people of Ukraine (and others around the globe who also find themselves in similar situations) who are being mercilessly attacked by aggressors. Please flood all involved, in any way - including Russian soldiers, with Your divine and merciful love, so that peace reigns once more. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen." 

May God continue to bless you

Teresa

For more info please visit my website:www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk and my other blog: https://creativelivingforthebestyou.blogspot.com/

For further inspiration take a look at my book 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life, is a practical guide to joyful living which has already helped many through a crisis in their life.  To see the book trailer click on this link: 9 Days to Heaven

The book is available as a paperback from any good bookshop and many websites. Click here to buy the e-book on Amazon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Days-Heaven-Make-Everlasting-Meaning-ebook/dp/B00AIR8CSC

News News News!

I have two new books in print which I hope you find inspiring.

My book Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God is a prayer guide that shows you how to listen for God's voice in order to draw closer to Him. It is for all. You may not know God yet or you may know Him well, in either case the book can be of great help in deepening Faith. Check out Pray Then Listen

My debut novel, Angel at the Paradise Hotel,  Christian fiction - Holidays-romance-suspense - is set in Corfu and features characters from Wales, America and Ireland. Find all the details here.    

Candlelit vigils for peace in Ukraine

 

Hello dear friend,

I can hardly believe that I wrote the piece below on Putin's war on Ukraine almost a year ago! And in that time-span so much senseless bloodshed, misery, and destruction has been perpetrated on Ukraine and Ukrainians - who just wanted to go about their business in peace. 

I will gather with other parishioners at my Parish church tonight for a Candlelit Vigil for Peace in Ukraine, as I wrote about below. I hope that you will still find it in your heart to do the same: to pray for the innocent either with others or joining your solo prayers with ours and the others around the world.  

Hello dear friend,

I hope you are keeping well in these difficult times! Thank you for dropping in.

With the cruel war devastating Ukraine, feeling upset and angry and powerless I went along to join with a group of people at church to pray for peace. As soon as a friend mentioned that the meeting was happening for the first time that evening I felt compelled to join in.

At 6pm on the dot I approached the church and wondered if anyone had arrived yet as all seemed to be in darkness and quiet. But as I pushed open the door and walked inside I was met by the sight of a bank of blazing candles on either side of the altar and a group of people in silent prayer.  I moved into a pew and sank to my knees and began to add my own silent petitions to God alongside the others. 

I don't mind telling you that I first apologized to God for all the times I have let Him down. For the times I have not been loving; which is what He ask us to be. Then, well, I wept for the people of Ukraine being attacked and bombed and terrified all under the instruction of one man.  And though I had already prayed for the same thing countless times since this war began, I really did feel that saying these prayers with the group made them even more potent. 

After a while there was a CD of Taize music playing gently in the background and as I gazed up at a crucifix suspended above the altar, contemplating Christ's death and resurrection - which was His triumph over death - I simply put my trust in Him. 

We have been praying as a group for over two weeks. We bring our hour of prayer to a close as we stand, holding lit candles, and say together the following prayer, which you may like to say too.

A Prayer For Ukraine

Loving God,

We pray for the people of Ukraine,

for all those suffering or afraid,

that You will be close to them and protect them.

 

We pray for world leaders,

for compassion, strength and wisdom to guide their choices.

 

We pray for the world

that in this moment of crisis,

we may reach out in solidarity

to our brothers and sisters in need.

 

May we walk in Your ways

so that peace and justice

become a reality for the people of Ukraine

and for all the world.

We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Joining in prayer to pray for peace is giving me a personal focus. Yes, I was, and am, praying for this many times throughout each day and night. But as Jesus said, "Whenever two of you on earth agree about anything you pray for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven.” (Mat. 18:19). So, mindful of His promise, praying together adds great power to our prayer. 

If you would like to join us in spirit, even for a few moments, we are meeting between 6pm and 7pm on Monday to Friday until  further notice. The times are GMT so if you are in a different time zone you could check out what time that is in your country.

Wishing you every blessing.

Teresa

For info on my work please visit my website: www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk and my other blog: https://creativelivingforthebestyou.blogspot.com/

For further inspiration take a look at my book 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life, is a practical guide to joyful living which has already helped many through a crisis in their life.  To see the book trailer click on this link: 9 Days to Heaven

The book is available as a paperback from any good bookshop and many websites. Click here to buy the e-book on Amazon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Days-Heaven-Make-Everlasting-Meaning-ebook/dp/B00AIR8CSC

News News News!

I have two new books published which I hope inspire you.

My book Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God is a prayer guide that shows you how to listen for God's voice in order to draw closer to Him. It is for all. You may not know God yet or you may know Him well, in either case the book can be of great help in deepening Faith. Check out Pray Then Listen

My debut novel, Angel at the Paradise Hotel,  Christian fiction - Holidays-romance-suspense - is set in Corfu and features characters from Wales, America and Ireland. Find all the details here.    

Christian healing event tonight

 

Hello dear friend,

I hope you are keeping well. Thank you for reading this post.

I wonder if you are in need of healing today - either physical, mental or spiritual. If the answer is yes I have a wonderful event to tell you about that is happening later today 10th March 22 - on zoom and Facebook at 7:30 UK time. 

It is led by Spiro Sueref, who leads a Catholic prayer group at St Peter's church in Cardiff. I have been to a few of his talks and have seen him heal... He has a very powerful ministry working with the Holy Spirit. 

Please find the details below, which I am sharing in the format that he sent me. As you can see this event will be attended by people around the globe.

May God continue to bless you

Teresa

Notice from Spiro Sueref

"Yes we are very active and in full time ministry now serving the lord. 

We have a live zoom healing service tonight! [Thursday 10th March 22 at 7:30 UK time.]

Spiro is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Spiro's LIVE Zoom Healing Service

Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82160127932?pwd=SHhWdGE0UVhvMWVWbmFFYzlXRDl4QT09

Meeting ID: 821 6012 7932

Passcode: 124925

One tap mobile

+16699006833,,82160127932#,,,,*124925# US (San Jose)

+19292056099,,82160127932#,,,,*124925# US (New York)

Dial by your location

        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

Meeting ID: 821 6012 7932

Passcode: 124925

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keIM6i5DHW

You can get more about this from my website. 

https://www.jesus4usall.com/scripts/openExtra.asp?extra=245

Please feel free to share it if you can. Hoping and praying you can join us on zoom or if you can’t, we should be streaming live on Facebook. The link is in the website. 

God bless, pray for us that all goes well. 

Spiro" END OF EVENT NOTICE

For more info on my work please visit my website:www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk and my other blog: https://creativelivingforthebestyou.blogspot.com/

For further inspiration take a look at my book 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life, is a practical guide to joyful living which has already helped many through a crisis in their life.  To see the book trailer click on this link: 9 Days to Heaven

The book is available as a paperback from any good bookshop and many websites. Click here to buy the e-book on Amazon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Days-Heaven-Make-Everlasting-Meaning-ebook/dp/B00AIR8CSC

  

St. Michael the Archangel watching over Kyiv

 

Photo of statue of St. Michael the Archangel watching over Kyiv by Gleb Albovski from Unsplash.com

Hello dear friend,

Thank you for reading this post. I hope you are well!

No matter where you are in the world I'm sure you feel horrified by what is happening in Ukraine! And, like me, you are probably still in shock that such barbaric acts of aggression are being suffered by the citizens of this peaceful and democratic part of Europe. I am confident that my Russian friends, the ones who know the truth of the situation from independent sources, are as shocked and disgusted as us. The words "David and Goliath" keep coming into to my mind; probably yours too. And we are collectively praying for the same outcome as in the Bible story, when David, the seemingly weaker man, beat Goliath. This defeat of the big bully is a good reminder that God's ways are not ours.  

On numerous occasions in my life, when things have looked bad, God has answered my prayers in surprising ways: unexpected twists, dead ends, barriers, and so on that have caused delays in a process, which, in turn, led onto welcome reprieves. And onwards to eventual good outcomes. Perhaps you recognise this pattern from your own life; your personal answered prayers...      

Today, I read an article from the #Christian Institute site about American, Sharyn Borodina, who was a missionary in Ukraine, whose husband is still there and has joined in efforts to repel the invading Russian army. https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/it-s-a-david-and-goliath-kind-of-story-ukrainian-missonary-describes-god-s-miracles-happening-on-the-frontline?utm_source=Premier%20Christian%20Media&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=13035437_Daily%20news%202nd%20March&utm_content=1&dm_i=16DQ,7RE7H,J9EB8Q,VN8WT,1 She said, "We're hearing time and time again, that the Ukrainian army is saying 'we recognise that there's no reason that we are able to hold back the enemy forces', they know that God is helping them they're seeing miracle after miracle; bombs dropping that don't explode, Russian tanks that run out of gas for no reason, Russian soldiers who are putting down their weapons and giving themselves up as POWs because they're not passionate about this conflict."

Please God, may that Divine intervention continue, even as we pray too for the poor Russian soldiers caught up in this madness against their will and conscience. 

To focus on that you could try the following. 

1 minute meditation 

* Close your eyes and take a deep in-breath. As you breathe out feel the whole of your body relax. 

* Now say this prayer, or one of your own:

 "Dear Lord, please flood the whole world with Your Love and Peace. I ask this in Jesus' name, Amen."

* When you are ready open your eyes and have a big stretch.

Wishing you every blessing!

Teresa 

For more info please visit my website:www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk and my other blog: https://creativelivingforthebestyou.blogspot.com/

For further inspiration take a look at my book 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life, is a practical guide to joyful living which has already helped many through a crisis in their life.  To see the book trailer click on this link: 9 Days to Heaven

The book is available as a paperback from any good bookshop and many websites. Click here to buy the e-book on Amazon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Days-Heaven-Make-Everlasting-Meaning-ebook/dp/B00AIR8CSC

Be Still My Soul

 

Kyiv - photo from unsplash.com

Hello dear friend,

I am very glad that you dropped in to read my latest post. I hope that you are well!

As, in Wales, we are still buffeted by strong winds - though storm Eunice has moved on after creating mayhem I was so happy that, watching #Songs of Praise on the BBC, one of my most favourite hymns was sung:  Be Still My Soul - part of the classical piece, Finlandia.

Composed by Sibelius in 1899, in the, then, Grand Duchy of Finland, Finlandia became a symbol of Finnish nationalism. After The Winter War in 1939 - when almost half a million Soviet troops stormed Finland - the Finnish poet V.A. Koskenniemi, wrote the words used today. For more info on the music and culture of Finland please see: https://finland.fi/arts-culture/finlandia-by-jean-sibelius/

I have never been to Finland and I learnt all of the above online today. But I do, as I said, so love this hymn. 

Here is an extract of Be Still My Soul which you can either sing or say as a prayer. 

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on your side;

bear patiently the cross of grief and pain;

leave to your God to order and provide;

in every change, He faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul: your best, your heavenly friend

through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

And for a little extra peace in your soul, and in the world, try the following quick meditation.

1 minute meditation 

* Close your eyes and take a deep in-breath. As you breathe out feel the whole of your body relax. 

* Now say this prayer, or one of your own:

 "Dear Lord, please help me to feel that stillness in my soul, and to take it into my daily challenges, so that I may live in peace with everyone. And Lord, may Your Peace reign throughout the world.  I ask this in Jesus' name, Amen."

* When you are ready open your eyes and have a big stretch.

I'd love to hear your thoughts or feedback on this post.

God bless,

Teresa 

For articles, plus more info about me and my work please visit my website.  (www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk)

NEWS! NEWS! NEWS!

I have been asking God for guidance and listening to His replies for many years. I share my methods in Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God.

Check out Pray Then Listen In UK / In US  / In Singapore / In New Zealand / In Australia

Available as a Kindle version or paperback! 

Set on the green and beautiful Greek island of Corfu in this novel I show the ever-present backstory of life, as I interpret the supernatural elements of our dilemmas and choices. 

I know, that no matter what your beliefs or experiences, you will surely recognize the tussles of my characters, as tussles in your own life....  Enjoy!

Click on the following links to check out my novel, Angel at the Paradise Hotel In UK /  In US / In Singapore /In Australia / In New Zealand

Available as a Kindle version or paperback!

You may like to see my blog on the Backstory of this novel

I wrote 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life as my personal evangelization effort.  

Check out 9 Days to Heaven In UK / In US / In Singapore  /  In Australia / 

Available as a Kindle version or paperback!

Here is the link for the YouTube book trailer:  9 Days to Heaven