A new book authored by the Rev. William Weedon, director of worship for the LCMS, is now available from Concordia Publishing House (CPH).
The title of the book is Thank, Praise, Serve, and Obey: Recover the Joys of Piety. It draws on Martin Luther’s Small Catechism and the Book of Concord to explore the topic of piety: the cultivation of godly habits that reflect the joy and freedom of living in Christ as beloved children of the heavenly Father.
As noted in this “first look” at the book on the CPH blog, the question of piety can be challenging for Lutherans because of the Lutheran Church’s focus on justification by faith alone, not works:
“Some are tempted to downplay the life of Christian piety expressed through love of God and neighbor. Thank, Praise, Serve, and Obey: Recover the Joys of Piety will show that acts of piety are not simply rules to keep in order to be a ‘good’ Christian, but how the new life in Christ is lived out in day-to-day life.”
Topics addressed in the book include prayer, tithing/charity, fasting, worship at home and in church, and Confession and Absolution. Also included is a discussion guide for small groups.
Says Weedon: “It’s my hope and prayer that the book will prove a blessing to individuals and congregations in recovering and rediscovering the joy of a godly life shaped by the faithful reception of God’s good gifts, a life turned outward from self and toward God in faith and the neighbor in love.”
Thank, Praise, Serve, and Obey: Recover the Joys of Piety is now available from CPH for $14.99 plus shipping, with a discount for bulk purchases. You can also purchase it at Amazon in paperback for the same price, or in a Kindle version for $14.24.
Posted Nov. 29, 2017
