Books by Ray Simpson and others

Saint Aidan Press - Books on Living

On this page, we offer books which help the reader to set up a Way of Life that guides her/him through the changes and chances of a restless world. In the Community of Aidan and Hilda, every member works out his or her personal Way of Life with a Soulfriend, so this is quite a central topic for our community.

To find out how to order, please return to the startpage of St.Aidan Press.

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A Pilgrim Way introduces us to the Community of Aidan and Hilda which draws its inspiration from the Celtic Saints, and sets out in a practical way how we can develop an authentic spirituality and framework in our everyday lives. Many people are looking to embrace a rhythm of prayer and work which will enrich them and reconnect them with life: we want to live for God, but everything in our lives seems to hijack this aim. The book includes useful material and resources, and helpful examples and applications at the end of each chapter, to show how we can incorporate the Ten Elements - learning, spiritual journeying, prayer and work, intercession, simplicity in lifestyle, care for creation, healing, openness to God's Spirit, unity and outreach - into our lives and forge a way forward as a renewed pilgrim people.

£10.99, Kevin Mayhew, ISBN 1-84417-320-8

 

Waymarks for the Journey. (by Ray Simpson)

Jesus said 'I am the way, the truth and the life'. He did not call people to join an organisation, but to follow a way of life. Under the guidance of Ray Simpson, renowned for his expertise in Celtic spirituality, this daily prayer book is   structured according to the way of life adopted by the Community of Aidan and Hilda. Along with a short Bible reading and reflection, each day includes a step to enable readers to move away from what is destructive towards what is life-giving. There is also a unique spiritual breathing exercise following the rhythm with which our bodies breathe, allowing us to pray with our very core, wherever we are.

 

 

£16.99, Publisher Kevin Mayhew, ISBN: 9781848672222

 

A Guide for SoulFriends - 'The art of the Spiritual Companion' (by Ray Simpson)

This new book explores ways a friend may accompany another. It looks at the meaning of Soul Friendship, what sort of people should be Soul Friends, how to get started and coaching techniques, then details some of the great Soul Friends of the world. Finally it gives suggestions for further reading and resources such as websites, associations, retreat centres and courses.

£11.99, Publisher Kevin Mayhew, ISBN 978-1-84867-073-0

 

 

Walking in the Way. A Discipleship Course Based on the Way of Life of the Community of Aidan and Hilda. (by John Hereward)

From the outset the earliest Christians were known as followers of the 'Way'. Our Lord referred to Himself as 'the way the truth and the life' and the writer to the Hebrews refers to the completed work of Jesus on the cross as opening up for us a new and living way into the Father's presence. So this simple three letter word is pregnant with meaning. In our particular context we are looking at the way in which we should live our lives as Christians. It is one thing to have committed our lives to Christ but how do we Earth the reality that we are now new creations, sons and daughters of the living God?

The way of life is a set of practices which are designed to help us grow in our discipleship. If you have no desire to grow as a Christian then this is not for you. If however your aim is to grow in Christ-likeness then careful compilation and application of the way of life will be a useful tool. It is important to pitch one's commitments at the right level, a bit like exercises at the gym. If you start too ambitiously you can easily become immobilised. On the other hand there is no challenge to growth if we simply persist in doing what we have always done.

This course is designed to help people - either as part of a group or on their own - to develop their own Way of Life. To examine their Christian life under the 10 headings and to make commitments that are achievable but challenging. When each commitment has been made you will be asked 'Is it concrete enough to provide accountability? Does it accurately reflect your life circumstances? Is it gentle enough to fit well, but challenging enough to enable growth?'

The ten headings of the Way of Life which will form the different sections of this study guide are: Study, Soul-friendship, Rhythm, Intercession, Simplicity, Creation, Wholeness, Openness to the Spirit, Unity, Mission.

£4.00, St. Aidan Press

Introducing the Community of Aidan and Hilda

This introductory pack is designed to answer your questions about what the Community of Aidan and Hilda is and how you can discern whether you are being called to become part of it. The pack includes:

• Introducing the Community
• The Community Network
• The Way of Life
• Some commonly asked questions
• Guidelines for becoming a member
• Useful names and addresses

£3.00, St.Aidan Press

Soul Friendship - Celtic Insights into Spiritual Mentoring (by Ray Simpson)

This book responds to a rising world-wide hunger for life coaches, mentors or spiritual guides. It explores the qualities, disciplines and function of a soul friend who accomapies another on their faith journey; and how to find and work with on. The second part explores the anam cara (soul friend) in the Celtic tradition - from the fitness training of the desert Christians to the fostering of the Irish and the discernment of the wise. Soul friendship is recognised as a valid and successful way in which to achieve spiritual balance and growth. It is a tradition which is challenging, heart warming and holistic, weaving together evangelical, catholic, charismatic and postmodern strands.

Sole distributor: St.Aidan Press

£7.99, Hodder & Stoughton, ISBN 0-340-73548-1

Give Yourself a Retreat on Holy Island (by Ray Simpson)

More people, from all backgrounds, go on retreat than ever before. Also, more and more people visit the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Put the two together and you have a unique experience.

This book enables anyone to enjoy their own retreat on Holy Island. From its Holy Island a-la-carte Retreat Menu the reader may choose places to explore, themes to meditate on, things to do and words to pray.

£4.99, St.Aidan Press, ISBN 0-9508504-4-6