Morning Resolve: To Live a Simple, Sincere, and Serene Life

＂＂A Morning Resolve,＂＂ an Episcopal prayer printed on the inside front cover of Forward Day by Day, is a ＂＂help me tend my spiritual garden＂＂ prayer. It asks for God’s help in living a simple, sincere, and serene life--by repelling negative thoughts and attitudes (discontent, anxiety, discouragement, impurity, and self-seeking), cultivating positive attitudes (cheerfulness, magnanimity, charity, and the habit of holy silence), exercising graceful activities (economy in expenditure, diligence in appointed service, fidelity to every trust, and a childlike faith in God), practicing faithful daily habits (work, study, prayer, physical exercise, eating, and sleep), and depending on God for the strength and the will to do so. This unique devotional book for personal or small group discipleship/spiritual formation utilizes this daily prayer to guide readers as they examine and meditate on a portion of the prayer each week and examine and employ spiritual disciplines. Ultimately, the intentional crafting of a simple, sincere, and serene life is a spiritual discipline, too. Morning Resolve will guide readers into the spiritual practices that bear good fruit for a grace-filled life. ＂＂Morning Resolve provides a rich resource for a way of life that is so confirming. Patrick Allen offers a process and companionship for this quest toward spiritual development that reflects his winsome, creative, and affirming perspective. Personal stories from his interesting life make Morning Resolve very inviting. These disciplines will lead the reader to richer and fuller daily living, whether one is a new or an experienced follower of Jesus.＂＂ --James L. Edwards, President Emeritus, Anderson University ＂＂This book is the product of a prayer that Patrick Allen has prayed every day for ten years! It is not a collection of theories and propositions. It is a treasure trove of practical truths that speak to the deepest needs of the human condition. The author invites us to experience a spiritual transformation that occurs only one way: by practicing what we pray. It’s a simple thesis, but as the author ably demonstrates, the result over time is a steady uncovering of the unseemly impulses that impede our growth and the liberation that lies on the other side. Life in the Spirit, says Allen, is like tending a garden. If that is true, his book, Morning Resolve, is the gardener’s guide to a life well lived.＂＂ --Charles J. Conniry, Jr., Vice President and Dean, George Fox Evangelical Seminary and Dean of the College of Christian Studies, George Fox University; author of Soaring in the Spirit: Rediscovering Mystery in the Christian Life ＂＂With a timeless prayer as the foundation, Morning Resolve is a practical gift to deepen our daily spiritual journey. Dr. Allen’s invitation to nurture and care for one’s spiritual disciplines is a welcome call to do the good and honest work of strengthening our relationship with Christ. Morning Resolve is an insightful guide, written with the wisdom of life for daily reflection and practice.＂＂ --Bob Brower, President, Point Loma Nazarene University ＂＂Patrick Allen gives us practical theology as a gifted storyteller and wise counselor in his book, Morning Resolve. Patrick invites us into his own experience of a daily prayer practice that gives roots to his spiritual story. I felt connected to Patrick’s personal stories of God at work, scripture integration, and insight in how to live a holy life. Patrick is always inspirational and discerning, often funny and profound, but never holier-than-thou. This book is accessible and full of depth at the same time. I found myself reaching for my journal as I read it, wanting to record a thought or prayer or a way to live more honestly into my work and faith. To exhort with conviction and give humble grace in the same pages is a hard thing to do and Patrick does it well. I will read this many times and share it with my colleagues and friends. Thank you, Patrick, for encouraging u

Patrick Allen is Professor of Higher Education and Leadership at George Fox University. He holds the Ph.D. for the University of Oklahoma. Known for his humor, quick wit, and storytelling, he speaks in churches, chapels, retreats, and banquet occasions across the country. In addition to Morning Resolve, he coauthored Faith and Learning: A Guide for Faculty (2014), and Voices from the Past: Wisdom for Christian Higher Education (to be released Fall 2016), both with Abilene Christian University Press. Patrick and his wife, Lori, reside in Newberg, Oregon