I have to admit that Mercy and Melons was not what I expected. I selected this title because I was intrigued by the concept of praying through the alphabet and also because I was skeptical. How could prayers built around things such as avocados and melons have any sort of deeper meaning? I was expecting a collection of short devotionals and forced pairings. Instead, this book offers up thoughtful anecdotes and meaningful instruction. Part devotional and part memoir, this is a lyrical examination of one woman's efforts to find connections between the spiritual and the everyday. The writing is top notch.
Mercy and Melons by Lisa Nichols Hickman presents an engaging, creative, and warm approach that she has created to help out the church with their prayers. Miss Hickman takes Hebrew Acrostic poetry, particularly seen in Psalms 199, and attempts to build on praying for things based on the letter of the alphabet with which a word begins. Hickman's intention and desire is that the reader would begin to be thankful for even the most basic things in life. Whether carrots or melons. Hickman's book reaches out to those who enjoy creative format and a dexterous font, as she pushes the reader to be sensitive and alert to the working of God in our lives. Mercy and Melons reads more like a memoir than a devotional book, because of this, it will not assist you in a years worth of devotionals, but the book will spur you on to prayer.
I have enjoyed reading one or two letters each day. The author exhibits a clarity of vision and a disciplined prayer life that I admire and can aspire to. I don't know if I'll ever be able to pray the entire alphabet, however I did find myself recently in the midst of a stressful morning feeling sorry for myself as I ate yet another junk food breakfast while running errands for my family. I immediately thought of devotion and donuts and remembered that there are things to be thankful for in any situation. This book encourages reflection and thoughtful prayer and is very readable.
Mercy and Melons is a unique read that is best savored and enjoyed over a long period. I look forward to re-reading passages as I work to further appreciate the sacred in everyday things and learn to bring a bit of discipline to my own prayer life. Mercy & Melons is an inspiration and an enthusiastic recommend.
Mercy and Melons by Lisa Nichols Hickman presents an engaging, creative, and warm approach that she has created to help out the church with their prayers. Miss Hickman takes Hebrew Acrostic poetry, particularly seen in Psalms 199, and attempts to build on praying for things based on the letter of the alphabet with which a word begins. Hickman's intention and desire is that the reader would begin to be thankful for even the most basic things in life. Whether carrots or melons. Hickman's book reaches out to those who enjoy creative format and a dexterous font, as she pushes the reader to be sensitive and alert to the working of God in our lives. Mercy and Melons reads more like a memoir than a devotional book, because of this, it will not assist you in a years worth of devotionals, but the book will spur you on to prayer.
I have enjoyed reading one or two letters each day. The author exhibits a clarity of vision and a disciplined prayer life that I admire and can aspire to. I don't know if I'll ever be able to pray the entire alphabet, however I did find myself recently in the midst of a stressful morning feeling sorry for myself as I ate yet another junk food breakfast while running errands for my family. I immediately thought of devotion and donuts and remembered that there are things to be thankful for in any situation. This book encourages reflection and thoughtful prayer and is very readable.
Mercy and Melons is a unique read that is best savored and enjoyed over a long period. I look forward to re-reading passages as I work to further appreciate the sacred in everyday things and learn to bring a bit of discipline to my own prayer life. Mercy & Melons is an inspiration and an enthusiastic recommend.
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