Description
This stimulating meditative exploration by an accomplished devotional author focuses on scripture verses that offer “divine imperatives”—invitations, urgings, admonitions, or commands that encourage us to experience spiritual life in richer, more meaningful ways. These are God’s gracious invitations to us—the Trinity’s generous beckoning, not only to eternal life and a deeper relationship but also to surrender, service, and self-sacrifice.
A Generous Beckoning features 99 brief meditations drawing from scripture texts throughout the Old and New Testaments that use the imperative verb case. The book is divided into three sections, comprising 33 devotional meditations each, flowing naturally around the persons of the Trinity—Father, Son, Holy Spirit or Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer.
Through this book, readers can hear the voice of God intimately, experience God’s redemptive and restorative presence, and enter into a more authentic relationship with the God the Three in One, leading to a more mature, empowered walk in the world. This book is ideal for personal meditation, book study groups (link to study guide below), or as a gift.
Also available on Kindle and Apple Books.
Want to use this for a small group study? Download the FREE five-part study guide.
A Message from the Author
About the Author
Peter M. Wallace, an Episcopal priest serving in the Diocese of Atlanta, is the executive producer and host of the Day1 radio/podcast and internet ministry (Day1.org) and president of the Alliance for Christian Media, based in Atlanta, Georgia. The weekly Day1 radio program, the voice of the historic Protestant churches, is distributed to over 200 radio stations across America and in a dozen other countries. Peter is the author of eleven books and has contributed to numerous books, sermon resources, study Bibles, devotional books, magazines, and other publications. Peter earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Marshall University, a Master of Theology degree with honors from Dallas Theological Seminary, and completed Episcopal Studies coursework at Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He lives in Atlanta with his spouse, Daniel Le. Wallace regularly interacts through personal and author pages on Facebook and Twitter @pwallace. His website is www.petermwallace.com. Wallace speaks frequently at churches, conferences, retreats, and with Bible study and men’s and women’s groups.
Learn more about Peter: Read our author Q&A
What are people saying about A Generous Beckoning?
"Once again, Day 1 producer and prolific author Peter Wallace gives us a book well worth reading multiple times. The meditations he shares are both delightfully accessible and deeply profound. If a more fulfilling life, grounded in God's love, is indeed what you seek, then this book is definitely for you."
The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry
Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church and author of Love is the Way & The Power of Love
"Peter Wallace has the wisdom and experience to help all of us seeking a deeper relationship with God, hear the call, respond with love, and act with grace. Through this book, Peter takes us on a journey of placing ourselves alongside the prophets of old to seek how God still beckons us to love! It is a feast in a world hungry for deeper truth. Thank you Peter for taking the time to share all you have learned with us."
The Rev. Becca Stevens
Author, speaker, and founder of Thistle Farms
"I can think of no better priest on this planet to write a book on the invitation God offers us. Peter Wallace is as generous as he is inviting, two qualities gifted to him by God to be offered to everyone he meets. This book is a testament to the fullness of a generous and abundant God. You will find yourself invited into the Divine dance that brings you closer to our Lord and to those you come in contact with. This book should be read and consumed by all."
The Rev. Robert W. Lee
Public theologian and author of Fostering Hope: A Prayerbook for Foster and Adoptive Families and A Sin by Any Other Name: Reckoning with Racism and the Heritage of the South
"With a voice encouraging, trustworthy, and honest, the meditations in A Generous Beckoning invite us to engage with God's imperatives personally and directly. Peter Wallace guides these encounters with Scripture with wisdom, compassion, and gentle humor. This book is a gift."
The Very Rev. Cynthia Briggs Kittredge
Dean and President, Seminary of the Southwest
"In times of great change and transition, discernment is the stuff of life itself. These days of increased technological growth are unprecedented. Each and every follower of Jesus must ask God for guidance in these uncharted waters. Peter Wallace’s book A Generous Beckoning comes to us as oxygen, as our life’s breath. These thoughtful, rich meditations, anchored in Scripture, will take you on a journey to the heart of your vocation. I needed this book and I believe you will find that you needed it too."
The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll
Dean, St. John’s Cathedral in Jacksonville, Florida
After years of listening Peter Wallace has put pen to paper and offered a conversation with seekers, wanderers, and people seeking deep. He reaffirms what you have heard already – God loves you and invites you into a generosity of love. Wallace is the wise man on a spiritual pilgrimage that points out the divine embrace and closeness that is wrapped around us. This is a good book for all who search for a living loving God.
C. Andrew Doyle
Author of Embodied Liturgy
And Episcopal Bishop of Texas
“Through all the uncertainty of this world comes a set of meditations to bring us into God’s eternal presence. Wallace offers us all a generous gift: a reminder that God is seeking us, if only we have the ears to listen and the eyes to see.”
The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata
Rector, Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church
“You who are parched and dry, come to the Water of Life.” So writes Peter Wallace, whose new book leads horses to water and shows us how to drink. Another writer from another time, John of the Cross, advised that a minister’s work is to position souls where they might be open to the motions of the Holy Spirit. Peter does that in these pages. His user-friendly approach is biblical, spiritual, and doable. It will work for Lenten Prayer Groups, early morning Breakfast Bible Studies, and private seekers who will appreciate that they have been given concrete steps to take and helpful words to ponder. In A Generous Beckoning, we drink strength, solace, challenge, encouragement, and peace in God.”
The Rev. Dr. Christoph Keller, III
Author of Getting On Toward Home: And Other Sermons by the River
"Peter M. Wallace masterfully evokes God’s gracious invitations to challenge us to live differently through poignant stories filled with humility, humor, and theological heft. Savor each meditation as you embark on this crucial conversation with God."
Beth-Sarah Wright, PhD
Author, speaker, and co-founder of Thrive With Dignity, LLC.
Every day God invites us into a raw, honest connection to something bigger than our shallow, superficial world. Yet, we multitask ourselves into so many competing voices, we never hear the voice that beckons. Thank you, Rev. Peter Wallace for giving us a beautiful tool that brings us into the holy conversation the world so desperately needs.
Rev. Susan Sparks, Senior Pastor, Madison Avenue Baptist Church, author, Laugh Your Way to Grace
Every time I hear Peter Wallace speak or read what he writes, I am challenged to go more deeply and fully into the hope offered us in the Good News of the Gospel. A Generous Beckoning is no exception as Peter invites his reader to respond to the myriad of ways the Persons of the Holy Trinity beckon us to more authentically live the Christian life. This is a volume to read in one sitting, or to travel with for a long season of daily devotionals. With the skill of a loving pastor, and yet a truthful theologian, Wallace unveils some precious jewels to those willing to hear. You will be challenged, encouraged, renewed, and uplifted by A Generous Beckoning. Thank you, Peter Wallace, for befriending your readers with the promise of abundant life offered to those willing to take up the yoke of Christ.
The Reverend Dr. Russell J. Levenson, Jr. OStJ
Rector, St. Martin's Episcopal Church