The Heartbeat of the Year

The epistles of the Act of Consecration are special prayers that are heard at the beginning and end of the communion service of The Christian Community. They follow the path of the Christian year and, through subtle changes in mood and tone, reflect the changing seasons and the accompanying festivals.

In this profound book, retired Christian Community priest Gunther Dellbrugger gathers these prayers together for the first time. Dellbrugger uses a range of sources -- from the Bible and poetry to examples taken from real life -- to bring fresh perspectives to the epistles that help readers become more alert to the delicate changes of these prayers as they progress throughout the year. Contemplations by Rudolf Frieling, a founder of The Christian Community, provide important context to the epistles' origins, including when and how they were first given.

This unique and significant book allows members of The Christian Community an opportunity to study and deepen their understanding of these special prayers.