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, retired Professor of Higher Education and Leadership in the School of Education at George Fox University, joined the institution in July 2008 and served as Provost until July 2013. Dr. Allen earned the Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Olivet Nazarene University, a Master of Arts degree in liberal arts from Southern Methodist University, the Master of Science in management from Southern Nazarene University, and the Ph.D. in higher education from the University of Oklahoma, where he specialized in the history and philosophy of higher education, organization theory, and management history.

His first book, Faith and Learning, coauthored with Ken Badley, was published by Abilene Christian University Press in 2014. His second book, Morning Resolve, was released October 2015 by Cascade Press, and co-author Ken Badley and Allen have another book, Echoes of Insight: Past Perspectives and the Future of Christian Higher Education with Abilene Christian University Press, released in February 2017. A bookend to Morning Resolve: For Today: A Prayer When Life Gets Messy, was released in July 2018, The Good Shepherd, Gentle Guide, and Gracious Host in March, 2020, and Love at Its Best When Church is a Mess in October, 2020, all by Cascade Press, an imprint of Wipf & Stock Publishers in Eugene Oregon.

Patrick and his wife, Lori, reside in Newberg, Oregon.