New Judson Press devotional encourages couples to love, live, learn from each other

VALLEY FORGE, PA (1/5/17)—A new devotional for couples, “My Beloved, My Friend: The Song of Songs for Couples,” by retired pastor and poet Brent D. Christianson, releases today.

“My Beloved, My Friend” offers couples a refreshing look at love and marriage through the Old Testament book Song of Songs (or Song of Solomon). Designed to strengthen and enrich relationships, this earthy and light-hearted collection of 26 devotions celebrates the divine gift of human love and the abiding passion between two people.

Dr. Harold L. Arnold Jr., leadership consultant and author of “Marriage ROCKS for Christian Couples,” remarks, “By artfully weaving creative poetry, scriptural vignettes and provoking questions, Brent Christianson has developed more than a book, but a tool that helps couples discover the most intimate aspects of their marriage. When engaged seriously, this book promises to elevate every marriage closer to God’s promise for a joyful marriage that thrives through both the valleys and mountains of life.”

Designed for couples both new and seasoned, this volume includes prose and original poetry, as well as activities and journal prompts to share and explore together. Included in the book is a helpful guide for retreat leaders or small group facilitators. “My Beloved, My Friend” is a unique guide to deepen faith and strengthen two human beings in lifelong covenant relationship.

Christianson is a retired Lutheran pastor (ELCA) and former Lutheran campus pastor at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He is a published poet and has written several studies and meditations for the Lutheran denomination.

Founded in 1824, Judson Press is a publishing ministry of American Baptist Home Mission Societies, American Baptist Churches USA. It is committed to producing Christ-centered leadership resources for the transformation of individuals, congregations, communities and cultures.

American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists in answering God’s call to promote Christian faith across the United States and Puerto Rico to cultivate Christ-centered leaders and disciples, and heal and transform communities, by developing aligned action networks and programs.

American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with more than 5,200 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.