Slow Down, Show Up and Pray

A practical look at how we can renew wellbeing in our own lives and our local communities.

After Ruth Rice unexpectedly found herself grappling with her own mental health, she began to look for ways to renew her own wellbeing. As she introduced simple habits woven around prayer and stillness into her life, God began to give her a heart to help others too. The Renew Wellbeing charity was born, assisting churches to open accessible, safe spaces on the high street for those who have mental ill health. Ruth shares why the renew centre/ cafe model is so different, looking at the three important principles of being present, being prayerful, and being in partnership. Full of helpful resources, readers will learn how to connect, keep learning, get active, take notice and give in order to maintain their own wellbeing.

Ruth inspires, encourages and enables the church to step out and provide Renew spaces. This timely and insightful book is packed full of practical resources to help local communities journey alongside each other to renew wellbeing.

'This book is much like its author . . . practical, inspiring, humorous and hugely relatable. Ruth Rice is not only a great writer, but also a great theologian, a great leader and a great person. Through long and hard work, she has renewed her own wellbeing, moving from a position of languishing, to a place of flourishing. For that I am in awe of her courage, skill and tenacity. 'Slow Down, Show Up and Pray is both inspiring and practical and of course hugely accessible as well. I unreservedly commend it to anyone who wants to help the Church become an even greater expression of Christ among us - a safe, nurturing and welcoming place for all to encounter the grace of God in tangible ways.' Daniel Whitehead, CEO, Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries

'Sometimes your own pain, your own unexpected journey to a different (and better) place and the purposes of God entwine together to create something beautiful and worth sharing. This is Ruth's experience as God has birthed Renew Wellbeing [the organization she leads]. This book resonates in my soul, inspires me once again as a church leader on our own journey to connect people with the welcoming love of God and offers huge amounts of practical wisdom that will equip us to travel well.' Revd Lisa Holmes, Lead Minister of Skipton Baptist Church, Member of Spring Harvest Planning Group and the Evangelical Alliance Council

'Ruth has walked her talk, so this book is full of hard-earned wisdom. Not only is it essential reading as we all consider the issues around spiritual and emotional wellbeing, it is also incredibly practical. You will find yourself encouraged but also equipped to think about the wellbeing of yourself and others in new, insightful ways. Highly recommended reading.' Cathy Madavan, speaker, broadcaster and author