The Shepherd’s Voice

Greetings… and peace!

It’s been a while since I have posted, and I am so grateful you are still here, opening up my blog, and reading what I send, however irregular I may be! Let me make a small defense for myself by stating, it’s not because I haven’t been writing. In fact, I haven’t posted in a while because I’ve been consumed with writing.

I am so pleased to announce that I have a new bible study coming out soon – in late September! I took some time off this Spring from teaching, to listen quietly with God, and to replenish my “bucket,” so to speak. During this time, I practiced a personalized hybrid of time-tested study and prayer practices that I have been using for several years and which have ancient and deep roots in Christian spirituality. As I listened, and journaled, studied and prayed, I felt God leading me to write and teach exactly what I was doing. So, I picked up my laptop and my bible and got to work. Honestly, I had to push myself to get it all finished to have a printed book by early Fall. But I think it is good.

This time, for my third book, I have decided to self-publish. Self-publishing has come a long way in the last eleven years, since Hand in Hand was published. There are many companies that offer services for every stage of the process, and can distribute my book, without having to sell my rights or commit to buying a large amount of inventory to fund the project. As a result, this book – The Shepherd’s Voice – is completely mine in every aspect, every decision. From author content to copyright application, this book is 100% mine. I had a lot of fun designing my own cover, thanks to my thirteen years of graphic design and communications for non-profits. Anyway, I am just a tiny bit proud of myself!

Here’s what I want you to know. The title of the book is The Shepherd’s Voice: Hear and Know the Heart of Jesus, An Immersive Study of John’s Gospel. The book will be available at the end of September (2025), if all goes according to schedule. It is a twenty-two-lesson study of the Gospel of John, blending the study of scripture with private prayer practice. It is perfect for individual devotional use and group studies. I am updating my website now, (elizabethheadblack.com) and will have all the information about the study online, in short order. I think the best way to tell you about the study is to quote the back cover of the book here:

Do you ever wish God would speak more clearly in your life? Is it sometimes difficult to discern God’s voice from the many others that compete for your attention? What would Jesus sound like, if he did speak to you?

The Shepherd’s Voice seamlessly weaves together ancient and modern practices in which you can learn to listen to God through scripture (Lectio Divina) and enter personal, meaningful dialogue with Jesus through prayer (Immanuel Prayer). Using an accessible and inviting approach, Elizabeth Head Black provides the tools which have, for generations, led many to know Jesus and experience personal connection in his presence.

The Shepherd’s Voice draws upon the reader’s spiritual imagination, powers of observation, and personal perspective to make a uniquely individual experience of entering scripture. Using the Holy Spirit as a guide through the Gospel of John, each lesson immerses the reader into the drama of Jesus’ life, revealing the Shepherd’s heart for his sheep.

The Shepherd’s Voice features twenty-two lessons based on John’s Gospel with coordinated, listening-prayer practices for each lesson. It is ideal for individual devotional use and small group studies. Come hear the voice of the One who is calling you by name.

As I said, I am so delighted to share this material at this time. It comes from my heart and my love for God’s Word. I have regularly practiced this method of reading and praying scripture over the years and have found it to be effective and meaningful in my walk with Jesus. I hope you will consider immersing yourself in John’s Gospel this year with me. Email me, if you are interested in reserving a book.

With much love and hope for all that is ahead,

Elizabeth