Reviewed by Ewan Jones

Kingsway's Worship Devotional series actually came out last year but of course if you didn't catch the October edition, this book and CD package is an affordable aid to daily Bible study. Those with a more jaded disposition, in the light of the morass of modern worship compilations which have flooded the marketplace over the last few years, may simply view the whole series as just one more way of recycling/re-issuing 365 tracks, some dating back to the early '90s, from the vast Kingsway back catalogue. So, the idea is interesting - but does it work? Anything that helps people to understand their Bible more clearly is helpful, and Richard Herkës' short reflections do direct the reader to the Scriptures, using the content of the songs as the guiding force in the process. Some are more insightful than others, but all have suggestions for prayer and response. Additionally, the idea of returning to the CD every day may appeal to some but will depend on how and when the user does their quiet time - the study notes are enclosed in the CD case - no removing them if you fancy doing your reading with an MP3 player on the bus. The tracks here are by a bevy of well known artists - Delirious?, Godfrey Birtill, Noel Richards, Lou Fellingham, Tim Hughes, Paul Oakley and Stuart Townend, to name but seven - though most of the songs here aren't the songsmiths' best known. Overall though, this is a nicely designed package. No doubt some will buy, or have already bought, the whole series given the commendable budget price.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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The tenth release in the Worship Devotional series carries on the innovative approach - offering listeners the chance to spend a few minutes each day listening to a great worship song and then reading, praying and responding to the devotional guide that accompanies it.

The thirty-one songs on October’s double CD feature the likes of Delirious? (Coming Back and I’ve Searched For Gold), Matt Redman (It’s Rising Up and The Cross Has Said It All) and Stuart Townend (In Christ Alone). There are also songs from Tim Hughes (Giver Of Life and I’ll Always Love You), Ben Cantelon (Coming Back) and Godfrey Birtill (Bless The Lord O My Soul) and many more.