The Thing About Heaven

In this warm-hearted and wise memoir, the Revd Dr David Thompson reflects on his life in the context of prayer. Reaching out to readers, he shares his thoughts on worship, faith and prayer. These are interwoven with personal reminiscences from his wartime childhood in Yorkshire, his family background and his many years as a parish priest.

A near-death experience as a child focused his mind on heaven, but although he received his calling to the ordained ministry before he left school, he didn't respond until he was in his twenties and subsequently studied theology at London and Oxford. Following ordination, he served in parishes in the Midlands, Wiltshire and Hertfordshire before retiring and devoting himself to the work of the Rose of Sharon Society and contemplative prayer.

Throughout his book, he recalls the people who have made a significant and lasting impression at different stages of his life: from family and friends, to those he met through his education; serving as a trustee of a national charity; his interest in music, but above all, those he encountered in the parishes in which he served. He also looks back at some of his travels across Europe and the Holy Land.

In recounting his experiences the author explains how Christian belief and prayer have helped to guide him, give him strength and, above all, to confirm his deeply rooted faith in the immeasurable love of God