An intimate mystery encompasses you and tugs upon your heart—what does it mean to follow that tug across the arc of a spiritual life? Reflecting out of more than fifty years of practice in Zen Buddhism, Unitarian Universalism, and other contemplative traditions, James Ishmael Ford invites us into a journey through life's mysteries and the stages of spiritual development. Lightly structured by the archetypal Buddhist oxherding images, Ford’s exploration is rooted in the Zen way while being deeply enriched by various strains of world mysticism. The book, sprinkled with insights and quotes from Buddhist, Daoist, and Christian traditions, serves as a map and a companion to spiritual seekers or pilgrims—whether within one religious tradition or cobbling together a way of one’s own. “Here is the most natural of all natural experiences,” writes Ford. “In the midst of our suffering, our longing, our desperation, we capture a glimpse. Something touches us. And with that, if we are lucky and really notice some movement of some spirit within us, we turn our attention to the intimate way.”
James Ford Jr Book order






- 2024
- 2019
Thinking Through Crisis
- 336 pages
- 12 hours of reading
In Thinking through Crisis, James Edward Ford III examines the works of Richard Wright, Ida B Wells, W.E.B. Du Bois, Zora Neale Hurston and Langston Hughes during the 1930s, in order to articulate a materialist theory of trauma. Ford highlights the dark proletariat's emergence from the multitude apposite to white supremacist agendas. In these works, Ford argues, proletarian, modernist, and surrealist aesthetics transform fugitive slaves, sharecroppers, leased convicts, levee workers, and activist intellectuals into protagonists of anti-racist and anti-capitalist movements in the United States. Thinking through Crisis intervenes in debates on the 1930s, radical subjectivity, and states of emergency. It will be of interest to scholars of American literature, African American literature, proletarian literature, Black Studies, trauma theory, and political theory.
- 2017
New Look at an Old Prayer - Adventures in Power Praying
- 54 pages
- 2 hours of reading
Emphasizing the importance of prayer in a believer's life, the book argues that it should be a priority rather than a last resort. It compares prayer to a spare tire, often overlooked until emergencies arise. The text highlights prayer as a powerful tool provided by God, asserting that the level of prayer directly correlates with the level of spiritual power one experiences. The message encourages readers to integrate prayer into their daily lives for a stronger connection with God and greater spiritual strength.
- 2016
Rules of Engagement
- 132 pages
- 5 hours of reading
Focusing on the foundational efforts required for successful relationships, this book emphasizes the importance of intentional actions to foster peace, unity, joy, and endurance. It explores how these elements are essential for sustaining connections until the end of life, as guided by spiritual principles. Through practical insights, the author encourages readers to cultivate meaningful relationships that align with their deeper values and beliefs.
- 2016
The book emphasizes the importance of prioritizing a relationship with Jesus, highlighting that true fulfillment and needs are met through Him. By seeking God's kingdom and righteousness first, readers are encouraged to trust that all other necessities will follow. It presents a spiritual journey focused on reliance on Jesus for completeness and assurance in life.
- 2016
A NEW LOOK AT AN OLD PRAYER
- 168 pages
- 6 hours of reading
Delving into a well-known prayer, this book offers fresh perspectives and practical applications of The Lord's Prayer. Readers will uncover new insights that enhance their understanding and appreciation of its significance, making it a valuable resource for personal reflection and spiritual growth.
- 2016
Living the Blessed Life
- 104 pages
- 4 hours of reading
The collection features inspiring sermons by Pastor James Ford, focusing on the theme of making Jesus Lord. Spanning nine chapters, it guides readers through the transformative process of deepening their faith and commitment. Many sermons are drawn from Ford's broadcasts on WMBI Moody radio, offering practical insights and spiritual encouragement for daily living.
- 2016
This men's group study emphasizes the importance of actions over words in expressing love for a partner. It encourages participants to support one another in embodying the qualities their partners admire, aiming to transform them into the ideal partner—her knight in shining armor. Through shared experiences and insights, men are guided to enhance their behavior and attitudes to deepen their relationships.
- 2016
What Christians Can Learn From the Devil
- 148 pages
- 6 hours of reading
Exploring the biblical narrative, this book delves into the ultimate downfall of the devil as depicted in Revelation. It outlines the pivotal moments of his expulsion from heaven, his binding by the archangel Michael during the millennial reign, and his final judgment in the lake of fire. The text emphasizes the importance of personal choice regarding salvation, asserting that accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is the key to avoiding eternal separation from God. It highlights the transformative power of faith in Christ against the backdrop of spiritual warfare.
- 2011
When a Woman Loves a Man
- 193 pages
- 7 hours of reading
" The woman was not taken from the man's head to be over him, nor from his feet to be walked on by him, but from his side to be his closest companion, from under his arm to be protected by him, and near his heart to be loved by him" - an old Jewish sayingJust like the rib cage protects the hearts vital organs, the woman was created by God to protect, encourage, and love her husband, her God-given rib.In When a Woman Loves a Man, pastor James Ford explains the significance of God taking the woman out of the man's side and placing her in a position to walk alongside of him as his helpmate, lover, and emotional protector.This book is written for women who are either engaged or married and who want to know how to Biblically and practically express love to her man the way God intended.