Best book on spiritual transformation I've read recently

books:

	• Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation Ruth Haley Barton InterVarsity Press, 2006 - 191 pages average customer review:based on 8 reviews view larger image
	for more information click here

highly recommended

Dream a Little Dream of Rest

Ruth Haley Barton presents a clear and compelling description of the spiritual disciplines of solitude, lectio divina, centering/breath prayer, Ignatian examen (of consciousness and conscience), discernment, sabbath-keeping, and the Benedictine "rule of life." She opens the book with an invitation to explore the deep longings of your soul and name your desires before Christ. And she offers a wonderful chapter on the spirituality of learning to live in and care for our physical bodies. It was a powerful and life-chaning book for me -- particularly the chapters on solitude, honoring the body, and sabbath-keeping. Barton has a gentle heart and a gracious approach to the disciplines that is so inviting. This book was my part of my devotions for the last few weeks and I find that I will miss Barton's voice and vision and the possibilities that they have stirred in my soul. I recommend this book highly to anyone who is struggling with exhaustion or burn-out and wanting permission to dream of rest.

for more information click here

Handbook on Christian spirituality

I borrowed a copy of Sacred Rhythms from the Pauline Bookstore sale shelf where I work (and live). I loved Barton's voice; her gentle style. The book itself is a kind of handbook on Christian spirituality: prayer, discernment, creating a spiritual "rule of life" (and even the examen of consciousness!). All very solid, very real-life oriented and very readable. But what was particularly interesting to me (a Catholic sister/nun) is how Barton, who was brought up in the Baptist tradition, makes this traditionally Catholic spirituality so approachable for non-Catholics, to whom the language may be much less familiar. Her writing is not so focused on a Protestant audience that a Catholic would be distracted or unable to relate. It's just a good, solid and balanced treatment of key issues in our life with God.
Barton deserves kudos for her treatment of the Sabbath in our Christian life, and her helpful explanation of how to create a "rule of life" that sets our life on course in a way that coincides with our life with God, not setting "prayer life" and "real life" on parallel tracks.

for more information click here

Best book on spiritual transformation I've read recently

To be honest, I've gotten a little weary of books about spiritual disciplines. I always end up feeling guilty that I'm not more disciplined and perpetually struggle with having a consistent quiet time, after many years of being a Christian. Ruth Haley Barton cuts through all of that putting "discipline" (or "rule" or "rhythm" whatever you want to call it!) into the context of "desire," that we deeply long for God's transformation in our lives. She stresses that we cannot transform ourselves, only God can do that. But, we can arrange our lives in such a way that makes the conditions for transformation optimal. This book is extremely practical, gracious, and FREES you to seek God, rather than bind you to a set of rules. I highly, highly recommend it.

for more information click here

Great candidate for Personal Book of the Year.

I have been refreshed and instructed by Sacred Rhythms. I am encouraged to explore developing (or discerning) a Rule for Life that will cultivate trust in God and love for others. Well done.

a blessing

This was one of the most helpful books on the Christian spiritual disciplines I have ever read. Barton leads her reader through the astonishing basis for all spiritual disciplines, the foundational principles for each discipline she discusses, and an extremely helpful step-by-step practice of each discipline. It is a book one should slowly work through, rather than read quickly. Barton helped me revitalize my spiritual practices.

for more information click here

reviews: page 1, 2

About the Book

A Formatio book.

Do you long for a deep, fundamental change in your life with God? Do you desire a greater intimacy with God? Do you wonder how you might truly live your life as God created you to live it?

Spiritual disciplines are activites that open us to God's transforming love and the changes that only God can bring about in our lives. Picking up on the monastic tradition of creating a "rule of life" that allows for regular space for the practice of the spiritual disciplines, this book takes you more deeply into understanding seven key disciplines along with practical ideas for weaving them into everyday life. Each chapter includes exercises to help you begin the practices--individually and in a group context. The final chapter puts it all together in a way that will help you arrange your life for spiritual transformation.

The choice to establish your own sacred rhythm is the most important choice you can make with your life.

for more information click here

hot or not? What's your opinion? Write a review and share your thoughts!

recommendations

Potential Small Group Resources
Women's Spirituality

transformation

Rapid Transformation: A 90-day Plan for Fast and Effective Change
The Transformation of the Inner Man
The Great Transformation
The Social Transformation of American Medicine
Lean Transformation: How to Change Your Business into a Lean ...

spiritual

The Lamb's Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth
My Utmost for His Highest (Vest Pocket Edition)
Midnights with the Mystic: A Little Guide to Freedom and Bliss
Spiritual Marketing: A Proven 5-Step Formula for Easily Creating ...
I Am That: Talks with Sri Nisargadatta

rhythms

Living from the Heart: Heart Rhythm Meditation for Energy, Clarity, ...
Don't Block the Blessings
Your Chance to Hear The Last Panther Speak
The Rhythm of Life
Standing in the Shadows of Motown: The Life and Music of Legendary ...

search for books
arranging our, arranging, lives, our, rhythms, sacred, spiritual, transformation

Impressum / about us