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Editorial Reviews
Winner of a 2006 Logos Book Award! 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 activities 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.
Related Reviews
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.
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.
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.
Literary Encouragement For Spiritual Cynics
I have to confess that I'm just getting over a horrible "Been There, Read That" attitude when it comes to books about spiritual growth. That's why it came as a delightful surprise when (a) I couldn't put this book down, (b) I read several chapters again and again and used them to spur journal/prayer entries, and (c) I'm going to take it with me on my next overnight silent retreat. I especially enjoyed the reflections on discernment and self-examination. Thank you, IVP and Ruth Haley Barton, for this gem of a book.
(Note: I got the book at our public library, but have since purchased it as a gift for my sister and just ordered Barton's other book from IVP on solitude).
(Note: I got the book at our public library, but have since purchased it as a gift for my sister and just ordered Barton's other book from IVP on solitude).
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.
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.
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.
Useful Guide for those Seeking Spiritual Transformation
The subtitle of the book sums up the aim for readers - how to arrange our lives around the goal of spiritual transformation, and why this is a worthy pursuit. Barton's style is very conversational and straight-forward. It covers some deep material in a very clear and encouraging way. She starts off describing a bit of her own spiritual journey and longing for spiritual transformation. We're not alone in finding that spiritual disciplines (or any activity) done for the wrong reasons can take us in the opposite direction we seek, further away from God and discouraged. Yet there is another way, seeking the presence of God and opening ourselves to His work in our lives that can truly transform us.
Barton covers seven vital spiritual disciplines and for each describes a fresh way to engage. For example, for scripture reading she describes an ancient practice of devotional reading (lectio divina) that is quite different from your average quiet time. Other disciplines include solitude, prayer, honoring the body, self-examination, discernment, and honoring the Sabbath. The author also points out the downside of not engaging in these practices. It is easy in our busy schedules to avoid solitude and Sabbath rest, but it is to our detriment. The final chapter is a highlight of the book. She discusses a "rule of life" (as it is classically known), which she terms `cultivating rhythms for spiritual transformation. This addresses the practical question of how to put these things in practice, how to make them a natural and inviting part of your life.
The appendices provide some very helpful additional material. There are notes on how to take this journey with other people, lead a small group exploring these disciplines, and how to choose spiritual disciplines that fit our needs. These together help us focus our efforts better, and there is definitely great encouragement and support in practicing these disciplines and discussing them with others on the journey.
Barton covers seven vital spiritual disciplines and for each describes a fresh way to engage. For example, for scripture reading she describes an ancient practice of devotional reading (lectio divina) that is quite different from your average quiet time. Other disciplines include solitude, prayer, honoring the body, self-examination, discernment, and honoring the Sabbath. The author also points out the downside of not engaging in these practices. It is easy in our busy schedules to avoid solitude and Sabbath rest, but it is to our detriment. The final chapter is a highlight of the book. She discusses a "rule of life" (as it is classically known), which she terms `cultivating rhythms for spiritual transformation. This addresses the practical question of how to put these things in practice, how to make them a natural and inviting part of your life.
The appendices provide some very helpful additional material. There are notes on how to take this journey with other people, lead a small group exploring these disciplines, and how to choose spiritual disciplines that fit our needs. These together help us focus our efforts better, and there is definitely great encouragement and support in practicing these disciplines and discussing them with others on the journey.
Decent book, some chapters better than others...
Not a bad book. I enjoyed some chapters more than others - I think my favorite was the Sabbath chapter. I do think we're in a culture of go-go-go, and it was good to be reminded that it's important to take time for ourselves. To take a nap, take a walk, do what you want to do on your Sabbath. No errands, no busyness - just time for yourself and your family.
My main problem with her was that she applied a lot of her experience to everything, as though each person's life will be similar to hers. Sometimes it overrode the message of the chapter, and made me want to skim ahead.
Still a decent book, though. Highly recommend the chapter on the Sabbath, as well as the one on honoring the body.
My main problem with her was that she applied a lot of her experience to everything, as though each person's life will be similar to hers. Sometimes it overrode the message of the chapter, and made me want to skim ahead.
Still a decent book, though. Highly recommend the chapter on the Sabbath, as well as the one on honoring the body.
An incredible book for those desiring to understand and practice Christian disciplines. I love the way Ruth Haley Barton includes a Practice for each of the disciplines in this work. I have purchased this book for our church library as well as for friends. Highly recommend.
This book is a practical look at spiritual disciplines and helps you think how to incorporate them into your life. The writing is an easy to read style. We are using the book in our small group and everyone seems to be enjoying it.
I've read a few books on the spiritual disciplines, but this one took a slightly different view of the disciplines. It is beautifully written, with practical suggestions to deepen ones relationship with God. I especially enjoyed the divine reading section. Whether you are new to a relationship with Jesus or have been a Christ follower for years, this book will inspire you to want to really know and understand God's love for you.
Excellent encouragement and resource book
I am reading the book for a weekly small group study. It is difficult to read only the assigned chapters. It is not a book to just read and put away, tho. If you desire it, it is a life changing book. My favorite chapter so far is the chapter on Prayer, and the chapter on Honoring the Body is a big "ouch"! If you are truly seeking a spiritual transformation for your life, this will serve as an excellent resource book and workbook.
The author shares simple and logical practices in our pursuit to connect with God. She goes beyond the head knowledge of facts and testamonials to practical and biblical means to meet God everyday in our lives.
Exceptional reminder of the value of the disciplines: take time to pause through this book, to reflect how disciplines could transform your relationship with God.
This is an excellent book for Christian women in helping to find order in their lives, to make time for the importance of time with God as we relate to others and for personal Christian growth.
Taking a spiritual journey of a lifetime!
Participating with a group of women in a book study of "Sacred Rhythms". Wonderful, challenging, provoking and enlightening!!
This is a wonderful book for those who want to take time to get close to God without using Yoga!
It's Great If You Already Own...
Unfortunately, the best that I can say of this book is that it should only be purchased after Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline. His treatment is still, by far, the best and most comprehensive material on these matters.
However, there are a couple of redeeming qualities in Ruth Haley Barton's book. After reading Foster's book, skip to Chapter 8 in Barton's book. This is the chapter on Sabbath that I think that Foster is missing from his material. Though he touches on it I think that Barton offers a more extensive understanding and begins the process of recognizing Sabbath lifestyle as something that goes beyond either Solitude (as in Foster's material) or just a day-long process.
Second, go to Chapter 9 and read about the Rule of Life. In this chapter Barton discusses how to go about developing a rhythm of disciplines in our own life. Again, this is a missing component to Foster's book and is really a necessary process to make sure that a person does not become overwhelmed by what Foster presents.
The Appendix C on choosing spiritual disciplines that correspond to our needs is helpful, but not nearly elucidated enough. Barton has more here that she could have written.
Overall, I would not recommend this book alone but see it (or actually, see the last two chapters) as a needed addition to the excellent work that Foster has already done.
For more reviews, go to the blog in my screen name and click on the Readings category.
However, there are a couple of redeeming qualities in Ruth Haley Barton's book. After reading Foster's book, skip to Chapter 8 in Barton's book. This is the chapter on Sabbath that I think that Foster is missing from his material. Though he touches on it I think that Barton offers a more extensive understanding and begins the process of recognizing Sabbath lifestyle as something that goes beyond either Solitude (as in Foster's material) or just a day-long process.
Second, go to Chapter 9 and read about the Rule of Life. In this chapter Barton discusses how to go about developing a rhythm of disciplines in our own life. Again, this is a missing component to Foster's book and is really a necessary process to make sure that a person does not become overwhelmed by what Foster presents.
The Appendix C on choosing spiritual disciplines that correspond to our needs is helpful, but not nearly elucidated enough. Barton has more here that she could have written.
Overall, I would not recommend this book alone but see it (or actually, see the last two chapters) as a needed addition to the excellent work that Foster has already done.
For more reviews, go to the blog in my screen name and click on the Readings category.
Felt like I was at a really bad women's retreat
I've never been to a women's retreat (I'm a man), but from what women have told me, this book pretty well resembled a really bad one. She repeatedly criticizes the use of the mind, and talks all about our "desires" and letting emotions come out wherever they want to. I understand that emotions are important and part of how God has made us, but she made so many baseless assertions about how we "overuse" our brains in the West that I wanted to throw this book in the trash. If I didn't have to read this for class, I would have.
Her chapter on the Bible really bothered me - she talked about how we shouldn't think about what Scripture means (we think about stuff too much in the West anyways!)...we should just repeat phrases from it over and over again until we have some kind of emotional experience. Terrible, terrible, terrible.
Her chapter on the Bible really bothered me - she talked about how we shouldn't think about what Scripture means (we think about stuff too much in the West anyways!)...we should just repeat phrases from it over and over again until we have some kind of emotional experience. Terrible, terrible, terrible.
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