Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation

by Ruth Haley Barton

Book Overview

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...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0830833331
• ISBN13: 9780830833337
• Release Date: February 2006
• Publisher: IVP Formatio
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.5" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).