Soul Work: Confessions of a Part Time Monk

by Randy Harris

Sharing experiences and insights from his visits to monasteries over the years, popular speaker and university professor Randy Harris invites us into a richer, fuller life in the Spirit. Why would a single, non-Catholic college professor want to spend his vacations at monasteries and with hermits? ''Because there is so much to learn there!'' writes Randy Harris. ''When I decided I wanted to learn how to pray, I sought those who had spent their lives praying. When I wanted to learn to 'be still and know that he is God', I sought those for whom silence is a way of life. As I sought stability and balance, I found a way of life that has endured for 1500 years. I didn't exactly want to become a monk or hermit, but I did want to learn what they know--and it has become a life-changing journey.'' Spiritual formation has become a popular buzzword. But we might wonder what it means to be spiritual in our situations and most of us don t have time to join or visit a monastery! With gentle humor and keen wisdom, Randy Harris shows how the monastery can come to us. More importantly, he welcomes us into that life that is rich, blessed, and joyful. The life that God intends for us. The secret of the easy yoke that Jesus promises. Sharing stories from his own walk with God and insights into Scripture, Randy invites us into a richer, fuller, and deeper life--one lived in intimate relationship with God.

Genres: Christianity, Spirituality

160 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2011

Reviews

[Banner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recently heard Randy Harris speak and have enjoyed listening to him online ever since. I was intrigued by the premise of this book and just jumped in.

A refreshing concept that seems to be a part of Randy's canon is that theology is learned through practice. You want to understand prayer better? Then practice prayer. Do prayer.

This book is about Randy's experience among a devout group of monks that practiced prayer hours a day for years. They literally dedicated themselves to prayer. Through this experience Randy learned several insightful things about what the Bible teaches about prayer and how we as Christians living in a postmodern culture can practice prayer to a greater relationship with the one to whom we are praying.

I highly recommend this book. The author's style is conversational and transparent. But be prepared to get the most out of this book by practicing prayer.

[Andrea Engle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever relevant, Randy Harris seeks to improve the reader’s prayer life by applying lessons learnt from Monasticism ... from increasing one’s humility to practicing the Presence of God, from the thought of St. John of the Cross to the actions of St. Francis of Assisi, one is gently brought to establish habits of authentic prayer ...

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful short book about different ways to pray and what prayer is - very approachable

[Amy Cobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A witty read full of wisdom about humility and a life of prayer

[Tyler Mackey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic read, and I will forever be grateful to Harris for giving me concise words to express what I have struggled to convey over the last few years.

[Deanna Koehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were so many practical take-aways in this book. I also really appreciated the humor and honesty of the author. It was just what I was looking for.

[Brent Soderstrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad I have found the writings of Randy Harris. Harris takes on serious religious issues and addresses them in a down to earth humor laden fashion making each chapter a joy to read. In this book Harris addresses many issues from the monastic perception. He has made various trips to hermit retreats and weeks with monks to get their perspective on things like prayer and living a Christian life. When I was in college I took a religion class in which we spent a three day weekend in a monastery. Looking back on it I wish I would have taken it more seriously and approached that adventure with a different attitude. I was just trying to get the requirement out of the way and was thinking about all I was missing back at college.

Some of the things that stood out to me were Harris' comment that the formative events in our lives probably come about unexpectedly. He also talked about how we can learn things from suffering which we could never learn without it. Doesn't make me crave for more suffering but it is something that I will have in my head when I face my next episode of suffering, which we all face at various times.

I highly recommend any of Harris' books.

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a typical Randy Harris book in that it covers a variety of topics. I'd say that the main one was prayer. Here are some of the thoughts.

Time alone with God - The contemplative life
1. deeply hospitable
2. missional or evangelistic spirit
3. spiritual balance
4. back into the life of the church
and how to do it:
1. build a little contemplation in each day
2. take advantage of the solitude that your day presents you
3. take a 1 or 2 day retreat once or twice a year

Monastery values
1. we've got to build some silence into our lives
2. reflective prayer
3. obedience
4. humility
5. value of community
6. hope
7. poverty
8. stability
9. balance
10. hospitality

Praying
1. talking at God (rote prayer)
2. talking to God
3. listening to God
4. being with God
5. all of your life becomes prayer
a. intercessory prayer
b. unceasing prayer

[Franklin Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

What in the world is a contemplative lifestyle? Harris answers these questions in his own witty, humorous way. While humorous, it also packs quite the self-examining punch. Soul Work does exactly what it's title suggests...it causes you to look at your own soul and your place with God. Main topics include prayer, hospitality, evangelism and humility. Harris explains his experiences with various contemplative folks (monks, nuns, hermits, etc.) in a way that makes you want to visit a monastery for some time alone with God. A quick read, this is one that I'll be coming back to in the future!

[Karyn Mcneal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished this book and the first thing I want to do is read it again. In it, Randy Harris explains prayer in such a way that it challenges you to take it to a whole new level. Prayer is not about listing off to God everyone you know who is sick so that they'll be instantly healed; prayer is first and foremost time spent in the presence of God, where listening is infinitely more important than speaking. What a lesson for me to live. God is always speaking -- am I quiet long enough to hear?

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reads like a conversation with a humble, spiritual guys who just wants to tell stories. He speaks of his time with monks and what he learns from them. Also, he talks about his ministry and teaching. Really enjoyed the book. Plenty of sobering advice for busy Christians that have a million things going on, and lack a great prayer life. The author comes across as a humble, broken man trying to figure it out, yet it's very inspiring and uplifting.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book by Harris--a really fun little introduction (as only Harris can) to the contemplative life. Once again (just like his other book "God Work") Harris writes a book that is witty and largely autobiographical in nature, which makes it a quick and interesting read. If your prayer life is flagging and you need a smart and fun guide towards recovery, this is a fun place to start.

[Roger Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soul Work is unique, not too deep, or too shallow, right depth so the reader begin to consider the contemplative life. The best part of the book was Randy's original thoughts, worst was his summation of Christian Mystics on prayer. His heart for prayer and simplicity has enriched my life.

[Lita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harris writes like he speaks. Very easy and quick read with a glimpse into the monastic lifestyle and the lessons we can learn.

[Zach Wear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for the soul.

I think this is one of the best books I have read that truly focus on my soul. I didn't even realized I needed to work in this area.

[Karen Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, life-changing book!