Spiritual Practices for Soul Care: 40 Ways to Deepen Your Faith

by Barbara L. Peacock

Experience the Richer Spiritual Life You Long For

In this world of frantic activity and constant entertainment, it can be hard to identify and embrace the rhythms that lead to true flourishing. Your spirit longs for a stronger connection to the divine, a clearer sense of personal spiritual growth, a closer relationship with your creator and redeemer. But how do you integrate this kind of inner growth into the realities of your outer life?

If you long for a deeper experience of God as you journey through this life, Spiritual Practices for Soul Care offers 40 ways to help you put the spiritual disciplines into action each day. From prayer and meditation to serving and socializing to resting and healing, these simple, restorative practices will help you develop the kind of Christian walk you desire.

If you have been frustrated by slow or stalled progress, or if you simply yearn to go deeper, now is the time to pause, take a breath, and awaken to your transformative soul care journey--starting today.

Genres: Spirituality

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 2023

About the author

Barbara L. Peacock (DMin, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) is a spiritual director, author, teacher, and preacher. She is the founder of Barbara L. Peacock Ministries, a ministry committed to developing disciples through prayer, spiritual direction, soul care, mentoring, and teaching.

Reviews

[Gail Burgess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a book best read one chapter per day, or even week. Unfortunately I was not aware of that when I chose it for a monthly book discussion. I did enjoy the short bios included for each day, as well as appreciating the poems and questions. But I know I missed a lot because I didn't have the time to actually aswer all those questions.

[Kristjan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Each chapter begins with a topical title and introduction to a specific discipline or practice. Then there is a scriptural pericope (aka scripture focus) that inspired the practice and on which to meditate further. This is followed by a very brief introduction to a person (aka soul care leader) who [presumably] models this practice in everyday living (along with a specific book or other work that illustrates why that person was chosen (and potentially provide a follow-up in the case of written works). The author then provides a short poem, also inspired by the discipline or practice (which didn’t do much for me, but I generally struggle with poetry). Finally there are some recommendation on putting that particular discipline “in action” (although this was generally in the form of prompting questions … so more meditative than active). For the most part, this book only works if it is used as a springboard for future study and meditation (with numerous references to material that supports the disciplines or practices identify in each chapter. In at least one case, the contextual facts presented did not match my own understanding (specifically the claim that a majority of jewish homes had an upper room that served as a prayer closet). This leads me to question other contexts presented and detracts from my own ability to simply accept what is said and enjoy it.

After reading the publisher summary and endorsements, I still was not expecting this book to essentially be a 40 day devotional. My track record with devotionals is extremely hit or miss for a number of reasons, such as not connecting to the life experience examples or from the need by the author to strength it all out to cover a specific number of days; additionally, in my experience, there tends to be a lot of beautiful fluff and not as much practical application in this type of work. In this case, the number 40 was chosen because of its significance in biblical numerology and gematria and not because the author actually had 40 specific practices to communicate. This means some chapters are quite a bit better than others. Ironically, some of the weakest chapters could have benefited with a more extended treatment and deeper examination, especially of the scriptural and individual exemplar sections. Soon after you start reading the book, it becomes apparent that most of these comes out of the author’s experience as a spiritual director, which is heavily dependent upon a personal connection with the person seeking direction … so it should come as no surprise here that only about 25% of this book connected with me and another 25% was a struggle (with half more or less neutral). I have starred the chapters that I connected with below ...

Introduction
Part 1 Should Care Living
1. Loving Today
2. Worshiping Today
3. Praying Today *
4. Lamenting Today
5. Celebrating Today
6. Experiencing God Today

Part 2 Soul Care Directing
7. Directing Today *
8, Readying Today
9. Entering Today * Prayer Closet
10. Listening Today
11. Discerning Today
12. Maturing Today
13. Examining Today *

Part 3 Soul Care Discipling
14. Reading Today *
15. Teaching Today
16. Fasting Today
17. Connecting Today *
18, Serving Today
19. Mentoring Today
20. Leading Today

Part 4 Soul Care Restoring
21. Dwelling Today
22. Meditating and Contemplating Today
23. Resting Today
24. Silencing Today
25. Commemorating Today
26. Resurrecting Today

Part 5 Soul Care and Self-Caring
27. Exercising Today
28. Journeying Today
29. Transforming Today
30. Chastening Today
31. Welcoming and Centering Today

Part 6 Soul Care Reflecting
32. Journaling and Writing Today
33. Speaking and Recording Today
34. Envisioning and Awaking Today
35. Ruling Today
36. Thanksgiving Today

Part 7 Soul Care Liberating
37. Storytelling Today
38. Detaching and Attaching Today
39. Slowing Today
40. Freeing and Communing Today

I was given this free advance reader copy (ARC) ebook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

#SpiritualPracticesforSoulCare #NetGalley

[Markie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Spiritual Practices for Soul Care: 40 Ways to Deepen Your Faith" by Barbara L. Peacock is a comprehensive and inspiring guidebook that offers a rich variety of spiritual practices to nurture and deepen one's faith journey. With its accessible and well-organized format, this book provides valuable insights and practical guidance for readers seeking to cultivate a more vibrant and meaningful spiritual life.

The book is divided into 40 distinct spiritual practices, making it easy for readers to explore and engage with different approaches to soul care. Barbara L. Peacock's writing style is clear, concise, and filled with wisdom, making the practices accessible to individuals at various stages of their spiritual journey. Whether you are new to spiritual practices or have been engaging with them for years, this book offers something for everyone.

Each practice is thoughtfully explained, providing both the rationale behind it and step-by-step instructions for implementation. From traditional practices such as prayer, meditation, and scripture reading to more unique approaches like journaling, nature walks, and artistic expression, Peacock covers a wide range of methods to suit different preferences and spiritual needs. The author's expertise shines through as she offers guidance on how to integrate these practices into daily life, creating a holistic approach to spiritual growth.

What sets "Spiritual Practices for Soul Care" apart is its emphasis on self-reflection and personal exploration. Peacock encourages readers to engage in introspection and provides helpful prompts and questions to deepen their understanding and connection with the practice. This reflective element invites readers to connect with their own experiences, fostering a sense of authenticity and personal growth along the way.

The book also acknowledges the importance of community and the role it plays in spiritual development. Peacock offers suggestions on how to incorporate these practices in a group setting, fostering a sense of shared exploration and support. This recognition of the communal aspect of spirituality adds depth and richness to the book's overall message.

Furthermore, the layout and design of the book are visually appealing, with clear headings and sections that facilitate easy navigation. The inclusion of inspirational quotes and relevant scriptures throughout the text further enhances the reading experience and adds depth to the concepts presented.

In conclusion, "Spiritual Practices for Soul Care" is a valuable resource for individuals seeking to deepen their faith and cultivate a more meaningful spiritual life. Barbara L. Peacock's expertise and guidance, coupled with the wide range of practices presented, make this book a comprehensive and accessible resource for readers of all backgrounds. Whether you are looking for new ways to engage with your faith or seeking to develop a regular spiritual practice, this book provides the tools and inspiration needed to embark on a transformative journey of soul care.

[Kathleen Ryder · Rating 4 out of 5]

BLURB:
In this world of frantic activity and constant entertainment, it can be hard to identify and embrace the rhythms that lead to true flourishing. Your spirit longs for a stronger connection to the divine, a clearer sense of personal spiritual growth, a closer relationship with your creator and redeemer. But how do you integrate this kind of inner growth into the realities of your outer life?

If you long for a deeper experience of God as you journey through this life, Spiritual Practices for Soul Care offers 40 ways to help you put the spiritual disciplines into action each day. From prayer and meditation to serving and socializing to resting and healing, these simple, restorative practices will help you develop the kind of Christian walk you desire.

If you have been frustrated by slow or stalled progress, or if you simply yearn to go deeper, now is the time to pause, take a breath, and awaken to your transformative soul care journey--starting today.

MY REVIEW:
This was such a beautiful book, and exactly what I needed to read at this stage of my life. I have been longing for a deeper connection for some time now, and this book delivers.

I really loved this book and can see myself turning to it again and again as needed.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.

[Carol Standish-Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book that you can either use alone or would work in a bible study group. It features 40 different spiritual practices broken down into seven sections giving a thematic overview.:
Living
Directing
Discipling
Restoring
Self-Caring
Reflecting
Liberating
Each of the 40 chapters speaks of the individual discipline, includes a Scripture passage that connects with every day living, a a soul care leader who exemplifies the spiritual practice, a poem written by the author and offers ways in which to apply that particular discipline into you every day life.

I found the book to be both accessible, interesting and inspiring. Barbara L Peacock provides a really good instruction book on both the discipline and how to integrate it into your life. I can either be read in 40 daily instalments, or taken at a more leisurely pace. It is a book that you can turn to again and again. Engaging, uplifting, inspiring and helps the reader to draw closer to God. The "soul" aim of the book is to have a time engaging deeply with the Heavenly Father, to draw closer and rest your weary soul. This book is an excellent resource for both new and more mature christians alike. You can adopt any number of the practices according to your personal tastes.

[Katie Betts · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a world of constant activity, this book offers 40 ways to integrate spiritual disciplines into your daily life. From prayer to rest, these practices will help you develop a deeper connection with God and a more fulfilling Christian walk. Awaken to your transformative soul care journey with these insightful disciplines and prompts.

Barbara’s conversational tone is filled with encouragement and discernment. As she walks through the 40 practices, she includes Scripture, explanation, poetry, and very interesting soul care leaders. Often the featured leader has their own content and resources for further growth in that specific practices. As an African American minister, Barbara offers incredible illustrations about civil rights and personal experience. I really appreciated how clear and accessible her writing is.

Thank you @readbakerbooks and @netgalley for the eARC 🥰

Perfect for you if you like:
Spiritual habits
Recommendations for further spiritual growth
Author’s personal reflection on spiritual disciplines

Similar to:
Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster
Holy Habits by Noah Herrin
Spiritual Formation for the Global Church by Ryan A. Brandt and John Frederick

[Edith Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spiritual Practices for Soul Care, 40 Ways to Deepen Your Faith is a powerful compilation of stories, scriptures, poetry, and spiritual disciplines, to mature your Christian faith. In Dr. Barbara Peacock’s follow up book to Soul Care in African American Practice, she makes it more personal, adding intimate anecdotes and reflections. This book is less academic and more experiential. You can feel Dr. Peacock’s heart for discipleship and Christian maturity as you read. The inclusion of biblical characters, theologians, spiritual directors, and ordinary people create a community that everyone can connect with. The reflection questions and actions add to the overall richness of the book. I appreciate that the reader can read from beginning to end, or they can start in the middle and still benefit from the spiritual practice being described. It is my honor and delight to recommend Spiritual Practices for Soul Care. There are indeed 40 ways to deepen your faith. Get ready to go deeper in your faith. You will not be disappointed.

Edith Brown, Founder
Exhort! Ministries International

[Marva T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spiritual Practices for Soul Care: 40 Ways to Deepen Your Faith by Dr. Barbara Peacock lives up to its promise by sharing 40 spiritual practices that will refresh your soul. In each chapter, you'll find a different practice along with a Bible passage, insights from a real-life soul care leader, and a poem. The chapter then concludes with soul-stirring questions designed to guide the reader in putting the discipline into practice. While the book is presented in themes, you don't have to read it in order. Each chapter can stand alone; yet together, they collectively invite the reader into a closer relationship with God.

This is a book that is best savored slowly, and I would encourage you to read through it at your own pace and explore each practice as the Spirit guides you. That, to me, is the real beauty of this book: that it can be personalized to the reader’s journey. So, no matter where you are on your faith walk, there’s a spiritual practice in this book that will meet your needs and (re)ignite your faith.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read with perfect timing! I've been having a hard time at work, coming home both drained and defeated. This read helped bring me back to my usual-ish self. It was a reminder of my relationship with God and how all great things are possible through him.

This book comes equip with the full bible study experience; introductions, scripture, relevant personnel tie in and calls to action. Which are all phenomenal by the way. It was such an easy read, but you'll find yourself not wanting to just read and shelf this one. My book gained so much width with notes of passages to remember, inspiration and activities/lists to dive into at a later time. Some of the spiritual practices were things I do in my basic routines and didn't even think of it in that way. The book was written with a fresh take. I can admire a read that just gets you.

Best enjoyed in peace with a stack of sticky notes and writing utensils.

5/5 recommend

[Carla Lake · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've long to find ways to deepen your faith, this book is for you. Dr. Peacock pulls up a chair next to you and with contagious enthusiasm and gentle wisdom, she leads you in not one, not two, but forty ways to nurture a stronger connection with your Creator and Redeemer. I especially appreciate the way Dr. Peacock explains that each spiritual discipline is 'a call to activate and participate in the leading of the Spirit's development in and through you.' This book has been a joy to dive into and a reminder of the many ways we can experience a closer walk with God.

[Joseph Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an IT professional I love that the book, Spiritual Practices for Soul Care by Dr. Barbara Peacock is structured in a way that each chapter gives:
1. Practical and biblically sound ways to connect with God in our "busy" daily lives.
2. Action challenges to help you pause and reflect on how to apply each practice.

[Ericka Ramsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a seasoned Christian, this book gave me a different perspective on how Christ increases our intimacy with God. During my prayer time, I now have more tools that I will use for the rest of my life. This book is a game changer and a must read.

[IquoImoh Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a much needed read. Dr. Peacock laid out 40 Spiritual practices to do to draw closer and have an intimate relationship with God. I real like the write your spiritual autobiography which I am still working on.

[Arlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book with my friends. This is a must read for all. I plan to buy the paperback book so I can add this to my morning devotion. I will also gift this book to my sisters and best friend. Truly a read for the heart mind and soul

[Michelle Pulignani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book.

[PottWab Regional Library]

SM

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. You can read each one daily for 40 days or read in sections.
Very uplifting

[Gretchen Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s easy to read and follow!

I love that the book touches your soul as deeply as you want to go, but in such a simple way! It’s a great guide to help you deepen your faith. First you get the practice, then the scripture focus, a Soul Care Leader, a poem and questions in every practice. My favorite three were, Lamenting Today, Celebrating Today and Connecting Today. These made an impact on me because at the time I was reading them, I happened to be practicing them without even realizing.

Gretchen M. Smith