Quiet: Hearing God Amidst The Noise

by A.J. Sherrill

Within a world of incessant noise and chaos, Quiet is an invitation to seek God in stillness, silence and contemplation. Each chapter concludes with a contemplative practice for the reader. It is a helpful read for both individuals and small groups. Chronicling the author's personal journey, AJ Sherrill reveals how contemplative prayer practices compliment other forms of prayer prevalent in the Church such as intercessory, prophetic, and abiding prayer. If you find yourself longing for greater awareness, intimacy and peace with God, this resource aims to open more possibilities through prayer than many previously believe are available. It is a particular helpful guide for those who find themselves in urban and suburban contexts, where the decibel level of life has never been louder. Not only is this book relevant today, but also captures the thoughts and practices of many saints of times past. Quiet has been endorsed by Father Richard Rohr (Author and Franciscan Monk), Jon Tyson (Author and Lead Pastor of Trinity Grace Church in Manhattan) and Skye Jethani (Author and Editor at Christianity Today).

Genres: Religion, Spirituality

76 pages, Paperback

First published March 11, 2014

Reviews

[Danette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I heard about this book from Tim Challies so I picked it up on my way to the passport office. I read the entire thing while waiting there.
It was not what I was expecting but it was good. The passport office environment did not do it justice. I will have to read it again and perhaps spend a day (or week) on each of the six chapters. There is a practice section at the end of each chapter to help use the tips on prayer A.J. Sherrill recommends.
Sherrill wants to help us move prayer from: Talking AT God to Talking TO God to Listening TO God and then Being WITH God.

2020 A book of 100 pages or less

[Tamara M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Contemplative Prayer - what is it? why should you try it? how do you practice it? are just some of the questions that this short but deeply insightful book will tackle and try to answer. Since one of my strivings is to improve my prayer life - I found this book and other resources that it recommends very helpful and inspiring. My highest recommendation for this little book that will make you reflect on your prayer life in a very new (but such an old) way.

[Kristina C. Witters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personally, one of the most important and life influencing reads of my life. A book that will remain close by as s kind reminder of what can and will be.

[Ellen Rosenberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a short read but made me think very honestly about the noise and distractions I allow myself to get trapped in. I liked the practices given at the end of each chapter and was so glad that I tried them. I'm naturally a "to do" kind of person, driven by productivity and accomplishment so sitting quietly does not come easy for me. Oh but the depth of peace and tranquility I experienced when I did do this. It makes me excited to continue to implement practices like "centering prayer" into my life.

[Macey Whitaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a really good short book to read. My favorite thing about this book is that it explains how to set aside time for God amidst all the activities and problems in your life. I wouldn’t change anything about this book. It really speaks for itself. I think its really important to set aside time for God in the business of our life. Without God in our day, we cant make it. We have to listen for Him in everything that we do. I recommend this book to everyone who wants to put an effort into their relationship with God. This book will really help

[Adam Lorenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very concise and practical guide towards centering prayer and solitude.

I would believe that reading it as quickly as I did, was not as AJ would have intended. An ideal pace being to read the chapters over an extended period of time to lean into the practices he offers at the end of each chapter.

I also appreciated the additional resources he offers at the end of the book as a continued dive into a lasting prayer life.

[Mike Riddell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterpiece. Short & simple chapters, yet with a depth that probably requires a chapter to be distilled and reflected upon for a week each.

Will be revisiting this book many times as an introductory yet insightful entry point for the practice of centering prayer.

[Mandi Grasmeyer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very difficult to get into. Short book, but I probably won't read it again.

[Michele H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hopeful this will help with centering prayer. Being still and focusing on God. I’ll update after I’ve studied and practiced. I read this little book on a plane with boisterous kids, haha.

[Matthew Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good perspective on prayer. One that I have not thought of before

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical guide on stillness, prayer and drawing closer to God. A book to re-read yearly as a way to reconnect with God.

[Steve Bedford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great primer on contemplative prayer. Enough to get started without a ton of extra barriers.