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Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation
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.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published February 10, 2006
1163 people are currently reading
6420 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Haley Barton
48 books274 followersRuth Haley Barton (Doctor of Divinity, Northern Seminary) is founding president/CEO of the Transforming Center, a ministry dedicated to strengthening the souls of pastors and Christian leaders, and the congregations and organizations they serve. For over twenty years, she has ministered to the soul care needs of pastors and leaders based upon her conviction that the best thing we bring to leadership is our own transforming selves. Trained at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation and the Institute for Pastoral Studies Loyola University Chicago, Ruth is a seasoned retreat leader and spiritual director. A sought-after speaker and preacher, she has served on the pastoral staff of several churches and teaches frequently at seminaries and graduate schools. Ruth is the author of numerous books and resources on the spiritual life, including Invitation to Solitude and Silence, Sacred Rhythms, Longing for More, Pursuing God's Will Together, and Life Together in Christ. She continues to share her thoughts and perspectives on soulful leadership through an online resource called eReflections as well as a podcast entitled Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership.
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January 3, 2014
Upon her awareness of “Christian fatigue syndrome” (9) overtaking her life, Ruth Haley Barton began searching for more balance in her life, especially her spiritual life. She recounts the anxiety felt over internal and external expectations of who she should be and what she should do as a Christian. The added stress of the intense busyness of her life (doing some very good things) nearly crippled her spiritually and she intuitively felt there must be a better way to go about living the Christian life. Her desire for a different way intensified from a sense of emptiness in her spiritual life, especially when considering Jesus’ promise that He came to give full life to His followers (cf., John 10.10, 15.11). Barton considered much of her Christian journey to that point a façade – going through the motions, doing and saying all the right things, but without the supposed (and promised) rewards. This book is a distillation of what she discovered as the remedy for her spiritual brokenness.
In the book Barton describes eight spiritual practices, or disciplines, that revolutionized and revitalized her spiritually and seeks to help the reader better understand each practice and to encourage implementation in the reader’s own spiritual life. Each chapter is well organized and follows a similar pattern. She begins with a description of the spiritual, physical and/or emotional issue(s) that result from a lack of exercising the particular discipline featured in the chapter. She then provides personal examples and anecdotes to help the reader understand the practical implications of a life void of the particular discipline. Barton’s transparency and authenticity in sharing her personal struggle(s) is a real strength of the book. Finally, each chapter ends with a section labeled “Practice” with practical instructions on how to develop the discipline and implement it into the reader’s own experience. The value of this section is that the suggestions and recommendations are measured and reasonable without the need for additional instruction or reading on the matter.
While there are many good suggestions for Christians, e.g., reading Scripture more slowly for transformation not just information, seeking solitude for communion with God, fasting from technology and recovering the biblical principle of “Sabbath”, I disagree with most of Barton’s conclusions and suggestions for practice. Phrases like “opening up”, “touching the soul” and “consciously aware of God’s presence with you” pepper the book leaving the reader to wonder if this is a book about orthodox Christian practices or some syncretistic New Age, Eastern mysticism, heterodoxical amalgam. Barton seems to recognize the boundary with which she is flirting when describing ‘breathing prayers’ because she attempts a defense of why that particular type of prayer is not “magical or mystical” nor is it the “same thing as mantra of Eastern meditation practice” (71). However, her apology does little to change the perspective and further underscores the concern when she describes ‘breathing prayer’ as something that “arises from deep within our being” and that they are “to the spiritual life what oxygen and the pulmonary system are to life in the body, a way for us to breathe rhythmically and reflexively with the Spirit—the very breath of God” and that we do not “think our way into [our] breath prayer; [we] discover it by listening to [our] deepest longings and desires” (71). If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it is probably shod through with Eastern transcendental principles.
Another weakness of the book is Barton’s penchant for emotionally embellishing (almost reading in to) the text of Scripture. For example, in retelling the account of Bartimaeus from Mark 10 (cf., Matt 20; Luke 18) she speculates that when “Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was passing by . . . he had a sense of new spiritual possibility” (23) . . . or he had a sense of new physical possibility, i.e., he knew Jesus could physically heal and restore sight. The latter is plainer in the text. She goes on to say that the “honesty, the desperation, the humanness of the cry was completely arresting” and that Jesus had no choice than to stop and seek out the one brave enough to release such a “soul cry” (23-4). I understand that what the author wants to communicate is what Augustine communicated much more succinctly 16 centuries earlier in his Confessions when he famously uttered, “You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless, until they find rest in you” (Book 1, 1.9). Give me Augustine – for the win!
In the end, I would not personally recommend this book to anyone seeking guidance in spiritual formation or spiritual disciplines. I think the author does a fine job identifying a far too common ailment of contemporary Christians, i.e., the “Christian Fatigue Syndrome”, but her offer of a remedy is impotent. There are far better options available today and to spend valuable time in this resource may only serve to muddy what could otherwise be crystal clear waters. Any value the book may contain is negated by its syncretistic tendencies in practice and the hyperbolic conjecture and poetic license of the author in dealing with Scripture.
In the book Barton describes eight spiritual practices, or disciplines, that revolutionized and revitalized her spiritually and seeks to help the reader better understand each practice and to encourage implementation in the reader’s own spiritual life. Each chapter is well organized and follows a similar pattern. She begins with a description of the spiritual, physical and/or emotional issue(s) that result from a lack of exercising the particular discipline featured in the chapter. She then provides personal examples and anecdotes to help the reader understand the practical implications of a life void of the particular discipline. Barton’s transparency and authenticity in sharing her personal struggle(s) is a real strength of the book. Finally, each chapter ends with a section labeled “Practice” with practical instructions on how to develop the discipline and implement it into the reader’s own experience. The value of this section is that the suggestions and recommendations are measured and reasonable without the need for additional instruction or reading on the matter.
While there are many good suggestions for Christians, e.g., reading Scripture more slowly for transformation not just information, seeking solitude for communion with God, fasting from technology and recovering the biblical principle of “Sabbath”, I disagree with most of Barton’s conclusions and suggestions for practice. Phrases like “opening up”, “touching the soul” and “consciously aware of God’s presence with you” pepper the book leaving the reader to wonder if this is a book about orthodox Christian practices or some syncretistic New Age, Eastern mysticism, heterodoxical amalgam. Barton seems to recognize the boundary with which she is flirting when describing ‘breathing prayers’ because she attempts a defense of why that particular type of prayer is not “magical or mystical” nor is it the “same thing as mantra of Eastern meditation practice” (71). However, her apology does little to change the perspective and further underscores the concern when she describes ‘breathing prayer’ as something that “arises from deep within our being” and that they are “to the spiritual life what oxygen and the pulmonary system are to life in the body, a way for us to breathe rhythmically and reflexively with the Spirit—the very breath of God” and that we do not “think our way into [our] breath prayer; [we] discover it by listening to [our] deepest longings and desires” (71). If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it is probably shod through with Eastern transcendental principles.
Another weakness of the book is Barton’s penchant for emotionally embellishing (almost reading in to) the text of Scripture. For example, in retelling the account of Bartimaeus from Mark 10 (cf., Matt 20; Luke 18) she speculates that when “Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was passing by . . . he had a sense of new spiritual possibility” (23) . . . or he had a sense of new physical possibility, i.e., he knew Jesus could physically heal and restore sight. The latter is plainer in the text. She goes on to say that the “honesty, the desperation, the humanness of the cry was completely arresting” and that Jesus had no choice than to stop and seek out the one brave enough to release such a “soul cry” (23-4). I understand that what the author wants to communicate is what Augustine communicated much more succinctly 16 centuries earlier in his Confessions when he famously uttered, “You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless, until they find rest in you” (Book 1, 1.9). Give me Augustine – for the win!
In the end, I would not personally recommend this book to anyone seeking guidance in spiritual formation or spiritual disciplines. I think the author does a fine job identifying a far too common ailment of contemporary Christians, i.e., the “Christian Fatigue Syndrome”, but her offer of a remedy is impotent. There are far better options available today and to spend valuable time in this resource may only serve to muddy what could otherwise be crystal clear waters. Any value the book may contain is negated by its syncretistic tendencies in practice and the hyperbolic conjecture and poetic license of the author in dealing with Scripture.
April 16, 2011
My standing critique of books on spiritual disciplines is that they are too individualized in their expression and too anthropocentric. That is, they give you a set of practices which you can apply in the privacy of your own home as a means to deepen your spiritual life (whatever that means). What often is missing is the communal practices of the church (worship, word, sacrament) and a sense that the practices commended are less about bringing you into a more satisfying religious experience and more about tuning into the reality of God's presence.
So how does Barton measure up? Pretty good. She does stress the importance of community (everyone always does) but occasionally this book does feel like what she is advocating is a deeper, privatized religious experience. But this was mediated for me by the fact that I read this book with my church. Also, where she begins more individualistic and self-centered, the book moves towards a Spirituality which is more appropriately communal and Godward.
There are some really helpful and thoughtful suggestions about how to integrate Spiritual practices into your life. But the real value of this book is its accessibility. As someone who is read a lot on the Spiritual life, I can point to books that are deeper, better framed and more comprehensive than this book. But a lot of that would be lost on most people. What Barton offers is something thoughtful and engaging that normal people without theological education and academic proclivities can get into. And she is helpful. I especially liked her thoughts on developing a rule of life.
So how does Barton measure up? Pretty good. She does stress the importance of community (everyone always does) but occasionally this book does feel like what she is advocating is a deeper, privatized religious experience. But this was mediated for me by the fact that I read this book with my church. Also, where she begins more individualistic and self-centered, the book moves towards a Spirituality which is more appropriately communal and Godward.
There are some really helpful and thoughtful suggestions about how to integrate Spiritual practices into your life. But the real value of this book is its accessibility. As someone who is read a lot on the Spiritual life, I can point to books that are deeper, better framed and more comprehensive than this book. But a lot of that would be lost on most people. What Barton offers is something thoughtful and engaging that normal people without theological education and academic proclivities can get into. And she is helpful. I especially liked her thoughts on developing a rule of life.
September 14, 2012
i initially loved this book--but when i began to read it with a more critical eye, I realized the author used absolutely No scripture to back up what she was saying, that a lot of the spiritual practices she recommends are unbiblical, and that essentially this book is about mysticism. so i wouldnt recommend it.
June 6, 2012
It's a very feel good book, which I am not a fan of. There was very little scripture throughout the whole of the book.
December 26, 2023
I love a good book on Spiritual formation and this one was up there for me! Really enjoyed this and was just reminded of the joy and honor it is to be a child of God and to live this life with Him!
May 15, 2025
I found this to be a great resource to come alongside my quiet times with God. The concepts were well developed and practical which I appreciated. This will be a book I reach to as a resource as I intentionally try to grow in different spiritual resources.
December 29, 2023
This is extremely practical and refreshing in today's day and age of busyness and distraction. It gives practical tips for periods of discernment and generally how to encounter and listen to God in everyday life. Would definitely recommend!
December 25, 2017
A book that, when read carefully and applied thoughtfully, has the rare capacity to transform the reader’s spiritual life without compromising the intricacies of relationship with God. Barton doesn’t shy away from tackling difficult questions, and acknowledges the unique walk of each follower of Christ. A refreshing, “fluff-less” book, best read slowly and with time to process and practice between chapters. Strongly recommend to anyone who seriously desires deeper intimacy with the Lord.
Each chapter delves into a spiritual discipline, including solitude, prayer, Scripture, the body, discernment, and others. Personally I found the chapters on solitude and discernment most helpful and challenging.
Each chapter delves into a spiritual discipline, including solitude, prayer, Scripture, the body, discernment, and others. Personally I found the chapters on solitude and discernment most helpful and challenging.
July 17, 2020
I found this book to be especially challenging. I think it was challenging because myself (and most others I’m sure) constantly distract ourselves from what’s happening in our souls and the author challenges people to slow down and eliminate the addictions we use to dampen the deepest desires we have in our souls that only relationship with God can satisfy. Her call is for us to reduce the noise we constantly seek and actually listen to what our souls desire and ask to satisfy us.
January 25, 2014
Many people think of spiritual disciplines as a dusty drudgery of obligation, but Ruth Haley Barton compellingly shows that beneath any dusty exterior, spiritual disciplines are foremost about fulfilling our deepest and most personal longings—our desires to be who we truly are, to find meaning in our life, to love and feel loved despite our ugliness, to connect with God and others. Barton suggests that tasting the fulfillment of such deep seated desires that spiritual disciplines facilitate will lead us to want to drink deeply from the rich interior fountain of these life-giving practices.
Written in an easy, compelling, and heart-felt style. Chapters are moderately short and have a good balance of exposition and illustration, vision and reality, theory and practice. Each chapter concludes with practical suggestions for how to begin engaging with the given discipline, and there is a brief guide at the end of the book for reflecting with others on the material and experiences.
Highly recommended.
Written in an easy, compelling, and heart-felt style. Chapters are moderately short and have a good balance of exposition and illustration, vision and reality, theory and practice. Each chapter concludes with practical suggestions for how to begin engaging with the given discipline, and there is a brief guide at the end of the book for reflecting with others on the material and experiences.
Highly recommended.
September 21, 2008
This book came to me just at the right time. It has really helped me order my life for rest and balance, as it has helped me examine my own rhythms and how they might best dovetail with important spiritual disciplines like self-examination while going for a solitary run in the woods, or sitting in silence in the early morning, and putting boundaries on when you answer cell phones or check email, or what-have-you. It's about living a life that is nourishing, not just filled with additives or bulky fillers. It's about paying attention to ourselves (in the sense of knowing what is lifegiving spiritually/physically/emotionally) so that we can attend to the Holy and thus be able to participate with others in a meaningful way in this life.
July 24, 2023
I had some time between book reviews and decided to check out Ruth Haley Barton's "Sacred Rhythms" after hearing about the author via my church.
With "Sacred Rhythms," Barton turns a literary lens on seven specific spiritual disciplines - Solitude, Scripture (specifically Lectio Divina), Sabbath, Prayer, Honoring the Body, Discernment, and Self-Examination.
Barton writes from the monastic tradition of creating a "rule of life" that allows for regular space for the practice of spiritual disciplines. "Sacred Rhythms" is really a structured, easy to understand introduction to this world and an invitation to practice utilizing exercises offered in each chapter that can be experienced individually or in smaller groups. In her final chapter, Barton presents the thread that turns these individual chapters into a tapestry of spiritual discipline.
For those who are more familiar with spiritual disciplines, "Sacred Rhythms" will be a gentle reminder and/or a comforting companion. For those new to the subject, "Sacred Rhythms" is a delightful way to make the spiritual disciplines less intimidating.
Barton is the founder of Transforming Center and is a well known blogger, podcaster, and author with several books to her name including "Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest" and "Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership." "Sacred Rhythms" is a great way to start the Barton journey and I look forward to continuing my exploration of her writings in the coming months.
With "Sacred Rhythms," Barton turns a literary lens on seven specific spiritual disciplines - Solitude, Scripture (specifically Lectio Divina), Sabbath, Prayer, Honoring the Body, Discernment, and Self-Examination.
Barton writes from the monastic tradition of creating a "rule of life" that allows for regular space for the practice of spiritual disciplines. "Sacred Rhythms" is really a structured, easy to understand introduction to this world and an invitation to practice utilizing exercises offered in each chapter that can be experienced individually or in smaller groups. In her final chapter, Barton presents the thread that turns these individual chapters into a tapestry of spiritual discipline.
For those who are more familiar with spiritual disciplines, "Sacred Rhythms" will be a gentle reminder and/or a comforting companion. For those new to the subject, "Sacred Rhythms" is a delightful way to make the spiritual disciplines less intimidating.
Barton is the founder of Transforming Center and is a well known blogger, podcaster, and author with several books to her name including "Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest" and "Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership." "Sacred Rhythms" is a great way to start the Barton journey and I look forward to continuing my exploration of her writings in the coming months.
August 8, 2023
At times this felt a little conservative for my liking, but I did appreciate the thorough explanations of various spiritual practices.
November 17, 2019
Sacred Rhythms
I read all of Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Haley Barton for a college class even though at times I was so frustrated that I wanted to throw the book out the window. I am now thankful that I read it because it made me think about what I believe and why.
My first issue with this book showed up in the introduction. The author, Ruth, kept encouraging her readers to get in touch with their deepest longings and truest desires. I got the sense that she had lost focus of the sin nature of man. I know that in Christ I am a new creation, but Romans 7:21-23 says, “So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me.” My own feelings are not solid enough on which to base life decisions. I would rather depend on the solid Word of God, which is perfect. God also brought to mind Jeremiah 17:9 as I thought through the phrase “truest desire.” As I read the section about naming our desire in God’s presence I thought about what I had been taught about Satan. I do not believe that Satan can read my thoughts; however, God does not need to hear me say what I need out loud. My mind wandered back to my childhood Sunday school classes. I was sure that I had a class about one of God’s character traits that backed up my view. I finally remembered that God is Omniscient, all-knowing. Hebrews 4:13, Psalm 147:4-5, and Psalm 139:1-4 all explain how God knows our thoughts.
The word “self-sufficient” caught my eye in the introduction for chapter two. Christians should not be self-sufficient. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” not “You can do all things by yourself.” I Corinthians chapter 12 also talks about how believers should work together.
I had a little scare when I was reading the chapter on solitude when it talked about our soul being one with God. I hope that this was just a sentence structure error, but it is alarming none the less. That reminds me of different Buddhist beliefs. Breath prayer is a little odd. It reminds me of some kind of emotionless, thoughtless chanting. I do not believe that is what God is talking about when He says, “Pray without ceasing.”
The rest of the book was valuable to me. I learned how to practice lectio divina. I used the method on Ephesians 4:1-6. It is such a blessing to hear God speak to you through His Word. I think that lectio divina allows me to hear God’s voice without adding my own agenda. I agree with Ruth that when you have a vibrant personal prayer life, you long for meaningful prayer with others. The word discernment has always scared me. I felt like I would never have discernment. Making decisions can be a great struggle. The practical advice that Ruth shared was so simple. My favourite part was that love is our primary calling. God has called us to love Him and love each other. I John 3:16 says, “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” The next time I have to make an important decision I hope that I remember to think through consolation and desolation, scripture, the life of Christ, character growth and development, the eternal perspective, and the Christian community around me.
The Old Testament talks a lot about the Sabbath, but I have been curious what the Sabbath should look like today for Christians. Truly resting one day a week is wise.
I have also thought through how technology can really be a distraction to me. I loved the idea of not checking any technology until 9:00am. I want to learn to spend my mornings with God.
Sometimes I feel like I become Martha. I am so busy rushing around doing things for God that I do not make time to sit at His feet and ask Him what He wants from me. I am now ready to take a time out and sit at Jesus’ feet.
If I am being truly honest, I will tell you that I am throwing this book away and sticking with God’s Word. I do not want my eternity to rest on a personal feeling, but rather on the firm foundation of Christ. I also have my notes on the book.
I read all of Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Haley Barton for a college class even though at times I was so frustrated that I wanted to throw the book out the window. I am now thankful that I read it because it made me think about what I believe and why.
My first issue with this book showed up in the introduction. The author, Ruth, kept encouraging her readers to get in touch with their deepest longings and truest desires. I got the sense that she had lost focus of the sin nature of man. I know that in Christ I am a new creation, but Romans 7:21-23 says, “So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me.” My own feelings are not solid enough on which to base life decisions. I would rather depend on the solid Word of God, which is perfect. God also brought to mind Jeremiah 17:9 as I thought through the phrase “truest desire.” As I read the section about naming our desire in God’s presence I thought about what I had been taught about Satan. I do not believe that Satan can read my thoughts; however, God does not need to hear me say what I need out loud. My mind wandered back to my childhood Sunday school classes. I was sure that I had a class about one of God’s character traits that backed up my view. I finally remembered that God is Omniscient, all-knowing. Hebrews 4:13, Psalm 147:4-5, and Psalm 139:1-4 all explain how God knows our thoughts.
The word “self-sufficient” caught my eye in the introduction for chapter two. Christians should not be self-sufficient. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” not “You can do all things by yourself.” I Corinthians chapter 12 also talks about how believers should work together.
I had a little scare when I was reading the chapter on solitude when it talked about our soul being one with God. I hope that this was just a sentence structure error, but it is alarming none the less. That reminds me of different Buddhist beliefs. Breath prayer is a little odd. It reminds me of some kind of emotionless, thoughtless chanting. I do not believe that is what God is talking about when He says, “Pray without ceasing.”
The rest of the book was valuable to me. I learned how to practice lectio divina. I used the method on Ephesians 4:1-6. It is such a blessing to hear God speak to you through His Word. I think that lectio divina allows me to hear God’s voice without adding my own agenda. I agree with Ruth that when you have a vibrant personal prayer life, you long for meaningful prayer with others. The word discernment has always scared me. I felt like I would never have discernment. Making decisions can be a great struggle. The practical advice that Ruth shared was so simple. My favourite part was that love is our primary calling. God has called us to love Him and love each other. I John 3:16 says, “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” The next time I have to make an important decision I hope that I remember to think through consolation and desolation, scripture, the life of Christ, character growth and development, the eternal perspective, and the Christian community around me.
The Old Testament talks a lot about the Sabbath, but I have been curious what the Sabbath should look like today for Christians. Truly resting one day a week is wise.
I have also thought through how technology can really be a distraction to me. I loved the idea of not checking any technology until 9:00am. I want to learn to spend my mornings with God.
Sometimes I feel like I become Martha. I am so busy rushing around doing things for God that I do not make time to sit at His feet and ask Him what He wants from me. I am now ready to take a time out and sit at Jesus’ feet.
If I am being truly honest, I will tell you that I am throwing this book away and sticking with God’s Word. I do not want my eternity to rest on a personal feeling, but rather on the firm foundation of Christ. I also have my notes on the book.
December 2, 2020
This is my 3rd time reading this book. Need I say more?
August 7, 2024
This is the second time I’ve read this and I just really enjoy the rhythms this book walks through and feel invited into them instead of forced into them which is the best! Highly recommend!
March 17, 2023
Full disclosure, I read this book over many months and did not finish it until after I had taken a four month break. Lots of my thoughts and memories of the book might be outdated and/or specific to the time in which I was reading it.
Personally, this book was not for me. Admittedly, spiritual rhythms are not a part of the faith tradition that I grew up in so much of the content was very new to me. The way that Barton talks about God and her way of experiencing Him is just very different from my own perceptions. That was a barrier that was difficult for me to get past. Also, I am naturally a person that likes to push back when it feels like someone is telling me how I need to do something that feels deeply personal. While she consistently said things about how "this isn't a formula," it seemed that every time she began to describe the practice, she was prescribing a formula. There were also multiple times where statements were made about the necessity of something or the impossibility of living a spiritual life without certain things. Absolute statements typically stir a sense of rebellion in me and I find myself wanting to point out all of the situations in which those statements could be untrue. I recognize that this isn't helpful, but I felt this urging quite often throughout this book.
Another thing that I routinely found myself asking was if these spiritual disciplines that were described were accessible to all and/or had to be practiced in the ways that she described. I think the latter speaks again to my dislike of being prescribed how to do something that feels personal. At times, it felt like I was being told how to practice these things and if I didn't do them correctly, then they wouldn't work. I am likely reading into her words, but the feeling was there nonetheless. The first question I referenced was one that really stuck with me. How can a single working mother practice these? What about a person experiencing homelessness? What about a family that is going through intense changes because of job changes, divorce, or other outside factors? If all of these people are capable of being Christians, and spiritual rhythms are a necessary piece of Christian life, are these same disciplines accessible to all of these people? In all honesty, many of the things that were described felt like they could only be done by people in typical, middle-class and higher contexts. I am probably being too critical, but if you want to talk about the necessity of something in order to pursue a healthy relationship with God, then these things should be accessible to all Christians. The rebuttal to this is likely that rhythms have an ebb and flow and that they would look different for people depending on their current season, but some of these things do not pass quickly, so how does one pursue this healthy relationship if these tools are inaccessible to them for long periods of their life?
With all of these critiques, I know it may be confusing that I gave this three stars. I still found that many of the things Barton wrote about do have value and potentially have a place in my life and many others. At the time that I was reading this, I was going through a period where I was feeling disconnected from God and I think this book hit on some of those insecurities and made me feel guilty about not having this space. That is a personal problem, not something that is inherently wrong in this book. And I think I am interested in many of things she wrote about, but maybe I would approach it differently. One of the things that I did appreciate most from Barton is her transparency in the last pages of the book about her own drop-off in spiritual rhythms while writing a book about that very topic. That takes a lot of humility and courage to admit that, but I think that's kind of what impacts me the most. Even someone who is well-versed in spiritual rhythms struggles to uphold this part of her life. I find that encouraging because it shows me that this is not something to be mastered, but rather explored to continue journeying into what draws us closest to God.
Personally, this book was not for me. Admittedly, spiritual rhythms are not a part of the faith tradition that I grew up in so much of the content was very new to me. The way that Barton talks about God and her way of experiencing Him is just very different from my own perceptions. That was a barrier that was difficult for me to get past. Also, I am naturally a person that likes to push back when it feels like someone is telling me how I need to do something that feels deeply personal. While she consistently said things about how "this isn't a formula," it seemed that every time she began to describe the practice, she was prescribing a formula. There were also multiple times where statements were made about the necessity of something or the impossibility of living a spiritual life without certain things. Absolute statements typically stir a sense of rebellion in me and I find myself wanting to point out all of the situations in which those statements could be untrue. I recognize that this isn't helpful, but I felt this urging quite often throughout this book.
Another thing that I routinely found myself asking was if these spiritual disciplines that were described were accessible to all and/or had to be practiced in the ways that she described. I think the latter speaks again to my dislike of being prescribed how to do something that feels personal. At times, it felt like I was being told how to practice these things and if I didn't do them correctly, then they wouldn't work. I am likely reading into her words, but the feeling was there nonetheless. The first question I referenced was one that really stuck with me. How can a single working mother practice these? What about a person experiencing homelessness? What about a family that is going through intense changes because of job changes, divorce, or other outside factors? If all of these people are capable of being Christians, and spiritual rhythms are a necessary piece of Christian life, are these same disciplines accessible to all of these people? In all honesty, many of the things that were described felt like they could only be done by people in typical, middle-class and higher contexts. I am probably being too critical, but if you want to talk about the necessity of something in order to pursue a healthy relationship with God, then these things should be accessible to all Christians. The rebuttal to this is likely that rhythms have an ebb and flow and that they would look different for people depending on their current season, but some of these things do not pass quickly, so how does one pursue this healthy relationship if these tools are inaccessible to them for long periods of their life?
With all of these critiques, I know it may be confusing that I gave this three stars. I still found that many of the things Barton wrote about do have value and potentially have a place in my life and many others. At the time that I was reading this, I was going through a period where I was feeling disconnected from God and I think this book hit on some of those insecurities and made me feel guilty about not having this space. That is a personal problem, not something that is inherently wrong in this book. And I think I am interested in many of things she wrote about, but maybe I would approach it differently. One of the things that I did appreciate most from Barton is her transparency in the last pages of the book about her own drop-off in spiritual rhythms while writing a book about that very topic. That takes a lot of humility and courage to admit that, but I think that's kind of what impacts me the most. Even someone who is well-versed in spiritual rhythms struggles to uphold this part of her life. I find that encouraging because it shows me that this is not something to be mastered, but rather explored to continue journeying into what draws us closest to God.
February 1, 2021
(4.5) I’m thinking of the phrase “burning the candle at both ends”. A candle has one wick which - should be - burned only at one of its ends, as it’s supported by wax and (if it’s a taper candle, ideally a nice-looking candlestick). When used correctly, it gives light, warmth, and enjoyment to its environment. Its purpose is maximized in the burning of only the one end.
Burned at both ends, it speedily depletes, and has nowhere to rest. It also drips wax all over the place and probably stains something nice that you liked.
Do I have courage enough to burn at just one end? To accept my limitations, and embrace being a creation of the only Creator? To slow down enough to hear God’s words that warm and enlighten? To trust him enough to support me and all of my priorities as I rest?
Do I have courage enough to live so beautifully?
Burned at both ends, it speedily depletes, and has nowhere to rest. It also drips wax all over the place and probably stains something nice that you liked.
Do I have courage enough to burn at just one end? To accept my limitations, and embrace being a creation of the only Creator? To slow down enough to hear God’s words that warm and enlighten? To trust him enough to support me and all of my priorities as I rest?
Do I have courage enough to live so beautifully?
June 24, 2020
Read most of it, skimmed 1/4. Her writing style was not for me. I think there were probably helpful principles in this book, but it felt way too introspective and melancholy. She seemed to promote what I would call a 2-tier view of Christianity: really Godly christians do this, other Christians aren’t really connected to God. It could be that she used language/words/phrases differently than I understand them to be used. A friend who started, but didn’t finish the book said: “It just didn’t line up with what I know of the Gospel.” I agree.
November 20, 2025
This book felt difficult to read at times, and had me asking things like “am I doing this wrong?”. Ultimately though, I appreciate how this book got me thinking, how it shared another perspective, and I found value in the questions it asked and the practices it proposed. It reminded me that I’d love to do more Lectio Divina, make intentional daily, weekly, and yearly time for spiritual rhythms and practices, and do the Examen- to name a few!
February 2, 2021
The single-handedly most transformational book I've read for my spiritual life. I just finished this after a year of digesting a chapter per month and sitting with it. Absolutely recommend if you're wanting to try out new rhythms to enhance your spiritual life. Very beginner-friendly. Barton writes incredibly well, using beautiful examples of her own life with each rhythm.
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April 30, 2021I have found that anything from RHB (Ruth Haley Barton) is pure gold. This book is exceptional. RHB offers readers a reflective take on some of the ancient spiritual disciplines that we can incorporate in our lives. She is not heavy-handed on this... but gently guides readers through foundations and tangible practices for each discipline she covers. GREAT read and definitely a book that I'll revisit in the future.
August 25, 2018
This book was everything I hoped it would be. I loved how she coupled theory with practice. My rhythms already began changing as I read the book and I love that I have concrete steps to take to continue to arrange my life around spiritual growth.
May 3, 2021
This is a book I will need to return to often in the years to come. It is a book to soak in and study with others. Probably the best I have read to the end of actually building new spiritual rhythms into my life.
May 31, 2024
absolutely essential reading for every christian. Ruth offers so much grace in her encouragement to pursue discipline in our lives with God. So many incredible questions to ponder, meaningful insights, and wisdom in this book.
December 21, 2023
Similar vibes to celebration of discipline - for an undisciplined gal like me it’s always good to read
November 15, 2024
I loved this book! Now I’m gonna need to read more by Ruth Haley Barton!❤️❤️❤️
December 21, 2024
Tbh I didn’t finish this. It felt dull. Too much like a prescription to take for spirituality. Maybe I just wasn’t in the mood. My theory is that there are too many great books that beg to be read, to be wasting time on books that make one feel meh. Maybe one day i’ll come back, finish it and find it’s a 5 star after all…
September 12, 2019
Read this book, but only if your ready to rearrange your life. Which I’m not. Which is why I will no doubt read it again.
March 25, 2022
A new favorite!!!! Ruth Haley Barton writes a great book about spiritual transformation through solitude, Scripture, prayer, discernment and Sabbath! I loved the chapter on “Rule of Life” and there’s lots of questions for self-examination and reflection at the end of the book! Highly recommend this one :)
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