Whispers of Rest: 40 Days of God's Love to Revitalize Your Soul

by Bonnie Gray

Life is noisy. But what would happen if every day - for the next 40 days - you soaked in God's love as He intimately whispered words of rest just for you? WHISPERS OF REST is a 40-day devotional detox for your soul, a spiritual journey to refresh you and guide you to greater peace, while helping you discover who God truly made you to be: His beloved. Renew your spirit with powerful affirmations of God's love with uplifting words of Scripture, journaling prompts for reflection, and practical challenges to spark joy. Bonnie will lead you to places of rest, where you can deeply experience the Savior's presence in your everyday life.

This beautiful guidebook will create space for your soul to breathe:



Soul Care Tips & Trail Notes - Reduce stress and nurture your body and spirit.
Daily Beloved Challenges - Brighten your day by taking simple soul care actions.
A Simple Prayer Practice - Deepen your intimacy with God through easy-to-enjoy prayer prompts, inspired by classic devotional practices.


A lot can happen in 40 days. A new rhythm. A new heart. A renewed faith.

Transform your life as you take the journey to say yes to God, embrace your true identity, rediscover your dreams, and begin your healing. Dare to enjoy each day fully and celebrate your calling as the beloved.


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Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Devotional, Faith, Spirituality

400 pages, Paperback

First published May 23, 2017

About the author

Bonnie Gray is the soulful author of her new book Breathe: 21 Days to Stress Less and Transform Chaos to Calm , Sweet Like Jasmine , which was named 2022 Christian Book Award Finalist by the Evangelical Christian Publisher's Association, the 40-day book Whispers of Rest and the memoir-driven book Finding Spiritual Whitespace , garnering starred review praise from Publisher's Weekly.

Take Bonnie's FREE Soul Care Quiz at soulcarequiz.com to learn what area of wellness are you missing the most, so you can flourish in wellness!

Bonnie hosts the Breathe: The Stress Less Podcast, focused on helping women detox stress with rest and soul care based on scripture & science.

An inspirational speaker and retreat leader, she has touched thousands of lives through storytelling, visual arts, nature, prayer and meditation. Bonnie’s writing is featured on Relevant Magazine, DaySpring (in)courage, and Christianity Today. She lives in California with her husband and their two sons.

Visit Bonnie at thebonniegray.com and connect with her on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube at @thebonniegray.

Bonnie's writing explores the stories we often hide but live courageously, emerging from the belief that the beauty of faith often takes place when life goes off script. Because faith is as mysterious as it is real, we need each other for life's journey.

After graduating from UCLA, Bonnie traveled overseas as a missionary, a ministry entrepreneur, and spent over a decade drinking coffee as a Silicon Valley high-tech professional. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two sons.

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all need Whispers of Rest. This is a book that is best savored over a cup of tea with a pen and notebook handy. I appreciated the practical tips at the end of each chapter that encouraged me to reflect and act out my faith. I was deeply blessed by Bonnie’s personal stories of vulnerability and how God has met her in those moments. I highly encourage you to take the time, pause and listen to God’s whispers of rest for your soul.

[Brianne LaBorde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not a devotional girl, and I really never have been, but this one is refreshing and honest. My copy is bent and coffee-stained, filled with sketches and colors and circled words and prayers. Highly recommend.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This devotional was a gift to my soul. I did not complete it in 40 days, I stretched it out and let it sink into my heart slowly. Each day’s content is somehow both rich and light, and beautifully crafts the head space to deeply connect with our Savior. I will read it again and again.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am impressed with the depth and honesty of these 40 devotions. They were initiated during a time when Gray was on a three year journey navigating the mysteries of her soul. She collected whispers from God as He healed her and restored her joy. She invites readers along on what has become her daily practice to listen to God and be refreshed. The devotions are not light nor fluffy but are opportunities for readers to investigate and express heart feelings. She suggests finding a quiet place and using a journal. She provides plenty of journal prompts.

The format of these devotions is unique and provides several ways for readers to respond. Gray has comments and then a related Bible passage. Next is an imagined message from God, a written prayer to Jesus and a few more comments from the author. Questions for reflection follow, then prompts for personal prayer on the topic. Last is a challenge for an activity related to the topic. I like those challenges. They provide a combination of spiritual practices and practical living ideas. We are encouraged to read Scripture slowly and then eat slowly as well. After instruction on listening to God we are encouraged to listen to the sounds of nature.

These are good devotions for people who are ready to grow and are willing to think about issues in their lives. Gray writes about the choices we make, about hurts and healing, about when our life doesn't match the dreams God has put in our hearts, and much more. She is honest in writing about her feelings and asks the same of us. These are not light devotions. They are probing, revealing and healing.

There are a few aspects of these devotionals with which I am uncomfortable. Gray includes whispers from God, imagined statements He makes to us. I get a little nervous when people presume to verbalize messages from God and that is the case here. Another area of concern is the use of Scripture passages. Can we take something God specifically said to Israel, for example, Isaiah 62:4-5 where God would name Israel “delight,” and apply it to us today? Another example is applying Mark 1:11 to us when God was specifically speaking of Jesus.

With those reservations, I do recommend this devotional. The devotions are good and I really like the areas where Gray asks readers to respond. Working through the book would be a journey is self discovery and healing.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispers Of Rest: 40 days of Gods Love to Revitalize your Soul by author Bonnie Gray allows the reader to feel the serenity of simple words to apply in our daily life. It is a devotional which reminds the reader to pray and commune with our peaceful God each day in His tender presence wherever we may be. No long prayers are required when you are aware of Gods presence and when you feel that talking with Him is as natural as your heartbeat. I enjoyed reading this devotional! This book will help guide you to restore a peaceful feeling of gentleness as Whispers of Love to the soul in our stressful daily life. There are six parts of your reading, journaling, and learning or reminding yourself that you are loved by God, and to be aware you have choices as to your reactions in life. A Devotional Very Well Done!

[Susan Shipe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Gray has a lovely soul and a spirit of gentleness and compassion - no, we've never met - but her words reveal those character qualities in the loudest of ways!

Whispers of Rest is a 40-day walk through personal stories, Biblical stories, God's story, scriptures, and prayers which swell with truth and grace.

This book will fit the reader who is longing to know the love of God in a real and tangible way and the soul longing for rest. It is more than a "how-to" or a "self-care" reading experience; it is the purest form of soul care presented in a contemplative manner.

Perfect for a summer devotional when life slows down from the ordinary hustle of school age children and turns to the lazy-hazy-crazy days of summer! Even reading and lingering over one chapter for a day or three rather than a rote 40-day read-thru.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

I lead a Bible study that's been meeting for over a year; our group is made up on women from a variety of church traditions, ages, and life experiences -- we all enjoyed this. Many of us come from a rather rule-oriented religious background, and the importance of resting in God's love had come up repeatedly in previous studies. We chose to use this and take a bit of a break from more intensive Bible study, and we all agreed it was a breath of fresh air. We chose to stretch it out to twice its intended length, and I feel that made the study more effective. A day to read, and a day to reflect (did not feel rushed). It led to good discussion although we seldom used the author's suggested questions.

So why not a five star rating? While I did not disagree with the author's statements, I did not always agree with the way that she used scripture. For example, God says, "This is my beloved, in whom I am well pleased" specifically to JESUS (definitely not a general statement to all humans). She also twisted Philippians 2 and shining like stars; there was no mention of *why* we shine. I would not say this study is inaccurate, but it does focus more on grace/love than truth. God is BOTH, and I would not recommend this study to a new believer.

[Tricia Culp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is absolutely wonderful. One of the best devotional-type books I’ve ever gone through. If you feel the need to learn to rest with God, draw strength from His love, and let those things rejuvenate your soul. If you want meditations to solidify your true identity in Christ, or if you want new patterns of spiritual self-care, pick this one up.

[Nell Of Frell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read through this devotional three times since I got it in August of last year. It is possibly the best one I've ever used.

[David McClendon, Sr · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are seeking a way to draw closer to Heavenly Father in prayer, Whispers of Rest might just be the right book for you.

The author, Bonnie Gray, takes you on a 40-day quest to draw closer to God through a series of simple prayers. She gives scripture references, hymns, poems, and a few stories to illustrate her points.

Nowhere in any of the information about the book did we see that the book is intended primarily for women. The book cover says nothing about being a devotional geared towards women. The voice of the book assumes the reader is an adult female.

Regardless of the voice of the book, males will be able to take great inspiration from the book.

We feel this book is well-written and researched. We think it should have all five stars.

Whispers of Rest helps readers see that prayers do not have to be complex or scriptural in form, they can even be only one word.

This book would make a great book for a prayer group to read through together. They could meet once per week to discuss their prayer journeys. Churches might want to purchase several copies to pass out to such a prayer group. There is a small group guide, as well as printables, available free on their website.

Taking this 40-day journey will refresh the reader and help him or her draw closer to God.

When you buy your copy, you will want to buy two since you will want to share this with at least one friend while you take your Whispers of Rest journey.


We were sent a complimentary copy of this book. We are under no obligation to write any review, positive or negative.

We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

[Jennifer Mclucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Matthew 11:28 Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." It seems simple enough, but exactly how does one go to Jesus? This book is the answer to that question.

Each day Bonnie Gray leads you into the presence of our Lord. The readings are short but meaningful and stir your spirit to want oneness with Jesus.

Each day there is an activity. I confess I was very tempted to skip the activities, I just couldn't imagine they would really be that beneficial. It wasn't until my second time through the book, as I worked through it with an accountability group, that I started doing the activities. DON'T SKIP THE ACTIVITIES!!! I really can't believe the difference in my relationship with Jesus by completing these little simple 10 minute activities. And His promise is true, the closer to Him I get the more rest I feel.

In today's too busy, too noisy world can you really afford not to get this book and learn to find rest? I don't think so. I'm so grateful for the peace this book has brought me.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you feel frazzled, exhausted, and stressed from life's daily grind, Whispers of Rest is the devotional for you! The title alone brings calm to the soul. This is a 40-day devotional that you can choose to do daily or weekly. Bonnie divided the book into six parts, and for each day, there is a portion to read, to reflect, and to pray. This book is beautifully written, and as I worked my way through it, I could feel my soul relaxing. Whispers of Rest is perfect devotional if you are longing for more peace and renewal in your everyday life, and it's a great way to draw closer to the Lord. I highly recommend it!

[Caryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Whispers Of Rest, Bonnie has a way of transporting us to a time and place in each of our souls that's in need of deep care, honest attention and holy rest! Prompted questions that make you pause and reflect. Soul-searching that leaves you lighter and more free. She has a way of helping you navigate through feelings, emotions, heart-wounds and the ever occuring daily "swirl" of life, without feeling shame or like you're alone. You will be revived and refreshed as you journey through this devotional!

Each day offers a new path into your soul that is begging to be seen. For those of us who have spent more time neglecting this part of our lives, it's a little challenging! But the whole purpose is to move out of our static state and step into the FULLNESS that we were created to walk in as Beloved! An intimacy that's been lost is found in these pages as Bonnie guides us back to The Father. You will be stirred to creativity and awakened to longings once dormant. She gives you permission to explore what's felt off-limits for so long. Because you were created to dream and live an abundant life! Let the striving go and just REST in Him.
You'll be forever changed and your soul will thank you!

[Zohary Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just what my soul needed. Whispers of Rest is filled with inspirational quotes, scripture, daily prayers and journaling prompts. As well as daily "challenges" to nurture your soul.
Starting with the very first devotion in chapter one, an invitation to say “yes”, this book will take you on a 40 day journey toward a more peace-filled and authentic life as God's beloved. And it only gets better from there.
The author, Bonnie Gray is the perfect guide to lead us to places and in practices of greater rest and Whispers of Rest is a great guidebook to help us experience our Savior’s presence more deeply in our everyday lives
If you’re tired of being tired and desire more rest, peace, and just space in your life, you need this book.

[Deanna Wiseburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispers of Rest is an invitation for intimacy with God. The book is like a tour guide to help you to learn the unforced rhythms of Grace. (Matthew 11:28-30 MSG) It is a 40 day journey to experiencing God more fully as you embrace how He cares for you.

The devotions are longer than the traditional devotion taking about 5 pages. There are different aspects and many different prompts (Soul care tips, challenges, and prayer practices) to take as you look to go deeper into the days topic. Honestly there are so many options available that I doubt any one person could reasonably want to apply them all on the same day. Yet that is the beauty of it. It’s not about following the book but about choosing the way that God guides you to go as you experience more of God.

This book has really marked my life already. Using the prompts and the words I have travelled into a more intimate journaling with God confiding all that bothers me and brings me joy. I have always journaled but never have I been in a place where I could be so open and honest and feel ok about it. God always meets me there and then speaks to what I share. That alone made this book a winner for me.

You can tell that she has prayed over every page and I am seeing many people find healing in the pages of this book as they experience God in different ways. It is a process to be loved and to really identify yourself as beloved. Will this book alone fix that...No. But it opens the door to explore what is stopping you so that you can begin to live a more authentic life with God.

*Received a free copy of book in exchange for an honest review

[Melissa Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oftentimes we go about our days simply moving from one thing to the next never really living because we are simply going through the motions. As I sat each day to read what nuggets Bonnie shared in her lovely book, I learned that I must be diligent in making sure I am present. I must take time to step closer to the one who calls me beloved. I was reminded that prayer is not a task I need to complete but "...continuing conversation that God has started through His word and grace, which eventually becomes a full encounter with Him."

In this book, the pages are infused with tremendous amounts of encouragement, reminders of who we are in Christ and reminders of just how much we are loved by our creator. It really is a breath of fresh air.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are feeling weary and looking for rest, or you simply want to develop practices to help you be still and hear God's voice more clearly, I would definitely recommend this book.
Whispers Of Rest consists of 40 devotions each consisting of a short reflection on a Bible passage, some words that God whispers to us, and a prayer for us to whisper back to him. There are also questions for reflection or journaling and a practical challenge each day- something simple but effective to help us take a step back and find moments of rest in the midst of the busyness of life.
I found this to be a helpful guide. Bonnie's writing is soothing and poetic, and working through this book has helped me to slow down: to stop and notice the beauty around me, to prioritise time where I could pour out my heart to God through prayer and journaling, to intentionally listen for his voice, and to make more space for things that bring me joy.

[Lani Wiens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't tell you how much I need this book right now. Life is at warp speed and while I haven't been able to pick up Whispers of Rest every day since I got it, the days I've opened it up have been like a cool glass of lemonade on a hot day.
Bonnie's words are a meadering path through your own soul, helping you to stop and see the Jesus-moments that are needed to refresh your spirit and keep you moving along at a quiet pace.
Reflection, affirmation, quiet, peaceful, these are the words that resonate with me as I begin my journey with Whispers of Rest.

[Chaley Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bonnie is a wonderful Christian Author and this book did not disappoint as I liked her first book Finding Spiritual Whitespace. Chapter 24 I liked because the title was " Make a way lean into me, I will make a way for you." This showed me that as much as we want to run from our past and curl up in a ball, we can't. That we are able to move on and and be free and that God made us uniquely in his own image and I am his beloved.

[Christina Hubbard]

This book could save your month, or maybe your life. Rest is not something Western culture esteems, but so many of us are walking around spiritually fatigued and emotionally dry. Forty days with Bonnie's gentle permission slips, prompts, and prayers will steer your sleep-walking self back to the arms of the Jesus. Here in the spiritual practice of remembering and celebrating our belovedness, we will wake up to the joy of souls satisfied not in ourselves, but in Christ alone.

[Alecia Simersky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispers of Rest could not have made it into my life at a better time. From the moment it arrived I knew this book was special. I was right. Each devotion is just long enough and in depth enough for me to get myself centered and ready for the day. The idea is to quiet yourself and listen to God speaking to you in the moment. Mrs. Gray has each day lined out with particular verses and a word of the day for you to focus on. In our loud, busy days it can be hard to find 10 minutes to still ourselves and listen for God to speak...if you need a book to help you slow down and refocus in less than 10 minutes, I would suggest this book to you. I look forward to picking it up each morning.

[Kristin Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

In our go go go society, finding time for rest with God can seem impossible. But in the book Whispers of Rest, Bonnie encourages us to do just that. Sharing her own stories along with biblical encouragement, Bonnie takes us into a place where we can find rest with God. She also encourages watching for God in nature, a place to journal and process after our quiet time and prayers to take us deeper into a relationship with God. Each day's message is easy to read but encouraging and soul-filling. While I received an advance copy as a part of her launch team, I would recommend this book to anyone!

[Julie Joiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whispers of Rest is a beautiful, interactive devotional. It is a journey toward a deeper intimacy with God and acceptance of His unconditional love. I found Bonnie's words to be an invitation to lay aside my drivennness to prove and compete and to choose the identity of being the beloved of the Heavenly Father. I am going through this book with a group of women. We are meeting in my home. There has been such a sweet spirit of openness as we listen to Bonnie's videos, podcast and share our hunger for relationship more than activities.

[Abby McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I read Bonnie's book I was in a season where I felt like I was constantly striving to earn the approval not only of others, but of God. I knew God was calling me to a season of rest, but I wasn't exactly sure what that meant or looked like. This book reminded me rest does not always equal a lack of activity. It is spiritual. As a believer, it is knowing who we are as a child of God.

Each chapter of this book ends with a section called "Soul Care Notes" which help you practically apply what you've learned and give suggestions for living a fuller, more healthy life as someone who knows who she is- his beloved. Some of these suggestions were things I never would have considered, and I found they not only elevated my mood, but made my soul feel more at rest.

This is a book I will definitely recommend to others, especially in a culture where a meaningful life is often measured by meaningless activity. It is a gem, and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read it.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! Well thought out and I love the research backed devotional. Bonnie has invested a lot of time and energy to pour her heart and soul onto the pages of this book. Bring your whole heart to the reading and she will tenderly meet you there like a friend over coffee. Highly recommend! Started this book again today after finishing yesterday. So many nuggets and intentional repetitions means that you will absorb the passages even if you glossed over the first time reading. This book is like being wrapped in a big warm hug from Jesus!

[Kareh Wiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispers of Rest by Bonnie Gray is a beautiful forty day devotional organized in an easy to follow format. The book draws the reader into a more active awareness of the Lord's presence and encourages a deeper relationship with Christ. It is a work designed to be lingered over and journaled through, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead and quiet your heart to experience the truths found in the Word of God.

This journal/devotional is arranged in a forty day sequence rather than the popular 30 day readers, because as the author points out "there's something special about forty". Bonnie Gray explains that "in forty days, Jesus found His voice in the wilderness intertwined with God's words. In forty weeks, the seed of life in a woman's womb transforms into flesh, a baby with a heartbeat and a name. For forty years, God whispered 'Good morning' by sending manna falling like dew, nourishing the body and soul." This concept of the significance of the number forty has always intrigued me, and therefore, this book was an automatic draw. I was not disappointed.

Whispers of Rest is meant to be read on a daily basis. The idea is to develop (or redevelop if you've gotten out of the habit) a quiet time with the Lord whereby you will hear God's personal words to you. The book also instructs the reader to take time for Him to hear your expressed heart in return through "private conversations" with God. The author also challenges the reader to work through the devotions with friends.

The daily reading of scripture, reflecting on where you are with God through journaling, praying, and resting enough to refocus on Christ are the model Gray provides. She uses inspirational quotes and scripture, prayer prompts, a daily prayer, a one word prayer (to be a touchstone from Scripture throughout the day), a soul care tip and practical suggestions to decrease stress in your life.

My takeaway from this 40 Day Devotional is what you would expect...and then some. In a noisy world of hurried, worried, competitive, social media frenzy this book will give you permission to stop and shut the door on all of it...if only for 30 minutes a day. During this time, you will be transformed; you can not help but be changed as you quiet your heart and mind and openly come before the throne of God. The scripture that floats into my head from Romans 12:2 seems ever so fitting to describe this book.

Romans 12:2(NIV)
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

This book is a winner! In fact, I liked the book so much, that I ordered an extra copy to give a friend so that we can experience the closeness of Christ together. Bonnie Gray has successfully managed to communicate who we are as a child of the most high King. We are BELOVED. We are Christ's BELOVED sons and daughters and as such, we have the distinct honor of abiding in that love. While dwelling in the love of Christ, it is there that we will learn to live as a beloved child of the Lord. Taking this 40 day journey through Whispers Of Rest by Bonnie Gray has the potential to rekindle a flame in your heart, renew and refresh a latent passion, and to "dare, dream, and shine" as Christ whispers His good, pleasing and perfect will into your life!

Whispers of Rest by Bonnie Gray will be released on Tuesday, May 23, 2017. If you would like to preorder at an amazing price, you can do so by clicking here.

Thank you to Faith Words a division of Hachete Book Group, Inc for this review copy of Whispers of Rest by Bonnie Gray. I was not required to write a favorable review, but rather to give an honest evaluation of the work.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Whispers of Rest” is a 40 day devotional and is the second book published by Bonnie Gray. It is organized into six sections..

Being the Beloved: Embrace your true identity
Choosing as the Beloved: Reclaim your self-worth
Dreaming as the Beloved: Reignite your passion.
Healing as the Beloved: Deepen Intimacy with Jesus
Daring as the Beloved: Being Known in Community
Shining as the Beloved: Celebrate your calling

Each day is an invitation to be still before God.
Each day is a reminder that you are God’s Beloved.

Read Reflect. Pray. This is the format for each day.

Read God’s Story. This section includes Scripture verses. As you read each story, you are invited to hear God’s whispers to you. Maybe there’s a verse that seems to speak directly to you. Is God reminding you of the dreams He placed in your heart as a child? Have you become so caught up in your to-do list that you haven’t taken time to nurture those dreams and instead stuffed them way back down? Do you need to resurrect those dreams?

Reflect on your story. Bonnie offers questions related to the focus on each chapter. An example is a chapter titled “Choose Joy”. One of the questions asked was “What have you enjoyed getting lost in doing, that once gave you joy? Why did you stop?”

Pray and rest. Bonnie recommends taking time to pray using simple practices such as visual imagery, praying Scripture, kneeling, and surrender.

Each day has a Beloved Challenge. Take a fruit break, sip a cup of tea, go for a walk, sing a worship song are a few of the challenges.

Each day ends with Soul Care Trail Notes. Bonnie includes ways to take care of your soul. She cites many studies about the benefits of hugging, aromatherapy, creating art, coloring, and prayer walking.

I loved this book. It was just what I needed at this time in my life. During a very busy season, I took time each morning to read and rest. I almost felt like it was a mini-vacation despite being a preschool teacher at the end of a the school year. I found myself being more in the moment throughout my day. Yes, I had the required to-do end of year list but I began to cherish the moments I still had with the little ones in my class before they moved on to the next grade level.

On my way to work I pass a small arena where riders are exercising their horses. I often think that one day I need to take time to stop and watch. So one morning I put into practice Bonnie’s soul care trail notes. I stopped and observed the horses and riders. I found myself smiling watching the graceful movements of the horses as they galloped round and round.

I would highly recommend this book. If you are in need of rest this is a book for you. Although you may not be able to stop your life, you can choose to make changes in how you live each day.

[Melissa Ens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading Bonnie Gray’s writing for several years (both on her blog and in her previous book “Finding Spiritual Whitespace”) and I’ve also had the chance to hear Bonnie speak in person at a retreat. Bonnie is not only a gifted, soulful writer, but has blessed many, many people through her speaking. Bonnie doesn't just teach. She guides people gently to the Father's presence where they can't help but experience His love. Bonnie's new book, Whispers of Rest, provides the same kind of opportunity for us to connect with the Father. Bonnie beautifully shares both her own journey with Jesus as well as guides us on our own. If you’ve read her previous works or her blog, the feel and heart of this book is consistent with her other writings and is definitely reflective of the interactive retreats she has led many through.

Whispers of Rest is a 40 day devotional journey through 6 themes: Being the Beloved, Choosing as the Beloved, Dreaming as the Beloved, Healing as the Beloved, Daring as the Beloved, and Shining as the Beloved. Each day’s format is the same. (See other reviews for more details about the format.) The book is surprisingly thick! 357 pages was more than I expected. The design is beautiful as well.

I like how Bonnie wove together stories from her life and stories/passages from the Bible with prayers and challenges to take time to reflect and rest in different ways. It was easy to read and refreshing for my weary soul during a season when I needed it. I especially enjoyed the practical, simple, research based “Soul Care Trail Notes” included at the end of each day’s devotional. It’s amazing how our bodies and brains are built with so many different possibilities for refreshment, renewal and joy. Even something as simple as “looking at trees” has been shown to reduce stress, as Bonnie shares on Day 20, and the book is full of simple ways we can connect with God and ourselves throughout our days.

While Whispers of Rest may not have dramatically changed my perspective on life or God, it is a book I expect I will return to often. It’s the kind of resource that can be dipped into when you need some encouragement or a reminder of something you’ve read or learned before. Most importantly, I can say without hesitation that God blessed me through my time reading it. I was inspired and encouraged to stop and listen to the Holy Spirit and God met me as I journeyed through through the pages of Whispers of Rest. I won’t promise all readers will have the same experience, but I expect many will.

***DISCLAIMER: I was provided with a free advance reader copy of Whispers of Rest by the publisher in exchange for sharing an unbiased review of the book on my blog and other retail sites. The content of the review is my honest opinion and not influenced by the publisher.***

[Susan Bricker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bonnie Gray’s 40-day devotional “, Whispers of Rest”, speaks to the weary places in our soul. Bonnie shares her own personal and biblical stories, prayers, soul-searching questions, and practical ways of finding and implementing rest in our daily lives. She speaks in such a gentle, faith-filled way as she walks alongside the reader within the pages of the devotional. I followed along with my personal journal, making notes, and writing down my favorite quotes from the book. I highlighted nearly every page of her book!

I loved “Whispers of Rest” and I know I will be rereading it again and again! It came at a perfect time in my life when I was feeling weary and desperately needing a soul rest. Bonnie said she prayed over each word in the book and it is so apparent; I felt so spiritually nourished while reading it! I feel so blessed by her amazing writing, the scriptures and life examples she shared, her soulful prayers, and the way she held your hand as you walked through your own journey of seeking rest.

Bonnie Gray has a uniquely beautiful, lyrical, spirit-filled style of writing. She speaks in an authentic and honest voice as she shares her own life experiences and how she journeyed through needing rest in her own life. She gives specific ways in which we can find rest and draw closer to the Lord. “Whispers of Rest” overflows with powerful affirmations of the Lord’s love for us and His desire for us to be at rest.

It is not a book that you can or want to rush through. It is best to follow along daily to gain the most from each day. I loved spending the time with each day’s devotion reading, absorbing, implementing, journaling, and resting in the presence of the Lord. It filled me with such a sense of peace and calm and I felt a true rest for my weary soul! I love that now I can use all the wonderful ideas and prompts in my life that Bonnie provided.

“Whispers of Rest” is a one of a kind devotional, rich with spirit-filled words and God’s grace. I loved this book and I cannot wait until she writes her next one! I am confident that anyone that reads it will be blessed by it!

These are a few of my favorite quotes by Bonnie Gray from “Whispers of Rest”:

“Like stars glimmering at rest in the night, faith is a quiet, hushed conversation with God-intimately confiding what we desire and fear. “
“If we turned back to only what we know, we would miss out on the beautiful journey God has for us now.”
“Beloved, you are worth it. Listen to my whispers for you. Be still and breathe.”
“Beloved, lay your heartbeat close to mine. You don’t have to be strong enough. You can rest here with me. Let me be your hiding place. Be my Beloved. Come. Rest in my arms today.”

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy at no charge for being a member of the launch team for this book; however, my review is based solely on my own opinion of the book.

I really enjoyed Bonnie's previous book (Finding Spiritual Whitespace), and so I was really interested to read her new devotional. And let's be honest, who isn't attracted to a book with the word "rest" in the title in today's crazy world?

In the introduction, Bonnie describes how this book was inspired by what she found healed her heart after a season of life that included extreme anxiety. A lot of us can relate to anxiety and fear, and I think this book is great for both people who are seeking to restore peace, balance, and joy in their soul as well as those of us who need the amazing reminder found in Matthew 11:28-30 where Jesus reminds us to come to Him to find rest. I know I need that daily!

The back cover describes the book as a "40-day devotional detox for your soul...", and that's exactly what this book is all about. It's divided into six sections (Being the Beloved, Choosing as the Beloved, Dreaming as the Beloved, Healing as the Beloved, Daring as the Beloved, and Shining as the Beloved), and each of those sections is comprised of about a week's worth of individual devotions based on the overall theme.

The individual devotions don't take long to read, so it's a convenient way to add a bit of soul-care to your morning or day. Each devotion is comprised of several short, but powerful sections: An introduction to the devotion; a section of Scripture and brief commentary; a beautiful section entitled "God's Whispers to You"; a prayer that you can use in your own quiet time with Him; brief questions for reflection to carry about your day as you meditate on what you've read; and a "Pray & Rest" section which guides you in prayer; an encouraging self-care challenge followed by "soul care" notes that explain the why behind the self-care challenge. Each section is a half to full page long, so it's not overwhelming to read.

Bonnie writes in a soothing, easy to understand fashion - it's like a friend encouraging you to rest and be with Him. I found myself refreshed, inspired, and more at peace after reading the daily readings, and that is why I gave this book 5 stars. It's not just a "fluff" book; it's one that if you take the time to read, pray, and journal about what you are reading, you do feel rested and refreshed, so it works. I've also found myself thinking of some of the passages long after reading them which is also the hallmark of a successful book, in my opinion.

I really enjoyed it, and I hope you will, too!