Ordinary Graces: Christian Teachings on the Interior Life

by Lorraine Kisly

The fruit of two thousand years of inner experience and insight from Christians of all denominations, Ordinary Graces embodies the great themes of Christ’s will, presence, the neighbor, struggle, grace, and awakening. While each passage stands alone, the different voices call to one another across the centuries and over vast geographical and cultural divides. Some of the names will be familiar, but many of them will be new to readers. Lorraine Kisly has sought out not only unfamiliar passages by famous Christians, but also writers we may have overlooked. As each voice joins the chorus, our understanding of Christianity’s inner tradition deepens, and we can see more clearly ways of incorporating its truths into our daily lives.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality

288 pages, Paperback

First published November 7, 2000

Reviews

[Donald Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an anthology of ancient and recent Christians. They are from around the world from many different backgrounds, famous and anonymous. The editor of this tome brought it all. This is a deep dive into the theology, psychology, activity, philosophy and emotion of Christian faith. I had to parse slowly through some of it due to its depth. I am profoundly left with two ends of paradox: 1. Living the true Christian life is an enormous effort of constantly balancing thought and action. The process of discerning the right thought and action is fraught with competing principles (or at least a first blush competing). 2. I am vitally affected by what I read and consider. This revelation is perhaps more deserving of further study and contemplation that some of the teachings of the wise contributors to this anthology.

[Anne Hamilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of reflections and meditations on the Scriptures from various writers, mainly mystical in orientation, across the last two millennia. Quiet and soothing. Sometimes I would have liked the sharp prod of challenging.