What do you think?
Rate this book
Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God
When you open this book, you’ll find that you aren’t just reading. No, you are being remade, reoriented, restored from the frustration of what you may have known as stale religion. Captured not by a concept but by your Creator, reborn in relationship.
Here’s the Experiencing God that has already impacted millions of people. Only it’s bigger, and better, and ready to lead you again—or for the very first time—into an experience with God. Carefully listening to His voice will anchor you in His plan, and set you free to live it with boldness and freedom.
After a thorough revision, this landmark volume returns with seven new chapters, as well as dozens of true stories from people who, through this book, have experienced God.
Here’s the Experiencing God that has already impacted millions of people. Only it’s bigger, and better, and ready to lead you again—or for the very first time—into an experience with God. Carefully listening to His voice will anchor you in His plan, and set you free to live it with boldness and freedom.
After a thorough revision, this landmark volume returns with seven new chapters, as well as dozens of true stories from people who, through this book, have experienced God.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1990
1737 people are currently reading
4458 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews
July 15, 2007
This book is cute and quirky, just like Zooey Deschanel. There are a few differences though.
1) This book is written in third-person, Zooey speaks in first-person.
2) I can pronounce the name of this book. How the heck do you say Zooey? Is it Zoe-y or Zoo-y? I'm stumped!
3) I can't hold Zooey Deschanel up at eye level with one hand.*
4) I'm not secretly in love with this book.
5) This book does not have a restraining order against me in West Virginia.
6) This book will not see the error of her ways someday and run off to Tahiti with me for topless romps on the beach.
Other than that they are EXACTLY the same and you should read it if you are a sinner. And you are.
THREE STARS!
Love,
Rico
* This is not to imply that Zooey is fat or that I am feeble -- au contraire! She has the wispy figure of a dainty hollywood starlet and I am building up my core strength through my own modified Pilates regimen! I took a basic Pilates class and made it my own. I mean, come on, The 100s??? I can't do those! Who am I, Olga Korbut? Nobody can do The 100s. I do what I call The 8s. All part of my almost-famous Four Minute Pilates** -- bend into a few poses that would make Tomas de Torquemada wince, feel the intense pain known as "the burn" or possibly a muscle tear, wipe down, then get on with your life. Bingo!
** It was called Pontius Pilates until I read this life-changing book. Now, NO PONTIUS!
1) This book is written in third-person, Zooey speaks in first-person.
2) I can pronounce the name of this book. How the heck do you say Zooey? Is it Zoe-y or Zoo-y? I'm stumped!
3) I can't hold Zooey Deschanel up at eye level with one hand.*
4) I'm not secretly in love with this book.
5) This book does not have a restraining order against me in West Virginia.
6) This book will not see the error of her ways someday and run off to Tahiti with me for topless romps on the beach.
Other than that they are EXACTLY the same and you should read it if you are a sinner. And you are.
THREE STARS!
Love,
Rico
* This is not to imply that Zooey is fat or that I am feeble -- au contraire! She has the wispy figure of a dainty hollywood starlet and I am building up my core strength through my own modified Pilates regimen! I took a basic Pilates class and made it my own. I mean, come on, The 100s??? I can't do those! Who am I, Olga Korbut? Nobody can do The 100s. I do what I call The 8s. All part of my almost-famous Four Minute Pilates** -- bend into a few poses that would make Tomas de Torquemada wince, feel the intense pain known as "the burn" or possibly a muscle tear, wipe down, then get on with your life. Bingo!
** It was called Pontius Pilates until I read this life-changing book. Now, NO PONTIUS!
May 4, 2019
Experiencing God helps us understand that what God wants is a love relationship with us. He loves us. We can hear God speaking to us through the Bible, through prayer, through circumstances and through the church (The church is individuals, not a building). We are to look for where God is working around us and join in. We can experience God as a couple, in our children's lives, in the church, and in the marketplace. This book helps define and demonstrate faith, trust and love of and for God. It is working with God to bring us closer to Him through a love relationship with Him.
May 11, 2021
I read this with a group of ladies over the course of eighteen months. (Thank you Covid.) Everyone really enjoyed the earlier chapters, but as we continued reading, the book began to feel repetitive. We didn’t really have any issues with the theology or the authors thoughts, it was just the pacing of the book. There is a lot to ponder and apply to your life though, and I’m glad I read it.
October 17, 2018
A fantastic book to read! This book really makes you think not only about you faith and beliefs but focuses on your personal relationship with God. This book hits so many areas. It makes you question ow strong your faith is and how to strengthen it. How to draw closer to God and to see how He is working in your life.
This book made me think it ways few other books ever have. Blackaby's approach is very easgoing and not critical. I started this with a small group of others. Each of us gained so much insight and saw so much in our own lives. This book is an attention grabber to be sure but is also a very enjoyable read. Definitely the best study book I have ever done. Not to mention each time I read it, I get something new and a little bit more insight.
This book made me think it ways few other books ever have. Blackaby's approach is very easgoing and not critical. I started this with a small group of others. Each of us gained so much insight and saw so much in our own lives. This book is an attention grabber to be sure but is also a very enjoyable read. Definitely the best study book I have ever done. Not to mention each time I read it, I get something new and a little bit more insight.
February 9, 2013
Cool study on making the daily adjustments and commitment to live each day for God and his glory. It got a little redundant toward the end, but overall a cool way to reconnect with God's purposes. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking to be more serious about making a difference for God right where you are.
November 22, 2022
This is one of those books that reeeallly holy people recommend to you. A very holy person recommended this book to me (mi mama), and initially I was like...okay this really doesn't seem like my type of thing. but i respect my mom. So I gave it a go. LIFE-CHANGING.
I recommend this book to 2 types of ppl:
1. If God is just like a dude upstairs to you, but you want him to be more...dare I say- your everything. You want God to be at the center of your life and you want God to be the one who propels you to get of bed in the morning, and you see other people experiencing God in this way but can't seem to get there. This book is for you. Because God wants that from you too! The fact that God loves you more than you could every love anything in this world is NOT just a cliche. It's not a trite statement or an "awwww how cute of them." If you've struggled to experience intimacy with God, read this book. ima quote my mom when i say that I FELT the Holy Spirit while reading this book.
2. You want to be a vessel for God's use. I grew up reading books about holy people who moved mountains for God. Amy Carmichael, Elizabeth Elliot, David Livingstone, George Muller, and that one lady that led a group of kids over some snowy mountains in China or whatever. I was enraptured by these stories. But they aren't just stories. They are the reality that God calls us to, but we are so bogged down by the things of this world to respond to the call of God. We don't have enough faith to believe that God can do these things through us...because who am I?? Newsflash. It doesn't matter who you are or who I am. The only thing that matters is what God wants to do through you. If you get anything out of this book, it should be this.
The author of this book talks about endeavors of "God-sized proportions." Things that only God can do, so that only he can receive the glory. THAT is what God calls every single one of us to. Not just the preacher, or the zealot, or the seminarian. Your abilities don't matter. All that matters is that you have the faith of a mustard seed, that you ask God to show you where he is working so that you can join him. He will do the rest.
Aight. Im out.
I recommend this book to 2 types of ppl:
1. If God is just like a dude upstairs to you, but you want him to be more...dare I say- your everything. You want God to be at the center of your life and you want God to be the one who propels you to get of bed in the morning, and you see other people experiencing God in this way but can't seem to get there. This book is for you. Because God wants that from you too! The fact that God loves you more than you could every love anything in this world is NOT just a cliche. It's not a trite statement or an "awwww how cute of them." If you've struggled to experience intimacy with God, read this book. ima quote my mom when i say that I FELT the Holy Spirit while reading this book.
2. You want to be a vessel for God's use. I grew up reading books about holy people who moved mountains for God. Amy Carmichael, Elizabeth Elliot, David Livingstone, George Muller, and that one lady that led a group of kids over some snowy mountains in China or whatever. I was enraptured by these stories. But they aren't just stories. They are the reality that God calls us to, but we are so bogged down by the things of this world to respond to the call of God. We don't have enough faith to believe that God can do these things through us...because who am I?? Newsflash. It doesn't matter who you are or who I am. The only thing that matters is what God wants to do through you. If you get anything out of this book, it should be this.
The author of this book talks about endeavors of "God-sized proportions." Things that only God can do, so that only he can receive the glory. THAT is what God calls every single one of us to. Not just the preacher, or the zealot, or the seminarian. Your abilities don't matter. All that matters is that you have the faith of a mustard seed, that you ask God to show you where he is working so that you can join him. He will do the rest.
Aight. Im out.
June 26, 2013
I found this book to be slightly annoying. Blackaby is extremely repetitive throughout many of the chapters--he often restates the same idea three or four times in a paragraph (he'll lead off the paragraph with it, state it another way in the next sentence, ask it in a question, then restate it in a conclusiony sounding way as if he's demonstrated his point). His use of biblical texts and personal stories is also a bit suspect. He tells us to not rely on experience then heavily relies on it throughout almost all chapters. He also states that there is no formula to help us know the will of God but then essentially attempts to come up with a coherent formula in many chapters to help us discern what God is leading us to do. At times it seems like he is prooftexting in order to establish his points. Overall, this book is a restatement of the common (and, in many ways, unhelpful) discourse Christians use when talking about 'the will of God.' When he focuses on actually experiencing God in our daily lives, he has many good points; however, much of his writing focuses more on determining God's specific will for our lives. A much better treatment of issues relating to knowing God's will for our lives is Kevin DeYoung's Just Do Something. Skip Experiencing God and read that instead, its a much better use of your time.
June 3, 2016
This has been one of my least favorite religious studies. I did not get a lot out of it that already wasn't covered in other studies. A lot of examples and information about planting churches, becoming a missionary, or being called to the ministry. However, there were practically no examples of how to apply these principles to those of us who are Christians and not in religious vocations.
Also, the author talks a lot about people getting called by God and how God's messages to us are obvious and often. That has not been my experience as a Christian. So I found his assumptions discouraging and not helpful.
Not recommended by me.
Also, the author talks a lot about people getting called by God and how God's messages to us are obvious and often. That has not been my experience as a Christian. So I found his assumptions discouraging and not helpful.
Not recommended by me.
September 10, 2018
Loved it. The book is from 1994 and I probably bought it shortly after that. I had read a portion of it then but never finished it. I loved it this time. I feel like it was just what I needed to have my eyes opened to. Watch for where God is working. When you see it, you are being invited to join him. And as you obey Him, He will be revealed to you more. As He works through you, others will also see it and God will be further glorified. I want to be used by God! This was so encouraging and I felt like my eyes were opened to see where God is working all around me. And He is at work!!
February 26, 2022
Lots of great information; my only complaint is that it is very wordy.
September 19, 2025
Unfortunately, this was not a very Biblically sound read...
This is may be best shown by the fact that the shortest chapter in the whole book is on the Bible itself... And even it was mostly about how you can use this book to "experience God" rather than the Bible. Out of context proof texts, incorrect summaries, and eisegesis are prevalent throughout. Blackaby frequently cut out key phrases of scripture he "referenced".
On top of that, large portions of each chapter are dedicated to various stories, most of which had little to do with the content. They rather served to promote another book, talk about an influential person Blackaby got to meet, or talk about all the great things he’s done in ministry.
However, chapter 3, "Doing God's Will" is a bright spot in an otherwise poor book. A great assist in how we should posture ourselves before the Lord rather than "wait for his calling".
This is may be best shown by the fact that the shortest chapter in the whole book is on the Bible itself... And even it was mostly about how you can use this book to "experience God" rather than the Bible. Out of context proof texts, incorrect summaries, and eisegesis are prevalent throughout. Blackaby frequently cut out key phrases of scripture he "referenced".
On top of that, large portions of each chapter are dedicated to various stories, most of which had little to do with the content. They rather served to promote another book, talk about an influential person Blackaby got to meet, or talk about all the great things he’s done in ministry.
However, chapter 3, "Doing God's Will" is a bright spot in an otherwise poor book. A great assist in how we should posture ourselves before the Lord rather than "wait for his calling".
April 29, 2020
An intense, dangerous, potentially life-changing book. A recurring theme is that God will have "assignments" for us to do -- but that the key to everything is our love relationship with Him. The author repeats himself frequently. He doesn't want you to miss his major points. A couple of guys in our men's group found the book to be frustrating and confusing, because the author keeps talking about Moses-scaled assignments. Most of us probably are going to get smaller tasks. I think the author is just using big examples to make his points, but perhaps this could have been made more clear.
I've reread this now on my own, but I do think it works best as a book processed with a group. It's a book that cries out for accountability.
I've reread this now on my own, but I do think it works best as a book processed with a group. It's a book that cries out for accountability.
July 9, 2023
SO encouraging
This is the second time now that I am reading this and it was just as encouraging. If not more encouraging the second time through! This book is such a great reminder of the ways that God is always working in and around us. Also, so biblically based. I will be reading this every few years when I need a reminder! Thankful for the ways that God speaks to me though this book.
This is the second time now that I am reading this and it was just as encouraging. If not more encouraging the second time through! This book is such a great reminder of the ways that God is always working in and around us. Also, so biblically based. I will be reading this every few years when I need a reminder! Thankful for the ways that God speaks to me though this book.
August 10, 2016
A great look at what it truly means to have a relationship with God.
July 12, 2023
Henry Blackaby and Claude King’s “Experiencing God” has been one of the most read and most influential evangelical books of the past fifty years. I read “Experiencing God” in high school and was grateful to return to it again.
Blackaby and King (it’s co-written, but written with Blackaby’s voice) has a folksy charm. The style itself will draw some in and repel others and, to my taste, shows some age. It feels more at home in the era of J. Vernon McGee and Charles Stanley. One aspect that I’ve found can be weak with such a style is that because of the assumption of the reader’s Christian background, it assumes a bit more than it should. There were points that “Experiencing God” could be clearer on scriptural grounding.
In general, though, I was pleasantly surprised by how solid “Experiencing God” is. It is more corporate than I remembered— a book like this could easily drift toward a highly individualized faith. Similarly, such a book could easily drift away from scripture as the foundation of God’s disclosure (in favor of personal experience), but Blackaby and King don’t fall into this trap either.
While “Experiencing God” won’t be my go-to discipleship book, I understand why it has had such a long shelf-life and has impacted so many.
For more reviews see thebeehive.live.
Blackaby and King (it’s co-written, but written with Blackaby’s voice) has a folksy charm. The style itself will draw some in and repel others and, to my taste, shows some age. It feels more at home in the era of J. Vernon McGee and Charles Stanley. One aspect that I’ve found can be weak with such a style is that because of the assumption of the reader’s Christian background, it assumes a bit more than it should. There were points that “Experiencing God” could be clearer on scriptural grounding.
In general, though, I was pleasantly surprised by how solid “Experiencing God” is. It is more corporate than I remembered— a book like this could easily drift toward a highly individualized faith. Similarly, such a book could easily drift away from scripture as the foundation of God’s disclosure (in favor of personal experience), but Blackaby and King don’t fall into this trap either.
While “Experiencing God” won’t be my go-to discipleship book, I understand why it has had such a long shelf-life and has impacted so many.
For more reviews see thebeehive.live.
August 29, 2025
A friend told me about this book with the preface "it's kind of '90s" and "but it changed my life," and a few other friends, in response to that, said, "Stuff happens to people when they read that." So these were my introductions! There was a lot I really loved here: overlap with Francis Schaeffer's "True Spirituality," in the sense of moment-by-moment dependence on the spirit, walking with the Lord throughout your days, having a close personal relationship with him. That is really the focus on what Blackaby is saying, and that alone is probably worth reading the book.
Additionally, reading this has opened up a lot of conversations about how we follow God, know His will, see what He's doing, etc., and while I have some nuances of disagreement with Blackaby (people of God did ask Him what to do in the Bible), the overall spirit here is so good. I can see why it has been life-changing for people -- perhaps for me, too.
Additionally, reading this has opened up a lot of conversations about how we follow God, know His will, see what He's doing, etc., and while I have some nuances of disagreement with Blackaby (people of God did ask Him what to do in the Bible), the overall spirit here is so good. I can see why it has been life-changing for people -- perhaps for me, too.
August 30, 2023
I participated in an Experiencing God study back when I was in high school youth group. Reading this book as an adult made me realize just how much this study shaped the way I view my relationship with God - the importance of a intimate relationship, daily reading His Word, complete surrender to His will, and immediate obedience when His Spirit places a task or person on my heart, to name a few. God pursues a love relationship with His children that is real, personal, and practical. This book helps you to develop a deep sense of God’s presence and activity in your life. I highly recommend this book!
January 2, 2023
Book truly inspired by the Holy Spirit. This is great for anyone you know who is very religious yet not in a deep relationship with Christ. You feel like everything is directly catered to you and your life and touches on many different aspects from work, to church and relationships. I would read a few sections per day to let it all take root deep in my heart and love the reflective questions at the end of every chapter. This would be such a great book to revisit again and answer the questions just to see how much closer I have grown to God. Highly recommend!
April 12, 2020
We had been reading this book in our Devotional Book Study Group at church for a couple of months before COVID-19 forced all of the churches to close.
My husband and I decided to continue reading this book and studying the selected scripture at home.
Finished this book today and we both believe that studying this book and spending time together immersed in God's word has truly blessed us.
My husband and I decided to continue reading this book and studying the selected scripture at home.
Finished this book today and we both believe that studying this book and spending time together immersed in God's word has truly blessed us.
November 2, 2024
This was an enlightening book about how to have a real relationship with God. It explains what most Christians don't realize. I learned a lot from this book and will read it over and over again!! It has so much information about how to really experience an intimate relationship with the trinity. I am so glad I purchased this book! I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to pursue their religious life!!
August 30, 2024
This book was absolutely amazing. I learned so much about obedient living with God’s word. He is a baptist minister with a charismatic spirit. So simple to read and yet very profound in his ideas. I am inspired to live closer to God.
April 10, 2020
This is packed full of beautiful and convicting truths. Simplicity is in a love relationship with God ❤
November 9, 2022
Dnf, just too busy to give it all my attention right now
November 24, 2019
Definitely a tough read in the sense of how long it took me to finish. It’s deep! Good book. I think the reason I gave it 3 stars instead of 4 is because in the version I read he kept talking about how all these people used his book “Experiencing God” over and over. I’m probably just a harsh critic but that kind of got annoying after awhile. 🤷🏼♀️😂
March 7, 2023
I have enjoyed this study but would’ve loved the wives and women perspectives involved
January 12, 2023
Perfect for fundamentalist Christians who want to be distracted from the fear that they will one day burn in hell. Sedating Terror would be a more appropriate title.
February 28, 2016
Reading spiritual study books can be somewhat bland. Usually, there are a few tidbits of information that are applicable to your situation; you make leave with a little handful of thoughts to concepts or metaphors to guide you, but application is often difficult to understand since most books speak to certain circumstances or concepts.
Experiencing God works to improve the foundations of every Christian's relationship with God. There are a few short chapters toward the end that give specifics to different areas of live, such as marriage, parenting, career application, and ministry, but the majority of the book is focused on how we as believers can best respond to God's call, and learn to hear His voice more clearly through prayer and obedience. The purpose is to come to a position of practical and personal faith in our walks with the Lord.
I learned a great deal through my study of this book. I came to better understanding of the relation of faith and works as well as the contrast between obedient faithfulness and conjured faith (in which we attempt to will ourselves into hearing and believing God). I have come to a greater desire for prayer and knowledge of how God speaks to me and answers prayers and it has already begun to reshape the decisions I make. This is certainly not a book that will lead to a more prosperous or cheerful life, but it will help you better to understand how to understand and follow God as His servant and His child.
Experiencing God works to improve the foundations of every Christian's relationship with God. There are a few short chapters toward the end that give specifics to different areas of live, such as marriage, parenting, career application, and ministry, but the majority of the book is focused on how we as believers can best respond to God's call, and learn to hear His voice more clearly through prayer and obedience. The purpose is to come to a position of practical and personal faith in our walks with the Lord.
I learned a great deal through my study of this book. I came to better understanding of the relation of faith and works as well as the contrast between obedient faithfulness and conjured faith (in which we attempt to will ourselves into hearing and believing God). I have come to a greater desire for prayer and knowledge of how God speaks to me and answers prayers and it has already begun to reshape the decisions I make. This is certainly not a book that will lead to a more prosperous or cheerful life, but it will help you better to understand how to understand and follow God as His servant and His child.
Read
July 28, 2011I normally do better with reading books than completing workbooks, so I read the book form of Experiencing God. Blackaby is very thorough with his points, an important characteristic of a good communicator when utilized correctly. I love his emphasis on a personal love relationship with God. If you don't have that, you're not going to hear anything from Him! We hear from God when we get to know Him and how He speaks, and the only way we can do that is by spending time with Him. Read the Word. Pray. Seek Godly counsel. Watch how He is working around you. Blackaby's ideas are at times revealing of his personal theology, but he makes a convincing argument in their favor. I will definitely walk away from this book confirmed in my belief that Almighty God uses people to accomplish His will on the earth, a concept that I don't fully understand but fully appreciate. I encourage all of you to enter into a personal love relationship with Jesus Christ so that He can involve you in His work! That is where true glory is given to God and true satisfaction is found in us.
October 21, 2024
A Classic That Everyone Should Read
"Experiencing God" is the definitive work on understanding God’s will for your life. Blackaby’s work is biblically based and sound. You can hear God speak through His presence in our lives; though His Word; through prayer; through circumstance; and through people. He asserts that before you can know God’s will, you must know God. Once you have that relationship, you will be more discerning to God’s voice. Blackaby coins the phrase, “come along side of God where He is already working” to encourage someone to join God in His activities. Everyone should read this book.
"Experiencing God" is the definitive work on understanding God’s will for your life. Blackaby’s work is biblically based and sound. You can hear God speak through His presence in our lives; though His Word; through prayer; through circumstance; and through people. He asserts that before you can know God’s will, you must know God. Once you have that relationship, you will be more discerning to God’s voice. Blackaby coins the phrase, “come along side of God where He is already working” to encourage someone to join God in His activities. Everyone should read this book.
October 1, 2015
I've been reading this book daily for the last 6 months. It is phenomenal. Every page is rich with quotations and ideas about how to experience God in your daily life. Where is He and what does He want you to do? How do you follow Him? How about in a family or church? This is a book I will turn to again and again and continue to re-read often to deepen that experience. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews