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Being with God: The Absurdity, Necessity, and Neurology of Contemplative Prayer
Outreach 2022 Recommended Resource (Spiritual Growth)All fruitful doing must begin with being. For many Christians, it's easy to be swept up into the fast pace of modern life, desiring to do much for God. But we struggle to slow down and be with God.According to pastor, Enneagram teacher, and author AJ Sherrill, being with God is what empowers doing for God. Sherrill shares his own journey from "busy" Christianity to the ancient paths of contemplative practices. He equips readers to integrate rhythms of stillness, silence, and solitude, offering step-by-step guidance and examples of finding solitude both personally and on retreats.Sherrill warns that making these changes appears absurd in a society where time is money, productivity is central, and hurry is a way of life. He guides readers gently through the beginning and often confusing stages of contemplative practice. Citing timely insights from the world of neurology and mental health, he shows that solitude is crucial not only for Christian growth but also for holistic flourishing. Foreword by Rich Villodas.Readers will emerge, centered in Christ, well on their way to this slow down, pay attention, be still, and be loved.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 19, 2021
46 people are currently reading
1503 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 13, 2023
Profound, accessible, practical, invitational. In layman's language and with actionable steps, the author calls us to contemplative prayer, not so that we can become more productive or successful but so that we can simply and purely and wondrously be. with. God.
I was especially moved with the chapter "Gaze," and how God's silence might say more than His words.
I was especially moved with the chapter "Gaze," and how God's silence might say more than His words.
May 1, 2022
Sherrill aids the reader in identifying cultural values of the West that are chaotic to the soul and offers a thought-provoking and enticing invitation into a better narrative. This narrative is shaped by a life in deep communion with God in prayer. In my top 3 for books on prayer.
September 27, 2024
Audiobook. Loved the content. Hated the reader. It was way too robotic and didn’t match the tone of the book. Would love to revisit this again in text.
October 7, 2024
In many ways, this book encompasses everything we talk about at Impact Campus Ministries, so I was not expecting to be struck by Sherrill calling out the absurdity of our modern lives. It seems so obvious, and it is right in front of us at all times, but it truly is absurd. But it is also so common that the absurdity has turned to normalcy and practicing anything else seems absurd to those around us.
This led to the gentle guidance of the second section, filled with practices known well to generations past, but perhaps foreign to those who have grown up in the age of computers. There is surely something each reader can learn from here.
And finally neurology as discussed in the third section, which satisfied so much of my scientific and analytical mind. There is so much we still do not understand about the brain, but the effects are plainly seen. These practices are crucial to true flourishing.
The real trick will be if I can take any of these words to heart. I feel especially convicted about the amount of sleep I get. Pray for me as I attempt to change.
This led to the gentle guidance of the second section, filled with practices known well to generations past, but perhaps foreign to those who have grown up in the age of computers. There is surely something each reader can learn from here.
And finally neurology as discussed in the third section, which satisfied so much of my scientific and analytical mind. There is so much we still do not understand about the brain, but the effects are plainly seen. These practices are crucial to true flourishing.
The real trick will be if I can take any of these words to heart. I feel especially convicted about the amount of sleep I get. Pray for me as I attempt to change.
September 28, 2023
Good information but it feels like AJ can't connect them with mastery. He brings a lot of good insights and really invites to contemplative prayer. However, he doesn't enter deeply on prayer itself. The guidance on prayer is scarce and too broad. One can feel a little lost when applying it on reality.
Mixed feelings about the book. I probably wouldn't recommend but was blessed by reading it.
Mixed feelings about the book. I probably wouldn't recommend but was blessed by reading it.
September 3, 2024
I immediately loved this book and put it on my reread list. Sherrill provides a powerful reflective tone that beautifully captures the cadence of the contemplative life. There are ample references to the church’s great spiritual voices and practices. Yet, the applications are relevant to the challenges of facing us in modern society.
What I found most outstanding is the manner in which Sherrill utilizes Scriptures, traditions and scientific analysis to produce a holistic rendering of contemplative prayer. His way of delving into noise, sleep deprivation and the effects of prayer on the mind are captivating. It is both inspiring and compelling reading. And, it will be a work I recommend to many fellow pilgrims.
What I found most outstanding is the manner in which Sherrill utilizes Scriptures, traditions and scientific analysis to produce a holistic rendering of contemplative prayer. His way of delving into noise, sleep deprivation and the effects of prayer on the mind are captivating. It is both inspiring and compelling reading. And, it will be a work I recommend to many fellow pilgrims.
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December 14, 2024Having blazed through Rediscovering Christmas, I decided I needed to read more from Sherrill. This book is a moderate dive into contemplative prayer. I enjoyed his case for it (which I was on board with before having begun this book), and there were a few practical things that were actually helpful I’ve already implemented.
April 2, 2022
This is one of those books that I either need to listen to again or in this case buy a hard copy to highlight and underline. There is just too much practical wisdom to absorb in the first reading.
August 22, 2022
This book was refreshing for my soul. From the cover to the content, everything was beautifully done and inspiring. This book is a must-read for anyone who is desiring a deeper prayer life.
December 20, 2022
A grade prayer resource.
July 11, 2025
Excellent book and written well at a popular level, with some good practical application in the "Practice" sections at the end of each chapter. I would especially recommend this for evangelicals who have had difficulty with books on contemplative prayer written by Roman Catholics and Orthodox.
February 22, 2023
Such a peaceful read. I’m just so thankful that I’ve read this book. It’s guided me to a greater depth in my prayer life and will be a top recommendation to pretty much everyone I chat to.
June 30, 2024
This book made so much sense mentally and spiritually. It reminded me that:
- Relationships take work (if you want them to be good and lasting)
- The vertical relationship we have with God, reflects the horizontal one we have with our family and friends. (If we take God for granted, we take them for granted as well.)
- Prayer is not a one-way conversation where we talk at God and then get up. We gain more benefit when we pray then wait in silence for God's response.
The book is broken down into parts by theme and then chapters that expound on each theme. The author's style is not pretentious or going for master's or doctoral level thought patterns. He lays out the themes, backs it up with practical ideas and examples then he connects it with scripture.
There are practices after each chapter to reinforce the teaching of the chapter.
My best takeaway is lectio divina which is a meditative approach to scripture reading. It is so awesome, as you practice you begin to understand God's word and His desire for you personally and as a part of the body of Christ.
- Relationships take work (if you want them to be good and lasting)
- The vertical relationship we have with God, reflects the horizontal one we have with our family and friends. (If we take God for granted, we take them for granted as well.)
- Prayer is not a one-way conversation where we talk at God and then get up. We gain more benefit when we pray then wait in silence for God's response.
The book is broken down into parts by theme and then chapters that expound on each theme. The author's style is not pretentious or going for master's or doctoral level thought patterns. He lays out the themes, backs it up with practical ideas and examples then he connects it with scripture.
There are practices after each chapter to reinforce the teaching of the chapter.
My best takeaway is lectio divina which is a meditative approach to scripture reading. It is so awesome, as you practice you begin to understand God's word and His desire for you personally and as a part of the body of Christ.
July 4, 2023
I wanted more from this book. It got off to a great start, but like so many written during the pandemic, it didn't keep its thesis clear and kind of trailed off. It went from a book about contemplative prayer to a layman's handbook on the benefits of sleep, rest, and other healthy habits. While those points are fine and true, they weren't true to the aim of the book and, for me at least, moved from discussion in a way that detracted from rather than supported the thesis.
It wasnt a loss. Particularly the first few chapters had some great lines justifying the practice of contemplative prayer and its goal of knowing Jesus intimately. However, I'll be tracking down another title or two to get at it further.
It wasnt a loss. Particularly the first few chapters had some great lines justifying the practice of contemplative prayer and its goal of knowing Jesus intimately. However, I'll be tracking down another title or two to get at it further.
August 18, 2022
I really enjoy the way AJ writes and this book is a great introduction into contemplative prayer. What if our prayer life should be more about being with God and not praying at God? The writer does a good job in addressing the current state of being, the spiritual and psychological challenges that we are facing because of our hustling environment, only to then point us toward spiritual practices that have been there for centuries but have fallen in the background. He also explored the neurological and spiritual benefits of those practices, especially the contemplative prayer. Straightfoward, insightful and practical - highly recommended!
January 2, 2022
I loved this book. The counselor in me loved the connection of the brain and spirituality. It was a good reminder to me about how big God is and different ways to encounter Him. I love the assertion that being with God is the ultimate goal.
July 10, 2024
This book is a treasure. I broke the binding, made notes in the margin, and am considering re-reading immediately. Im confident that I will return to this book many times. Reading this book felt like a deep exhale. A must read.
February 27, 2024
Good introduction to contemplative prayer.
February 5, 2025
Pretty good, some helpful advice in here, just didn’t really connect with it.
October 6, 2024
How is your prayer life going? Have you found it challenging to develop a good, consistent, and healthy prayer life?
How much of your prayer life involves you talking at God versus how much of your prayer life involves being with God?
If the answer to the last question is more bafflement than anything else, A.J. Sherrill would not be surprised.
And all Christians would do well to consider his Being With God: The Absurdity, Necessity, and Neurology of Contemplative Prayer (galley received as part of early review program, but full edition read).
The author presents a well argued and reasoned introductory encouragement into the world of contemplative prayer. He began by considering its absurdity: the oddity, especially in modern culture, of sitting just to be in God’s presence; how our technology hijacks our attention and continually distracts us; and our challenges in actually hearing with all the noise all around us. For most of the book he explored the necessity of contemplative prayer: a lot of practical hints about creating the space and time of silence with God; how to cultivate stillness; aligning with and heeding the Spirit in His groaning; and diving and gazing into the Presence of God in contemplation. In the final part of the book the author explored the scientific basis for contemplation: the way our breathing works and how we do not take time to breathe deeply and well; how stressed out we are and how we do not sufficiently relax; and the importance of a quality sleep regimen for a healthy spirituality.
Every chapter ends with a guided experience for practice to be able to better cultivate and develop in one’s contemplative prayer life.
This is definitely an introductory level guide to contemplative prayer, aware of and connected to the deeper tradition without explicating much of it. Yet it represents an excellent introduction; in many respects, I wish I would have had access to it and read it at the beginning of my (more intellectual than experiential, I confess) explorations into contemplative prayer.
Thus I highly recommend this work for all Christians in order to develop a healthier, more well-rounded prayer life than just spending certain times talking at God.
How much of your prayer life involves you talking at God versus how much of your prayer life involves being with God?
If the answer to the last question is more bafflement than anything else, A.J. Sherrill would not be surprised.
And all Christians would do well to consider his Being With God: The Absurdity, Necessity, and Neurology of Contemplative Prayer (galley received as part of early review program, but full edition read).
The author presents a well argued and reasoned introductory encouragement into the world of contemplative prayer. He began by considering its absurdity: the oddity, especially in modern culture, of sitting just to be in God’s presence; how our technology hijacks our attention and continually distracts us; and our challenges in actually hearing with all the noise all around us. For most of the book he explored the necessity of contemplative prayer: a lot of practical hints about creating the space and time of silence with God; how to cultivate stillness; aligning with and heeding the Spirit in His groaning; and diving and gazing into the Presence of God in contemplation. In the final part of the book the author explored the scientific basis for contemplation: the way our breathing works and how we do not take time to breathe deeply and well; how stressed out we are and how we do not sufficiently relax; and the importance of a quality sleep regimen for a healthy spirituality.
Every chapter ends with a guided experience for practice to be able to better cultivate and develop in one’s contemplative prayer life.
This is definitely an introductory level guide to contemplative prayer, aware of and connected to the deeper tradition without explicating much of it. Yet it represents an excellent introduction; in many respects, I wish I would have had access to it and read it at the beginning of my (more intellectual than experiential, I confess) explorations into contemplative prayer.
Thus I highly recommend this work for all Christians in order to develop a healthier, more well-rounded prayer life than just spending certain times talking at God.
December 29, 2021
This is an excellent, easy to read, but hard to practice book by Anglican priest A.J. Sherrill.
His contention (which he backs up with a plethora of footnotes), is that our Western culture, and more specifically, the Western Protestant Church, is not helping people draw closer to the God Who loves them. He suggests that if a person desires to seek after the deeper things of God, one will have to take the way of Contemplative Prayer. He says this is such an odd way in today's society, a person will look and feel as odd as the goats in Morocco. These goats have been known to climb trees. Who sees goats in trees? Exactly. That is how odd the way of Contemplative Prayer is in today's world.
However, Sherrill does a great job of explaining the reasons why this particular way of prayer (and lifestyle) is so necessary for today's Christian Believer. Each chapter highlights an aspect of a chronic problem in today's culture : technology, noise, crowds, hurry, etc, and how this mode of prayer is designed to help the Believer overcome these problems. At the end of each chapter are suggested opportunities to put into practice. He is thorough.
His strongest section is the third part on Neurology. He shows -- again with a lot of notations -- how this sort of prayer makes a difference in one's brain, to the point of actually changing how it functions. Issues of stress, anxiety, depression and addiction are covered. This section was extremely compelling.
I would encourage anyone who is interested in prayer to read this book. Even if you are not a Christian, I would suggest you read the third section on Neurology, as it is backed up with a load of neurological research. Quite interesting.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
His contention (which he backs up with a plethora of footnotes), is that our Western culture, and more specifically, the Western Protestant Church, is not helping people draw closer to the God Who loves them. He suggests that if a person desires to seek after the deeper things of God, one will have to take the way of Contemplative Prayer. He says this is such an odd way in today's society, a person will look and feel as odd as the goats in Morocco. These goats have been known to climb trees. Who sees goats in trees? Exactly. That is how odd the way of Contemplative Prayer is in today's world.
However, Sherrill does a great job of explaining the reasons why this particular way of prayer (and lifestyle) is so necessary for today's Christian Believer. Each chapter highlights an aspect of a chronic problem in today's culture : technology, noise, crowds, hurry, etc, and how this mode of prayer is designed to help the Believer overcome these problems. At the end of each chapter are suggested opportunities to put into practice. He is thorough.
His strongest section is the third part on Neurology. He shows -- again with a lot of notations -- how this sort of prayer makes a difference in one's brain, to the point of actually changing how it functions. Issues of stress, anxiety, depression and addiction are covered. This section was extremely compelling.
I would encourage anyone who is interested in prayer to read this book. Even if you are not a Christian, I would suggest you read the third section on Neurology, as it is backed up with a load of neurological research. Quite interesting.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
April 25, 2023
Worthy read! Well written and approachable for real people desiring or feeling like there has to be more to the Christian experience on this earth. It is quite compelling at the same time that AJ Sherrill offers very practical helpers to get from here to there. I could most certainly read this book again and also use it as another tool in my prayer tool belt. My hope is that I will actually put into practice the stillness and breathing exercises; as well as the visual helpers like the dive visual to help me stay in the depths but also realizing i can just dive back down if i come up from “the place.” The distractions are real! This book did not feel like a judgement of my prayer life but an invitation to go deeper, to be more whole and settled as a human who knows I am loved by God. I especially enjoyed the chapters on neurology, sleep and stress. Lessons we all need to learn for sure! I love when science and faith meet!!! I will be recommending this book to many people!! Its one of those books you keep thinking about even after you have turned the last page.
August 4, 2022
Combining theology and neuroscience, AJ Sherrill offers a contemporary perspective on the necessity of contemplative prayer in a chaotic, noisy world. He describes contemplative prayer as "absurd" in this cultural moment, aptly comparing it to tree-climbing goats in Morocco, an analogy that I absolutely loved.
Although the book itself seems deceptively short, it is rich with wisdom -- I found myself having to read it twice to allow certain ideas to take shape and fully percolate. With humility and candor, Sherrill shares probing insights and practical tools for incorporating contemplative rhythms in one's life. As Sherrill puts it succinctly, "You can't afford not to slow down and be still."
Being With God successfully draws readers into a deeper understanding and practice of prayer; it is a must-read book that will powerfully humble and challenge your prayer paradigms.
Although the book itself seems deceptively short, it is rich with wisdom -- I found myself having to read it twice to allow certain ideas to take shape and fully percolate. With humility and candor, Sherrill shares probing insights and practical tools for incorporating contemplative rhythms in one's life. As Sherrill puts it succinctly, "You can't afford not to slow down and be still."
Being With God successfully draws readers into a deeper understanding and practice of prayer; it is a must-read book that will powerfully humble and challenge your prayer paradigms.
May 15, 2023
An easy and quick Sunday afternoon read, but it will require a journey to accomplish.
He gives not only the spritual aspect of contemplative prayer, but the physical aspects as well. We are fearfully and wonderfully made.
I was glad for the distinction between meditation (emptying our minds and selves) and contemplative prayer (filling our minds and selves with the Spirit of God).
This is very timely for me as I am facing a sudden change in a grueling, stressful schedule that has suddenly opened up 3 to 4 hour blocks of time several days per week. It feels like such a relief, but I can't slow myself down inside. I feel like a running dog who has had his feet lifted off the floor but he can't get stopped.
My heart wants to journey into the realm of comtemplative prayer. I hope that it wins.
He gives not only the spritual aspect of contemplative prayer, but the physical aspects as well. We are fearfully and wonderfully made.
I was glad for the distinction between meditation (emptying our minds and selves) and contemplative prayer (filling our minds and selves with the Spirit of God).
This is very timely for me as I am facing a sudden change in a grueling, stressful schedule that has suddenly opened up 3 to 4 hour blocks of time several days per week. It feels like such a relief, but I can't slow myself down inside. I feel like a running dog who has had his feet lifted off the floor but he can't get stopped.
My heart wants to journey into the realm of comtemplative prayer. I hope that it wins.
October 26, 2021
“The truth is that every moment of every day, the most significant reality in the entire universe is the radical availability of God‘s presence.”
In his new book, BEING WITH GOD, AJ Sherrill makes an incredibly convincing case for the power and impact of the practice of contemplative prayer. He not only shares about the obvious benefits to our spiritual life but also about the effects to our physical and mental health as well.
This is a great read for those curious about contemplative prayer practices but certainly not limited to beginners. I’ve been practicing contemplative prayer for over 10 years and still found this book to offer challenges and refreshing to my rhythms. I especially enjoyed and appreciated the “Practices” offered at the end of each chapter.
In his new book, BEING WITH GOD, AJ Sherrill makes an incredibly convincing case for the power and impact of the practice of contemplative prayer. He not only shares about the obvious benefits to our spiritual life but also about the effects to our physical and mental health as well.
This is a great read for those curious about contemplative prayer practices but certainly not limited to beginners. I’ve been practicing contemplative prayer for over 10 years and still found this book to offer challenges and refreshing to my rhythms. I especially enjoyed and appreciated the “Practices” offered at the end of each chapter.
February 6, 2025
This book was a revolutionary way to think about how to not just be listeners of the word but doers. A.J. Sherrill encourages spiritual practices at the end of each chapter that aid in the complete transformation of believers. My personal favorite part of this book was section 3 on neurology. Sherrill explains the complex neural pathways formed in the brain via repetition. I was convicted to adopt these spiritual practices into my daily life in order to grow closer with God and live a life full of rest. Beyond that, his book is scripturally bound. He not only suggests these practices of mindfulness but encourages Bible reading and prayer for daily life. In a culture that is always hurried and longing for rest, I felt the words of this book hit a deep part of my soul. :)
October 30, 2021
This book teaches us how to be with God and the power of contemplative prayer.
Here are my three biggest takeaways from this book.
Being empowers our doing. We are better at our doing when we learn how to be with God on a daily basis. We partner with God on our daily decisions. Jesus modeled this for us.
As we awaken to who we are and the actions we should take we become more and more aware of how we can meet the needs of others. We learn how to best serve others.
As we go to sleep each night we surrender to God. We let God heal and transform us. Sleep is a powerful rest in God.
Here are my three biggest takeaways from this book.
Being empowers our doing. We are better at our doing when we learn how to be with God on a daily basis. We partner with God on our daily decisions. Jesus modeled this for us.
As we awaken to who we are and the actions we should take we become more and more aware of how we can meet the needs of others. We learn how to best serve others.
As we go to sleep each night we surrender to God. We let God heal and transform us. Sleep is a powerful rest in God.
May 9, 2024
A great resource and guide for our times. Accessible, grounded, and practical. One thing I appreciated from a personality standpoint is that it wasn't overly flowery or ethereal as some spiritual formation and prayer books can tend to be. It stays in language that most people can resonate with and doesn't create unnecessary barriers for learners. Good integration of prayer disciplines and neuroscience. Good intro to prayer with the goal of communing with Jesus.
June 29, 2025
This is the book I’d recommend to folks who don’t truly understand how necessary the contemplative approach to the Christian faith is to people like me. It’s written in a conversational style with short chapters and easy to implement practices at the end of each chapter. If you’re like me and feel called to the contemplative way, this book and Thibodeaux’s Armchair Mystic are great places to start. Highly recommend this book.
November 8, 2021
“Being with God” challenges the reader to both understand and practice contemplative prayer. AJ Sherrill is an author who is able to communicate powerful ideas through easily understood writing. And the reader is clearly challenged to put these practices into action. If you desire to grow in your relationship with God, “Being with God” gives you leverage to move forward in deeper relationship.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews