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Be Still: A Simple Guide to Quiet Times
Be still. For some, these two simple words a welcome invitation to slow down. For others, they feel impossible, out of reach in our increasingly noisy world, or simply just too hard to maintain.There is another way. In fact, there are many.In this practical, easy-to-read guide, Brian Heasley explores the multitude of rhythms of Christian prayer and devotion available to every believer. From memorizing scripture and prayer running to noticing beauty everywhere, he demonstrates how we don't need to be static for our hearts to be still, and how even in the midst of a full, busy life, we can spend quiet time with God. Be Still is a prayer book for anyone looking for ways to revitalise the way they pray or who is struggling to make space for devotional time with God. Packed full of ideas for different ways to pray and tips and advice for how to build prayer practices into everyday life, Be Still will change the way you think about prayer and devotion and equip you with all the tools you need to deepen your relationship with God.You can use Be Still individually or in small groups, or read it alongside 24-7 Prayer's new Be Still prayer course. It also makes a great resource for youth leaders looking to help teenagers cultivate daily rhythms of prayer and spend more quiet time with God, or as a gift for people starting out on their faith journey or those returning to faith after a while.Join Brian Heasley, and discover the different ways in which we can all be still.
152 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2021
84 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 14, 2023
Let me start with this book is a MUST read for any Christian. It’s refreshing and impactful for both the new Christian starting out in their quiet times and the Christian who has been reading their Bible forever and everyone in between. Every chapter of this book brought new ideas and challenges for me
In my quiet time and I have experienced a shift in my quiet times as I have read this book and implemented some of its practices. But if only Goodreads would let me give it like a 4.8 hahah… I chose to round up to a 5 because truly the majority of this book was so good. However, chapters 11-13 he really lost me. It felt like he was just trying to shove in every possible topic he had not covered yet into those chapters and they greatly lacked the depth of the previous chapters. But then just as I had grown tired chapter 14 redeemed the book all over again. All of that being said I do think everyone should read this book- there is much to gain from it.
In my quiet time and I have experienced a shift in my quiet times as I have read this book and implemented some of its practices. But if only Goodreads would let me give it like a 4.8 hahah… I chose to round up to a 5 because truly the majority of this book was so good. However, chapters 11-13 he really lost me. It felt like he was just trying to shove in every possible topic he had not covered yet into those chapters and they greatly lacked the depth of the previous chapters. But then just as I had grown tired chapter 14 redeemed the book all over again. All of that being said I do think everyone should read this book- there is much to gain from it.
November 25, 2023
Simple yet profound. This book is filled with many wonderful suggestions to incorporate into a quiet time with God, suggestions to help take your walk deeper and make it richer. This definitely isn’t a book to read once and put back on the shelf. I will return to the summations at the end of each chapter.
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Loved/really enjoyed it. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Loved/really enjoyed it. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
May 6, 2023
Short and easy read, but offers great material to reflect on and suggestions to incorporate into your quiet time. If you’re in a little bit of a dry season in your quiet time, I definitely recommend this book!
October 17, 2023
"Quiet time," has become such a churchy word it is easy to forget its importance. Heasley has put together a great resource for those new to the practice and for the more seasoned. A very approachable read. Heasley uses a lot of examples from his own life. It was interesting to see how he has grown in faith. A growth that was enhanced by his quiet times.
"... I am reassured that I am approaching a loving and wild yet stable God; he is full of surprises but going nowhere! He waits for me, he draws me deeper, he calls me to adventure. " - Brian Heasley p. 184
"... I am reassured that I am approaching a loving and wild yet stable God; he is full of surprises but going nowhere! He waits for me, he draws me deeper, he calls me to adventure. " - Brian Heasley p. 184
March 29, 2023
Lots of insight in a really easy form to read! Loved his ideas on things like wonder, imagination, and devotional time as a whole. Really hope I can take this and find more stillness in my walk.
September 10, 2023
Very encouraging, insightful and helpful.
April 7, 2022
This book is excellent!
I picked it because I struggle with silence in my quiet time and I wanted to challenge myself.
Each chapter finishes with a series of points summarising what you have read and also giving you ideas.
Everything is anchored in scripture in a really easy to understand way.
I picked it because I struggle with silence in my quiet time and I wanted to challenge myself.
Each chapter finishes with a series of points summarising what you have read and also giving you ideas.
Everything is anchored in scripture in a really easy to understand way.
January 29, 2022
This book was gentle yet challenging. It was wonderfully paced and had some great questions to reflect on at the end of each chapter. I know I’ll pick this up again for my own reflection!
January 28, 2023
I read this book last year and felt it was a re-reader to practically put in to practice some of the suggestions at the end of each chapter.
It was good the first time round and just as helpful (if not more so) the second. Top marks.
It was good the first time round and just as helpful (if not more so) the second. Top marks.
February 9, 2023
Brian Heasley provides helpful advice and guidance on how to have a “quiet time”—a time to commune with God on a daily basis. He describes several ways to creatively enhance and deepen this time for newer and “older” Christians who do not have a daily habit. I like that he encourages us into a sense of wonder through art and nature, and gratefulness, and gives outlines for what to pray, including current events, local and global needs.
I would describe this as a primer for quiet times. While the author describes other spiritual disciplines to augment our quiet time, he insists on [one-way] prayer and Bible reading to be a part of it. It neglects a few other considerations: 1) for millenia, people were not literate and yet were faithful especially during the time of Psalm 119’s “Your Word is a lamp unto my feet…” so we need to coach appropriate reliance on Bible reading in study sessions versus devotional time; 2) different personalities and learning styles adopt certain spiritual disciplines more readily than others (practical learners versus those who learn by reading, 1:1 learners versus group learners, active versus passive—such as some need to do quiet times walking rather than sitting in a chair); 3) finally, prayer is communing with God and should be a dialogue. More mature followers might be better advised to use mostly questions in their prayer time. New followers can as they learn to listen. Non-listening (to God?!) is when we talk all the time and that probably describes 99.9% of all prayers. Some of the questions to ask each day: What good work(s) have You created for me to do today (Eph. 2.10)? Of these calendar appointments, emails, known interactions with co-workers, customers and suppliers, which are the most important and what’s important for me to show Your love, joy, peace….in these interactions through words, actions? How might I see Your Word come alive today, such as blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the peacemakers….? While having a quiet place is helpful, sometimes walking through downtowns can be inspirational to pray for people, society and be reminded of the marginalized (the unhoused, the harassed at work, the demeaned, the less-prestigious workers), the lost, last and least. Even in the midst of downtown chaos, we can “be still” in our hearts and minds and hear the quiet voice of God. The main point of quiet time is to be still and HEAR His Voice, not just our own.
I would describe this as a primer for quiet times. While the author describes other spiritual disciplines to augment our quiet time, he insists on [one-way] prayer and Bible reading to be a part of it. It neglects a few other considerations: 1) for millenia, people were not literate and yet were faithful especially during the time of Psalm 119’s “Your Word is a lamp unto my feet…” so we need to coach appropriate reliance on Bible reading in study sessions versus devotional time; 2) different personalities and learning styles adopt certain spiritual disciplines more readily than others (practical learners versus those who learn by reading, 1:1 learners versus group learners, active versus passive—such as some need to do quiet times walking rather than sitting in a chair); 3) finally, prayer is communing with God and should be a dialogue. More mature followers might be better advised to use mostly questions in their prayer time. New followers can as they learn to listen. Non-listening (to God?!) is when we talk all the time and that probably describes 99.9% of all prayers. Some of the questions to ask each day: What good work(s) have You created for me to do today (Eph. 2.10)? Of these calendar appointments, emails, known interactions with co-workers, customers and suppliers, which are the most important and what’s important for me to show Your love, joy, peace….in these interactions through words, actions? How might I see Your Word come alive today, such as blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the peacemakers….? While having a quiet place is helpful, sometimes walking through downtowns can be inspirational to pray for people, society and be reminded of the marginalized (the unhoused, the harassed at work, the demeaned, the less-prestigious workers), the lost, last and least. Even in the midst of downtown chaos, we can “be still” in our hearts and minds and hear the quiet voice of God. The main point of quiet time is to be still and HEAR His Voice, not just our own.
March 9, 2023
This book reads like a "how-to" on growing your relationship with Christ. The personal stories that relate to each topic are interesting and sometimes humorous. A summary at the end of each chapter really helps with understanding what was gone over as well as listing multiple options for application.
I read this book quickly so that I could get it reviewed, but I do suggest really slowing down. Because each chapter will give different opportunities to apply something new to your life, I suggest making a habit before moving onto the next thing. I would suggest one chapter a week added to your other reading.
I highly recommend this book as it's one I would love to revisit myself.
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for this honest review.
I read this book quickly so that I could get it reviewed, but I do suggest really slowing down. Because each chapter will give different opportunities to apply something new to your life, I suggest making a habit before moving onto the next thing. I would suggest one chapter a week added to your other reading.
I highly recommend this book as it's one I would love to revisit myself.
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for this honest review.
April 6, 2022
This is a really great book. It's filled with stories and written in non-churchy language. It doesn't assume you've been a Christian a long time but the people in our church who had been Christians for a kind time also got a lot from it so I think it'sva book that can meet you where you're at. We did the video course along with it and I think the book is a really important addition, the course is good but without the book I think you would miss out on so much. They should have done a session on sessions as well as everyone loved that chapter. So glad Brian wrote this and I believe it will encourage and inspire a lot of people.
September 7, 2023
Be still, subtext: A simple guide to quiet times - from the heart of the 24-7 prayer movement.
What a great practical book for people to help focus their quiet time with God.
It looks at finding a regular space and time, how to cope with distractions, different ways to read the Bible and so much more. Examples of how to practically put these steps/ideas into place. Any one of which could change your quiet time.
Short, easy to read chapters. A book I’ll be dipping into now and again to bring me back to the heart of God.
What a great practical book for people to help focus their quiet time with God.
It looks at finding a regular space and time, how to cope with distractions, different ways to read the Bible and so much more. Examples of how to practically put these steps/ideas into place. Any one of which could change your quiet time.
Short, easy to read chapters. A book I’ll be dipping into now and again to bring me back to the heart of God.
June 15, 2022
"So, find your chair, grab your coffee, and settle in for an adventurous life of quiet stillness."
Brian Heasley's book is exactly what the cover promises - a simple guide to Quiet Times. Although the start felt like familiar territory to me, as I got further through the book I felt increasingly challenged by some of Brian's suggestions of disciplines to take into my quiet time. It's written well and simply and is an enjoyable read.
Brian Heasley's book is exactly what the cover promises - a simple guide to Quiet Times. Although the start felt like familiar territory to me, as I got further through the book I felt increasingly challenged by some of Brian's suggestions of disciplines to take into my quiet time. It's written well and simply and is an enjoyable read.
July 15, 2023
This book was refreshing to read. Personal quiet times are sometimes hard to do, especially when you don't know where to start. It is great to have a book that not only explains what a personal quiet time with the Lord is, but give helpful advice on to how to implement different ways to achieve that quiet time. It is written in an easy way to understand, and I enjoy the summary and practical applications at the end of each chapter.
September 9, 2023
This is a quick and easy read. Full of lots of ideas for deepening a daily quiet time. Served as a good reminder to go back to some things that have fallen out of my routine (journalling mainly). I was particularly interested in the section on walking while praying and also using physical objects to help concentration. Both things that I haven't tried but think may be a good match for me ... I often unconsciously start doing laps around the house when I'm talking on the phone.
April 13, 2023
The book I really needed when the clamour of life just had me going through the motions of my quiet time but I couldn't hear God. I would highly recommend reading this whether you're in a bit of a rut like I was or not. God will speak through it to each person uniquely depending what they need to hear. Lots of practical advice and a book that flows well.
April 19, 2023
This book had some good ideas and was helpful in some ways, however, with due respect to the author, the book for me was spoiled by the use of a swear word, albeit some ** blocking out a few letters. The author is obviously intelligent and could have got the meaning and expression across without actually using the word. Because of this I would be careful who I recommended the book to.
February 19, 2022
An excellent book full of useful suggestions to grow in relationship with God and to better walk the path He has laid out before you.
The 14 chapters are split into themes which enable us all to find quiet time strategies which best suit our unique personalities and the season of life we're in. Each chapter has a helpful summary page, with questions or tasks to practically help you to follow Jesus.
1. Encounter
2. Distraction
3. Scripture
4. Memorise and meditate
5. Journaling
6. Imagination
7. Wonder
8. Persevering
9. Simplicity
10. Hidden life
11. Generosity
12. Mission and justice
13. Depth
14. Seasons
It's a resource that you'll refer to again and again as you desire and grow in a deeper relationship with God.
The book is also accompanied by a free series for group sessions which can be found at 24-7 Prayer.
The 14 chapters are split into themes which enable us all to find quiet time strategies which best suit our unique personalities and the season of life we're in. Each chapter has a helpful summary page, with questions or tasks to practically help you to follow Jesus.
1. Encounter
2. Distraction
3. Scripture
4. Memorise and meditate
5. Journaling
6. Imagination
7. Wonder
8. Persevering
9. Simplicity
10. Hidden life
11. Generosity
12. Mission and justice
13. Depth
14. Seasons
It's a resource that you'll refer to again and again as you desire and grow in a deeper relationship with God.
The book is also accompanied by a free series for group sessions which can be found at 24-7 Prayer.
July 10, 2022
You can be a new follower of Jesus Christ or a seasoned faith walker. No matter. This guide to developing a stillness and receptive heart when communicating in a time with God will encourage you -and broaden your view of the discipline of a quiet time.
January 5, 2023
really good guide to discovering how best to spend your quiet time, but also what you can get out of it. lots of practical tips, but also going back to the basics of what a quiet time is. left this book with a renewed sense of what it is to encounter God everyday, and how best to do it!
February 14, 2023
Easy read. Includes great, practical ways to spend time with and draw closer to God. Went through this with my adult Bible study group and had the added advantage of accessing the videos that complement the book.
December 5, 2025
Well structured and some good ideas for reflection. Honest and openly written. Probably little new for an experienced Christian, but a gentle reminder of how to do better those things which we persistently fail at! Doesn’t do it in a preachy or make guilty manner.
March 12, 2022
Great book
Great book that focused my bible reading and prayers. Very enjoyable style of writing. A must read for those who have a walk with christ.
Great book that focused my bible reading and prayers. Very enjoyable style of writing. A must read for those who have a walk with christ.
April 14, 2022
Really practical and helpful.
May 9, 2022
I want to read this again and again
October 21, 2022
Loved this little book. I believe it was supposed to be an Lent study, so I’m a little behind. But the sentiment remains. We need more stillness in our lives.
November 13, 2022
Some really useful practical tips that I will be adding to my quiet time. I just didn’t connect with the book or the writing.
January 20, 2023
Excellent book. Inspiring, engaging and helpful
February 19, 2023
LOVED IT. Took my time with reading it so I could fully process everything Brian was talking about. Really helpful for young Christians :) x
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews