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Seeking God: Finding Another Kind of Life with St. Ignatius and Dallas Willard
Jesus promised, “Seek and you will find!”Do you long for a transforming encounter with the living God? Jesus assures us that those willing to become seekers will find what their hearts most deeply desire.Profoundly influenced by his long friendship with Dallas Willard, and his experience guiding people through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius for the last thirty years, Trevor Hudson offers you a practical tool kit for your seeking journey. Designed to help you move beyond insight to encounter the living God in your life, each chapter invites you to experience the crucified and risen Christ.Together with a free video series based on the book and a study guide by Dr. Gary Moon, Seeking God makes an an ideal study for individuals and groups longing to discover what following Jesus may look like in our broken and suffering world, as well as for individual reading.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 20, 2022
105 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 11, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My first book read for the Renovaré bookclub and I benefitted greatly from the supplemental materials to this book and hearing Trevor Hudson describe some of the elements himself. It was like a journey with various intentional stops instead of a traditional book to finish. I enjoyed the way he engaged with the teachings of St. Ignatius as a spiritual Guide from the past and with Dallas Willard, a personal friend and mentor of Trevor’s.
The main thing with this book is that is you don’t do the exercises, you won’t find the benefits. I recommend it for a slow read!!!
My first book read for the Renovaré bookclub and I benefitted greatly from the supplemental materials to this book and hearing Trevor Hudson describe some of the elements himself. It was like a journey with various intentional stops instead of a traditional book to finish. I enjoyed the way he engaged with the teachings of St. Ignatius as a spiritual Guide from the past and with Dallas Willard, a personal friend and mentor of Trevor’s.
The main thing with this book is that is you don’t do the exercises, you won’t find the benefits. I recommend it for a slow read!!!
November 14, 2022
Hard to express how much this book means to me. I read this for the Renovare Book Club. I adore Trevor Hudson, and his gentle, wise soul shines through in this book as well as in the supplemental materials and videos. As others have mentioned, the greatest benefit will come from a slow reading as well as engaging in each exercise.
July 24, 2025
Highly recommend! Following are some of my personal reflections on this book that I wrote during an exercise at the end of the book.
1. I realized that I view seeking God as a relinquishment/death and not as an opportunity or a way to have my deepest desires met. My view of seeking God has been lopsided. Yes, seeking God includes a death to self and relinquishment of pursuing my own desires, but it is also a beautiful, wonderful opportunity. Seeking and finding God is the ultimate fulfillment of all my desires.
2. To be spiritually mature and closer to God, desire itself does not have to be (and should not be) shut off. It is a gift God gave that has been perverted by the enemy. Where desire must be guarded and pruned where it would lead to sinful excess and selfish pursuits, desire needs to be cultivated and allowed to flourish when in it’s pure form. Our desires for beauty, connection, worth, life— they can all be beautifully met and fulfilled through the unending riches of belonging, purpose, satisfaction, and pleasure that God offers us through relationship with His Son Jesus.
3. Seeking God only for behavior improvement is egregiously incomplete. We say we believe God is love, that He’s the embodiment of joy and peace, and yet we often act like seeking Him is a chore, a heavy responsibility that weighs on us without bringing joy or peace or the knowledge of being loved. How sad.
4. No matter what terms we use in our Wesleyan holiness theology of two crises experiences, self is a problem. It always poses the threat of tripping us up. While we do surrender self to God and allow it to be purified and crucified with Christ, to be fallen in this world and not yet glorified has left a deep mark of self on us. God lovingly and truthfully exposes this selfishness the longer we walk with him. As we seek him, we begin to realize that we have selfish motives in a certain area, that maybe what we thought was zeal for God‘s kingdom has been tainted and is really a zeal to make ourselves appear successful. We realize our own lack of patience with others is less a reflection on how frustrating they are, and more a reflection of our own lack of Spirit-filled love. To seek God is to sign up for God‘s continual yet beautiful exposing of the residual selfishness and warped ways of thinking in our hearts and minds.
1. I realized that I view seeking God as a relinquishment/death and not as an opportunity or a way to have my deepest desires met. My view of seeking God has been lopsided. Yes, seeking God includes a death to self and relinquishment of pursuing my own desires, but it is also a beautiful, wonderful opportunity. Seeking and finding God is the ultimate fulfillment of all my desires.
2. To be spiritually mature and closer to God, desire itself does not have to be (and should not be) shut off. It is a gift God gave that has been perverted by the enemy. Where desire must be guarded and pruned where it would lead to sinful excess and selfish pursuits, desire needs to be cultivated and allowed to flourish when in it’s pure form. Our desires for beauty, connection, worth, life— they can all be beautifully met and fulfilled through the unending riches of belonging, purpose, satisfaction, and pleasure that God offers us through relationship with His Son Jesus.
3. Seeking God only for behavior improvement is egregiously incomplete. We say we believe God is love, that He’s the embodiment of joy and peace, and yet we often act like seeking Him is a chore, a heavy responsibility that weighs on us without bringing joy or peace or the knowledge of being loved. How sad.
4. No matter what terms we use in our Wesleyan holiness theology of two crises experiences, self is a problem. It always poses the threat of tripping us up. While we do surrender self to God and allow it to be purified and crucified with Christ, to be fallen in this world and not yet glorified has left a deep mark of self on us. God lovingly and truthfully exposes this selfishness the longer we walk with him. As we seek him, we begin to realize that we have selfish motives in a certain area, that maybe what we thought was zeal for God‘s kingdom has been tainted and is really a zeal to make ourselves appear successful. We realize our own lack of patience with others is less a reflection on how frustrating they are, and more a reflection of our own lack of Spirit-filled love. To seek God is to sign up for God‘s continual yet beautiful exposing of the residual selfishness and warped ways of thinking in our hearts and minds.
December 21, 2022
Read as part of Renovare Book Club-simply written but deeply thoughtful. Will keep for a re-read at a slower pace, lots here.
January 6, 2023
Summary: Spiritual formation is about encountering God, not gaining knowledge.
It has been about 18 months since I finished my spiritual direction training. That training was an Ignatian program, although we were not trained to give the whole exercises as Trevor Hudson has done. Ignatius' exercises have plenty of depth for a wide variety of introductions, and I think Hudson's choice to use Ignatius and Dallas Willard as conversation partners was a good choice.
Good spiritual writing is hard. Not just because it is hard to use human language to describe both mystical realities and an indescribable God but because it is hard to say something "new." I put new in parenthesis because very little is actually new in spiritual writing. Culture is always changing, and the situations and emphasis are changing. But the rough concepts do not change much. Dallas Willard is helpful but can be a bit dense and hard to understand. Ignatius is distant in time and requires help with translation to a modern context. Trevor Hudson has written a fairly short and readable book about what it means to seek after God and how to do that.
I have not read many spiritual formation books this year because I needed a break after spending a couple of years in my spiritual direction program. But I have no problem saying that this was the best spiritual formation book I read in 2022, even if there was not a lot of competition this year.
I listened to this as an audiobook because that was the cheapest method of purchase, and I was reading this as part of Renovaré's book club. I always appreciate the resources that the book club includes. There are in-person or online discussion groups if you want to participate. There are weekly podcasts, often with the author. And there is a good variety of new and old books. This year the books are Seeking God, GK Chesterton's Orthodoxy, the newest book from Richard Foster, Learning Humility, and The Narrative of Sojourner Truth. The audiobook was fine, but this book is better read slowly. And I think probably better in print. It is a book that would benefit from rereading as well.
It has been about 18 months since I finished my spiritual direction training. That training was an Ignatian program, although we were not trained to give the whole exercises as Trevor Hudson has done. Ignatius' exercises have plenty of depth for a wide variety of introductions, and I think Hudson's choice to use Ignatius and Dallas Willard as conversation partners was a good choice.
Good spiritual writing is hard. Not just because it is hard to use human language to describe both mystical realities and an indescribable God but because it is hard to say something "new." I put new in parenthesis because very little is actually new in spiritual writing. Culture is always changing, and the situations and emphasis are changing. But the rough concepts do not change much. Dallas Willard is helpful but can be a bit dense and hard to understand. Ignatius is distant in time and requires help with translation to a modern context. Trevor Hudson has written a fairly short and readable book about what it means to seek after God and how to do that.
I have not read many spiritual formation books this year because I needed a break after spending a couple of years in my spiritual direction program. But I have no problem saying that this was the best spiritual formation book I read in 2022, even if there was not a lot of competition this year.
I listened to this as an audiobook because that was the cheapest method of purchase, and I was reading this as part of Renovaré's book club. I always appreciate the resources that the book club includes. There are in-person or online discussion groups if you want to participate. There are weekly podcasts, often with the author. And there is a good variety of new and old books. This year the books are Seeking God, GK Chesterton's Orthodoxy, the newest book from Richard Foster, Learning Humility, and The Narrative of Sojourner Truth. The audiobook was fine, but this book is better read slowly. And I think probably better in print. It is a book that would benefit from rereading as well.
March 29, 2024
This is the first book I have read by Trevor Hudson and I am hoping that is other books are as good as this one because I intend to read more. Hudson encourages readers to seek an intimate friendship with our creator by sharing wisdom and teachings from Dallas Willard, St. Ignatius as well as sharing his own life, wisdom and experience. The book is accessible and encouraging.
April 9, 2022
Seeking God, Finding Another Kind of Life by Pastor Trevor Hudson shares how seeking God is continuity and never-ending process throughout a Christian life. I like how Pastor Trevor said: "Christianity is essentially a seeking faith." The book gives spiritual exercises that Pastor Trevor Hudson learn from Pastor St. Ignatius and Pastor Dallas Willard. When spiritual practices are applied, they will lead to an abundant life. The rich life that transforms by the call of repentance, experiencing resurrection joy, the desired Zoe life, faithful discipleship life, and deep friendship with God.
In Chapter Finding God in All Things, Pastor Trevor shares the scripture in Ephesians 4:6. Going through the passage in Ephesians, for me, one thing special that I gained from this book is how I can find God in His body - His church. I like how Pastor Trevor puts it: "Imagine, also, God present in the people you see (those whom you love, those who live next door, those you do not like) and in your own life as well." God's design is for us to enjoy God in His community of believers, and I believe this book will help us get there.
I want to comment on the statement in this book: "When asked why they choose not to identify with the church, one recurring reason was given: Christians lack compassion." I want to defend the Christians because I believe it is not the Christians who lack compassion. On the negative side of my observation, the people who do not identify with the church are people who do not have the humility to adhere to the Bible principles. Principles such as loving, forgiving, and serving one another. Those who prefer to part way with the church rather than fulfilling Jesus's desire in His prayer in John 17:22 (NIV) "I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—..." As the book conveyed that the goal of transforming lives is to become compassionate like God.
One of the lessons in this book is the process of seeking God in the hardest of times can still lead to spiritual joy. I can feel the personal experience of Pastor Trevor when he faces discontentment and disappointment. And when Pastor Trevor shared a letter to Pastor Dallas of his feelings, Pastor Dallas replied letter truly gave courage and enlightenment on viewing the joy from God. As said the words of Pastor Trevor when he spent time with Pastor Dallas: "Whether I listened to him hum a favorite hymn ... or even watched him struggle with virulent cancer, I felt a contagious joy about his presence." That is the reason I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
I recommend this book to all religious people who live a life without a spiritual purpose. I believe the spiritual exercises in this book will give you the way step by step towards a purposeful relationship with God. I like Pastor St Ignatius's prayer at the end: "Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and all my will—all that I have and possess. You, Lord, have given all that to me. I now give it back to you, O Lord. All of it is yours. Dispose of it according to your will. Give me love of yourself along with grace, for that is enough for me." Appreciations to Pastor Trevor Hudson for sharing this book, and may God bless you on your journey of seeking God and make it known to your hearer. Amin.
In Chapter Finding God in All Things, Pastor Trevor shares the scripture in Ephesians 4:6. Going through the passage in Ephesians, for me, one thing special that I gained from this book is how I can find God in His body - His church. I like how Pastor Trevor puts it: "Imagine, also, God present in the people you see (those whom you love, those who live next door, those you do not like) and in your own life as well." God's design is for us to enjoy God in His community of believers, and I believe this book will help us get there.
I want to comment on the statement in this book: "When asked why they choose not to identify with the church, one recurring reason was given: Christians lack compassion." I want to defend the Christians because I believe it is not the Christians who lack compassion. On the negative side of my observation, the people who do not identify with the church are people who do not have the humility to adhere to the Bible principles. Principles such as loving, forgiving, and serving one another. Those who prefer to part way with the church rather than fulfilling Jesus's desire in His prayer in John 17:22 (NIV) "I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—..." As the book conveyed that the goal of transforming lives is to become compassionate like God.
One of the lessons in this book is the process of seeking God in the hardest of times can still lead to spiritual joy. I can feel the personal experience of Pastor Trevor when he faces discontentment and disappointment. And when Pastor Trevor shared a letter to Pastor Dallas of his feelings, Pastor Dallas replied letter truly gave courage and enlightenment on viewing the joy from God. As said the words of Pastor Trevor when he spent time with Pastor Dallas: "Whether I listened to him hum a favorite hymn ... or even watched him struggle with virulent cancer, I felt a contagious joy about his presence." That is the reason I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
I recommend this book to all religious people who live a life without a spiritual purpose. I believe the spiritual exercises in this book will give you the way step by step towards a purposeful relationship with God. I like Pastor St Ignatius's prayer at the end: "Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and all my will—all that I have and possess. You, Lord, have given all that to me. I now give it back to you, O Lord. All of it is yours. Dispose of it according to your will. Give me love of yourself along with grace, for that is enough for me." Appreciations to Pastor Trevor Hudson for sharing this book, and may God bless you on your journey of seeking God and make it known to your hearer. Amin.
April 11, 2022
A practical guide to finding and living the [zoe] life that God wants for us. What we find within are the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola (founder of the Jesuits) as they are applied by Trevor Hudson (a protestant minister) who learned them from Fr Andrew Norton (an Anglican Monk) and mapped them to every day living with the help of American philosopher Dallas Willard. Truly a fascinating mix.
The book opens with an introduction to the two “Seekers” (Ignatius and Willard) that will illustrate what we should seek and how to seek it. Each chapter ends with an example prayer and notations. For chapters with practical applications details for the reader, there is also specific “Seeking Exercises” to put the concept into practice and to develop the appropriate habits. In my opinion, it was these exercises that made this work exceptional.
For the most part, I doubt any believer who has answered the call to discipleship will find much that is new in the basic admonition to repent (although there is a brief examination of the term linking the concept to a change in direction in chapter 3), how to properly align/order our deepest desires (Chapters 4 and 6) and how to be “God’s compassionate image bearer” within a fallen world (chapters 7 and 8); however, the author’s analysis and use of personal experience resonated with me more than many of the many inspirational and devotional works that I have encountered in the recent past. In addition, chapter 5 presented a new way (for me) of looking at “The Gospel Way of Discipleship” divided into three elements: “The Way of Information”, “The Way of Inspiration” and “The Way of Interaction.”
I was given this free advance review copy (ARC) ebook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#SeekingGod #NetGalley
The book opens with an introduction to the two “Seekers” (Ignatius and Willard) that will illustrate what we should seek and how to seek it. Each chapter ends with an example prayer and notations. For chapters with practical applications details for the reader, there is also specific “Seeking Exercises” to put the concept into practice and to develop the appropriate habits. In my opinion, it was these exercises that made this work exceptional.
For the most part, I doubt any believer who has answered the call to discipleship will find much that is new in the basic admonition to repent (although there is a brief examination of the term linking the concept to a change in direction in chapter 3), how to properly align/order our deepest desires (Chapters 4 and 6) and how to be “God’s compassionate image bearer” within a fallen world (chapters 7 and 8); however, the author’s analysis and use of personal experience resonated with me more than many of the many inspirational and devotional works that I have encountered in the recent past. In addition, chapter 5 presented a new way (for me) of looking at “The Gospel Way of Discipleship” divided into three elements: “The Way of Information”, “The Way of Inspiration” and “The Way of Interaction.”
I was given this free advance review copy (ARC) ebook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#SeekingGod #NetGalley
November 24, 2022
My response to this book was unexpected. My contemplative soul has been seeking God for ... well, let's just say, many years. But the artful dance that Hudson weaves between the principles of St. Ignatius' Spiritual exercises, the reality of Dallas Willard's living expression of knowing God intimately, and Hudson's own gentle grace, story and wisdom, beckoned me not to race through the book, but to step inside its rhythm. In fact, I read it through once, then immediately turned back to reflect on the inordinate number of notes I'd made throughout its pages.
It's because of this book I'm addressing my heart's deepest desires, that I now keep a little wooden cross on my keyboard, that I've written my 'beloved charter', that I remind myself daily I'm an "unceasing spiritual being ..." and that I've faced yet again, the 'not enough' syndrome.
I could add more, but in short, I could hug this book. The reason being, that as I read then responded to its teachings and 'Seeking Exercises', I felt like God was hugging me.
It's because of this book I'm addressing my heart's deepest desires, that I now keep a little wooden cross on my keyboard, that I've written my 'beloved charter', that I remind myself daily I'm an "unceasing spiritual being ..." and that I've faced yet again, the 'not enough' syndrome.
I could add more, but in short, I could hug this book. The reason being, that as I read then responded to its teachings and 'Seeking Exercises', I felt like God was hugging me.
January 17, 2025
I’ll keep coming back to this one!
April 28, 2025
Great book on Spiritual Formation.
August 5, 2023
Beautiful. Highly recommend.
September 1, 2022
I've been very fortunate to have sat under Trevor Hudson's teaching a few years ago. Trevor's style of 'inviting' his listeners and readers to reflect on Jesus's teachings and his interpretation thereon was quite significant for me. As was his teaching on the Prodigal Son.
This book is simply excellent and every believer should take some time to invest in it. It's not just a book to read but one to immerse oneself in certain practices, contemplations and reflections as you walk through each chapter. Hudson is an old friend of Dallas Willard's and a keen advocate of Ignatius of Loyola's Spiritual Exercises and he engages with content from both in each chapter.
I love how Carolyn Arend's in her Afterword makes this statement:
"In the wondrous book we have just read, Trevor has given us the gift of time with three such loving hearts - three 'God-soaked' lives crackling with the radiant fire of Jesus' presence. Two of these loving hearts are Trevor's good friends, Ignatius of Loyola and Dallas Willard. And the third, of course, is Trevor himself."
Hudson opens by inviting the reader to consider the Christian faith being a seeking one. We are always seeking more of God and after introducing his two friends: Ignatius and Willard, Hudson goes on to outline what a seeking life looks like and how we can join in the adventure. Each of the eight chapters contains 'pause' moments, dubbed 'Seeking Exercises' that enable us to reflect on the content being shared by all three gentlemen. I found this exercises to be tremendously useful in engaging with Jesus. In addition, each chapter concludes with a wonderful prayer that can be used throughout the day.
The seeking life includes such well known principles of repentance (ie, changing direction), discerning our deepest desires, dying to self and finding God in all things but it's the manner in which Hudson presents them that is so powerful.
One measures the quality of such books by how it stirs one's heart for more of Jesus. To use Arends' words, my heart was 'crackling with radiant fire' for the 'Zoe life' (the divine life that God can impart to us) as I made my way slowly through each chapter. I'm left with so much but this prayer lingers on my lips: "Please give me a heartfelt and intimate knowledge of who you are, that I may come to love you more intensely and follow you more closely."
I feel very blessed to have received an early ebook version from NavPress via NetGalley with no expectation of a favourable review. I will be purchasing many copies to share with friends when it releases and I expect I will be reading it again very soon.
This book is simply excellent and every believer should take some time to invest in it. It's not just a book to read but one to immerse oneself in certain practices, contemplations and reflections as you walk through each chapter. Hudson is an old friend of Dallas Willard's and a keen advocate of Ignatius of Loyola's Spiritual Exercises and he engages with content from both in each chapter.
I love how Carolyn Arend's in her Afterword makes this statement:
"In the wondrous book we have just read, Trevor has given us the gift of time with three such loving hearts - three 'God-soaked' lives crackling with the radiant fire of Jesus' presence. Two of these loving hearts are Trevor's good friends, Ignatius of Loyola and Dallas Willard. And the third, of course, is Trevor himself."
Hudson opens by inviting the reader to consider the Christian faith being a seeking one. We are always seeking more of God and after introducing his two friends: Ignatius and Willard, Hudson goes on to outline what a seeking life looks like and how we can join in the adventure. Each of the eight chapters contains 'pause' moments, dubbed 'Seeking Exercises' that enable us to reflect on the content being shared by all three gentlemen. I found this exercises to be tremendously useful in engaging with Jesus. In addition, each chapter concludes with a wonderful prayer that can be used throughout the day.
The seeking life includes such well known principles of repentance (ie, changing direction), discerning our deepest desires, dying to self and finding God in all things but it's the manner in which Hudson presents them that is so powerful.
One measures the quality of such books by how it stirs one's heart for more of Jesus. To use Arends' words, my heart was 'crackling with radiant fire' for the 'Zoe life' (the divine life that God can impart to us) as I made my way slowly through each chapter. I'm left with so much but this prayer lingers on my lips: "Please give me a heartfelt and intimate knowledge of who you are, that I may come to love you more intensely and follow you more closely."
I feel very blessed to have received an early ebook version from NavPress via NetGalley with no expectation of a favourable review. I will be purchasing many copies to share with friends when it releases and I expect I will be reading it again very soon.
January 31, 2023
Thank you so much to Penguin Books South Africa/LAPA Uitgewers for a review copy of Seeking God! Besides knowing Ps. Trevor Hudson, I am looking at ways to grow my faith and get skills for reading Scripture better or improving my relationship with God. So it’s safe to say that when this arrived in the mail, I was so so excited!! 🤩
Ps. Trevor Hudson takes the reader on a journey towards a deeper fascination with Jesus. He uses references to some of the Spiritual Exercises from St. Ignatius as well as his personal journey and friendship with Dallas Willard to weave a beautiful compelling work for the person who wants a different life. Ps. Trevor’s gentle way comes through these pages as well as his deep devotion to Jesus and to his friendship with Jesus. He also doesn’t shy away from letting the reader know that he doesn’t have it all together either yet, that we are all on a journey. And that’s pretty incredible.
After telling one of his stories, the ending line is “It doesn’t have to be this way” and this for me was a stand-out line. It has so many applications and implications. If our lives are broken, it doesn’t have to be this way. If we feel unfulfilled, it doesn’t have to be this way. If our relationship with Jesus isn’t where it needs to be, it doesn’t need to be this way! There is something more. There is something that can be done. There is a person who can change our lives significantly – the person of Jesus.
The one chapter that stood out to me the most was the chapter on discerning our deepest desires. It was incredible because when we hear the word desire, we automatically think of it with a negative connotation. What Ps. Trevor does so amazingly in this chapter, is explain that desire is not bad. It can be corrupted but it is not bad and actually, God created us as beings with the ability to desire. It is built into us. It’s our job to figure out our desires and what we then do with them. To quote from the book, “Hence, God sometimes leaves us with the responsibility to discern our truest desires and decide which way to go.” This was a great chapter in my opinion.
Then, the next biggest thing that I took away from this book was one of the Spiritual Exercises that encourages the reader to read through one of the gospel accounts and then imagine yourself in it. You can be one of the characters that are already in the story, or you could be yourself, but the idea is that you live the story. In this way, you can try to imagine what Jesus was thinking and doing and why he did what he did in the story. The intention of this exercise is to try to get to know Jesus much better. It’s called imaginative prayer. This was my favourite takeaway from this whole read (amongst many other things!).
Here’s the imaginative prayer exercise straight out of the book:
“Take a few moments to experiment with imaginative prayer. Choose your favourite Gospel story. Read through it a few times to reacquaint yourself with the details. Put the Bible down and ask God for the grace to come to know, love, and follow Christ more deeply. Step into the scene as a participant rather than as a spectator. See the persons involved, hear the words spoken, watch the actions performed. Pay attention to where you find yourself in the story.
What do you see? What do you hear? How do you feel? What goes through your mind? Above all, interact with Christ as he meets you in this story, share whatever is on your heart with him, and listen to what he may be saying to you. Afterwards, make a few notes of how it went for you.”
This really is an incredibly helpful tool for anyone seeking Jesus, but also for someone who already follows Jesus and wants to deepen that friendship and relationship! ♥️ This is the kind of book that’s not just light reading. It would be best to read slowly and with intentionality. The most benefit will be derived from doing each exercise with thoughtfulness around it which is definitely my intention.
Ps. Trevor Hudson takes the reader on a journey towards a deeper fascination with Jesus. He uses references to some of the Spiritual Exercises from St. Ignatius as well as his personal journey and friendship with Dallas Willard to weave a beautiful compelling work for the person who wants a different life. Ps. Trevor’s gentle way comes through these pages as well as his deep devotion to Jesus and to his friendship with Jesus. He also doesn’t shy away from letting the reader know that he doesn’t have it all together either yet, that we are all on a journey. And that’s pretty incredible.
After telling one of his stories, the ending line is “It doesn’t have to be this way” and this for me was a stand-out line. It has so many applications and implications. If our lives are broken, it doesn’t have to be this way. If we feel unfulfilled, it doesn’t have to be this way. If our relationship with Jesus isn’t where it needs to be, it doesn’t need to be this way! There is something more. There is something that can be done. There is a person who can change our lives significantly – the person of Jesus.
The one chapter that stood out to me the most was the chapter on discerning our deepest desires. It was incredible because when we hear the word desire, we automatically think of it with a negative connotation. What Ps. Trevor does so amazingly in this chapter, is explain that desire is not bad. It can be corrupted but it is not bad and actually, God created us as beings with the ability to desire. It is built into us. It’s our job to figure out our desires and what we then do with them. To quote from the book, “Hence, God sometimes leaves us with the responsibility to discern our truest desires and decide which way to go.” This was a great chapter in my opinion.
Then, the next biggest thing that I took away from this book was one of the Spiritual Exercises that encourages the reader to read through one of the gospel accounts and then imagine yourself in it. You can be one of the characters that are already in the story, or you could be yourself, but the idea is that you live the story. In this way, you can try to imagine what Jesus was thinking and doing and why he did what he did in the story. The intention of this exercise is to try to get to know Jesus much better. It’s called imaginative prayer. This was my favourite takeaway from this whole read (amongst many other things!).
Here’s the imaginative prayer exercise straight out of the book:
“Take a few moments to experiment with imaginative prayer. Choose your favourite Gospel story. Read through it a few times to reacquaint yourself with the details. Put the Bible down and ask God for the grace to come to know, love, and follow Christ more deeply. Step into the scene as a participant rather than as a spectator. See the persons involved, hear the words spoken, watch the actions performed. Pay attention to where you find yourself in the story.
What do you see? What do you hear? How do you feel? What goes through your mind? Above all, interact with Christ as he meets you in this story, share whatever is on your heart with him, and listen to what he may be saying to you. Afterwards, make a few notes of how it went for you.”
This really is an incredibly helpful tool for anyone seeking Jesus, but also for someone who already follows Jesus and wants to deepen that friendship and relationship! ♥️ This is the kind of book that’s not just light reading. It would be best to read slowly and with intentionality. The most benefit will be derived from doing each exercise with thoughtfulness around it which is definitely my intention.
November 24, 2022
I was on board with Trevor's book from the beginning when he showed how we are to continually seek God; it's not a one time event. Two sentences stuck with me: "It doesn't have to be this way" and "Another kind of life is available".
What I loved being brought to the table is this medley of three lives: Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556), Dallas Willard (1935-2013), and Trevor, all seeking Jesus, inviting the reader to join in through the reading and seeking exercises. Even though that seems like it could be a lot going on in each chapter, it was clear and accessible to me.
I did not read it with the Renovaré book club (even though I do know Renovaré -- Trevor was my cohort's Renovaré Institute teacher), and I read the book even more quickly than the book group. But, that is the way I like to read such books. I read the entire book first and then go back and re-read slowly. After reading this book, I did sign up to do the 38 week Creighton University Online Ignatian Retreat. I'd love to do Ignatian exercises in person (with a complete stranger...lol), but online works out well with my life.
I do wish authors and editors would discontinue the use of "dark" as a metaphor for something bad such as used in this book on pages 79 and 84 because the metaphor after all these decades (centuries) is overused and has ended up causing harm. If something is physically dark (dark night, the light of day physically), then I'm fine with it. Or if quoting St. John of the Cross (or other ancient writers), then I'm not asking for the metaphor to be redacted, but surely now we can be more specific in our words. Still, I'm giving the book five stars. As Carolyn Arends writes in her afterword: "...Trevor is always quick with the reminder that each one of us is a singular word God speaks into the world. As surely as Ignatius, Dallas, and Trevor each embody another kind of life within their specific contexts, gifts, and circumstances, you and I are also invited to become a uniquely accented articulation of God's life and love."
I recommend any of Trevor Hudson's books, yet this might be my favorite thus far.
What I loved being brought to the table is this medley of three lives: Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556), Dallas Willard (1935-2013), and Trevor, all seeking Jesus, inviting the reader to join in through the reading and seeking exercises. Even though that seems like it could be a lot going on in each chapter, it was clear and accessible to me.
I did not read it with the Renovaré book club (even though I do know Renovaré -- Trevor was my cohort's Renovaré Institute teacher), and I read the book even more quickly than the book group. But, that is the way I like to read such books. I read the entire book first and then go back and re-read slowly. After reading this book, I did sign up to do the 38 week Creighton University Online Ignatian Retreat. I'd love to do Ignatian exercises in person (with a complete stranger...lol), but online works out well with my life.
I do wish authors and editors would discontinue the use of "dark" as a metaphor for something bad such as used in this book on pages 79 and 84 because the metaphor after all these decades (centuries) is overused and has ended up causing harm. If something is physically dark (dark night, the light of day physically), then I'm fine with it. Or if quoting St. John of the Cross (or other ancient writers), then I'm not asking for the metaphor to be redacted, but surely now we can be more specific in our words. Still, I'm giving the book five stars. As Carolyn Arends writes in her afterword: "...Trevor is always quick with the reminder that each one of us is a singular word God speaks into the world. As surely as Ignatius, Dallas, and Trevor each embody another kind of life within their specific contexts, gifts, and circumstances, you and I are also invited to become a uniquely accented articulation of God's life and love."
I recommend any of Trevor Hudson's books, yet this might be my favorite thus far.
June 7, 2023
In Seeking God, Trevor Hudson introduces the reader to two seemingly unconnected spiritual giants from two very different times. The first of these is Ignatius of Loyola, one of the founders of the Jesuits and the author of Spiritual Exercises. The second is Dallas Willard, pastor and philosopher and one of the most influential Christians of the past fifty years. Trevor Hudson has walked through the Spiritual Exercises and has also led many others through them as well. In this book he takes his experience in this, combines it with touchpoints in his long friendship with Willard (who passed away ten years ago), and presents it to us today.
Early on, Hudson says that Ignatius' Exercises isn't a book that should be read but rather followed, preferably with a mentor. I would argue that the same is true with this book as well. Each chapter is peppered with 2-3 "seeking exercises" that actually make for great short stopping points. This book would work great as a devotional where a person stops reading at each of these exercises and then uses it, and what they just read, as an opportunity for directed prayer and reflection. In doing this, it would probably take about three weeks to go start to finish. Even better, the book can be done as a small group. Covering a chapter a week, it would take eight weeks to work through the book, and the group could reflect together on the exercises they did during the week.
Either way, I have been blessed by this book. I read Ignatius' Spiritual Exercises shortly after college and remember not being very impressed by them. Hudson would probably say it is because I was reading it, not doing them. I think it might be time to go back and do it again.
Early on, Hudson says that Ignatius' Exercises isn't a book that should be read but rather followed, preferably with a mentor. I would argue that the same is true with this book as well. Each chapter is peppered with 2-3 "seeking exercises" that actually make for great short stopping points. This book would work great as a devotional where a person stops reading at each of these exercises and then uses it, and what they just read, as an opportunity for directed prayer and reflection. In doing this, it would probably take about three weeks to go start to finish. Even better, the book can be done as a small group. Covering a chapter a week, it would take eight weeks to work through the book, and the group could reflect together on the exercises they did during the week.
Either way, I have been blessed by this book. I read Ignatius' Spiritual Exercises shortly after college and remember not being very impressed by them. Hudson would probably say it is because I was reading it, not doing them. I think it might be time to go back and do it again.
December 16, 2022
Seeking God by Trever Hudson has one nugget which sticks even after reading it. I am paraphrasing but the notion of seekers who somehow arrive when they become a follower of Christ they can seize to seek. No Hudson says, seeking God is a life long pursuit, and he goes to unpack what it means to seek God with helpful spiritual exercises so that we not only know more, but practice seeking God in the person of Jesus. How he has an intimate connection with his Abba father, we can also have. And being called into God’s family so we can be transformed into the image of God for the sake of others. This is a life lived in regular repentance from disorder to flourishing through the wisdom of Saint Ignatius and Dallas Willard.
May 3, 2025
This was my first Trevor Hudson book, and I definitely don’t intend for it to be my last. He’s incredibly easy to read, and I think he has a down-to-earth way of articulating life with God and some of the mystical aspects of faith. I feel like he gave me fresh language to use to describe my own journey with God, as well as to encourage others as they consider their own story and process before the Triune God. He’s also piqued my interest even more so I’m walking through the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius. Overall, this was a sweet and deeply encouraging book — and I’d definitely recommend it!
November 14, 2022
I read this book as part of the Renovare Book Club. And, all I can say is, wow. I’m sure that part of my experience of this book has to do with what is going on in my life right now, but God used every chapter to speak directly to me. Trevor Hudson writes in a way that is extremely engaging and easy to follow. Every chapter flows together, and the exercises that are included make the book easy to apply. Most importantly, this book helped me encounter God, which is the entire point of the book. It’s one of the top 5 most spiritually impactful books I’ve ever read.
November 26, 2022
I liked Seeking God a lot. Trevor Hudson is a gentle instructor, patiently leading us toward a greater understanding of the way of the disciple. I found much to chew on as I read this book.
One of the really fascinating aspects of this book are the various personal conversations that the author had w Dallas Willard, over many years.
The Renovare Book Club introduced me to this book, sharing a number of recorded conversations and even a live interview w the author. I found these to be very helpful, so that I could hear the author’s voice as I was reading.
One of the really fascinating aspects of this book are the various personal conversations that the author had w Dallas Willard, over many years.
The Renovare Book Club introduced me to this book, sharing a number of recorded conversations and even a live interview w the author. I found these to be very helpful, so that I could hear the author’s voice as I was reading.
April 7, 2023
This was a really gentle and tendor book about how we can seek God in our lives. The book has been inspired by the teachings of Dallas Willard and Ignatius of Loyola. I really loved the authors stories about his personal interactions with Dallas Willard and gave a great insight into the kind of person and discipler he was. This is a great book to start someone off on different ways a person can begin to seek God in their own lives. I love the hope the book conveys that we really can live our lives in interactive relationship with God.
January 11, 2024
Wow. Trevor Hudson is a breath of fresh air for folks who have been told that salvation in Christ is a matter of believing the right things. He walks with a couple of voices, old and new, to help people step into a different kind of living all together. This book will provide practical steps, simple activities, and some new ways of thinking for people who are tired of trying to make their hearts catch up with their brains, and who just want nothing but to step into a closer walk with God. High, high recommendation.
October 13, 2024
I can't recommend this book enough. It came to me at a particularly challenging time in my faith walk, and was a breathe of fresh air. Insightful, challenging, priestly, and prophetic, "Seeking God" was not only theologically solid, but also provided practical exercises throughout to "put into practice" the things the reader is hearing. It was as close as a book can come from having a mentor like Trevor Hudson sit across the table from you, sharing a cup of coffee, and providing spiritual guidance and direction.
November 24, 2022
For the most part I read Christian books and wonder why they were written. The vast amount tend to say the same thing. Trevor Hudson has written a wonderful book full of personal experience and wanting to share the influences that have moulded his Christian walk. This is a book for mature Christians in my opinion and needs to be read slowly and to spend time with the exercises to really get the most out of it. This will be a book that I hope to re-read one day.
March 16, 2023
Well worth the time and effort. I heartily recommend it.
Trevor does a wonderful job of weaving Ignation and Willardian practices and wisdom throughout, but as Carolyn Arends says - he has a lot fo himself in the book also.
This is a book that deserved to be read slowly and engaged in. Trevor has numerous exercises throughout the book that I will go back and do the book slowly - perhaps even on a retreat.
Trevor does a wonderful job of weaving Ignation and Willardian practices and wisdom throughout, but as Carolyn Arends says - he has a lot fo himself in the book also.
This is a book that deserved to be read slowly and engaged in. Trevor has numerous exercises throughout the book that I will go back and do the book slowly - perhaps even on a retreat.
December 26, 2023
This South African pastor walks us through what Dallas Willard and St. Ignatius taught him about growing in intimacy with Jesus. He explains the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius. The importance of seeking God and discerning our deepest desires is emphasized. I appreciated his thoughts on dying to self-centeredness and experiencing the joy of the resurrection. I was intrigued by the idea that we need to empathize with Jesus in his sufferings as part of our deepening friendship with him.
February 7, 2025
Great insights for the lives of two men who loved Jesus and walked with Him and are now with Him now.
Beautiful and powerful prayer at the end:
“Take Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, all that I have and possess. Thou hast given all to me. To Thee, O lord, I return it. All is Thine, dispose of it wholly according to Thy will. Give me Thy love and thy grace, for this is sufficient for me.”
Ignatius
Beautiful and powerful prayer at the end:
“Take Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, all that I have and possess. Thou hast given all to me. To Thee, O lord, I return it. All is Thine, dispose of it wholly according to Thy will. Give me Thy love and thy grace, for this is sufficient for me.”
Ignatius
October 25, 2022
Trevor Hudson writes a book that incorporates two men of different times who knew how to walk with God.
To see ourselves as seekers throughout our lives is refreshing and gives space for continual growth.
This is a great book and I highly recommend it.
I will be reading it again at a much slower pace very soon.
To see ourselves as seekers throughout our lives is refreshing and gives space for continual growth.
This is a great book and I highly recommend it.
I will be reading it again at a much slower pace very soon.
November 23, 2022
Good introduction to the Spiritual Disciplines of St Ignatius, this book is meant to be experienced rather than read for information. I would have liked the book better if I were completely new to the exercises. Even then, I enjoyed the Seeking Exercises which invites the reader to explore and reflect on their relationship with God in Christ.
June 23, 2024
Life changing
This book will take you on a journey that will change your life in so many ways, including the way you do your walk with Jesus. In an incredibly compassionate way you will get to understand how much Jesus loves you, and cares for you, and how much deeper your walk with Him can be.
This book will take you on a journey that will change your life in so many ways, including the way you do your walk with Jesus. In an incredibly compassionate way you will get to understand how much Jesus loves you, and cares for you, and how much deeper your walk with Him can be.
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