Falling for God: Saying Yes to His Extravagant Proposal

by Gary W. Moon

Falling in love is one of life’s greatest joys.
So imagine the endless joy of falling head over heels for God.

Falling in love is one of the most magnificent experiences of human life. Remember what it feels like? How it happens? You spend time with that special someone, get to know each other, and then one day find yourselves so intimately connected it is as though your souls have become intertwined.

Compare that experience with your current relationship with God. Why doesn’t it feel just as passionate, just as wonderful? Gary Moon believes it can.

If you’re not head over heels in love with God, you’re missing out on an incredible experience–but you’re not without hope. Falling for God will inspire you to pursue a passionate, intimate relationship with a God who–even though he doesn’t need anything from you–wants more than anything to be united with you.

Through Bible study, personal meditation, and classic spiritual exercises, you’ll discover how to experience this loving connection with the lover of your soul. The journey will take you through honest conversation and active communion to a deeper experience of intimate union with God. Falling for God will move you to embrace an all-out passion for joyful and abundant living.

Genres: Christian Living, Theology

240 pages, Paperback

First published March 16, 2004

About the author

Sometimes credited simply as Gary Moon

Gary W. Moon (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is director of the Martin Family Institute and Dallas Willard Center for Christian Spiritual Formation at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. He also codirects Fuller's doctor of ministry degree program in spiritual direction, which blends ancient Christian spirituality, Ignatian spirituality, and spiritual formation insights from Dallas Willard. He served as distinguished professor of psychology and Christian spirituality at Richmont Graduate University, editor in chief for the journal Conversations, and director of the Renovaré International Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation. His books include Apprenticeship with Jesus and Falling for God.

Reviews

[EmilyDressner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for one of my graduate coursed called persona and spiritual life of the counselor. It is an incredible book and completely readable for anyone. It is a great primer for understanding and implementing spiritual practices like contemplative prayer that help us learn to hear the voice of God through silence and solitude AND through the noise of our crazy world. One of my favorite points he makes about about coming to just sit in the God's presence is that their are no expectations. Many of us (myself included) shy away from these practices because we feel like we are supposed to "make something happen" or have an amazing experience every time. Really that's not what practicing God's presence is about at all- rather it's about just being with him and allowing him to guide the time together.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first began reading this book my brain yawned and thought "Another Christian book." Once I hit chapter 4, I felt he did an incredible job at breaking down what it means to "hear God." The most profound chapter in the book for me was chapter 8 on forgiveness. It should be mandatory, that all married couples read this chapter once a month. It was truly down to what intimacy means, and what it takes to get there...good stuff. I felt myself daydreaming several times through the book, but the author finishes the book with an honest, vulnerable story about his own marriage that left me with deep respect for his hunger to share about his own discoveries. Truly, a great read.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book on developing a deep intimate relationship with God. Focus is on Covesation, Communion, and union. Worth a double read!

[Colm Alton · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are interested in books about spiritual formation, this is a fantastic read. This book is full of practical insight but also filled with great metaphors and descriptions about what our relationship with God is supposed to be like. This book casts a great vision of what falling in love with God is like and the transformation that is possible in our relationship and pursuit of God. This is a great complimentary book to read alongside authors such as Richard Foster, Dallas Willard and John Mark Comer etc.

[Patrick Mooney · Rating 1 out of 5]

Love God, not so much the book.

not a great book. goes on a tangent. Love the topic though. with a little more development it could be really good though!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a fun and definitely helpful read. I like the author's writing style, very accessible, easy to understand and grasp. And quite funny. I also enjoyed his Bible study and meditations at the end of each chapter, I found them incredibly helpful with comprehending the chapter's theme. I noticed from reading the author's work that he really is passionate about communicating the subject, especially in the last chapter, where he summarizes his main point: making it a goal to love God and to be open to having a relationship with Him. To fall in love with God and all that He is offering us. Very inspiring. And this book packs a lot of great suggestions to begin the journey.

[Jennifer Radtke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Each chapter leads you through a step closer to God with ideas from other authors and personally collected stories. Each chapter also has a Bible study, a meditation, and a spiritual exercise that connects to the topic covered. This book did not talk specifically to one form of Christianity but brought together all of the styles that have been created through the years. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking to dig deeper into their faith. The new Christians may find this to be too far thinking and a tad overwhelming. It was a wonderful read and I am glad that it jumped off the shelf into my hand.

[Patrick Donohue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has had a significant impact on me. Where other books gave me theological context for change, this one helped me see how to commune with God (through the spiritual practices of the saints who've gone before us, including the very theologians who defined the aforementioned "context."). I recommend this book heartily to anyone seeking to be and feel close to God, to be transformed by His Grace, and to begin living like He actually does treasure you.

[Kyna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gary is a friend of mine and a former professor. He first wrote Homesick For Eden, and I feel this book is the completion of those thoughts. I enjoyed this book. I have also had the benefit of attending two of his lectures on the subject as he has evolved his material. He is always inspiring and challenging in his work.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a great book to read and use as a work book. very practical stuff, but requires about 30-45 min. per chapter to read and do work. this is one of the books that helped me through the process of decision making to come to NYC!

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS is what I want in my heart of heart!!!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

THis is life changing!

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best examples of Christian meditation I've seen--maybe the only!

[Yahweh37 · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was an awesome book. It will drive you deeper. wonderful.