Pilgrim Heart: The Way of Jesus in Everyday Life

by Darryl Tippens

Originally, the way of Jesus was considered a distinctive way of life rather than a sophisticated theological system. Pilgrim Heart re-imagines discipleship as - first and foremost - a particular way of life guided by a set of simple, but powerful, daily practices known to the earliest disciples and the saints through the ages. These Friendship; Sabbath Rest; Hospitality; Confession; Forgiveness; Listening; Discernment; Singing; Creating; Telling Stories. How would this approach to the religion of Jesus change the way we think and live? Pilgrim Heart is an invitation to consider afresh the way of Jesus in light of practices that have proven to transform lives for two thousand years.

Genres: Religion

224 pages, Paperback

First published May 2, 2006

Reviews

[Donner Tan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find this book to be a good guide to soul care.. to be put alongside books like 'Keeping the Sabbath Holy' (Dawn) and 'Testament of Devotion'(Kelly). The gentle, conversational tone immediately puts you in the state to receive soul food, soul care and rest. Indeed, in my own frantic world of speed, tight schedule and demands, this is a welcome reminder to slow down and take ourselves a little less seriously and let God be God. For example, I took his suggestion to sometimes take the slowest lane to deliberately drive at a lower gear! Tippens suggests helpful way to prevent the rigor of discipleship and vocation from wearing us out for the lack of space and time to receive the fresh dews of God's nourishment through the practices of spiritual reading, hospitality, forgiveness, music, art, story-telling and rest. It is still a difficult discipline for me despite the number of very good materials I've read on the subject. The balance between work and rest remains a delicate one to maintain. But Tippens has a knack of slowing you down with every page and opening up a space amidst the clutter so we can breathe deep from the eternal source of life. It is however a different kind of book than what i thought the title suggests. With the title 'the way of Jesus in everyday life' I was expecting to read about the pathos of the suffering cross and the rigor of discipleship but what I have found instead is a congenial retreat companion that every serious Christ-follower will benefit from for its timely reminder to take breaks, care for one's own heart, travel light and enjoy the journey. For the weary, struggling, hurting and beleaguered pilgrims, Tippens has written a balm full of gentle wisdom.

[Emma Sotomayor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tippens examines various spiritual disciplines and how believers might implement them in their own lives. He uses examples from Christian history and guidance from Scripture to show how we might live out our faith with actions such as confessing sins, creating art, and even sharing a meal together.

This book was extremely peaceful to read. Tippens has a lyrical writing style that draws the reader in and gently points out the value of living a life wholly transformed by Christ. He addresses issues that might come up (such as the "worship wars") and overall demonstrates much grace in his way of looking at spiritual disciplines. I appreciated the ecumenical bent to this book. Overall, a delightful read that challenged me and encouraged me to work more on these disciplines and turn my heart to Christ.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm looking through various church types of books for potential materials for adult education. This book has a list of 15 practices that are described in about 10 pages each. The book is well written and gives some insights on these practices. I consider it more of a reference for a class rather than actual topics for a class.

[Garrett Behrends · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been in a spiritual disciplines kick lately and this is my second book on the subject (Willard was my first, Foster my next) and it was great! I'm not a great reviewer, but I'll say that if you have questions about spiritual disciplines then give this book a read!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great challenge to be reminded of our need to discipline ourself in order to become more like Jesus. Each chapter is a reminder of the need to chasten ourself, restrict ourself, remind ourself to be selfless in life and live for Jesus.

[Jennifer Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our pastor did a series based on this book and walking through the practices of the pilgrim heart. I enjoyed reading along.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last spring I finished reading Pilgrim Heart: The Way of Jesus in Everyday Life by Darryl Tippens while leading a Sunday AM class studying it at church.

From the product description:

Originally, the way of Jesus was considered a distinctive way of life rather than a sophisticated theological system. Pilgrim Heart re-imagines discipleship as - first and foremost - a particular way of life guided by a set of simple, but powerful, daily practices known to the earliest disciples and the saints through the ages. These include: Friendship; Sabbath Rest; Hospitality; Confession; Forgiveness; Listening; Discernment; Singing; Creating; Telling Stories. How would this approach to the religion of Jesus change the way we think and live? Pilgrim Heart is an invitation to consider afresh the way of Jesus in light of practices that have proven to transform lives for two thousand years.

I enjoyed the book, although it was lighter on explicit references from the New Testament than I would have expected for a book about "the way of Jesus." My favorite chapter was "Welcoming: Opening Doors to Strangers" in which Tippens describes the radical, self-sacrificial hospitality that many Christians practiced during the first few centuries AD. I previously reproduced a big quote from that chapter and why it stood out to me here: http://jonmower.com/heres-your-chance...

[Hillrey Dufner]

Faith is not just belief. Abram's faith was first a belief, then grew as he obeyed and put his belief into action.

[Jeremy Painter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was our weekly Bible study book while living in a foreign country. So practical. So meaningful. Inspired to live whole-heartedly for Christ.

[Franci · Rating 2 out of 5]

Required textbook.

Aside from the casual sexism, it was interesting.