Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer Book Review

About the Book:

We are constantly being formed by the world around us. To be formed by Jesus will require us to become his apprentice.

To live by what the first Christian disciples called a Rule of Life—a set of practices and relational rhythms that slow us down and open up space in our daily lives for God to do what only God can do—transforms the deepest parts of us to become like him.

This introduction to spiritual formation is full of John Mark Comer’s trademark mix of theological substance and cultural insight as well as practical wisdom on developing your own Rule of Life.

These ancient practices have much to offer us. By learning to rearrange our days, we can follow the Way of Jesus. We can be with him. Become like him. And do as he did. 

You can read an excerpt here. You can watch the book trailer here.

My Review:

I am quite impressed by this book. I have read a number of books on Christian growth and spiritual formation and I would put this one at the top. Comer reminds us we are being formed whether we realize it or not. If we want to be formed into the people God wants us to be, we must be intentional to that end.

Comer encourages to become followers of Jesus. We are to be whole life apprentices to Jesus. He gives information and practical strategies to do that. He gives three aspects: Be with Jesus, Become like Him and Do as He Did. It is a long process for us to become the people God had in mind when He willed us into existence.

I like Comer suggesting we take an audit, an honest look at the forces now forming us. He presents a working theory of change to help us understand how we are transformed. And finally, he encourages us to form a Rule of Life, intentionally ordering our lives around what matters most: God.

I really like the informative and practical nature of this book. While I am familiar with some of the material, Comer has insights I've never seen before. If you read only one book this year on spiritual growth, make it this one.

My rating: 5/5 stars.

 

About the Author:

John Mark Comer is the founding pastor of Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon, a teacher and writer with Practicing the Way, and the bestselling author of The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry plus four previous books.

WaterBrook, 288 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)