Marjorie Thompson gives us a wonder look at Spiritual Disciplines and a how to guide on your personal Spiritual Development. Her book is a revised edition of a title she brought out in 1995. It has been added to, but not overly changed from it's original form. Thompson became enamored with Spiritual Disciplines by Henry Nouwen and a class she took on the subject. She takes the topic and develops into what is sure to become a classic work on Spiritual development. As mentioned in the introductions this book has become one of the main texts for many Universities and Seminaries on the topic of Spiritual Development.It is well written, well researched and it is obvious that Marjorie has personally practiced each of the disciplines that she will define, explain and give examples for how to grow in their use.
The book very much reminds me of Richard Foster's book, Celebration of Disciplines. Marjorie will mention his work in her book and frankly you will find that they are so similar in nature that if you have read one you have read them both.
I am very impressed with her method of writing, Her gentle encouragement of the reader to take the "baby steps" necessary to start growing, but then encourages you to continue to work at it and development the disciplines into a life long habit that will draw you much closer to God.
I think that all Christians, lay people as well as pastors, will find this book useful for growing their relationship with the Lord. I would encourage you to not only read this book but if possible enroll in a course at a local Christian University that offers a course in Spiritual Formations, you will not be disappointed.
I pray God's blessing on you as you feast on these concepts.
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