Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us (Transforming Resources)

Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us [Adele Ahlberg Calhoun] on the truth that transformation in Christ occurs through the disciplines of formation. Finally This is one resource you will want to have at your fingertips.
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Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us - eBook

I would pass this recommendation on to others. What I have read so far of the devotions and practices is good. Obviously inspired by the Holy Spirit for today's disciples. A retreat speaker and trained spiritual director, she has taught courses at Wheaton College and Northern Seminary. Have you heard about these practices and wanted to try them? Have you wandered from one practice to another not sure quite what to do? Are you overwhelmed by all the to-dos of your spiritual life?

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We have good desires—for a more intimate prayer Read this book simultaneously with Robert Mulholland's "Invitation to a Journey". Based on Mulholland's discussion on the relationship between the Myers-Briggs personality types and spiritual disciplines, we can use this book to actually choose spiritual disciplines to practice that would nurture our "shadow side" Mulholland's term so that we can all be transformed into Christ's image.

The book doesn't have to be read sequentially as it is more a reference than anything. However, the disciplin Read this book simultaneously with Robert Mulholland's "Invitation to a Journey". However, the disciplines are arranged according to the acronym W-O-R-S-H-I-P where each letter means something, and spiritual disciplines that generally fall into each category are grouped under each of the letters.

There is quite a bit of overlap of disciplines, especially where some disciplines address the individual or the group such as a church or small group , even though the name of the discipline might change depending on whether it's supposed to be practice individually or corporately in groups. In some cases, Calhoun briefly writes about the history of the disciplines, especially if they've been around for centuries, and in all instances she has reflection questions and spiritual exercises that help the person actually go through and practice each discipline.

The appendix is also full of helpful stuff.

Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun

There's a brief quiz Spiritual Growth Planner where you rate your reactions to and experiences with some common disciplines and, based on your total score, you're rated as to which disciplines you are not so good at and which disciplines you are excellent with. Again, if taken together with Mulholland's book, the disciplines we're not good at are basically the ones we need to practice quite a bit more than the ones we're really good at in order to nurture the "shadow side" and have a wholistic and holistic spiritual life.

There's also a portion in the appendix that gives suggestions on how to use the book for a series of discussions on the spiritual disciplines for the congregation or small group, suggestions for spiritual mentors, names for worshiping God, a list of all the Bible verses with "one another" in them, prayer postures, how to spend time with God even if it's just 15 minutes a day , suggestions for fasting prayer for the church, and seasons and stages of [spiritual] transformation.

A very good helpful book and spiritual tool for the Christian who thirsts to be with God and a good reference companion for the spiritual journey. Oct 07, Benjamin Vineyard rated it it was amazing Shelves: Practices That Transform Us by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun By the time I came across Calhoun's book, I was becoming comfortable with the spiritual formation language - though the theological premise in her title still bothers me: The most intriguing feature for Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: The most intriguing feature for me was the "Seasons of the Soul" piece in the appendix - where stages or seasons of a person's spiritual state were paralleled to the four growing seasons.

Also most helpful was the "Spiritual Growth Planner," which I also despised the name. The good of this was the introspection it made available. Sometimes a good question can take you to a good place. If there is fault with the book, I'll say it's that it doesn't speak strongly or directly enough about the commission to make disciples. Rather, it renders the disciple's journey mostly to the inner, introspective elements - which have their necessary places. Feb 18, Tim rated it it was amazing. I have not read the Spiritual Disciplines Handbook all the way through, but have dabbled in it extensively.

It is a fine reference work with short entries on a broad range of practices of the Christian life. Calhoun is not expecting you to do them all, but is instead offering a place to reflect on a broader and deeper spiritual life and resources to engage. Divided into seven general categories Worship, Open Myself to God, Relinquish the False Self, Share My Life with Others, Hear God's Word, Incarnate the Love of Christ, Pray , it offers pages of description, Scripture, questions and spiritual exercises which are central for individual and group reflection , and further bibliography for each of the subjects.

Not comprehensive, but thought provoking and well-rounded, offering directions for beginning or expanding upon the practices being pursued by individuals and communities. I like the broad nature of the practices examined - it does not feel like a consumer marketplace, choosing what is "best" for you, but like an examination of the depth of an expansive tradition. Nov 09, Steve Campbell rated it it was amazing Shelves: This is an excellent resource for learning about and putting into practice spiritual disciplines. It is not meant to be read cover-to-cover, but I found it helpful to read it that way to get the lay of the land.

I look forward to going back and picking up the spiritual disciplines that help to fulfill my spiritual longings. For each spiritual discipline the author has a box that summarizes the desire that disciplines helps to meet, a definition of the discipline, some supporting scripture verses This is an excellent resource for learning about and putting into practice spiritual disciplines. For each spiritual discipline the author has a box that summarizes the desire that disciplines helps to meet, a definition of the discipline, some supporting scripture verses, the practices the discipline includes, and the God-given fruit we can receive from practicing that discipline.

She then writes a fuller description of the discipline followed by some reflection questions, suggested spiritual exercises, and additional resources. I highly recommend this book to those who want to deepen their experience with Jesus. Sep 19, Cambofield rated it really liked it Recommends it for: Anyone concerned with the Inner-life. I keep coming back to this very handy handbook. I look through the table of contents and ask God, "What do you want to teach me? It's not a substitute for a spiritual director, but when one isn't handy, it's not too bad May 06, Greg rated it liked it.

I appreciated the cookbook approach taken in this book. The author states the book is not intented to be read cover to cover at one time.

Practices That Transform Us

Rather, you chose a spiritual discipline you want to develop and the book outlines exercises that help develop that discipline. Very useful on a personal level. Jul 08, Hillary rated it it was amazing.


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New favorite - worst title. So refreshing, can open to any discipline, and there are more than you think! And a page and a half draws you into the meaning and heart of that discipline, spurring on desire for God, and seeing the beauty of His design and blessing of all that He has given us. Aug 24, Ruth rated it it was amazing.

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This is the one book from my college InterVarsity days that I think I'll keep forever. I don't read it often, and have never read all the way through it, but it's a rich resource for spiritual practices. Those practices have made a real impact on my life. Even flipping through the book is inspiring to me.

Jun 15, Donna Arthur rated it it was amazing. This book contains ideas for the common person to use on a daily basis to help them grow closer to God. It not only contains the well-known spiritual practices but ones such as "unplugging, rest, slowing, secrecy, retreat and teachability.

Spiritual Disciplines Handbook Practices That Transform Us

Nov 13, Cindy rated it it was amazing Shelves: This book has been a valuable tool for me, discipline by discipline it will challenge you to take a walk into the deeper waters. If you're ready to really look at the self, what you truly believe spiritually, as well as knowing that its time to speak the truth and surrender your will to God Get ready for some deep inner work within your self.

Dec 25, Doug rated it it was amazing Shelves: I've sample parts of this illuminating and practical book. I highly recommend it and I look forward to using it as a resource at our church. Practices That Transform Us - eBook. What would you like to know about this product? Please enter your name, your email and your question regarding the product in the fields below, and we'll answer you in the next hours. You can unsubscribe at any time. Sign in or create an account. Search by title, catalog stock , author, isbn, etc. Add To Cart 0. Paperback Book Revised Edition.

InterVarsity Press Publication Date: Invitation to a Journey: Crafting a Rule of Life: Macchia , Mark Buchanan.