Sacred Rhythms Review

1. Last year, Crystal and I worked through a couple of books together, along with some other readings.  We have always enjoyed reading out loud to each other, and highly recommend this practice to any couple!
2. As part of a project, we tried something new.  We selected a book and invited another couple to join us.  We set up a private group for the four of us on Facebook.  We all committed to reading 1-2 chapters a week.  We all made comments on each chapter, utilizing questions from the “Journeying Together” study guide at the end of the book.
3. The book was Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation, by Ruth Haley Barton.  Instead of telling you how great the book and the group reading was, I have decided to let the participants do so.

 

The following quotes are excerpts from the group discussion on each chapter.  I have only included my personal comments from the introduction.  The couple’s names are not included.  They are referred to as “Husband” and “Wife.”

Introduction

• Jared: I like Barton’s language.  I have studied spiritual disciplines over the years.  I think the language of “disciplines” puts too much emphasis on work, when really these are ways to participate in the grace of God.
• Barton calls these spiritual practices “rhythms.”  “This language draws on the imagery of the natural rhythms of the created order: The ebb and flow of the ocean waves and tides, which come and go steadily but are full of infinite variety and creativity” (p. 15).
• She is saying something I haven’t heard often.  That is, as you practice these rhythms, don’t be rigid.  Allow yourself time to respond.  Don’t get frustrated if you respond to one idea more than another.  That’s natural.  Pay attention to the ways God might move your soul.

Longing for More: An Invitation to Spiritual Transformation
Crystal: One quote that stood out to me from Chapter 1 is, “the experience of longing and desire . . . reminds me that I am alive in ways that I want to be alive” (p. 19).  I love the Scripture about Christ having come to give us life and THAT more abundantly.  I want more abundant life.  I want to be alive in ways I have never experienced.  I want to express joy in the midst of trial, peace in the midst of chaos, grace in the midst of turmoil.  I want the LIFE of Christ to flow in me so readily I respond and do greater things than He (like He said we would).

Solitude: Creating Space for God
Wife: Oh, solitude.  I would love to intentionally become more quiet and create a “sacred space.”  My quiet moments are few and far between.  It was nice to just sit and think about the rhythm of my life and how nice the rhythm of quietness is.  I do not spend as much time as I should (or want to) doing this or even meditating of His word in general.  This chapter opened up my eyes to the importance of just being . . . and finding the right rhythm . . . but I need to spend time alone reflecting on things and just be in His presence.  I need to learn to rest in God.  I bet that feels worlds better than simply a good night’s sleep.

Prayer: Deepening Our Intimacy with God
Wife: I loved the concrete information on how to find your “breath prayer” (p. 76).  I plan on doing this, to create my few-syllables-long prayer that will be my go-to breath prayer when I am waiting or need to feel close with Him.