Spiritually Practical
588819
Great practical read that will restore your faith in God as well as ease your worries about your singleness. Prepare and position!
672257
In this unusually deep, yet very practical guide to spiritual practice, Rohini Ralby shows us the map that will take us to God and bring about our own freedom.  Although the paths presented are simple to follow, the author emphasizes the need for the practitioner to put forth consistent effort in order for real change to occur.  Walking home with Baba does not offer feel-good, temporary solutions, but is a guide for the committed seeker that is grounded in Ms. Ralby's extensive understanding and practice of time-tested scriptures from both Eastern and Western traditions.  Interspersing personal stories with scriptural direction, she shares with the reader tools she has developed from decades of helping others to free themselves from their bonds.  Although this is a no-nonsense book intended for the person who is seeking the deeper truths, the author is not heavy-handed and often presents the humorous side of her spiritual development.

Starting by pointing out that there is a difference between what we think we are and what we truly are, the author introduces the reader to Patanjali's system of Yoga, outlining the many ways that we create our own prisons.  The text is compact but readable, and the author takes pains to help the reader who may not be familiar with the Sanskrit terms she uses.  Emphasizing that spiritual practice is the only way out of our misery and is "the discipline of self-surrender...a way of living, not a fix that makes us feel better for a moment", Ralby explains the necessity of engaging in the world while remaining unattached.  The reader is encouraged to go into their heart while looking out at the world with discernment, and is led through the steps that have been promoted by traditional mystics for centuries.  This is where liberation begins.

Care is taken to convey to the reader the that the same word may have a different meaning to each person who uses it, and the pitfalls of such assumptions.  The three levels of spiritual practice are introduced and examined, while the common aspects of many of the world's religions are touched upon.  This is not a dry read, as every other chapter contains personal stories that illustrate the author's life as her own ego was ground down.  The stories are poignant, intriguing, fascinating and sometimes funny, and reveal both the faults and the strengths of the human condition that manifest even within a monastic environment.

 Ralby's solid scholastic knowledge of important scriptures comes through even while helping readers to help themselves in their own journey toward God.  If you are interested in not just learning about, but practicing, the mystical tradition that all the major religions recognize, this book is worth a close, slow read.
3441645
Ministry Mantras has been a great book loaded with practical advice.  I wasn't expecting it to be such good kindling for my prayer life.  Each day, I'd read a mantra or two, reflect and then take some time talking to God about the truths I needed to blend into my life.  I highly recommend!
2375127
The author teaches the principal of sowing and reaping in a clear and practical manner. The book helped me renew my mind concerning being "blessed" - empowered to prosper.
2779138
Brad's book is really easy to read and practical for every Christian that wants to mature in his/her spiritual growth. Everyone can be a better Christian if we put first our heart in God and then fill our minds with a daily dose of the scriptures. It is very simple: The less we think about ourselves, the less miserable we will be, the more we can really do for people around us. If we spend some time in quietude every day, we will truly hear Him and put in practice our talents for what God really wants from us. Great Job, Brad!! :) Carolina Carter
1907009
Practical and inspiring, this book brings Christ to the workplace with simplicity and clarity. Fabulous.
2711197
I really enjoyed this book, each chapter is so easy to read and with practical advice in every page. Since reading it I went back to Journaling and it is making a difference in my Spiritual life. Highly recommend it.
4612923
This is a very practical book on spiritual warfare. He wants you to be familar with your bible and encourages people to study certain verses so you can fight the good fight. Still in the process of reading it.
2225692
I found this book in my local library and HAD to purchase my own copy. I read and reread. It is practical,compassionate, and transformational.
4673909
Moving, practical, prayerful guide.  Am still using this book daily, in small readings as a guide to spiritual growth.  More than met my expectations!  Something that I expect to return to again and again.  Written in a manner that immediately created both hope and trust.
3474033
This book is practical and not at all heavy-duty. Pope Francis is down-to-earth; the homilies, encyclicals, letters and addresses quoted here are accessible but still spiritually challenging.

Journal prompts for each day inspire reflection based on the Popes quotes, a Scripture passage and a prayer.

Each days section in the book is 3 pages or less. This is an undated book; sections are divided by the day in the liturgical year, so keep your church calendar handy. The bonus here is that the book isn't tied only to 2016!
2506217
Excellent practical introduction to spiritual direction, complete with activities to assimilate them in your personal life.
4174311
This is an excellent book! If you want practical suggestions on how to implement spiritual disciplines into your life this book is for you. Not only does Calhoun have disciplines that are commonly known and discussed, she also includes many that I had never heard of before now. This book is a tool to make spiritual disciplines come alive.
1648330
Sacramental Life: Spiritual Formation Through the Book of Common Prayer (IVP, 2008) by Daniel deSilva takes the reader through The Book of Common Prayer as a method of spiritual formation. Part of IVP's Formatio publishing line, Sacramental Life leads the reader to a deeper spiritual walk with Jesus by taking us through the riches of the Anglican prayer book.

The book is divided into four sections: Baptism, Holy Eucharist, Christian Marriage, and Christian Burial. Each section has a series of readings. Each reading ends in a practical application. All in all, there are 45 readings, making this an ideal book to read daily during a season of spiritual reflection.

There is much to glean from deSilva's book. The practical applications are especially helpful. Some of them are tangible expressions that could serve as powerful object lessons in a pastoral setting.

As a Baptist, my problems with Sacramental Life are theological in nature. There is much to appreciate in deSilva's comments on baptism. Yet, as expected, I part ways with deSilva on the mode of baptism as well as the persons qualifed for baptism.

Likewise, I take issue with several of deSilva's theological affirmations. For example, deSilva sees patriarchy as a sinful system of injustice (and therefore, in the Marriage section, he subsumes the wife-submission texts under the principle of mutual submission). He also affirms that Christ is the only way to the Father, but then undercuts that belief by encouraging prayer for God to have mercy on the dead.

Despite occasional unbiblical speculations and left-leaning presuppositions, most of the counsel in Sacramental Life is theologically sound and spiritually beneficial. I enjoyed the thoughtfulness of the book and the emphasis on returning to the past for spiritual formation in the present. The book succeeded in increasing my appreciation for The Book of Common Prayer, even if Sacramental Life is not a book I would heartily recommend for all readers.
337508
Praying Our Experiences is a practical and good approach to prayer. I re-read it often espcially during the Lenten Season
2699905
These authors have created a process in discipling others from a coach approach in a very practical and manageable method. Theologically grounded, and not just another "program" or project to build the church or spiritual community. This is about taking a coach approach through intensional conversations to helping others to grow their faith and stay accountable in a compassionate and purposeful way to following in the footsteps of Christ. I commend Harrison and Tidsworth's integrity of work for the 21st century in discipling others. This is about relationship building in the midst of the body of believers.
2733050
Another very good and practical introduction to the spiritual life. Do not be fooled by the title. It's not only for beginners! Someone who has been faithfully living a spiritual life for many years can profit from either reading it or using it as a book for meditation. It is much easier to understand and put into practice than a book such as The Spiritual Combat.