Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation (Hardcover)

~ Ruth Haley Barton (Author) "One of the things that still surprises me this far along in life is how and when and with what power my longing stirs..." (more)
Key Phrases: Holy Spirit, God's Spirit

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Christian spiritual disciplines are all the rage, and joining the legions of "how-to" books reintroducing contemporary Christians to ancient practices is this offering by Barton, a spiritual director and retreat leader (Invitation to Solitude and Silence). With elegant writing and a personal touch, she covers the basics handily—the role of desire and longing in relationship with God, praying with scripture, and the need for solitude, self-examination, discernment and Sabbath. She concludes with an exercise that helps one develop a "rule of life," or commitment to "structure and space for our growing." What makes Barton's handbook different from the rest is her personality; she describes the practices with the gentle touch of an understanding and knowing mystic, telling her own stories along the way. Barton recounts the time she and her bicycle were run over by a minivan (miraculously, she was not seriously hurt) and as she recuperated, she pondered whether this accident was a time to reconsider her need for Sabbath: "I did not want to acknowledge the possibility that it was that hard for God to get my attention." This book is a wonderful starting point for Christians eager to more deeply explore the life of the Spirit. (Mar. 30)
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Review

"Barton offers much wise, sane, concrete help for people ready for the 'more' of God amidst their busy lives." -- —Tilden Edwards, author of Sabbath Time and Living in the Presence

"I will enthusiastically recommend this book widely--both as preventative medicine and as needed therapy." -- —Brian McLaren, speaker and author of A New Kind of Christian

"In a kind, compelling and beautiful voice Ruth Haley Barton invites us to listen to an inner pulse." -- —Dan B. Allender, Ph.D., President, Mars Hill Graduate School, and author of The Wounded Heart and To Be Told

"Ruth Barton confirms what you've suspected--there is more to life than what most of us are living." -- —Reggie McNeal, author of The Present Future and A Work of Heart

"[Barton] describes the practices with the gentle touch of an understanding and knowing mystic." -- Publishers Weekly, January 29, 2006

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 191 pages
• Publisher: InterVarsity Press; annotated edition edition (February 10, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830833331
• ISBN-13: 978-0830833337
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #20,239 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #15 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Other Practices > Mysticism
  #23 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Other Practices > Ritual
  #32 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Spirituality > Prayer

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Literary Encouragement For Spiritual Cynics, January 4, 2007

By	Mitali Perkins - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have to confess that I'm just getting over a horrible "Been There, Read That" attitude when it comes to books about spiritual growth. That's why it came as a delightful surprise when (a) I couldn't put this book down, (b) I read several chapters again and again and used them to spur journal/prayer entries, and (c) I'm going to take it with me on my next overnight silent retreat. I especially enjoyed the reflections on discernment and self-examination. Thank you, IVP and Ruth Haley Barton, for this gem of a book.


(Note: I got the book at our public library, but have since purchased it as a gift for my sister and just ordered Barton's other book from IVP on solitude).

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book on spiritual transformation I've read recently, January 21, 2008

By	C. Lee (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

To be honest, I've gotten a little weary of books about spiritual disciplines. I always end up feeling guilty that I'm not more disciplined and perpetually struggle with having a consistent quiet time, after many years of being a Christian. Ruth Haley Barton cuts through all of that putting "discipline" (or "rule" or "rhythm" whatever you want to call it!) into the context of "desire," that we deeply long for God's transformation in our lives. She stresses that we cannot transform ourselves, only God can do that. But, we can arrange our lives in such a way that makes the conditions for transformation optimal. This book is extremely practical, gracious, and FREES you to seek God, rather than bind you to a set of rules. I highly, highly recommend it.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great candidate for Personal Book of the Year., July 30, 2007

By	Shawn Shannon - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have been refreshed and instructed by Sacred Rhythms. I am encouraged to explore developing (or discerning) a Rule for Life that will cultivate trust in God and love for others. Well done.