Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us [Paperback]

Adele Ahlberg Calhoun (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 19, 2005

Fasting. Solitude. Contemplative prayer. Lectio divina. 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? We have good desires--for a more intimate prayer life, perhaps, or deeper insight from God's Word--but we don't know how to get there. So we give up our pursuit, tired from wandering aimlessly, and end up feeling guilty and more distant from God instead of closer. In the Spiritual Disciplines Handbook Adele Calhoun gives us directions for our journey toward intimacy with Christ. While the word discipline may make us want to run and hide, the author shows how desires and discipline work together to lead us to the transformation we're longing for--the transformation only Christ can bring. Instead of just giving information about spiritual disciplines, this Handbook is full of practical, accessible guidance that helps you actually do them. Mothers, fathers, plumbers, nurses, students--we're all on a journey. And spiritual disciplines are for all of us who desire to know Christ deeply and be like him. Here is direction for our desire, leading us to the ultimate destination: more of Christ himself.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. This discussion of spiritual practices that have defined Christians over the centuries certainly lives up to its name. Sixty-two spiritual disciplines or practices are explained, grouped in seven themes, including worship, prayer, sharing life with others, hearing God's word and listening to God's voice. Calhoun, a pastor of spiritual formation at Christ Church in Oak Brook, Ill., writes as one who has lovingly studied, appreciated and collected some of the most influential Christian spiritual material over many years. Her language and style are respectful to Christians from many traditions—Orthodox, Catholic, reformed and evangelical. Readers could dip into this handbook at any theme or practice and find enough prayer and reflection suggestions to keep them engaged in holy mystery for a long time. The practices range from personal and introspective, such as engaging in silence and solitude, to extroverted and service-oriented, as in stewardship and care of the earth. Calhoun also offers a multitude of options for companionship—spiritual direction, a mentor, accountability partners, prayer partners, spiritual friendship and small groups. This handbook is a treasure of "tried and true" spiritual practices written well enough for everyone from the novice to the master to use. (Nov.)
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Review

"A treasure of tried and true spiritual practices written well enough for everyone from the novice to the master to use." (Publishers Weekly, September 26, 2005 (starred review) )

"We are living at a time when the Prostestant church is rediscovering the truth that transformation in Christ occurs through the disciplines of formation. Finally, Adele Calhoun has pulled all of these together into one volume, complete with clear definitions and practices of a variety of ways that God uses to grow our lives. No longer do you have to root through scattered pieces of paper, nor a chapter here and there to get the big picture of the tried and true disciplines. This is one resource you will want to have at your fingertips." (Greg Ogden, executive pastor of discipleship, Christ Church of Oak Brook, and author of Discipleship Essentials and Transforming Discipleship )

"I love this book! Adele has provided a treasure trove of spiritual disciplines that will nourish your soul, striking a delicate balance between accessibility and depth that comes from her own faithful practice. Read it, engage the disciplines, and allow God to transform you in the deepest levels of your being." (Ruth Haley Barton, cofounder, The Transforming Center, and author of Sacred Rhythms and Invitation to Solitude and Silence )

"I have long profited from Adele Ahlberg Calhoun's gifts in the field of spiritual development, and I am delighted that she has compiled her experience with spiritual disciplines into book form. I highly recommend it and I look forward to using it as a resource at our church." (Dr. Timothy Keller, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, NYC )

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Product Details

• Paperback: 293 pages
• Publisher: IVP Books (October 19, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830833307
• ISBN-13: 978-0830833306
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,408 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #21 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Other Practices > Ritual

More About the Author

Adele Ahlberg Calhoun (M.A., Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) currently copastors Redeemer Community in Wellesley, Massachusetts, with her husband, Doug. She was formerly Pastor of Spiritual Formation at Christ Church in Oak Brook, Illinois.

A trained spiritual director, she has taught courses at Wheaton College and Northern Baptist Theological Seminary. In the early 1970s she helped pioneer student work with the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. She has also worked with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship in New England and Canada and with the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students in the West Indies and South Africa.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Transformational, July 24, 2006

By 

K. Parsons (Berwyn, PA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us (Paperback)

As a pastor, I have read many books on spiritual development and growth. As a Christian seeking to grow spiritually, I have read even more. Like a previous reviewer, I would place this book on par with Richard Foster or Dallas Willard--perhaps even higher because it is so very accessible. I am particularly taken with the way in which the author links a person's natural desires with his or her best choice of disciplines. As all Christians know, it is easier to read about spiritual disciplines than practice them, and I have certainly been guilty of that. However, in the weeks since I bought Calhoun's book, I have read very little. Rather, I have been PRACTICING. And that says it all. Phenomenal!

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spiritual Disciplines Handbook, February 6, 2006

By 

L. Richardson - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us (Paperback)

Adele Calhoun has done a masterful job exploring and expanding our minds in the realm of the spiritual disciplines. This book is accessible and, at the same time, contains a depth of perspective and spirituality--quite a remarkable combination. I believe this is the best book on the spiritual disciplines written since Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline, first published 25 years ago.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Synthesis of the Spiritual Disciplines, March 22, 2006

By 

Brad Kenney (Denver, CO) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us (Paperback)

As a chaplain in hospice care and for a professional sports team I am always looking for books that synthesize larger topics or "weightier" works and bring practical applications to the forefront.

Calhoun's contribution does an excellent job of presenting (succinctly) the necessary introductions into the spiritual formation practices that have been a part of the church for so many years. The greatest advantage for myself is the ability to use this book as a launch pad into other parts of the community that cover the various disciplines in greater depth or detail. And the practical aspects of the book make this a necessary purchase!

This book is a must read for lay leaders, an excellent resource for pastoral leaders, and a welcome addition to any church, school, seminary, or personal library.