Sabbath: Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "In the relentless busyness of modern life, we have lost the rhythm between work and rest..." (more)
Key Phrases: sacred rest, Jewish Sabbath, New Mexico, Henri Nouwen (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

It's sad that we need a book to remind us of the importance of scheduling time to rest and worship. But because we can work, shop, achieve, and otherwise stay busy every hour of every day of the week, we do. The statement, "I am so busy" has become a frighteningly common lament, according to author Wayne Muller. Our perpetual state of busyness represents a war on our natural rhythms that demand quiet and renewal in order to be emotionally, spiritually, and creatively fertile.

Honoring the Sabbath need not be a commitment to a specific day of the week, explains Muller. In fact, it can be a yearlong retreat or a morning walk--"anything that preserves a visceral experience of life-giving nourishment and rest."

Far more than an interesting concept, this is a good read. Each chapter is provocative and fluid, with topics such as "Fear of Rest," "Dormancy," and "The Way of Enough." At the end of his chapters, Muller offers stories, poems, or practices that speak to the themes of the Sabbath. --Gail Hudson

From Publishers Weekly

Taking the Jewish Sabbath tradition as his starting point, Muller (How, Then, Shall We Live?) uncovers the basic pattern of all living things to follow a rhythm of exertion and rest. Human beings are not exempt from the physical need for rest, and it is the author's contention that we have a deep spiritual need to regularly experience joy and to rest from our labors. Although he explicates from the Sabbath, Muller, an ordained minister, is not Jewish; he is merely appreciative of the Jewish tradition. In treating his subject, he touches on the ways in which many faithsAincluding Christianity, Islam and BuddhismAalso encourage a rhythm of work and rest. Muller does not limit Sabbath practice to a seven-day pattern but encourages his readers to create their own uniquely suitable Sabbath practicesAdaily, weekly or according to some other pattern. Each chapter ends with a couple of brief tales that exemplify an aspect of sacred rest, followed by practical suggestions for integrating a Sabbath spirit into daily life. Muller's insights are applicable within a broad spectrum of faiths and will appeal to a wide range of readers, from the eclectically spiritual to those practicing Judaism or professing Christianity.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Bantam (April 6, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553106724
• ISBN-13: 978-0553106725
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 5.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #81,845 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple, profound suggestions from a master teacher, November 29, 1999

By	John S. (Princeton, NJ) - See all my reviews

Wayne Muller once again in Sabbath takes the mystery out of bringing spiritual practice to a busy, complicated life. How often do someone's writings actually help change one's thinking or actions? Muller has that gift. In Sabbath he provides a simple, profound series of suggestions on how to practice mindful rest in a hectic life or in relationships full of other priorities. My wife and I now literally schedule quiet dates for quiet time with each other. By drawing from the rich Judeo-Christian and Eastern traditions of spiritual replenishment, Wayne Muller makes a telling case for the practice of Sabbath. But most importantly, he closes chapters with simple suggestions on how to bring this practice into your life. It is both a moving spiritual lesson and a how-to guide. It is certainly a terrific gift for your too busy friends.

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No other book has touched my life like this one, September 26, 1999

By	[e-mail] (Cedar Falls, Iowa) - See all my reviews

This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. It sinks into your soul and permeates the fibers of work, rush and chaos to calm, quiet and challenge how we live. My book club has read it, and loved it as much as I did. As one of the woman said, "I couldn't get past the first six pages. I would read it out loud to anyone who would listen to me". Each person has ordered at least 3 copies of it to give to friends and relatives. No other book has spoken to me in so many ways. As a youth minister I have read quotations to my kids to hopefully get them to understand the idea of Sabbath before they get to my age and have their life patterns set. I could never come up with enough adjectives to describe this wonderful book.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sabbath: Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest, March 16, 2000

By A Customer

This book has helped change my life and my focus from workaholicism back to joy of living and family, from exhaustion and fatigue to faith in restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest. As other reviewers have mentioned, Wayne Muller's writing also stirred my soul and restarted the sacred rhythm set within. I have read many parts of this books aloud to my family, and have given copies to family and friends. All have received it with enthusiam. Some parts brought tears to my eyes as Muller's words flow gently on target in each chapter, and I felt the grief and relief that comes from knowing the truth (and it does set you free). This book is well written, easy to read, and should appeal to people of many faiths. It is a simple, but yet profound book. Made so, because the author is a skilled writer in reaching across the diverse realm of the manmade world to point out the conflicts modern men and women have created at many levels; conflicts which block out or otherwise have many of us unaware of the true value of Sabbath and the sacred rhythms established by the Creator at all levels in all living things. This book will engage you with well chosen quotes, poems, and well written thoughts on the Sabbath. This is a must read!