“A Man’s Guide to the Spiritual Disciplines: 12 Habits to Strengthen Your Walk With Christ”
by Patrick Morley
When the ALERT bookstore started carrying this book last August, I was immediately drawn by the sharp looking cover and the all-important topic. Words like “Discipline” and “Habits” aren’t very common in today’s culture, and being in the middle of Quest, I knew how important it was for men to be disciplined.
I bought the book then, and started reading it in September. I just finished it. I know, it was slow and drawn out. But it was greatly enjoyed over that long, drawn out reading process.
This book lives up to its cover, providing a simple, accessible, action oriented guide to twelve classic Christian disciplines that will set men free.
Breaking the habits into four parts, this guide starts with those disciplines related to the Works of God, then the Word of God, then the “Whisper” of God, and finally the Witness of God. The twelve disciplines are:
- Stewarding Creation
- Bible Reading/Study
- Prayer
- Worship
- The Sabbath
- Fellowship
- Seeking Counsel
- Fasting
- Spiritual Warfare
- Stewardship
- Service
- Evangelism
These are not new ideas, but Patrick Morley does an excellent job of putting a new face on the musty idea of Christian discipline. Each chapter is full of colorful illustrations and short, easily digestible sections. Each chapter ends with practical action-oriented steps to take. While I read the book by myself and got quite a bit out of it, it would be perfect to use for a Bible study or men’s fellowship group. The author draws on his decades of experience in working with men to craft a unique work tailor made for the interests and attention of a wide spectrum of American men.
I would definitely recommend this book to any men or young men who want to take practical, tangible steps to deepen their relationship with God. This book is the perfect place to start.
