The postman delivered my copy of John Ortberg’s “The Life You’ve Always Wanted” today. Recently I have read books and found them challenging, uncomfortable, inspiring and motivating. However, the words of wisdom seem to go in one eye and out the other failing to stop and reside somewhere in between. So I thought I would try and blog as I work my way through this one.
The book was recommended during last Sunday’s sermon and it has the subtitle “Spiritual disciplines for ordinary people”, I’ve only read the preface so far but it is resonating already. “If you have ever been frustrated with what you know of spiritual life, ever wondered if real change is possible, ever felt confused or stuck – you’re my kind of person. I wrote this book for you.”
That’s me, that’s my experience – bring it on.
January 26, 2008 at 6:16 pm
I know what you mean about reading things, but struggling to make them stick. I’ve struggled even with this book, though I think it’s great – very practical and realistic. Things that have helped me a bit include reading a chapter several times, underlining key ideas, and trying to think of specific things I could do differently.
Here are a few lines from the chapter on prayer which I found particularly helpful:
“The problem is that my mind has a steady stream of thoughts…. but none of these things seem spiritual. So I force myself to pray for things that seem nobler – missionaries and world peace…… In simple prayer, I pray about what is really on my heart, not what I wish was on my heart…. Prayer – like any relationship – must begin in honesty if it is to grow.”
I wish you well with the book and look forward to reading how you get on.
January 29, 2008 at 7:21 pm
I read something similar in Philip Yancey’s book on prayer. Looking forward to that chapter…