Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives
for Spiritual Transformation
“I just finished reading your book: Sacred Rhythms. I wanted to let you know how heartfelt, genuine, and relevant it seemed to me. You offered what needed validation, that some of my "strange little ways" of interfacing with God have merit. You offered solid suggestions, with realistic ways of how to approach them.
I regard you as a kindred spirit. I wanted to send you my most sincere thanks for your openness and candor in your sharing. It has been a pleasure getting to know you. I am sure that my path will lead me to your other books, and books you have yet to write."
—Greg Cole
"I wanted to let you know that I gave a copy of Sacred Rhythms to all of Community Care Staff and they all loved it. It is reallly connecting with all of us. We have committed to quarterly retreats as a staff and have also adjusted our schedules so that each one of us has a solitude day once a month. We have been 'living within our limits' and put them to the test during this holiday season. It was amazing--when we usually get chewed up and spit out between Thanksgiving and Christmas, this year we were joyful, centered and available to God....a HUGE change for all of us. This is all a result of your leading and teaching so be encouraged!"
—Cole Griffin, Pastor, Grace Church
"I started reading Sacred Rhythms last July, when I was in torment at work. I was so stressed that I’d lost perspective on just about everything. All I knew for sure was “this was not what God made me for!”
I didn’t get beyond page one of the introduction before I started highlighting furiously. In the cacophony of dangerous tiredness, I had no idea what my true deep desires were, but now I had a place to start.
It took about a week to decide that what I most needed from God was rest. Over the next five months worked my way through each chapter, practicing each one before moving on to the next.
Sacred Rhythms has been a source of guidance and comfort. It has given me the freedom to ask God questions that I didn’t know I needed to ask. It has been the catalyst of rich conversation with friends, and I’m now going through it again with a friend with whom I meet regularly."
—Cheryl Page
"I am now in the final month of my sabbatical and deep in theology as I make my way through seminary class. A book that has been very helpful to me in my own spiritual growth is Sacred Rhythms (IVP) by Ruth Haley Barton. It’s been a thrill for me to be able to share this book with so many. I have even heard back from some who have read the book recently and commented about how helpful it has been. I am so thankful to God for Ruth and her writing ministry. She has been a voice for God, calling His people away from the destructive patterns of this world toward biblical, life-giving patterns of the Spirit."
—Glen Ewart, InterVarsity
