Practicing the Way

What's "Practicing the Way" by John Mark Comer about?

• Core Focus: The book explores Christian discipleship as a journey of becoming an apprentice of Jesus, focusing on being with Him, becoming like Him, and doing as He did.
• Practical Approach: It emphasizes organizing one's life around Jesus through daily practices, routines, and study to embody His teachings in contemporary culture.
• Author's Experience: John Mark Comer shares insights from his own life as a pastor and apprentice, offering guidance for readers to deepen their spiritual journey.
• Invitation to Transformation: The book invites readers to a life of intentional spiritual formation, aiming to transform individuals into people who reflect Jesus in today's world.

Why should I read "Practicing the Way"?

• Guidance for Spiritual Growth: It provides a structured approach to deepening one's relationship with Jesus and living out His teachings.
• Practical Application: The book offers actionable steps and practices that can be integrated into daily life, making spiritual growth accessible and achievable.
• Cultural Relevance: Comer addresses the challenges of modern life, such as hurry and distraction, and offers solutions grounded in ancient Christian practices.
• Inspiration and Encouragement: Through personal stories and biblical insights, the book inspires readers to pursue a life of purpose and transformation.

What are the key takeaways of "Practicing the Way"?

• Apprenticeship to Jesus: The essence of discipleship is to be with Jesus, become like Him, and do as He did, requiring intentional life organization.
• Rule of Life: A structured plan, or Rule of Life, is essential for spiritual growth, helping individuals align their daily habits with their deepest desires.
• Counter-Formation: Spiritual formation involves countering cultural influences with practices that foster transformation into Christlikeness.
• Community and Practice: Engaging in community and practicing spiritual disciplines are vital for sustaining growth and embodying Jesus' teachings.

How does John Mark Comer define "Apprenticeship to Jesus"?

• Three Goals: Apprenticeship involves three main goals: being with Jesus, becoming like Him, and doing as He did.
• Whole-Life Process: It is a lifelong journey that requires organizing one's entire life around these goals, integrating them into daily routines and decisions.
• Intentional Formation: The process is intentional and requires a commitment to spiritual practices that open individuals to God's transformative power.
• Beyond Conversion: Comer emphasizes that Jesus' call is not just to convert but to apprentice under Him, leading to a transformed life.

What is a "Rule of Life" according to "Practicing the Way"?

• Definition: A Rule of Life is a schedule and set of practices that create space for spiritual growth, helping individuals be with Jesus, become like Him, and do as He did.
• Support Structure: It acts as a trellis, supporting spiritual growth by providing structure and guidance for daily living.
• Personalized Plan: Each person's Rule of Life should be tailored to their unique circumstances, personality, and stage of life.
• Dynamic and Flexible: It is not rigid but adaptable, allowing for regular review and adjustment as one's life and spiritual journey evolve.

How does "Practicing the Way" address modern challenges like hurry and distraction?

• Unhurrying Life: Comer emphasizes the need to ruthlessly eliminate hurry from life, as it is a major barrier to spiritual growth and presence with God.
• Digital Detox: The book suggests practices like digital Sabbath and limiting media consumption to counteract the distractions of modern technology.
• Intentional Living: Readers are encouraged to live with intentionality, focusing on practices that foster peace, presence, and connection with God.
• Cultural Critique: Comer critiques the cultural norms of busyness and distraction, offering a counter-cultural path of simplicity and focus.

What are the spiritual practices highlighted in "Practicing the Way"?

• Core Practices: The book highlights nine core practices, including Sabbath, solitude, prayer, fasting, Scripture, community, generosity, service, and witness.
• Integration into Life: These practices are meant to be integrated into daily life, forming a trellis that supports spiritual growth and transformation.
• Path to Transformation: Each practice is a means to access God's power and presence, facilitating the transformation into a person of love.
• Balance and Flexibility: Comer emphasizes the need for a balanced approach, tailoring practices to individual needs and life stages.

What does John Mark Comer say about the cost of discipleship in "Practicing the Way"?

• High Bar of Entry: Discipleship requires leaving something behind, as following Jesus involves a cost, often requiring significant life changes.
• Surrender and Obedience: The foundation of discipleship is surrender to Jesus, involving a willingness to obey His teachings and align one's will with God's.
• Cost of Non-Discipleship: Comer argues that not following Jesus also has a cost, leading to a life devoid of the peace, joy, and purpose found in Him.
• Paradox of Gain: The book highlights the paradox that in losing one's life for Jesus, one gains true life, emphasizing the ultimate reward of discipleship.

How does "Practicing the Way" suggest handling failure in spiritual growth?

• Falling and Rising: Comer acknowledges that failure is a part of the spiritual journey, encouraging readers to view it as an opportunity to begin again.
• Grace and Mercy: The book emphasizes relying on God's grace and mercy, rather than self-recrimination, when facing setbacks in spiritual growth.
• Continuous Conversion: Spiritual growth is seen as a lifelong process of conversion, involving ongoing repentance and renewal.
• Encouragement to Persevere: Readers are encouraged to persevere in their practices, trusting that transformation is possible through God's power.

What role does community play in "Practicing the Way"?

• Essential for Growth: Community is seen as vital for spiritual growth, providing support, accountability, and encouragement on the journey of discipleship.
• Shared Practices: Engaging in shared practices with others helps sustain individual commitment and fosters a sense of belonging and purpose.
• Healing and Formation: Community is where individuals are re-parented into the family of God, experiencing healing and formation through relationships.
• Counter to Individualism: Comer critiques the individualism of Western culture, advocating for a communal approach to spiritual formation.

What are the best quotes from "Practicing the Way" and what do they mean?

• "You must arrange your days so that you are experiencing deep contentment, joy, and confidence in your everyday life with God." This quote emphasizes the importance of intentional living, structuring one's life to prioritize spiritual growth and connection with God.
• "There are no accidental saints." This highlights the need for intentionality in spiritual formation, as becoming like Jesus requires deliberate effort and commitment.
• "The greatest issue facing the world today...is whether those who are identified as 'Christians' will become disciples." Comer stresses the importance of moving beyond mere belief to active discipleship, embodying Jesus' teachings in daily life.
• "The reward for following Jesus is Jesus." This underscores the ultimate goal of discipleship: a deep, abiding relationship with Jesus, which is the source of true joy and fulfillment.