Christians have used various spiritual methods and disciplines since the birth of Christianity. Unfortunately, many modern churches don't teach these methods to laypersons. One answer: the Spiritual Formation Bible. This Bible contains descriptions of spiritual methods and articles on how those methods can help nurture one's relationship with the Almighty. Each page contains a suggested technique for use with the scripture from that page. The NRSV is an excellent, scholarly translation (the widely popular NIV is also available) and the fonts and print size are attractive. Some of the described methods are ancient monastic disciplines, but they can aid in viewing the scriptures in a fresh, exciting way.

If you are looking for a study Bible, look elsewhere. This one is more for the heart than the mind. If you are looking for a Bible that will help you draw closer to God, this may be the one.

This is the Bible I've been seeking my whole life--even though I didn't know it. I received this as a gift (in more ways than one). This is NOT a study bible and probably not the best place to begin for those unfamiliar with the Bible. It is a wonderful devotional book for contemplative/meditative reading done in beautiful type and an easy-to-read single column format with wide margins. (A BIG plus--this is an "easy-on-the eyes" reading Bible.) Each page has (in the margin) a brief reflection that enhances and draws you into the reading. There are several articles that serve as useful introduction to reading devotionally and help you apply your reading--personally and in the wider world. Several "Meeting God in" articles (in "Prayer", "Worship", etc.) enhance the reading experience. Beautiful glossy plates with quotes from the spiritual seekers that marched before are sprinkled throughout. A wonderful edition, available in both the NRSV and NIV. Unfortunately, it is not available in genuine leather, but the quality of the bonded seems adequate. It's hard to see how anyone seeking to deepen their spiritual life could go wrong with The Spiritual Formation Bible.

Recently I attended a class in which the leader used this bible. It was a wonderful reference for the lesson we were studying on finding God where you are. The references and side notes in this bible help draw you into the wonder presence of God, to know Him in his creation, in the church, in other people, etc.

I'm about 2/3 of the way through this book, but I can't wait til I'm done reading it to post my review of this awesome book! Timothy Jones covers the whole range of topics related to prayer. When I'm reading a book such as this, I put those Post-It arrow flags in it to mark parts that I might want to copy into my journal, or reflect more on, and right now, this book has about 40 Post-Its sticking out of it! It's a library book, so I think I'm going to have to buy this one!

Timothy Jones speaks in everyday English, yet his style is poignant and whimsical! I love his writing style! He talks about how to pray - no formula stuff for him. He talks about how to be STILL and QUIET in the midst of a busy life. He talks about how prayer doesn't even have to be words formed in your mind. He tells about those desperate HELP! prayers and how God hears them all. He covers such issues as why we should pray when God is all-knowing and is going to do what he's going to do anyway, what to do when we feel that our prayers go unanswered, and many more issues.

I've read quite a few books on prayer, but this is my favorite so far. I also highly recommend Timothy Jones' other books "Awake My Soul: Practical Spirituality for Busy People", "Prayer's Apprentice", and "21 Days to a Better Quiet Time with God". There are probably more, but these are the one I own.

Timothy Jones is the kind of person that you'd just love to sit down with over a cup of coffee - he's real and authentic and isn't afraid to tell about his own human failings and his own experiences with prayer.

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This book takes you by hand and walks you through the art of learning to pray. It is inspirational!

Jones captures all aspects of prayer in this book. It's a great guide for pastors and laity alike. I would highly recommend this book.

Timothy Jones gives practical insights into how to manage time and bring God into everyday life. Presented from a Christian perspective, Jones is honest and open as he shares personal events from his own experiences. He gives us advice we can use to incorporate into our day to day living: Finding our true passion for work; Meeting God in a silent moment; Seeing what life is through the eyes of a child; Allowing suffering and disappointment to draw us closer to a loving God. If you're a very busy person maybe you can chip away at this book a little at a time. By the time you're done reading it, you may have found new ways to make time for your spiritual health.

This was a excellent book to help one understand a relationship with God. Simple down to earth honesty that shows the giving up of oneself in sharing the events in his family. It moves one beyond self and one can feel his breath and heartbeat as he writes. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in strengthen their relationship with their God and savior Jesus Christ. "It gives a vision and importance of the dust particles of life." Praise the Lord for such writing.

Designated lunch makers and hungry God-seekers, Chicago Hopers and Wall Street whizzers will never practice business as usual after a morning cup of "Awake My Soul."

Many thanks to the publisher for providing this very accessible introduction to the spiritual writings of Augustine of Hippo. The fourteen selections carry just enough of the flavor of this thinker to whet the reading desire of those who have shied away from Augustine and yet, the selections are fresh so that those familiar with Augustine's work (the Confessions, City of God) will also find themselves longing to renew their contact with this seminal Christian from North Africa.

Well no, I have not read all of this Bible, but I have read enough of it to know that it will meet its purpose: to help people become open to God. Other Bibles I've read have either been study Bibles or Bibles with devotional messages tucked into the chapters. This Bible offers ways to meet God through the text, by listening to the text, by letting the text meet the human situation. Commendations to the team behind this book!

Offering ten soul nourishers as the basis for this book, Timothy Jones gives wonderful encouragement for any phase of parenting, grandparenting, nurturing, teaching or guiding children in their faith jouney. The book offers wonderful ideas for teachable moments to nurture our children in their faith walk. As a parent of 3 young children I found this book very helpful in identifying very practical ways to introduce my children to and help them grow in their relationship with God. This book also brought back many memories of the ways in which my parents had nurtured my faith walk. I am grateful for the book and will apply many of the ideas and thoughts in my walk with my children. I know the most important thing I can do for them is introduce them and nurture their relationship with our awesome and powerful God who loves us each so very much, so much that he gave his only Son's life for us.

I am typical of many working mothers. I have a demanding job, I have a family that requires attention, and I have a few pets. Many of my lunch hours are spent running to the grocery store or taking care of other responsibilities. Prayer is something I rarely seem to have time for, even though I am mindful of its importance. After one particularly exhausting day, I had determined to cut back on work just to safeguard my mental and physical health. Then I stumbled upon Timothy Jones's book Workday Prayers: On-the-Job Meditations for Tending Your Soul. This book is a treasure. Jones immediately gave me some fine advice in his introduction, where he talks about the balance between prayer and work. Life does not consist of prayer or work but of a balance between the two. I immediately knew that this balance was what I needed to bring order to my life. And the daily seasonal reflections, made up of a small paragraph of wisdom on a various theme, a prayer, and a "remember" sentence are helping me to take a few moments out of my busy day to pray. I appreciate the brevity of each day's reflection--I can read the page in a few moments and then take some time to be quiet and let the richness of the meditaion soak in. The meditations are also very pertinent to my life situation. Jones certainly seems to have an insight into the stresses of the modern work environment and the expertise to select meditations from Christians throughout the centuries who now contibute their wisdom to contemporary life. My work day now begins with a reading from Workday Prayers. This book helps me remember to balance my life with work and prayer. It is just the reminder I need to invite God into my day.

If you are looking for a directory on CHRISTIAN spiritual retreats, then this book is for you. However, for those of us looking for a spiritual, yet non-religious experience, then this guide is not helpful. I was hoping this directory would help me find spiritual retreats embracing a variety of practices. It did not. Otherwise, it is a well-organized and thorough guide within its narrow focus.

This book is easy to read and use. As the author of an inspirational book for mothers, NEW PSALMS FOR NEW MOMS: A KEEPSAKE JOURNAL, I encourage everyone to seek the spiritual. And this guide will be handy as you do just that. Many blessings on your journey.

I ahve found this book to have accurate andc orrect information. SO far on the retreat centers listed all information given has been correct anda ccurate. Also even if you never go on a retreat gives you a real feel for what a retreat would be like. One can sense the "peace" from the review. Hoever after reading this you will be even more inclined to want to go on a retreat.