Disciplines for the Inner Life

by Bob Benson, Michael W. Benson

1989, trade paperback reprint edition (of a work first published in 1985), Thomas Nelson, Nashville, TN. 425 pages. "This title speaks to the head and the heart--stretching both mind and faith." "A trustworthy guide for those who want to live faithfully and fully as Christian disciples, because it was compiled by trusted guides who know the way home."

Genres: Devotional, Christian, Theology, Discipleship

425 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Jeni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is quickly becoming one of my favorite devotionals (I used the last one for at least 3 years). It includes prayers, Scripture reading, and excerpts from a wide selection of Christian authors. For me, it is the perfect option - not a daily "bit of inspirational fluff" yet not an intensive study that takes an hour a day to complete. With a weekly focus on a different aspect of spiritual growth, it is enlightening, challenging and has been instrumental (literally) in deepening my understanding of spiritual disciplines and my relationship with God.

I wanted to review it before I finished it, since I may use this for a couple of years. It is a thick book, and intended to be used for a year, but it sometimes takes me longer to complete a week, due to just busyness in life. But I don't want to skip anything. I highly recommend it for any Christian who wants to develop their "inner life" and is not satisfied with a shallow spirituality.

UPDATE: I finally finished this, but I'm starting it again. So many pages are marked for various thoughts and insight into spiritual areas. This is my new favorite devotional.

[Adam Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far my favorite modern devotional. Benson lays out each week topically but for each day walks you through a mini-worship service complete with invocation, a weekly Psalm, a daily Scripture, and then short selections from different authors on the subject. he even includes a hymn to sing. There's a remarkable balance in sticking with the same material all week (invo, psalm, hymn) and the material that changes (daily Scripture, selected readings) that gives these devotions a lot of depth. And since it's topical you can skip week to week to things that re relevant to your situation. I typically bounce between this and other devotionals throughout the year. Unfortunately it's out of print so you'll have to go to eBay or Alibris to find copies. But it's worth the search.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic devotional book. It's quite possible this is the best one I've ever read in my entire life. I am getting rid of all other devotional books and keeping this one for the rest of my life.

[Paul Dubuc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic.

[Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Over a year's journey with this book, which is how it is designed to be ingested. I good, if aggressive, trek through disciplines for growth and Christian character. Some weeks more meaningful than others, maybe changing as to stages and circumstances of life. This was a commitment, but worth the investment. Thank you, Lauren for gifting me with this volume.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent tool for ongoing spiritual formation, which combines prompts for
prayer, suggested daily scripture readings, and a surprisingly large and varied
group of themed excerpts from Christian writers down the centuries. The book
is divided into 52 "weeks" of material, each week with a slightly different focus.

Used from June thru December 2014. I daresay I'll pull it out again in a couple of years. Quite a treasure trove of thoughtful quotations.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best spiritual devotional I've ever gone through.

[Cherie Florence · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book! There are others done like it, but this is the best.

[Brook Maturo · Rating 5 out of 5]

In addition to the bible, this book has been the biggest help to my spiritual growth. Accessible but not watered down, practical but also lovely, I can't recommend this one enough.