Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus. Become like him. Do as he did

He is an amazing writer making me feel as if I'm talking to a friend in a slightly formal way. Everything he talks about is really well put, making it easy to understand and take in, also allowing me to reflect on my relationship with Jesus and how to stay on track with my faith.

I’ve been thinking about Jesus’s practice of disciple-making for a long time, and this book lays out the key issues really clearly. He draws on the wisdom of others, especially Dallas Willard, but right across the spectrum of traditions and the history of disciple-making.

A great book to help develop our relationship with God. Comer unpacks how we can become like Jesus by becoming his apprentice and by practicing the Way.

John Mark Comer in his best selling book Practising The Way tells his readers "You must read this book - The Connected Life". I can see why. It is very good. Very good indeed. This is no Christian-Lite paperback. Todd Hall is a Professor of psychology. He also runs the Harvard Human Flourishing Program amongst other things. He knows what he is talking about when it comes to connecting with others and connecting with God and how each affects the other. The reader is taken on a journey from attachment theory to the art of love and how to love others well. With candid personal story and examples from clients the reader feels one moment caught off guard and exposed, the next reassured with a touch of self-realisation and connection. There are some great moments in the book: "You are loved into loving" and one of my favourites: Dumbledoor to Harry Potter: "It is your decisions that make you Harry, not your gift". If you want to know yourself better, why you are here, and how to love this book is a good place to start.

I would recommend this. It makes you think what your priorities in life are or should be

A reminder that Christianity should be radical.

One of the best books I have read on spiritual formation in the last twenty years. It isn’t that it is new stuff - no one can claim that. But it is packaged in such a good way for this current moment, that I couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to using this and the suite of resources with my church congregation.

Want to have your eyes opened to the possibilities of living a life with Jesus? Read this book. Its simplicity and readability will keep you eagerly coming back for more insight and guidance.

Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus. Become like him. Do as he did. Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus. Become like him. Do as he did is a transformative guide for anyone seeking to deepen their relationship with Jesus and live out His teachings in practical, everyday life. Whether you're a new believer or someone looking to renew their faith, this book offers valuable insights on how to truly "practice the way" of Christ in a modern world. Clear and Actionable Approach One of the standout features of Practicing the Way is its straightforward, actionable approach. The book is structured around three core principles: being with Jesus, becoming like Him, and doing as He did. The author takes readers through each of these steps, offering clear explanations and practical exercises that help individuals embody these principles in their daily lives. The book’s focus on real-world application makes it easy to follow and implement. Holistic Discipleship What sets this book apart is its emphasis on holistic discipleship. It isn’t just about knowing more about Jesus; it’s about growing in relationship with Him and reflecting His character in all aspects of life. The author challenges readers to integrate spiritual practices, such as prayer, solitude, and service, into their routines, helping them align their hearts and actions with Christ’s example. Engaging and Relatable The writing style is accessible, making complex spiritual concepts easy to understand and apply. The author uses relatable anecdotes and scripture passages to bring the teachings of Jesus into everyday situations, encouraging readers to live with intention and purpose. It’s evident that the book is written with a heart for helping others grow closer to Christ and live out the Gospel in tangible ways. Spiritual Transformation Practicing the Way is not just a theoretical study; it’s a call to action. The book encourages spiritual transformation by inviting readers to embrace the rhythms and practices that Jesus modeled. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your faith, serve others more effectively, or cultivate deeper moments of connection with God, this book provides practical steps and tools for spiritual growth. Ideal for Individual or Group Study This book is perfect for both individual reflection and group study. The author includes questions for reflection at the end of each chapter, making it an excellent choice for Bible studies, small groups, or personal devotional time. The thought-provoking exercises and discussions will help deepen understanding and create a community of believers committed to practicing the way of Jesus together. Conclusion Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus. Become like him. Do as he did is a powerful, transformative resource for anyone who desires to live out their faith in a practical and meaningful way. With its actionable steps, relatable writing, and focus on holistic discipleship, this book is an invaluable guide for Christians at any stage of their faith journey. It’s a refreshing and convicting reminder that following Jesus is not just about belief but about becoming more like Him in every aspect of life.

Eu já era fã do trabalho do John Mark Comer e após ler esse livro, muito mais. Esse livro é uma preciosidade. A escrita segue um ritmo de uma conversa íntima, sem pressa. É um manual para aqueles que queres se tornar praticantes do ensino de Jesus. Ele fala que “futuro é antigo”, ou seja, o que precisamos para avançar em nosso relacionamento e aprendizado com Jesus está na sabedoria histórica da igreja, não é nada inovador. Ele afirma e mostra como, para ser um seguidor de Jesus, nós precisamos de menos e não de mais. Discipulado verdadeiro exige que abramos mão para termos mais. Gostei tanto que comprei a versão em português para minha esposa ler.

It's quite hard to summarise this book in a few lines for review purposes, simply because it is such an excellent piece of work. But here goes. I expect this is the book Comer has been wanting to write for years. The deepening of his faith, his experiences at Bridgetown Church and then his business 'Practicing the Way' and his ferocious appetite for learning and reading have all led to the book. Comer writes in an easy to understand manner. It's active, so he's always encouraging the reader to respond to his words. Using short sentences with plenty of space, he challenges the reader to consider their own relationship with Jesus and how to deepen it. How? By apprenticing oneself to Jesus. He doesn't shy away from saying that this will require change and eliminating certain things in our lives, but that's part of what surrendering our lives to Jesus involves. He appreciates that it's hard and not everyone will do it, hence, why there aren't more Jesus apprentices wandering the earth. Comer provides a path to follow with guidelines regarding 9 practices that will help people to apprentice themselves. In addition, his vast reading library provides some excellent references and support for his words and recommendations. But what I like most about this book is that Comer has walked that path (he's still walking it because it never stops) and as s such is a walking demonstration that such a life is possible. I initially received an early ebook copy of the book from the publisher via Net Galley but I'd already ordered my own copies and 10 more for friends so it clearly had a positive effect on me. I suspect this book will be being read by our children and grandchildren in years to come.

John Mark Comer hat mit “Practicing the Way” kein weiteres „christliches Selbstoptimierungsbuch“ geschrieben – sondern ein echtes Einladungsschreiben an alle, die spüren: Da muss doch mehr sein als nur der sonntägliche Gottesdienst und der tägliche Stress. Comer schreibt ehrlich, klar und mit einer wohltuenden Mischung aus Tiefgang und Leichtigkeit. Er nimmt den Leser mit auf die Reise der Nachfolge – nicht als To-do-Liste für Superchristen, sondern als Einübung in eine neue Lebensweise. Stille, Gebet, Sabbat, Einfachheit – lauter Begriffe, die man vielleicht kennt, aber hier werden sie greifbar, praktisch und vor allem: lebbar. Was besonders hängen bleibt: Es geht nicht nur um was wir glauben, sondern wie wir unser Leben gestalten. Comer hilft, geistliche Praktiken nicht als frommen Druck, sondern als Einladung zur Freiheit zu sehen. Und das tut richtig gut. Er bringt es auf den Punkt: Jesus nachzufolgen ist kein Konsumprodukt, sondern eine Lebensform. Und Practicing the Way liefert dafür nicht nur Inspiration, sondern auch Anleitung. Fazit: Ein Buch für alle, die Jesus nicht nur bewundern, sondern ihm wirklich folgen wollen – mit ganzem Herzen, mitten im Alltag. Ehrlich, praktisch, herausfordernd – und vor allem: tief ermutigend. 5 von 5 Sternen – für suchende Seelen, müde Christen und alle, die glauben, dass Nachfolge mehr sein darf als Theorie.

I must say I'm a fanboy of JMC but with good reason.. the honesty with which he approaches the subject matter is refreshing.. no quick fixes from know it all guru.. but true christlike honesty and humility If listened to most of the book twice on Audible.. some parts more.. and still decided to get the book as well.. a lot of the content needs in dept integration into my life.. It does align well with where I'm at in my current journey with Jesus.. The fact that every relationship requires proper maintenance.. also one with the Almighty Creator.. is not a very popular subject in the western Church.. but we all need to hear this.. and act on it like there's no tomorrow