I have found Practicing the Way, by John Mark Comer, a stabilizing, grounding tool that teaches a way of life with Jesus as my teacher - a way that helps me live in what can often be a world of constant crisis, lies, and division. The practices help me to stay focused on what really matters while staying in reality, at the same time giving hope. I have only scratched the surface of how these spiritual practices can help me live a more happy, joyous, free, and meaningful life.

Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer is an excellent book about spiritual formation and following Jesus. He references works of many other Christian teachers which offered an excellent opportunity to explore writings and thoughts I may not have otherwise. This is a great resource on discipleship and living a life truly transformed into the image of Christ.

In this book you are reminded of the basic and practical ways that we as Christians should follow in order to live out The Great Commission. The three best practices are: being with Jesus, being like Jesus, and living out in action in the same way Jesus did. While it's easy for Christian books to all talk about the same things, but I think in this book has a fresh perspective and thought-provoking nature to it to make you rethink how you live out your calling and how you focus your faith. One of the parts that stood out to me was early on in the book when it speaks on apprenticeship/discipleship and it's made me rethink how to challenge others in their faith journey. I've recommended this book for the last couple of months, as I received an ARC from @JohnMarkComer, @netgalley and @waterbrookmultnomah in exchange for an honest review. I LOVED this book!

#netgalley #johnmarkcomer #practicingtheway

Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for an advanced copy,

I am always amazed and grateful at the way John Mark. Comer can relay information so well. This book was encouraging, convicting and is a book I will read more than once. This is not a fast read, it is one you have to read and take time to reflect one. This book speaks to how being a disciple of Jesus is practicing the Way of Jesus. Highly recommend.

This is the third book I have read by John Mark Comer and I think it is my favourite!
Comer observes that, sadly, in the western world at least, it is possible for someone to attend church for decades and profess to be a Christian but for there to be little discernible change in their behaviour or growth in faith. The book explores what it means to be a disciple and how we can actually put our faith into practice.
Comer highlights that being a Christian is not just about responding intellectually to the Gospel or putting our hand up at the end of a sermon. It is answering the call to be Jesus’ apprentice, and he breaks this down into three key areas being with Jesus, becoming like him, and doing as he did.
Throughout the book, he explores several practices that can aid this growth. I appreciated the emphasis that it is about practicing. It is not about making a set of New Year’s resolutions and expecting to dramatically change our lives overnight. It is about small gradual steps over time, and it is not all dependent on our work and effort. Instead, it is being intentional about allowing God to transform us.
He gives the personal example of the “Rule of Life” he has created and the practices he has committed to. However, there is no one-size-fits-all formula. He recognises that everyone’s circumstances, life stages and personalities are different, but he encourages the reader to take some time to reflect on the practices that may be helpful in their own lives.
It is a challenging book, but very helpful, and I'd highly recommend it for anyone who is serious about following Jesus.

Practicing the Way by @johnmarkcomer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is one of those books that I see myself reading over and over again throughout the years. So many good thoughts and truths.

One passage that stood out to me:
“Jesus is in the business of healing souls. But while the four Gospels have dozens of stories of Jesus instantly healing people’s bodies (after which, by the way, he almost always gave them instructions to go and do something as a next step), he doesn’t seem to do the same with people’s characters. There is not a single instance in which he simply waved his hand to take away an ugly habit or personality trait in one of his apprentices. The opposite is true - we see their stubborn sinfulness live on for years. Jesus didn’t zap them; he just kept teaching, rebuking, and loving them, giving them time to grow and mature.
Miracles, emotional breakthroughs, and profound moments of radical change do happen, and need to happen, but they are not the daily path of disciple-ship. They are an essential part of our development as persons, but most of our growth is a slow, incremental but noticeable maturation into adulthood.”

Highly recommend.
Thank you @netgalley and @waterbrookmultnomah for an ARC of this book. It was released on 1/16, so it’s available now if you want to check it out! #netgalley #johnmarkcomer #practicingtheway #goodreads #bookstagram #literarypearlsof24

What a practical guide! As a long-time follower of JMC’s work, I was excited to dig into his new book, Practicing the Way. It did not disappoint. Rather than go through each of the practices he has defined through his nonprofit’s educational efforts, JMC uses this book to make an extended argument for becoming an apprentice of Jesus.

He urges readers to go beyond the self-identification of a Christian and rather take on the lifestyle and practices of Jesus. It’s a well-crafted invitation, although it felt like he tried to pack a lot of meat into a small casing which showed through the writing style. Do yourself a favor and take this book very slowly.

Two things I admire about John Mark Comer is that he is a voracious reader and has an amazing ability to synthesize things. His writing is smart, without pretension and accessible to a wide audience. In Practicing the Way, Comer continues to flesh out a path of Jesus-centered spiritual formation that calls an individual to slow down and simplify their life. He proposes that a life formed in the Way of Jesus allows one to find a deeper union with God and to be one's truest self. It is up to each person to weigh the cost of apprenticeship to Jesus and with faith, choose daily to respond the Love of God.
Practicing the Way is a perfect for anyone starting to explore spiritual disciplines and wanting to enrich their faith. The end notes also provide a rich resource of further texts to explore for further study.

I have been a huge fan of John Mark Comer and have read all his other work. This book knocked it out of the park. I don’t know many authors can that communicate conviction with empathy so well but he can. I walked away from this book with new insights on how to love a life more align to Jesus and the faith that with little changes great impacts can be had.

Practicing the Way.
Be with Jesus. Become like Him. Do as He did.
Once again, I have no idea how to review a book by John Mark Comer. How do I sum something as rich and deep as this book into a few words?
Wowwwww. This book was so full of so many good things. I made soooo many notes. 😂 This book made me think about so many things and encouraged me to implement change in my own life.
I highly recommend it!
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*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts expressed are strictly my own.*

Become an apprentice of Jesus. That's the focus of John Mark Comer's new book. Practicing the Way is a practical call to action.

Disciple is a noun, not a verb.

What? Think about it. In the Great Commission, we're called to make disciples. When we use "disciple" as a verb, the emphasis is on our efforts. "Disciple" as a noun puts the responsibility on the learner, the apprentice, the follower.

Be with Jesus. Become like him. Do as he did.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC.

4.5 stars

This book is a beautiful introduction to spiritual formation.
In his typical style, John Mark Comer weaves solid biblical teaching with references to literature, psychology, history, and Star Wars (the most important, obviously).

One of the best parts of the book is the compelling vision it paints of apprenticing under Jesus. It sheds light on the rich, joyful, deep life found in the Kingdom and how the spiritual disciplines—which are so often ignored by the modern church—are actually God’s gifts to help us experience more of Him.

Comer breaks down what discipleship under a rabbi actually meant back when Jesus called the twelve to follow Him, as well as how our modern approach to spiritual growth leaves many in a rut without seeing much real transformation. And it all culminates in a practical explanation of how to intertwine the spiritual disciplines into the daily rhythms of your life.

My only critique is that if you already listen consistently to his podcast, you’ve likely heard most of this information. However, it’s wonderful material, and I appreciated the chance to cover it again. If you’ve never listened to any of John Mark Comer’s teachings or read his books, Practicing the Way would be a perfect place to start.

Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am quite impressed by this book. I have read a number of books on Christian growth and spiritual formation and I would put this one at the top. Comer reminds us we are being formed whether we realize it or not. If we want to be formed into the people God wants us to be, we must be intentional to that end.

Comer encourages to become followers of Jesus. We are to be whole life apprentices to Jesus. He gives information and practical strategies to do that. He gives three aspects: Be with Jesus, Become like Him and Do as He Did. It is a long process for us to become the people God had in mind when He willed us into existence.

I like Comer suggesting we take an audit, an honest look at the forces now forming us. He presents a working theory of change to help us understand how we are transformed. And finally, he encourages us to form a Rule of Life, intentionally ordering our lives around what matters most: God.

I really like the informative and practical nature of this book. While I am familiar with some of the material, Comer has insights I've never seen before. If you read only one book this year on spiritual growth, make it this one.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

John Mark Comer did it again. This is a very complete explanation and invitation on how to actually practice Jesus' way, how to be his apprentice. I like that it also presents a very coherent way to connect theory with practice. Is a "how to" guide on following Jesus and it will help you know how to get to the right place and posture so Jesus' spirit would actually (trans)form you.

This is my second book I’ve read from Comer, and I am continually impressed with his writing style and the relatability of his words.
This book is a great starting place for those wanting to take a deeper look into becoming disciples for God. Comer does a fantastic job at laying the groundwork for us to understand not only the history behind disciples, but also the importance of living the life of one today. Comer also notes the importance of living as an “apprentice” rather than just simply being a disciple, and this was eye opening for me personally. We’re often taught the importance of discipleship, but that alone can lead us to remain in comfort zones that don’t allow us to live a full life with God.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC.

Practicing the Way is another great book from John Mark Comer for both apprentices of Jesus and those who are not but are interested. If you have listened to Comer’s teaching from the last 5 or so years, this book feels like the pinnacle of his teachings, of his own discipleship to Jesus, and his gift to teach and lead others. Comer practically lays out what it looks like to not just know Jesus, but to truly apprentice under Jesus. Stylistically, this is an easy read as Comer’s communication flows smoothly and almost conversationally. I was personally challenged by reading this and will be recommending it to others.

Do you want more of Jesus? Do you want to be more like Jesus? If your answer is yes, then this book is a must-read. In John Mark's typical style, Practicing the Way is theologically rich and provides a "how-to" guide on apprenticeship to Jesus that is easy to read and difficult to put down. This is the book every person serious about Jesus should read for an accessible deep-dive on spiritual formation and discipleship. Read it and with practice, you might find yourself living and loving like Jesus.

A breath of fresh air, Comer is to the point and somehow the simplicity of the gospel as he presents it seems revolutionary in the noise of the modern world. He graciously addresses the present issues and some of the failing attempts at solutions, setting up for the appeal to a new (or more accurately, ancient) Way to live. He writes not from a place of anger, or scapegoating, but from a grieved yet hopeful heart.

If I was not reading a digital copy, it would have been wet with highlighter ink, for a book certainly readable at a popular level, it is incredibly well sourced. Comer introduces the reader to theological concepts from a range of denominations; current neuroscience, desert fathers and mothers, famous pastors and secular psychologists. More than all of these however, John Mark Comer has illuminated the words of the Rabbi Jesus of Nazareth, and the writers of scripture as ancient paths that we would do well to follow today.

For the new believer, this is a great guide and the best answer I know of to the next question in your spiritual journey; now what?

For the honest skeptic, this book is very accommodating, and compassionate toward your doubts. It does not suggest simple solutions to complex problems, rather invites each of us to ask of ourselves; who do I want to become?

And for those that have been walking with Jesus for some time now, this book is a worthwhile opportunity to examine how your apprenticeship to Jesus is really doing.

I do not think I am overstating to say that the only people you and I will see in the community of God of the future are those who take seriously the vision casted in this book.

If you want to be one of those people, this is a great place to start.

I have been a Christian for several years. Recently I have been convicted of blending in with the culture around me and not accurately portraying what Jesus calls me to be as His example or witness. Not with judgment but with living a life the exemplifies what He calls “living life to the full”. This book is a reframing and retelling of age old truths that describe ways that allow God access into my life to transform me into a truer representative of Himself. Even though I have read hundreds, if not some thousand, books about Jesus and Christianity, this book came across as new and relevant for today. I was riveted. I gave this book as a Christmas present to most of my friends. I highly recommend putting this book at the top of your reading list!
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I have not read everything John Mark Comer has put out, but have read a few of his books and come across him in other spheres (interviews, podcasts, etc.)., so I feel like I know his general takes and perspectives on things.
I generally prefer Comer as an orator than a writer. I've listened to several excellent conversations and interviews he's taken part in (especially with Mark Sayers), and have liked those more than the topical books he often writes.
However, the subject I like hearing him speak about best is spiritual disciplines, so when I saw that it was the topic of his next book, I was very eager to read. And I am happy to say that it did not disappoint!

This book is written to Christians who want to go deeper, who want but may not be sure how to attain the freedom Jesus offers. His premise is that Christians can be transformed if they apprentice themselves to Jesus, and arrange their lives to the rhythms He himself practiced. This book offers a different word than mainline Christianity or culture might say, and it is challenging but still attainable. Overall, insightful, enjoyable, and has something to offer every Christian.
Thank you to Net Galley and WaterBrook & Multnomah for the Advanced Copy.