My initial thoughts when I finished were that I appreciated how practical and gracious the things in this book were. John Mark Comer does a fantastic job presenting his information while not making you feel like a failure for not doing the things he has chosen to do. I greatly appreciate how he can give his choices as examples but also gives so much direction and freedom for each person to make the same ideas fit their life.

I'm sure I could write paragraphs and paragraphs about this book and the things I learned but I'll stick to the main thing I'm working on from this read-through and then some stand-out quotes (I highlighted so much of this book!!).

The thing I have started to work on after finishing this book is turning my mind to God more throughout the day. Trying to start and end my day with prayer and just trying to tune my mind to His presence as I go through my days. That's the habit I'm working to build.

"One of my favorite definitions of discipleship is 'a lifelong process of deepening surrender to Jesus.'"

"David Brooks once defined commitment as 'falling in love with something [or someone] and then building a structure of behavior around it for those moments when love falters.'"

"Formation into the image of Jesus isn't something we do as much as it's something that is done to us, by God Himself, as we yield to His work of transforming grace. Our job is mostly to make ourselves available." [This is sanctification.]

"It seems the Western church has at times been more careful to avoid 'works righteousness' than to avoid sin." [That hit.]

"For Jesus, salvation is less about getting you into heaven and more about getting heaven into you. It's not just about Him becoming like us but also about us becoming like Him. It's less of a transaction and more of a transformation." [Again, sanctification. And this is something I've been learning and developing as a thought - Jesus cares more about our souls than anything else. Yes, He cares about our earthly lives, but they are temporary and He is much more concerned with our eternal lives.]

This is an excellent book that I will read again. I highly recommend it as well.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and a favorable review was not required.

"Practicing the Way" is a wonderful overview of the work John Mark Comer has been doing over the years with his teachings and the Practicing the Way ministry and courses. In it JMC goes over the goals of the Christian Life- To be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and to do what he did. He then explains how to craft a rule of life to accomplish the goals.
The book is easy to read and life changing! I have been "practicing the way" for almost 4 years and have seen more growth in my faith than in the 20 years before that. I'm excited to share this book with others and hopefully run the practice in my small group. Highly recommend to anyone looking to know Jesus more!
Thank you to WaterBrook and Multnomah for the early copy.

In Practicing the Way, Comer reminds us that no one book on spiritual formation can unlock all the secrets of following Jesus, but if there were one that inspires a great place to start, it is definitely this one. In a world filled with hurry and unrest, Comer implores us to slow down, to make space, and surrender. The call to action is simple. The practices profound. Every believer, regardless of where they are along their journey, needs this book.

If you’re new to John Mark Comer know that his writing style isn’t for everyone. I love it. A JMC book is like sitting down to coffee with a good friend as they tell you what the Lords been teaching them. Practicing the Way is no different.

In this book, JMC does a great job of laying out what living a Jesus-like life looks like and how to get there.

I particularly enjoyed the last fourth of the book as he walks the reader through how he’s set up his Rule of Life.

Thank you to Waterbrook/Multnomah and NetGalley for this advanced copy.

An incredible overview and approach to spiritual formation in our day. Apprenticeship to Jesus is not simply about converting to Christianity, but reorienting our entire lives around the way He lived in the world that we might do the same. I've heard recently that translating the word "easy" from the "easy yoke" Jesus talks about in Matthew 11 is tricky in modern English. The best word we have to translate is "kind". In this book, John Mark gives a clear, concise, and kind approach to taking on the kind Way of Jesus. A gift to the world that I can see living on as a classic in formational writing.

This feels like the culmination of a lot of work from John Mark. All of his recent books seem to point to this as his magnum opus. A great exposition on the power of formation, habits, liturgies, and rules of life. I have already pre-ordered it and will happily recommend this to anyone wanting to grow in their life of apprenticeship to Jesus. I will probably re-read the advance copy before it comes out as I pray and shape what I want my next season of apprenticeship to look like.

This read was amazing. There is something about the way this book describes Jesus that just brings new energy to the gospel story. At the same time, Practicing the Way asks a powerful question to its readers: Do you want to become an apprentice of Jesus?

If you've never set foot in a church, then this book is for you. If you're a new believer and you don't know what to do next, then this book is for you. If you've been a believer for a long time but you're aching for a deeper faith that goes beyond cultural christianity, then this book is for you.

"Practicing The Way" emerges as a masterful culmination for enthusiasts of JMC. True to its form, the book maintains an approachability that resonates with audiences at various stages of faith, from the curious newcomers to the seasoned disciples. For those who have been longtime listeners of John Mark, the familiarity of the topics covered is reminiscent, yet this book stands out as an exceptionally well-organized volume. It seamlessly weaves together profound theological themes with practical steps, providing invaluable insights for all followers of Jesus. This book isn't merely a one-time read; it's an enduring companion that invites readers to revisit its pages, offering fresh perspectives and guidance over the years. "Practicing The Way" is a remarkable literary journey that enriches and deepens one's understanding of faith, making it a timeless resource for personal growth and reflection.

I was ecstatic when I was asked to write a review of Practicing The Way by John Mark Comer. I have followed his ministry and read his material for years. This has enriched my life. How can I best describe this book? I am both convicted and challenged. But isn't that what the call to follow Jesus will do? Reveal our own selfish desires and still call us to repent and follow? This book will provide the reader with practical steps to aligning one's life with the teachings of Jesus. Weighty and yet so simple. Recommend it to anyone who wants to followJesus

John Mark Comer simply doesn't miss! And that's no truer than with "Practicing the Way"! I'm an avid follower of John Mark, his journey from Bridgetown to his current nonprofit work, and have probably consumed hundreds of hours of his content by this point. And yet, despite the fact that this book is clearly the culmination of his decades in ministry, it still feels so fresh and needed.

John Mark is an expert at weaving together historical context, quotes from both modern and ancient teachers, culturally relevant examples, and Scripture into points that are both profound and succinctly expressed. He breaks down the life-long journey of discipleship into three, simple tenets "Be with Jesus, Become like him, Do what He did." His writing walks the fine line between sound orthodoxy and authentic orthopraxy because while it's clear that John Mark is a deep theological thinker, he doesn't come across as the ivory-tower type. He is real, and I personally resonate with his struggle to balance the Christian's need for communal living while also honoring his natural introverted tendencies. He is such a good example of how one can serve and love well while also holding good boundaries of rest and margin. He also puts so much of himself into his writing but not in a way that distracts from what his point is. His life is simply evidence of what can come when one lives as Jesus did. As a follower of the Way, a leader in the church world, and a spouse/parent, he is a worthy role model.

I have every confidence that this book will become my go-to recommendation for folks looking to be challenged in the faith. I can't wait to share it with others and re-read on audio when it's released in the new year!

Thank you to Waterbrook/Multnomah and NetGalley for this advanced copy. This is my second opportunity to read one of John Mark's works before it's released to the public and it is an incredible honor. I can't wait for what's next!

This book was phenomenal. Deeply appreciated Comer's insights into what it means to actually be a follower of Jesus, The Way. There were a lot of practical things I will take into my own spiritual life. I always appreciate the vulnerability and realness Comer brings. I think this book should be give to every believer and especially new believers. I cannot wait to gift this to my wife and friends when it releases.

A wonderful guide of how to be an apprentice to Jesus. From the start, this book felt weightier than other works from John Mark Comer. More direct and to the point. He makes it clear that Christians in the West today need to take Jesus seriously when he says to "follow me". The remainder of the book gives a detailed plan of how we can do just that.

This book is perfect for anyone who is looking for a guide with tangible steps to developing an authentic relationship with Jesus.

I have deeply enjoyed John Mark Comer's writing over the years, and Practicing the Way does not disappoint. This is going to be a book I come back to regularly over the years. It isn't just a book filled with wisdom and insight but also a practical and transformational roadmap to, well, practice the way of Jesus.

I'm a big fan of John Mark. His books are articulated well and his writing flows. This book also follows suit with his other books. It's well-written, easy to read, and has a wealth of information about Practicing the Way of Jesus and how to be with Jesus. He asks thought-provoking questions and his explanations are easy to understand and gives lots of thoughts to ponder. I like that he discusses how he came to form his Rule of Life and gives examples of how to create my own.

Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer is one of the best books I have read this year and honestly, in the last decade I think. In his book, John Mark Comer explains well what truly a disciple of Jesus -- or better yet, an apprentice of Jesus, as Comer likes to call us, should live like. Not only that, he lays out what we should do: to be like Jesus, to become like Him and to do as He did -- and how we can do all these. This is an introduction to spiritual formation, writing it plainly enough for all of us to decide on our next right step towards becoming more like Jesus.

This book is very well written and very inspirational, while easy to read and full of truth. I would easily recommend this book to all believing Christians, whether they have been walking with Jesus for a day or a decade. I really cannot recommend this book enough.

"So what now? " If you are considering becoming a follower of Jesus or have newly committed yourself to being so, then this book will hugely help you answer this question. If your life until that point was like me, one of chaos management and little purpose or meaning then the writings in this wonderful book will draw you towards a life with purpose, meaning, intentionality, healing and transformation. Very easy to read but with depth that makes it so easy to relate to. Even if you have been a follower of Jesus for some time, I'd urge to read this book as it draws together the concepts of Spiritual Formation in a succinct way so that you may realise where you need to go on a deeper journey with God. The only criticism, as with the last book is way too many quotes which disjoint the text, but can then lead you to further reading.

Practicing the Way is a boost of fresh spiritual energy. I was a little hesitant making this purchase because I’ve read all of John Mark’s books, and listen to his teachings. I assumed I would be reading similar information, but I was wrong. Practicing the Way was just what I needed to get me wondering about a new Rule of Life for me and my family going into 2024. As always, John Mark, does a brilliant job making 2000 year old tools tangible for today’s generation. I love how he constantly pulls quotes from other saints and authors to drive home his teachings. Practicing the Way is a must read for every Christian, but especially those who may feel they’re being controlled by the daily noise of the world, rather than the Good News of Jesus.
- Zach Brown

A life-giving book on being an apprentice of Jesus.

Reading a book of John Mark Comer is like exploring the map of a familiar landscape. You cannot grasp the fact that there are so many small ways and ancient paths that you never saw or thought of, and now it’s time to step on these paths! It’s time for ‘Practicing the Way’ and walk with Jesus.

John Mark Comer has this gift to transform the things you once felt but could not grasp, the things you thought but could not pronounce into words. Into practical words. Chapter after chapter I find myself nodding at the sentences.

When reading this book it does not stop with words. The book sketches everyday ingredients of faith, and presents a groundwork for every follower of Jesus. In a way that makes you eager to integrate them in your daily life.

A few subjects in this book that I found deeply insightful:
- The practice of the presence of God
- Abiding is a skill
- The view on hospitality

Practicing the way is also a wonderful book to use at your book club, to read and discuss with your small group or local community.

So are you a follower of Jesus, are you curious of becoming one, or a bit tired along that road? Read ‘Practicing the Way’ it will refresh your life.

Conclusion: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Big thanks to NetGalley and WaterBrook & Multnomah for providing an advanced readers copy of this book in return for my honest review.

This book was amazing! JM does an incredible job of bringing the reader in with personal stories and also challenging the reader to grow in their walk with Christ!

John Mark Comer has simplified the way we can be disciples of Jesus and how to walk with him and like him. I previously read the Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by Comer and felt changed by it. This book is no different. He goes into the depths of biblically exploring why we are called to be disciples and what that means in our ordinary lives. I love the way he formats and writes in a way that makes it feel like you’re reading a sermon or a conversation with an old friend. I’d recommend this book for anyone that’s looking to go deeper into what it means to put into practice being a disciple.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for an E- Arc of this book.