Book Review–Feeding Your Soul: A Quiet Time Handbook by Jean Fleming

I first read about Feeding Your Soul: A Quiet Time Handbook by Jean Fleming over at Holy Experience.  (I think when I first saw it, it was on Ann’s bookshelf; I can’t find it now, but I’m sure Ann is the one to whom I owe the thanks for leading me to this awesome little book.) Feeding Your Soul is a short book that provides a succinct argument for the necessity of a Quiet Time (time set apart for prayer, Bible reading, and communion with God) in the life of a Christian.  Not only does she emphasize the importance of a Quiet Time (as well as all the benefits such a time brings), she also provides instruction on how to make a fruitful Quiet Time a reality, not just something that you hope to do one day.  One thing I love about this book is how she highlights the use of writing in a Christian’s devotional life.  She says that there is a Biblical model for this.  I do not remember ever having read this passage of scripture before (despite the fact that I have made it at least that far in my old yearly attempt to “read the Bible through”).  I love it when the Spirit gives fresh insight, don’t you?

If you are feeling stagnant in your spiritual life, this book might just provide the encouragement you need to get moving again.  If you know a new Believer who needs help getting started in this vital spiritual discipline, this book would be a great tool.  This book is also written in such a way (i.e. with questions at the end of each chapter and exercise suggestions) that it would be great to use with a small group.  I really can’t recommend it enough.