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The Soul at Rest is a powerful book. Author Tricia McCary Rhodes is singleminded -- firmly rooted and grounded in Jesus Christ. From this relationship and the fruits of 23 years of full-time ministry she shares with us how to sustain that singlemindedness whether we have walked with God for many years or we are new Christians.
In the first of eight chapters, she explores the form and structure of our inner prayer journey. The following seven chapters deal with different kinds of prayer and our needs in prayer. Each chapter begins with an inspirational reading followed by five personal contemplative exercises. Segments entitled "Practicing Prayer" move us from theory to the reality of communion with God. Interspersed are many practical tips such as how to organize your own quiet time materials, how to stay focused, a quick reference guide for Scripture praying, and how to set up and use various types of prayer journals.
We have been taught how to intercede, petition, and give thanks. Now, without using rigid or legalistic rules, Rhodes shows us step by step how to commune with God in quiet Spirit-led moments, and how to enter a deeper place in our walk. She deftly weaves Scripture, her own experience, and that of faithful believers throughout history into a rich tapestry that becomes a life-changing journey for us. This is a book to savor.
Rhodes moves from showing us ways to renew our passion to helping us think through the time, place, plan, and commitment of our prayer time. Next she leads us into Meditative Prayer. The word "meditation" hits a cautionary button for many of us. Very clearly, Rhodes shows the important differences between the meditation taught in Scripture and that of Eastern religions. She assures us that "Meditative Prayer's highest calling is an encounter with the King of kings."
In Scripture Praying, she encourages us to smell the salty air by the Sea of Galilee, hear the thundering roar of the Egyptian army at our backs as we flee captivity, or lay our heads on the breast of Jesus and hear His heartbeat.
Rhodes goes right to the crux of how God speaks to us in the chapter on Listening Prayer. In her practical and down-to-earth way, she addresses the questions that puzzle us and leads us to discover the answers.
Rhodes also encourages us to take time to reflect on our spiritual journey. She calls this Recollective Prayer. "Without a commitment to regular times of prayerful reflection," she says, "we will always be caught up in the whirlwind of chaotic existence."
"The Prayer of Detachment is a plea for passionate attachment to God and His reality," Rhodes says. Working through the daily prayer practices in this chapter leads us to a new understanding of eternal things.
Fruitless prayer, feeling abandoned by God, struggling to hold on -- these are the marks of the dark night. Rhodes sheds new light on its purpose. When we feel discouraged and forsaken, we can be assured we are accompanied beyond the point of feelings by a loving God who desires to bring resurrection out of death.
In her final chapter, Rhodes deals with the deeply satisfying and mystical experience of Contemplative Prayer. She cautions us not to rush into this form of prayer, but to seek the call of the Spirit. "The longing for God that draws us into Contemplative Prayer is not feeling-based," Rhodes says. "When we have moved beyond the need for the gifts to the adoration of the Giver, we are ready for Contemplative Prayer."
The Soul at Rest is one of those books that comes along once in a great while; a book to read and reread.
Alice Ann Robertson leads a Christian writing group in Nashville, TN.
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