Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer is essential reading - no other way to put it. I don't know if I've read a more practical book. It leaves you with absolutely no excuses. If you do desire to deepen your relationship with God - what you need to do is clearly stated in this book. Comer lays out everything we life-long Christians have learned/read throughout our lives but kicks it up and breathes new life. The purpose and mission of this book is clear in every chapter - that of wanting the reader to choose and decide how they want to go about with their relationship with God.

"Practicing the Way", by John Mark Comer is a call to discipleship, to fully engage in apprenticing to Jesus Christ and the process of spiritual formation. Early in the book, there is a poignant question put to the reader - would the people around you, and who know you best, say that you are becoming a better person? If we are honest, most of us would say we need some help here!

A quote that stood out to me is when Comer says "The things we do, do something to us; they get into the core of our being and shape our loves and longings." This quote sums up the message of this book in that we are all being formed and shaped by our habits and manner of life. The challenge for those who call themselves Christians is to intentionally build habits into our lives that make us more like Jesus, and at the same time resist those habits that make us ugly! For the attentive reader, there is so much wisdom, useful tips and resources to help in our own journey.

I did not find this book as "cohesive" as his previous book "Live No Lies", but I am glad I read it. I have been deeply challenged and inspired and have already begun to form my own "rule of life" and make changes in my life. This is a book for every follower of Jesus Christ and I will be recommending it thoroughly to my friends.

In "Practicing the Way," John Mark Comer extends an open hand, inviting us on a journey that feels both ancient and urgently necessary. This is not a book to simply read; it's a book to respond to, a spiritual exercise that Comer assures us is worth every ounce of effort we can muster. With the poise of a seasoned writer and the humility of a true seeker, Comer weaves a narrative that beckons us toward a life of intentional practice, one that Jesus himself modeled.

Comer's use of the skull on his desk is not a macabre fascination but a stark and compelling reminder to live with the end in mind. This memento mori, a staple of monastic tradition, is emblematic of the book's central theme: life, when lived in light of our mortality, is a precious gift not to be squandered. The historical depth provided by references to the Rule of St. Benedict and other monastic practices offers a weighty backdrop to Comer's modern application of ancient wisdom. It's a compelling contrast to the frenetic pace of contemporary life, urging us to reclaim the lost art of living with eternity in our hearts.

Yet, the book does not merely call us to ponder the divine from a distance. Comer insists that knowing God is inherently tied to knowing love — and not just any love, but a sacrificial, self-denying agape that places the well-being of others above oneself. This is where "Practicing the Way" challenges the modern self-help gospel, boldly declaring that the path to true self-actualization is found in self-crucifixion. It's a message counterintuitive to our culture, but Comer argues it with the conviction of one who has walked this path and found it to be true.

Reading "Practicing the Way" is like taking a deep breath in a world suffocated by superficiality. It offers a lucid reflection on what it means to live well by embracing practices that are deeply transformative. Comer's work is a poignant reminder that spiritual formation is not a solitary endeavor but a communal pilgrimage that compels us to love more deeply, live more fully, and leave the world around us better than we found it. For anyone who senses that there must be more to faith than what modernity has offered, this book is a treasure worth discovering.

Thank you Waterbrook/Multnomah and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.

John Mark Comer first reflects on what it means to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and to do as he did. He then discusses spiritual formation. He ends by encouraging us to develop a rule of life we can use to practice spiritual disciplines faithfully.

I found the book a bit disjointed, hopping from great quotation to great quotation. The quotes are, however, really good and I do have a lot of highlights from this book. It is a good introduction to what a rule of life is, and how to practice our discipleship. I did learn from it and will continue to think about it.

I found this book quite ‘readable’ and ‘relatable’. I liked the way author John Mark Comer handled topics such as ‘Abiding in Christ’, ‘Stages of Faith’, and ‘Christian Discipleship’ in both insightful and practical ways. Indeed as he deftly puts it, “The reward for following Jesus is Jesus”.

I so enjoyed reading this helpful book. I resonated with the various practices. The first 1/3 of the book had struck a cord with me and seemed very insightful. The rest of the book that went over the practices (or disciplines) was basic. If you read Willard, Foster or Whitney's books on the disciplines you will get the same or deeper. I didn’t always agree with everything that this author stated, but I was willing to give the author latitude. The author was reasonable, biblical, and insightful. I felt this book was written for the next generation (GenZ) and for the moment. I would encourage everyone to read this book and share it with others in their circle of influence. Thank you to NetGalley and Waterbrook for this advanced review copy.. All opinions are my own.

Brother Lawrence developed the Practice of the Presence of Jesus over 300 years ago, but his thoughtful and intentional daily engagement with Jesus is more important in today’s hurried world than ever!

John Mark Comer had given a beautiful description of how we can seek Jesus daily and walk with Him and learn the Way that God has designed for His children to spiritually grow.

I plan to buy this book to reread and also to share!

Thank you for this book!

I received an ARC from NetGalley to read and give my honest review!

This book really resonated with me, and the podcast that John Mark has already been releasing is a GREAT companion to this book.

there’s something different about this work from John Mark & it feels timely for me, but for lots of people around me as well. I’m excited to get this into the hands of others who need it as well

I have previously read “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” by the same author, so when I saw he had a new book out, “Practicing the Way”, I was keen to read it. It was also the title and the subtitle, which caught my attention. I want more from my Christian life, I want to be deliberate about being with Jesus, becoming more like him and living like him. This book did not disappoint.

John Mark Comer believes the three most important words spoken, are those by Jesus: “Come, follow me.” He says that following Jesus means practicing the way and this is what he explores in his book.

The author talks about a “Rule of Life” which was a new concept to me so I was interested to learn about this and how it can help me follow Jesus in a way which leads to transformation.

I found the way he explained what a rule of life is was easy to understand, and it was good to learn how it can help you. He writes about what he sees are the nine core spiritual practices (or disciplines) of Jesus and how they can be implemented in an individual’s rule of life.

If your desire is to follow Jesus, to be like him and do and say the things he did and said, then I highly recommend this book to you. It is written in a very clear, easy to understand way. I learned a lot from it, but it isn’t just a book which gives information, it is also a book which is very helpful on a practical level. After all, it is a book about practicing the way of Jesus and speaking for myself, I need to be shown how this can be done, and this is what the author provides.

I found this book inspiring as it ignited my desire to be a true follower of Jesus, encouraging as it showed me it is possible to change, and also challenging because change will only happen as I make deliberate choices to practice and follow a rule of life, whilst partnering with the Holy Spirit who brings the power to enable change.

"Apprenticeship to Jesus—that is, following Jesus—is a whole-life process of being with Jesus for the purpose of becoming like him and carrying on his work in the world. It’s a lifelong journey in which we gradually learn to say and do the kinds of things Jesus said and did as we apprentice under him in every facet of our lives."

Comer has made the process of being made an apprentice of Jesus not only sound desirable, he has simplified it through "Practicing the Way". The language used to describe our abiding with Jesus stirred up in me a deep passion for Jesus's presence. And, it is through our abundant time spent with Jesus that we are transformed to be like him and do as he did, as Comer reminds his readers throughout the whole book. Comer has great wisdom in implementing practical steps to seek transformation as well, giving readers a wide variety of ways to seek transformation. But what Comer does best in this book is that he very smoothly synthesizes thoughts and excerpts from many Christian sages. "Practicing the Way" gives vision and inspiration to living as an apprentice of Jesus, and it acts as a springboard into a life of continued learning. I'll be highly recommending this book to all the young men I disciple, and I am eager for how the knowledge found here can be used to transform the church.

Thank you to Waterbrook/Multnomah and NetGalley for this advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

I love this! I love how practicing the way is a direct correlation to what it actually means to be a Christian-- Christ-like, little Christ. The points are all very biblically based and I find this to be encouraging and motivating, reminding me of my purpose in life and God's overarching theme of grace.

Practicing the way by John Mark Comer is such a beautifully written book. My church is walking through Sabbath right now and learning the practice of incorporating sabbath in our busy lives, the way God intended us to. Practicing the Way could not of come at a more perfect time. If you're looking for an extraordinary book that will no doubt bring you closer to God then I highly recommend this on by John Mark Comer. Thank you Netgalley for my arc. I will definitely be recommending this one to friends and family.

What does it mean to be a disciple? And how does one become one?

Both conversational and confronting, John Mark Comer leads us on a journey to question the things we've assumed about practicing our faith, asks us to question ourselves and if we truly want it, and lays out a map for getting from where we are to where we want to be.
Living the life Christ meant for us and following his example is not what most people think it is, and it's not normally taught to new believers, let alone those who've been on their walk for years. But Comer tells us we can make a powerful choice to take up that discipleship, no matter where we are in our journey--whether starting from the very beginning, or feeling like you need to find it again--and grasp the life that Yeshua spoke of when he said he came to 'give life to the fullest'.
Starting small, Comer lays out the steps and practices of being an apprentice to Christ, what it means, and how to implement it in our lives.
Kind, and humble, funny and honest, this book is for anyone who wants to walk that narrow, blessed way.


Thanks to Negalley for the opportunity to review this book!

Sometimes the best books are the ones that are unsettling. Practicing the Way is challenging to the point where I found it unsettled me as I resisted hard truths and a call to change.

This book is a flagship book for a set of spiritual formation resources for churches and small groups, by the same name ‘Practicing the Way’. I have dipped into some of the additional resources, podcasts and video clips, which expand on the chapters, and are definitely worth seeking out.

John Mark Comer writes in a direct and clear style. The book feels like a dense fruitcake, full of thoughts and quotes from those who know much about spiritual formation, both from centuries ago and the giants of today. It is the kind of book that will slowly change your life, and I expect to return to it again and again. I’d recommend it both to new followers of Jesus, and those who have been on the journey for many years.

This book presents a different angle on discipleship. Among many things that Comer brings up, one that stuck out is to quit using disciple as a verb, it is a noun. A disciple is something we are. He continues and shows how it should be a way of life. Not just a step by step process that we do, but something that affects each part of our lives. It a wholehearted commitment.

Practicing the Way approaches following Jesus in a way that, not so much goes against the traditional method, but carries it out in a different way. There is a lot that I am still mulling over in the book. I cannot say that I disagree, but it is not what I am used to hearing. I saw several things that I need to take look at how I am doing them. This book is something that would be good for anyone looking to go deeper in following Jesus.

I received a free ARC of the book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

John Mark Comer, pastor and best-selling author, has penned his latest book entitled, "Practicing the Way." In his newest book, Comer asserts that everyone worships someone or something. If you think you don't, look at how you spend your free time and where your thoughts are centered. According to Comer, Christianity is like an apprenticeship which has three steps: be with your Rabbi, become like your Rabbi, and do as your Rabbi did. As we develop what the author calls "the practice of the presence of God," we will find ourselves becoming more and more like him.

This was an excellent, easy-to-read devotional book that will be enjoyed by anyone looking to deepen their relationship with Christ. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

"To be with Jesus, to become like him, and to do as he did. This is the animating passion of your existence."

This book teaches on how to live and approach a life of apprenticeship to Jesus in a very practical way. It gives insights on how to become a true apprentice in the kingdom of God, by presenting Jesus' way of life and the practices he lived by while on Earth, so that we too can follow them and grow into a deeper relationship with the Father, as we balance being in the quiet place with being rooted in community. It also mentions the importance of being still in the midst of the busyness of the digital age, and how to focus our gazes onto Jesus and rest in him. This was a short and wonderful read, which I recommend to anyone wanting to become a true disciple of Jesus and surrender all of their life to him, step by step, day by day.

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

"Jesus is not looking for converts to Christianity; he's looking for apprentices in the kingdom of God."

"The Way of Jesus is not just a theology (a set of ideas that we believe in our heads). It is that, but it's more. And it's not just ethics (a list of dos and don'ts that we obey or disobey). It is that, but it's still more. It's exactly what it sounds like - a way of life. One way to paraphrase Jesus' invitation of "follow me" is to say, "Adopt my overall way of life to experience the life I have on offer."

As I was reading this book, I constantly kept putting it down to text people that they have to read this book when it releases. John Mark Comer provides not only a beautiful vision for discipleship to Jesus, but also an accessible framework to take practical steps. Especially in our modern and distracted world, we desperately need a vision for the grace of transformed lives that Jesus offers us. As someone who has been apprenticing under Jesus for over a decade, I found myself with renewed hope and excitement about the kind of person Jesus desires to see me becoming. Grounded in scripture, filled with historical and modern sages, and packed with practical examples, Practicing the Way is a truly enjoyable and must-read for individuals and communities desiring to follow Jesus in our age.

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

So simple but so profound. I love the simplicity and purity of the book's message and the call to action. JMC has proven himself a necessary voice in today's world. I'm inspired by his words. They are challenging and grace-filled all at once. This book was fantastic, and I will recommend it to everybody.

“In both my personal and pastoral experience, the problem is not that people don’t want to change (most do) or aren’t trying to change (most are); it’s that they do not know how to change. We don’t have a good grasp on how the human soul goes from spiritual birth to spiritual maturity. So we have a lot of spiritual adolescents, few elders.”

This is the problem John Mark Comer seeks to address in Practicing the Way, and he thoroughly succeeds. This book is the single best synthesis of the spiritual journey of being a disciple of Jesus that I have ever read. John Mark Comer brings together a historical perspective of discipleship with the wisdom of how we live this out in the modern world, and it is a brilliant work that will become an invaluable resource to the church in this age. As someone who has listened to many of John Mark’s teachings and read his other books, I view this as the compilation of much of his best work. To anyone outside of the Christian faith, this book is an invitation to take up a life of discipleship to Jesus, and to the church, it is an invitation to the rich depths of experiencing eternal life through knowing Jesus. John Mark balances the beauty of the vision of following Jesus with the immense practicality of crafting a rule of life in community, and the resources he gives for this in the back of the book are worth their weight in gold. This is a book that I will be coming back to many times, and I look forward to its official release to be able to share it with more people.

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