Book Review :: Solo: An Uncommon Devotional

I found a new devotional that is really working for me right now. It's called Solo: An Uncommon Devotional and it's by Eugene Peterson. I'm a longtime, hardcore Eugene Peterson fan. He's the guy who wrote the Bible paraphrase The Message that has revolutionized Bible reading for so many people.*

Solo has revolutionized the daily devotional for me. He takes a small piece of Scripture and then guides you through reading, thinking, praying and living it in ways that are fresh, relevant and thought provoking. The book is in the ancient lectio-divina approach to becoming one with scripture.

I'm finding that using the readings and guided meditations as a jumping-off point for journaling is best for me. Here's a bit of what I wrote and how I used it today. The passage is Matthew 11:28-30.*

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

In response I wrote:
Holy God, I am tired. I have been so burned out on religion and hurt by religious people that I've been afraid to even think of trying it all again. There has to be a better way.

The church that claims you, excludes me.

Since leaving the institutional church, the place that I've learned to see you is in the stillness of my soul. It nourishes my spirit to find that place. I can find it in your creation, in the words of others who are walking the journey with honest, stumbling faith and in the music of old hymns, ancient chants and bird songs.

The only thing I miss and still need is a community to challenge me and to love me into becoming even more.

So, as I wait, I will practice learning the unforced rhythms of grace. Teach me. Show me. Heal me. Amen.

I love this book. If you're in Findlay you won't be surprised that the local Christian bookstore won't have it. I found mine at the bookstore in the mall.

* Peterson makes the Bible a pleasure to read. Same passage - King James Version:
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

New International Version
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.