The Pursuit of Holy Leisure
In The Pursuit of Holy Leisure: Enjoying God in Everyday Places, Cara Ray invites readers to discover the joy of encountering God in the ordinary rhythms of life. The book begins by grounding us in our union with Christ. Any lies that keep us from drawing near to him and spending time with him are confronted by the truth of who we are in Christ and the reality of our secure union with him.
Ray beautifully explores what it means to know Christ, savor the sweetness of his words, and cultivate personal, intimate communion with him through prayer. What I appreciated most was her call to secrecy and stillness—to pursue time alone with God and delight in his presence away from the noise and distractions of daily life.
Rhythms and Opportunities
I was especially surprised to see the many areas of life touched by holy leisure. I was particularly moved by her discussion of training our children in the instruction of the Lord. There are so many moments and opportunities with my children that I can easily take for granted. I renewed my commitment to make the most of these years while my children are young and to cherish the daily rhythms that will one day pass.
I was also pleased to find a theology of art woven throughout the book. Ray reminds us that creativity is a gift from God and that our art can be an opportunity to honor Christ, reflect his beauty, and point others toward him.
Presence and Fellowship
The final section addresses darkness, suffering, and seasons of deep hurt. In a deeply personal and sensitive chapter, Ray speaks honestly about doubting God’s goodness, especially in seasons of suffering and when we have been sinned against. Yet she offers lasting hope by reminding us that our King, Jesus Christ, entered into the deepest suffering, conquered sin and death, and emerged victorious.
The Pursuit of Holy Leisure is one of the richest modern books on the Christian life I have ever read. It goes deep while casting a wide vision for how we encounter God in every area of life. If you desire more of God, this book will help you slow down, delight in his presence, and cultivate deeper fellowship with Christ.
I received a media copy of The Pursuit of Holy Leisure (Amazon) and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.