Going Deeper

Each month in the Perspective we will feature resources that many find useful and helpful in their spiritual lives along with ordering information. For this first issue, we are featuring the Devotional Readings; from their development to a few words from three subscribers who are using them.

Behind the Scenes: The Devotional Readings. (The following, written by James B. Smith, is a brief description of how the Renovaré Devotional Readings came into being.)

In the winter months of 1989 I began reflecting on my own spiritual journey and, in particular, what means God has used to influence and shape that journey along "the stages of life's way." Next to the Bible, the most formative influence in this journey has been--and continues to be--the classics of devotional literature.

I came into contact with these writings nearly ten years ago. Since that time, I have obtained a considerable library of the Christian classics. They are a constant source of spiritual nourishment, and each day these writings shape my thought and life in new ways.

But it has grieved me that very few people ever read these great books. I wondered why so few take advantage of something so powerful. Several reasons, I concluded, are these: most people have never even heard of these authors; few of these books are still in print; and finally, many of the translations are difficult to read.

Then an idea occurred to me. Why not labor to make these great writings available in a kind of anthology for modern readers! I shared my idea with Richard Foster and others on the Renovaré staff. The result is the development of a notebook-style anthology that hopefully is both thorough and readable. It contains 52 readings from such great devotional writers as Chrysostom, Juliana of Norwich, Martin Luther, Blaise Pascal, Madame Jeanne Guyon, and C. S. Lewis.

Each Devotional Reading begins with a brief introduction to the author followed by excerpts from the devotional classic that has been abridged and updated for the modern reader. Next is a set of study questions designed to encourage further reflection on the reading. Then there is a Bible study section that goes along with the theme of the week.

If the reader finds a particular author helpful and would like to read more of his or her writings (and we hope they will), there is a section titled, "Going Deeper," which serves as a bibliography. Then, each selection concludes with a reflection from Richard Foster which seeks to bridge between the ancient writer and the modern reader.

This project has been a huge undertaking for Richard, myself, and all of the Renovaré staff. But we are dedicated to making these writings available to any and all who want to grow deeper in the spiritual life. -- James B. Smith

Personal Renewal. I have been using the Renovaré Devotional Readings as a sort of touchstone around which I center my thoughts each week. I read a section or two from the selected reading each day, read the printed Scripture several times during the week, and choose Reflection Questions for thought and meditation, perhaps searching through other relevant Scripture for further insight.

Using the dominant thought from each author, I concentrate especially on the Renovaré Common Discipline and Self-Examination Question that seems most nearly to coincide with that particular theme. At the end of the week, I devote one period to journaling on my impressions of the week, noting areas of need and growth.

This plan has been refreshing as I have lived with and learned from the spiritual experience of persons from St. Augustine in the fourth century to Dallas Willard in twentieth. Through this process I realized that my pilgrimage is not all that different from those of the devotional masters. -- Eva Brightup