Life You've Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People

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Life You've Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People

4.0 of 5 stars 4.00 · rating details · 2,491 ratings · 152 reviews

You Can Live a Deeper, More Spiritual Life Right Where You Are.An expanded edition with a new chapter on prayer and discussion questionsThe heart of Christianity is transformation---a relationship with God that impacts not just our 'spiritual lives, ' but every aspect of living. John Ortberg calls readers back to the dynamic heartbeat of Christianity---God's power to bring...more

Hardcover, 272 pages

Published September 24th 2002 by Zondervan (first published 1997)

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Jun 10, 2008 Lauren rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved John Ortberg's book "If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat", so I am really looking forward to this text on spiritual disciplines. I enjoy the insights he has as well as the way he relates a story, and so look forward to learning from this book.

Adding on to my previous thoughts now that I have finished reading this book - I do love John Ortberg. It took me longer than I would have liked to get through this book, but all in all it was a really good, thought-provo...more

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Feb 17, 2011 Michael Culbertson rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christianity, spiritual-formation

Written in Ortberg's conversational style, this is a very approachable introduction to the practice of spiritual discipline. Ortberg takes the first few chapters to motivate and introduce the practice of discipline in the spiritual life. He starts with the universal feeling that we are not as good as we ought (or want) to be, but extends the magnificent hope that through God's mercy, we can become ("morph") something better. This transformation occurs through the work of the Holy Spirit, but Ort...more Written in Ortberg's conversational style, this is a very approachable introduction to the practice of spiritual discipline. Ortberg takes the first few chapters to motivate and introduce the practice of discipline in the spiritual life. He starts with the universal feeling that we are not as good as we ought (or want) to be, but extends the magnificent hope that through God's mercy, we can become ("morph") something better. This transformation occurs through the work of the Holy Spirit, but Ortberg points out that the Holy Spirit works alongside (and not usually against) us. There just may be things we can do to "catch the winds" of the Spirit, as a boat with sails trimmed moves more rapidly than one with sails slack. Ortberg encourages us to "turn aside" (as Moses did at the burning bush) to meet with God. We accomplish this with spiritual disciplines.

Many people thing of disciplines as dreary things one does because it's necessary, even though some other activity would be more fun. Ortberg claims true spiritual disciplines are nothing of the sort. Disciplines are meant to encourage transformation, and dry, dreary activities simply aren't the way to get there. If one activity becomes cumbersome, Ortberg suggests you should look for a more-interesting alternative that works toward the same goal. For Ortberg, a discipline is "any activity I can do by direct effort that will help me do what I cannot now do by direct effort" (47). A spiritual discipline is "any activity that can help me gain power to live life as Jesus taught and modeled it." Th goal is to live as Jesus lived; since we can't do that perfectly now, we practice things we can do now to train ourselves in Christ-like living, much as a runner builds up to a marathon.

In the remainder of the book, Ortberg explores several categories of disciplines, each of which helps develop a different aspect of the Christian life. In addition to motivating the need for practice in the given area, he gives suggestions of traditional and not-so-traditional disciplines, along with his usual engaging stories and colorful metaphors. The kinds of discipline covered include: celebration, slowing, prayer (a new chapter in the second edition), servanthood, confession, receiving guidance from the Holy Spirit, secrecy, reflecting on scripture, and practicing a "rule of life." He concludes with a chapter on the experience of suffering.

Ortberg's treatment of the practices of the spiritual life comes from a distinctly individualist perspective---all the practices are activities that individual Christians perform by themselves. Even for kinds of disciplines that might lend themselves toward communal activity, he focuses on the individual aspects. Despite this oversight of the communal Christian life, The Life You've Always Wanted casts discipline in a new light. I would recommend it for those who are interested in growing in their Christian life but who have perhaps been a bit intimidated by the prospect of taking on the "Spiritual Disciplines," as well as for those veteran disciplinarians who may be looking for a fresh look at a familiar subject.(less)

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May 24, 2009 Kessia Reyne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: school

John Ortberg wrote The Life You’ve Always Wanted with a mind toward, as the subtitle tells, “ordinary people.” I suppose this means that he was not writing for the holy—or, perhaps more accurately, that he wrote for those that know they’re not holy. If this is you, The Life You’ve Always Wanted could the book you’ve always looked for. But a word of caution is in order.
Ortberg writes with a friendly voice, casual and familiar. And when he’s not reflecting on the words of some spiritual giant or...more John Ortberg wrote The Life You’ve Always Wanted with a mind toward, as the subtitle tells, “ordinary people.” I suppose this means that he was not writing for the holy—or, perhaps more accurately, that he wrote for those that know they’re not holy. If this is you, The Life You’ve Always Wanted could the book you’ve always looked for. But a word of caution is in order.
Ortberg writes with a friendly voice, casual and familiar. And when he’s not reflecting on the words of some spiritual giant or pop culture icon, he writes as one friend confiding in another. At times you can easily forget that he’s also trying to instruct you. Yet this familiar voice doesn’t lend itself to a comfortable read. His transparency is what makes this book so uncomfortable to get through. In every chapter he recounts some experience that made me cringe—outwardly, physically grimace—with embarrassment.
Yet vulnerability to the point of embarrassment might well be the greatest single strength of Ortberg’s work here. His confessionalism is awkward and embarrassing and uncomfortable precisely because when he’s describing his inner life, riddled with subtle sins—self-satisfying service, self-deceptive impression management, self-righteous hurrying—I see there my own mixed up inner life. And if I hadn’t known it before, the awareness hits me full force: I’m a sinner. I suppose it’s back to Beginning Spirituality for me.
But hey—I’m a pastor. And this guy’s a pastor? Just look at all the ways he sins all the time, hidden there under the surface. And me? . . . How do we get away with this stuff? And like the final act of private humiliation, I’m brought to realize that my position of religious leadership offers me no immunity to spiritual dysfunction. I’m not just a sinner; I’m an ordinary sinner. John Ortberg writes for me.
Perusing the table of contents, it’s easy to pick out that he writes for the ordinary person. His spiritual disciplines include “the practice of celebration” and “the practice of slowing.” Those don’t seem very disciplinal. There are no chapters here on the disciplines of solitude or fasting or simplicity. There are no appendices on the practices of asceticism. I’m suspicious now, because probably the last thing that the Christian world needs is another book endorsing spirituality lite. But to go beyond the list of contents and actually read the chapters proves that this is no work designed to accommodate the spiritually lazy. If Ortberg’s personal confessions didn’t wake you to your own weaknesses, just try putting into practice some of his suggestions. They’re hard. Keeping quiet about my Scripture memorization? Making regular time to face my sin and dissect it before God? Standing in the longest line at the grocery store? Not for the faint of heart.
So if The Life You’ve Always Wanted is not for the faint of heart, nor for the perfect of heart, whom might it be for? You, if you long to be a trained disciple in the service of Jesus.
(less)

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Oct 01, 2012 Timothy rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Christians

Great read for the development of spiritual habits and general approach to living out life like a follower of Christ. John shared a lot of stories as he laid out not only good practices but (most importantly) the reasoning behind the practice. The practice is just a religion - the relationship it builds with God is the spiritual part which we all hunger for. John approached the topics lightly, but still managed to communicate the difficulty and importance of so many things in our spiritual walk....more

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Feb 23, 2010 Doug rated it 3 of 5 stars

Fiinished, today. Not sure about this book. At the start, it seemed like I might be part of Ortberg's target audience. Early on, he uses Popeye (yes, the "sailor man") in an illustration. One of Popeye's well-worn lines was, "I yam what I yam." Ortberg described this as sad — the sad cry of the human race. It caught my interest.

Well, I would have to say tthat I still "am what I am." Perhaps I need to re-read this book, but I don't think the author accomplished what he intended — at least with m...more

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May 05, 2010 Ann rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: self-help

I think I could read this book every 6 months and learn something new from it. It is completely filled with all kinds of GREAT information on how to improve the joy-factor in your life. I have successfully weeded out several things from my calendar that were stealing the joy from the things that matter the most to me. I have also introduced several things into my daily habits that have improved the relationships that matter the most to me. I just finished this a couple weeks ago and I am already...more

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Mar 12, 2008 Angela rated it 5 of 5 stars

Best dicipleship book out there!

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Jan 16, 2012 Taylor rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Faves:

"IF Jesus held unhindered sway when the alarm clock goes off, what kind of thoughts would pass through the mind? Would our heads be filled with anxieties about today and regrets about yesterday? Or would our first thoughts be the assurance as to who holds the day and who holds us?"

"Moreover, while knowledge is vital and should be prized, it also poses some dangers. It often demolishes humility."

"When Jesus spoke he was free from the need to create an impression. He was free to speak the tr...more

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Nov 11, 2008 Fidi rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Christians and Non-Christians looking for a different way to approach disciplines

Recommended to Fidi by: A Allan Martin PhD

The cover of this book is enticing. Exactly how does John Ortberg know which life I want? At first glance, one might think this book is about finances or health. Well, not really, or at all. This book is about spiritual disciplines. Yeah, I said disciplines. Do people still do those? To be honest I never really knew much about spiritual disciplines growing up, and didn't pay attention until recently. I knew I was supposed to be reading my Bible, and supposed to be praying, and supposed to be do...more

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Nov 08, 2007 Alvan rated it 4 of 5 stars

My first John Ortberg book, and it's all about spiritual disciplines. Loved the first five chapters.

John uses examples and stories that are modern and really do make his points. I got many new insights, the most important one being the goal of spiritual disciplines is living LIFE not mastering the discipline itself.

here's a paragraph i love:

As we have seen, the true indicator of spiritual well-being is growth in the ability to love God and people. If we can do this without the practice of any...more

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Jul 21, 2010 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars

My review from when I first read this book:
Ortberg explains that the point of a spiritual disciplines is training. Training can take someone who can't run a marathon and make the marathon possible. Spiritual disciplines train us and enable us to do things we couldn't do just by trying really hard. Ortberg then discusses celebration, slowing, servant-hood, confession, receiving guidance, secrecy, reflection on scripture, developing a "rule of life," and suffering.

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Oct 30, 2012 Robert Samsel rated it 3 of 5 stars

While much of Ortberg's message was good, I did not appreciate his presentation style. I became distracted by his mundane side comments that I am sure he thought were pithy or humorous. I also found his "transparency" to be less than helpful; I think he was trying to be relatable but he went a bit too far for my taste. Finally, some illustrations did nothing to support his points and only served to confuse rather than clarify. I will most likely pass on further readings from this author.

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Jan 21, 2010 Eric Peltz rated it 3 of 5 stars

The first few chapters are fantastic; the rest, not so much. But Ortberg's chapters on transformation and spiritual discipline as training bring a much better understanding to the devotional life than any other literature I've read. Check it out from the library, read the first 3 chapters, then read something else, but you're missing out if you don't read his first chapter on transformation.

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Feb 24, 2012 Nancy Ellis rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book was referenced in a blog I just happened to read one day. The quoted paragraph caught my attention so much that I got the book from the library and read it in practically one sitting. I liked the book so much I got my own copy to write in and mark up as much as I want. A refreshing approach to some "old" ideas, quite enlightening actually!

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May 26, 2009 Grace Chen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Read this book for a class at church.

After getting past the initial cheesiness (Ortberg references the Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers, and repeats phrases like "It's morphin' time!"), I found this book to be a refreshing and insightful take on the practice of spiritual disciplines.

Ortberg incorporates many personal experiences and stories to illustrate his points, and it was pretty humorous to see myself in those examples. One of the highlights for me is how he explains the purpose of spiritual d...more

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Oct 02, 2012 Daniel rated it 4 of 5 stars

I read this back in college. I think different authors - their personalities, their views, their stories, etc. - connect with us in different ways. No surprise there. So, not everyone's favorite book, but a book that made a significant impact in my life and still one of the most significant books in my own spiritual development.

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Aug 31, 2009 Samantha rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: alltimefavorites, christian

a must read. period. i seldom read books twice. this one i will periodically revisit bc it spoke so powerfully to me on important principles I want to remember and fold into my Christian walk. he writes with honest, witty, humble, self-deprecating humor, and powerful metaphors and analogies to powerfully explain biblical truths.

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Jul 19, 2012 CCCfaithathome added it

The subtitle of this book says it all- "spiritual disciplines for ordinary people." If you have always believed that the disciplines aren't for you, think again. Though the practices are deep, they do not have to be daunting. Get the life that you've always wanted- and more importantly- live the life that God wants for you.

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Jul 24, 2012 Brent Hudson rated it 5 of 5 stars

I read Dallas Willard's "Spirit of the Disciplines" which Ortberg notes inspired this volume (I think he called it "Willard for Dummies"). What I love about Ortberg is that he comes across as somewhat vulnerable and always entertaining in his story-telling. Of course, his ideas are also very helpful. . .more helpful, practically speaking, than Willard. His concept of 'slowing' of stepping out of the constant sense of rushing to what is next and never enjoying the present. I'm glad I read Willard...more

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Feb 28, 2012 faithful rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: spiritual-growth

The author takes a weighty and eternal subject and makes it understandable. By handling the spiritual portion of life in a common, down-to-earth style, he encourages the common person to persevere and press on to maturity in Christ. The true objective will be only realized as a reader begins to apply the ideas.

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Feb 17, 2009 Jackie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Loved this book. I'm just beginning my spiritual journey and this was a great first book for me to read! I've learned so much from it and he kept my attention the whole time. There is a great study guide at the end and I'm taking my time going through that. It's just very beneficial! Love it.

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Jul 27, 2009 Tracy rated it 5 of 5 stars

I could not recommend a book more than I do this one for the daily christian life. It's practical spiritual disciplines that are given as a means to an end instead of as an end in themselves. There is a 6-week study series with video that can be used for group study too.

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Jul 16, 2009 Sarah rated it 5 of 5 stars

I read this book along with my bible study group. It was a very practical, straightforward take on the spiritual disciplines for ordinary people. I appreciated the author's vulnerability and the fact that he didn't overspiritualize the topic. I was challenged by this book.

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Mar 21, 2012 Sean-david rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: pastoral-spiritual-disciplines

This is a pretty good text, dry at times, quite funny at other times, but overall much more accessible to students and Christians on the spiritual disciplines. Much more careful than some in the areas of extra-biblical revelation.

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Dec 02, 2008 Jenny rated it 1 of 5 stars

We read this for Lent through our church a few years ago. I could not get past the way it was written even though the content was fine. My grammatical English-teaching self could not stand the fragments and run-ons. Sorry!

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Oct 25, 2012 Eneltemor rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book makes you evaluate so much about how you approach God. Each chapter of Ortberg's book will make you laugh, cry and desire to surrender more of your life over to God. I'd certainly recommend this book.

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Jul 25, 2011 Michelle Brown rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book could be a life changer - I enjoyed it very much. I intent to spend time over the next several weeks planning for making this a part of my life - loved the ideas, stories and clear messages and ways to practice spiritualism daily.

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Jun 08, 2011 Carol rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian

Great book on spiritual disciplines -- very readable, practical and insightful. Ortberg is honest & likable in sharing his personal "stories" and calls us live the abundant life that Jesus provides for us.

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May 30, 2009 Debi rated it 5 of 5 stars

Re-read

Very thought-provoking and inspiring book about spiritual growth.

"Joy is, as Karl Barth put it, a 'defiant nevertheless' set at a full stop against bitterness and resentment."

" 'We take every thought captive to obey Christ.' This means, in part, refusing to allow other people's approval or disapproval to dominate our lives."

"...the purpose of knowing Scripture...is for us to become equipped for good works."

"The goal is not for us to get through the Scriptures. The goal is to get the Scri...more

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Jan 23, 2012 Matt Hartzell rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Jesus followers

Shelves: theology

Ortberg provides practical and meaningful insight and advice about a variety of spiritual disciples. I generally enjoyed his writing style and some of the stories he shared from his life. However, specific chapters were hit or miss for me. Some had really great ideas for how to intentionally practice the disciples, and some chapters were more vague.

A nice companion to go along with other nominal works on spiritual disciplines.

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Quotes from The Life You've Always...

“I am disappointed with myself. I am disappointed not so much with the particular things I have done as with the aspects of who I have become. I have a nagging sense that all is not as it should be.” — 12 people liked it

“Love and hurry are fundamentally incompatible. Love always takes time, and time is the one thing hurried people don't have.” — 1 person liked it

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