This classic was written during a train trip from Chicago to McAllen, Texas, in the late 1940s. Tozer wrote all night, the words coming to him as f...
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May 24, 2010
Mike
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First Review
I hesitate to call Tozer a theologian because his approach to Christianity and the practice of faith is very practical. He is very well read and often deals with theological topics but he typically scoffs any intellectual dealings with faith and puts forth his down to earth alternative.
The description of "down to earth" only goes so far, because Tozer is also very clearly a mystic. He focuses on experience, feeling and hearing God's voice as important to faith. He also emp More...
I hesitate to call Tozer a theologian because his approach to Christianity and the practice of faith is very practical. He is very well read and often deals with theological topics but he typically scoffs any intellectual dealings with faith and puts forth his down to earth alternative.
The description of "down to earth" only goes so far, because Tozer is also very clearly a mystic. He focuses on experience, feeling and hearing God's voice as important to faith. He also emp More...
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Feb 08, 2009
Yelver
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One afternoon, I stayed at home and roughly read The practice of presence of God. This time I got some points which could touch my heart, thanks to God. Through the whole book, the author simply want to convey a message that how to practice the presence of God and what does it benefit us, that is to say, how to achieve that God is alway with us. I guess that's what you probably hope to achieve, as you have told me that your spirit is going down to some extent recently.
Another great More...
Another great More...
Nov 22, 2011
Timothy
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Have you ever looked for a devotional-style book that communicated the greatness of God, and how to be closer to Him? *The Pursuit of God* by A. W. Tozer is one such book. It is a very short work that essentially is a look at the “modern” evangelicalism in particular, and Christianity in general, of the late 1940's by Tozer, who was a pastor at Southside Alliance Church in Chicago, Ill.
The book is divided into sections that begin with the quoting of a verse of Scripture that pertain More...
The book is divided into sections that begin with the quoting of a verse of Scripture that pertain More...
Jul 28, 2011
I was looking forward to reading The Pursuit of God. I had never read any Tozer books before but heard so much about them. I was not disappointed! The content of this book is meaty and takes some time to fully process. As a result, I rarely read more than one chapter per sitting. Also as a result, I’m not 100% sure if I agree with every statement made in the book. However, this fact should not take away from the numerous strong points that Tozer makes throughout the book that are full of biblica
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Nov 22, 2010
Cori
rated it:
It’s no wonder to me that Tozer’s book is a “classic.” It just has that classic, timeless feel, like it’s something you can come back to over and over again when you feel empty. What he wrote in 1957 applies just as much today as it did then, and will probably be applicable until Jesus returns. His main thesis is that Christians aren’t seeking God. They go to church, tithe, act “nice,” and think they are living the Christian life. Instead, we should be thirsting after God in a bigger way, aching
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Nov 03, 2010
Adam
rated it:
Short review: Increasingly I am finding books of real worth that need multiple readings. I am intentionally scheduling these books to be re-read and most of them are even richer the second time. This is my first reading of The Pursuit of God, but it is on my 'read again' list. If you are serious about seeking after God, this is one of the better books on the theology and practical working out of how to do that. It is not a 'spiritual disciplines' book like Richard Foster, but does include so
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Apr 01, 2009
Mary
rated it:
I picked this one up, probably, b/c it was short and I'd never read anything by Tozer. I'd heard, when I was young and impressionable, that he was on the "mystical" side of things, and that, at first, scared me and, later, intriguied me.
Tozer describes relationship w/ God in nontraditional terms, which could be mystical or could just be refreshingly innovative. His language transcends the ordinary and ventures into philosophy and even physics. "There must be somewher More...
Tozer describes relationship w/ God in nontraditional terms, which could be mystical or could just be refreshingly innovative. His language transcends the ordinary and ventures into philosophy and even physics. "There must be somewher More...
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Aug 05, 2010
Dave
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well, to everyone reading this review, i guess you'll have to go out and buy this book, because this is one of the best and most inspiring christian books out there. i actually listened to this as an audiobook, but i'm also going to buy the actual printed book because i want to go back and read this with my eyes and underline some of the good parts.
with a subject like pursuing God, many authors could easily go into the vein of oughts and duties, and how much we should be chasing aft More...
with a subject like pursuing God, many authors could easily go into the vein of oughts and duties, and how much we should be chasing aft More...
Jun 13, 2010
Elizabeth
rated it:
I read this on my Kindle, and my 14 pages of highlights and notes are testament to the fact that I found it highly interesting and helpful in my understanding of how to have a personal relationship with a living God. The bottom line idea that Tozer wishes to portray is that we must use the analogy of any personal relationship we wish to cultivate. "We have almost forgotten that God is a Person and, as such, can be cultivated as any person can." If we want to have a better relationship
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Jan 21, 2012
Chrissy
rated it:
I have been wanting to read this book for a long time, and I am amazed that as I completed this book I wondered that had I read it sooner it would not have been as impacting. As is the way with God, timing is everything-perfect and precise.
I will warn this is not a casual read. I found myself reading and re-reading paragraphs over and over. He has a dizzying intellect and an ability to reach to the heart of things which often is no casual venture. My favorite sections regarded pr More...
I will warn this is not a casual read. I found myself reading and re-reading paragraphs over and over. He has a dizzying intellect and an ability to reach to the heart of things which often is no casual venture. My favorite sections regarded pr More...
Apr 03, 2011
Jeremy
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"Shoreless Ocean, who can sound Thee?"
I think to some extent this book is self-selecting. In other words, you would never read it if there wasn't a high likelihood that you would enjoy it. And I did enjoy it! That being said my overall take on Tozer is that he has some great insights and the only criticism I can make is that at times he seems to downgrade (mildly and not without charity) those of us who take an intellectual approach to faith and its practice. I do agree w More...
I think to some extent this book is self-selecting. In other words, you would never read it if there wasn't a high likelihood that you would enjoy it. And I did enjoy it! That being said my overall take on Tozer is that he has some great insights and the only criticism I can make is that at times he seems to downgrade (mildly and not without charity) those of us who take an intellectual approach to faith and its practice. I do agree w More...
Mar 03, 2010
Ben
rated it:
This book is easy to read, fairly short, and beneficial to one’s spiritual growth. A. W. Tozer presents a thought provoking and devotional book on the topic of pursuing God.
In chap 1 he uses Ps. 63:8 to begin the topic. He speaks about God’s work in our lives, and the paradox of us having found God (at our salvation) but still pursuing God (in our continued relationship with Him).
In chap 2 he uses Matt. 5:3 to speak about possessing nothing. It boils down to puttin More...
In chap 1 he uses Ps. 63:8 to begin the topic. He speaks about God’s work in our lives, and the paradox of us having found God (at our salvation) but still pursuing God (in our continued relationship with Him).
In chap 2 he uses Matt. 5:3 to speak about possessing nothing. It boils down to puttin More...
Jan 29, 2010
Paul
rated it: 
This classic book is challenging and inspiring in many places, a little dry in others. Tozer's writing is well worth reading and praying over. I especially liked the chapters, "The Universal Presence", "The Gaze of the Soul" and "Meekness and Rest". Tozer is a unique voice, adding a Christian mystical element to 20th century evangelical protestantism. One thing I found not so emphasized in the book is the great extent of God's love for us, yet I suppose the author d
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Feb 27, 2011
Drew
rated it:
This book was one of the most fruitful and refreshing school assignments I've ever received. I have heard much talk of Tozer lately and now that I have read him I understand why. Every sentences drips with wisdom that has been soaked in much prayer. He writes beautifully and poetically. Such crafted language is beautiful enough to make one want to pursue God. Yet it is not the outer beauty of the writing that captures a person in this book, it is the passionate heart-filled exhortations which ov
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Nov 26, 2011
Laura
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"How tragic that we in this dark day have had our seeking done for us by our teachers. Everything is made to center upon the initial act of 'accepting' Christ (a term, incidentally, which is not found in the Bible) and we are not expected therafter to crave any further revelation of God to our souls."
"The pronouns my and mine look innocent enough in print, but their constant and universal use is significant. They express the real nature of the old Adamic man better tha More...
"The pronouns my and mine look innocent enough in print, but their constant and universal use is significant. They express the real nature of the old Adamic man better tha More...
May 17, 2011
David
rated it:
What I love about Tozier, is his clear, concise, yet still easy to read style of admonition. The thoughts are really not all that ground-breaking or earth shattering, but somehow, because of his treatment of the subject matter, it seems as if you are hearing these life principles for the first time. Tackling such diverse subjects as, possessions, God, access to God, knowing, God, Heaven, God's voice, creation, meekness, and the sacrament of life, Tozier plain-spokenly tells us how we can pursu
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Aug 17, 2011
Trudy
rated it:
Tozer is an author that needs to be read again and again. So frequently, he gets to the heart of an issue and there are so many things to learn from his books and try to remember. Some favorite quotes
O God and Father, I repent of my sinful preoccupation with visible things. The world has been too much with me. Thou hast been here and I knew it not. I have been blind to Thy Presence. Open my eyes that I may behold Thee in and around me. For Christ's sake, Amen.
I believe t More...
O God and Father, I repent of my sinful preoccupation with visible things. The world has been too much with me. Thou hast been here and I knew it not. I have been blind to Thy Presence. Open my eyes that I may behold Thee in and around me. For Christ's sake, Amen.
I believe t More...
Jun 06, 2010
Helmisade
rated it:
Tozer is awesome and this book full of his usual simple and inspirational writing.
My favourite quote (from the preface):
"For it is not mere words that nourish the soul, but God Himself, and unless and until the hearers find God in personal experience they are not the better for having heard the truth. The Bible is not an end in itself, but a means to bring men to an intimate and satisfying knowledge of God, that they may enter into Him, that they may delight in His Presence, may t More...
My favourite quote (from the preface):
"For it is not mere words that nourish the soul, but God Himself, and unless and until the hearers find God in personal experience they are not the better for having heard the truth. The Bible is not an end in itself, but a means to bring men to an intimate and satisfying knowledge of God, that they may enter into Him, that they may delight in His Presence, may t More...
Aug 02, 2010
Andrea
rated it:
This is one of the best books I have ever read about the significance of my relationship with God. It's a small book but it is so powerful that it brought me to tears in just the first chapter. A. Z. Tozer once said that what comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us. This book enriches what comes into your mind when you think about God in such a powerful way. I recommend this book to EVERYONE! I've read it more than once and keep it in my nightstand for t
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Jun 02, 2011
Indira
rated it:
A man of God like A.W. Tozer is definitely one we can continue to learn much from today long after his death. The words in this book are full of spiritual wisdom. This is definitely one book every believer should read through at least once. The prayers at the end of each chapter are a nice touch; they reveal the heart of a man whose pursuit of God was relentless and worthy of imitation.
"Jesus calls us to his rest, and meekness is His method. The meek man cares not at all w More...
"Jesus calls us to his rest, and meekness is His method. The meek man cares not at all w More...
Mar 10, 2011
Philip
rated it:
This work is nothing short of a classic. Countless readers have been moved to a greater passion for Christ and a more strong desire for the presence of God after reading this work. Tozer points the reader to many passages of Scripture, but none more poignant that that of the Psalmist who captures the picture of the believer as a thirsty deer which searches with great desire for the water necessary to sustain life. What a drastic change in life and within the church as a whole if all believers we
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Jan 18, 2012
Joey
rated it:
"As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so my soul after thee, O God" Psalm 42.:1 (from the cover of the edition I read).
That Psalm sums up the whole of this book quite well. Knowing God, though based in intellect and doctrine, is not just a set of fact or a religious teaching. The intimate, experiential knowledge of God that the earliest Christians knew, though weak in comparison to what we will have in the new world (1 Corinthians 13:12), is absolutely vital. The hea More...
That Psalm sums up the whole of this book quite well. Knowing God, though based in intellect and doctrine, is not just a set of fact or a religious teaching. The intimate, experiential knowledge of God that the earliest Christians knew, though weak in comparison to what we will have in the new world (1 Corinthians 13:12), is absolutely vital. The hea More...
May 28, 2011
Jeanie
rated it:
Every Christian should read this book. This book had clairification backed up with scripture. As I was reading, I had a longing in my heart. It's focus is on the Lord, not on what I can do better, or what I need to do, or need not do. It was about surrending and the importantance of knowing who God is. In my own walk with the Lord, I am amazed every year on what there is to know about the Lord, his character, his desires and how much I lack. This book is a freeing that it releases many lie
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Aug 17, 2011
John
rated it:
Though I may not agree with him in every area of his theology, Aidan W. Tozer was a remarkable man, and this is an excellent book. Literally written while Tozer was on his knees, this is a very heartfelt and Scripture-saturated plea for Christians to seek God.
Our pursuit of God does not end with our conversion. It is a life-long process for the Christian which begins with God’s effectual calling (without which no one would seek Him) and carries into eternity. Tozer laments that so many More...
Our pursuit of God does not end with our conversion. It is a life-long process for the Christian which begins with God’s effectual calling (without which no one would seek Him) and carries into eternity. Tozer laments that so many More...
May 24, 2011
Robert
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Everyone knows Tozer to be an incredibly wise theologian. This book was my first experience with a piece of his literature, and I was blown away. I read this with a small group of guys over the course of the last few months, one of which had read the book a number of times and done more extensive studying on the fairly short book. I am glad I read PoG in this context to fully grasp some of the concepts and verbiage that Tozer throws out. While he does not deliver much that is groundbreaking, he
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Aug 15, 2010
Sharon
rated it:
I love Tozer. An encouraging read.
I read this book after a few of my friends told me it was their "favorite book ever" and after reading it I can definitely see why! This book really helped me to become more aware of God's presence in my life, and His pursuing, passionate, sacrificing and faithful love for His people.
It showed me that our pursuit of knowing God, loving God, and living a life to please and honor Him all root from His first pursuing of us. As thi More...
I read this book after a few of my friends told me it was their "favorite book ever" and after reading it I can definitely see why! This book really helped me to become more aware of God's presence in my life, and His pursuing, passionate, sacrificing and faithful love for His people.
It showed me that our pursuit of knowing God, loving God, and living a life to please and honor Him all root from His first pursuing of us. As thi More...
Jun 01, 2009
Grace
rated it:
Found this book collecting dust on a shelf at home. It's a Christian classic, and for good reason. And apparently Tozer completed the first draft all in one night on an overnight train ride!
It's one of those books that's relatively short (121 pages) and packed with meaning and insight, so I guess it's meant to be read and re-read again and again.
The last two chapters are freshest on my mind, and really relate to my current situation: Meekness and Rest, and the Sacrament More...
It's one of those books that's relatively short (121 pages) and packed with meaning and insight, so I guess it's meant to be read and re-read again and again.
The last two chapters are freshest on my mind, and really relate to my current situation: Meekness and Rest, and the Sacrament More...
Apr 14, 2008
Stevie
rated it:
This is Tozer's most well known book and for good reason. I was stirred in my heart to pursue God all out, humbly rest in Him, and see all of my life as a holy sacrament.
Poignant Quotes:
"The Bible is not an end in itself, but a means to bring men to an intimate and satisfying knowledge of God, that they may enter into Him, that they may delight in His presence, may taste and know the inner sweetness of the very God Himself in hte core and center of their hearts." More...
Poignant Quotes:
"The Bible is not an end in itself, but a means to bring men to an intimate and satisfying knowledge of God, that they may enter into Him, that they may delight in His presence, may taste and know the inner sweetness of the very God Himself in hte core and center of their hearts." More...
Jul 23, 2010
Matt
rated it:
A W Tozer is an interesting person and I would encourage anyone picking up this book to do a little research on the man before reading. In The Pursuit of God Tozer explores what it means to build a personal and meaningful relationship with God. With flowing prose he explores not just what it means to have this relationship but why we should have it and how we can get there. In just a hundred pages he covers more ground than you might expect.
Read more at:
http://books.mydevnotes.com/archive/2010... More...
Read more at:
http://books.mydevnotes.com/archive/2010... More...
