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When the Soul Listens: Finding Rest and Direction in Contemplative Prayer
Do you long for depth and authenticity in your relationship with God? Do you want purpose and daily direction but can’t seem to find the right prayer to receive it? When the Soul Listens will guide you away from formulas and step-by-step prayer plans toward contemplative prayer, “the lifestyle that allows you to experience God’s presence,” writes author Jan Johnson. Learn to find rest and guidance in God, opening yourself to God’s presence and direction through this practical approach.If you are disillusioned, experiencing spiritual dryness, or simply looking for the next step in your spiritual growth, When the Soul Listens offers a clear path to a fulfilling connection with God.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 1999
95 people are currently reading
408 people want to read
About the author
Jan Johnson
86 books133 followersJan Johnson is an author (20 books), speaker, college prof and spiritual director. She lives in Simi Valley, CA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 3, 2019
Audiobook. Excellent!
Quotes:
(As I prayed for results that would make ME feel more comfortable...) "wanting comfortable results, I realized, was actually codependency. I was focusing on myself and how it was God's job, and my daughter's, to make ME feel better. Most Get-the-Job-Done prayers are, in fact, about the self. What if I let this be about her. What if God was using her less-than-wise choices to help her grow?...Jesus didn't pray that Peter WOULDN'T deny Him, Jesus prayed only that Peter's faith would not fail. (Luke 22:31-34.) In the same way, I began to pray that my daughter's faith would not fail and that I would be ready to reassure her after her failure as Jesus did with Peter. (John 21:15-19)"
"When in doubt, we pray what other saints have prayed. For example Paul prayed for the Ephesians that Christ would dwell in their hearts through faith; that they would grasp how high and long and wide and deep is the love of Christ; that they would be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:17-19).
"Paul prayed for the Philippians that their love would abound more and more with knowledge and depth of ; they would be able to discern what is best; they would be pure and blameless; they would be filled with the righteousness of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:9-11)
As we pray in this way, our prayer becomes partnership with God instead of simply trying to get God to do that we have already decided are wise."
" Hearing insights or answers is not the point of contemplative prayer. To expect this is to play God on demand. It's as if we're saying I'm here listening so God has to show up and speak. But if we're not to expect to hear something, what may we expect? Contemplative prayer is not necessarily a way to hear God, but a way to pay attention to God and enjoy God's companionship. It's rarely dramatic. Sometimes something will come to you and other times not.
Especially in the context of Lectio Divina, you may indeed hear God address you practically and personally. In that case, you won't hear anything that contradicts either the letter or the Spirit of the Word of God. In fact, what you sense will not only line up with the Word of God, it will make what you already know more clear and down-to-earth than before."
(In contemplation ) "We quiet ourselves and simply enjoy God's presence. "
"More than anything else, contemplation is about creating a space in which a change of heart may occur followed by a change in behavior."
"...the enjoyment of connecting with (The Trinity). When you get used to and knowing, it becomes pleasant to rely on God who is in charge and really can manage the world. You can sleep tonight in peace. And so we keep it simple. Grove said, 'Seek simplicity in our piety. We must not make use of so many books, pious practices, or exercises and systematic methods. We must seek in our own hearts what we would say to God and then say it in all simplicity without troubling ourselves about the words we use. I can assure you that you can expect God to interact with you in some way. And through that, fuel many on-going conversations.'"
------
You have a "committee" of voices in your head. "It is important to recognize how they have grown out of a vacuum of not feeling loved and valued, and how they seem to imitate God's voice. Fielding distractions from the committee members is the most common pitfall in contemplative prayer:
"Rescuer finds love and value from others by helping them and often enabling them and a destructive sense. Rescuer imitates God by saying that you should help everyone who comes into your path and suggesting you should feel guilty when you don't.
"Picture Perfect Person finds love and value from knowing it got things right. This voice imitates God by preaching about excellence, which drives you to do more than you are responsible for and helps you notice how much more you do than others.
"Impression Manager feels loved and valued by getting other people's approval. This voice notices whether people look up to it and wonders how could all these people be wrong. Impression Manager imitates God by talking about setting a good example.
"Victim finds love and value by thinking it deserves so much more because its life situations are unfair. This voice thanks in terms of Justice but it's really self-pity. Victime imitates God's words about receiving mercy from the wrongdoers.
"Defender Finds love and value by successfully articulating what was done wrong to you and calling it out. This voice also thinks in terms of Justice, but it's really vengeance. Defender imitates God by quoting ideas from Scripture about Justice and truth.
"Critic finds love and value by thinking that guilt makes people better, including you. Enough criticism results in positive change. Critic imitates God in verses out of context about correcting mistakes.
"Inspector finds love and value By being discerning, able to see things others miss. Inspector imitates the voice of God By taking the beautiful passages that describe love and the Spirit's fruit and turning them into a checklist no one can satisfy.
"Entertainment Junkie finds love and value by making light of all the others' rules and celebrating wherever possible. Entertainment junkie imitates God's voice in talking about joy and even making light of so-called legalists.
"The first step is to name the committee members in our minds So we can surrender these broken or false parts of ourselves that need to be healed."
...
..."they are not the voice of God. As my friend, Myrna Craig, says, 'I know I've heard God when I don't feel guilty and I'm not afraid.'
Quieting The Committee
"The self-talk created by our committee shapes our character and behavior. It keeps us from setting our minds on things that are above (Colossians 3:2). What I say to myself and my mind moves me either towards or away from Christ. Yet, ignoring the committee members isn't wise. Fighting them doesn't work either. Getting upset because they keep coming back just gives them more power. It works better to recognize them for who they are and gently escort them to the door of your heart. In the meantime examined the committee members that you've named and replace the self-obsessed, self-destructive ideas that come from them with phrases that point you toward union with God. Look for passages that speak to these broken parts of your soul. Let God say to Picture Perfect Person, ' God sees your failures and delights in you anyway.' To rescue were, God shows up and every catastrophe, sometimes God asks you to come along, other times you stay behind. To Critic or Inspector, God fixes the world, you pray and love. Victim or Defender, God sees all and defends us better than we ever could. Answering the committee members is not easy. Ask God to help you."
...
What does God want to say to each Committee Member?...At one point in your life, you may have invented some of these committee members because you once needed them. But you need need them no longer. Gently let them go. In a sense, you are making peace with your opponent so you CAN let go. (Matthew 5:25)
------
I am someone whom God so loves! (John 3:16)
1 John 3 - See what great love the Father lavishes on us... God never rejects or abandons us! God never gives up!
"You are loved! You are valued! I will use you..."
"Here are some things you are apt to hear from God: Don't be afraid... I will be with you... Keep going...I see how you are hurting and I hurt for you, come to Me for comfort...Move from this place of inactivity...Do the tough thing, follow Me...Bring light to this hard situation...Get up, get going...You are loved and valued. "
‐----
"We each have a responsibility to cooperate with God and being nurtured in a Trinitarian life. Nothing can create a spiritual life for us. Not the sermon. Not dynamic worship. Not a devotional guide. Not the next book by a favorite author. God calls us to be discipled by Christ. Our job is to sit before God in quiet contemplation while asking, 'Show me the next step.'"
"The more you love God, the more you obey God by loving others, behaving with integrity, giving sacrificially. The more you obey God, the more you love God. Love begets obedience which begets love until they become the same thing. This organic obedience is a righteousness that surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law. (Matthew 5:20) We trust God enough to accept our circumstances and abandon our attempts to manage and control our world...abandonment is being satisfied with the present moment, no matter what that moment contains."
"This true righteousness is about our soul listening and responding to God's continuing invitation to know that we are people whom Christ delights and dwells. And we continually live in the strong and unshakable kingdom of God, here and now. We're no longer wondering when will become a better person. We are slowly being transformed, becoming The kind of person whose love, joy and peace are contagious and healing.
Quotes:
(As I prayed for results that would make ME feel more comfortable...) "wanting comfortable results, I realized, was actually codependency. I was focusing on myself and how it was God's job, and my daughter's, to make ME feel better. Most Get-the-Job-Done prayers are, in fact, about the self. What if I let this be about her. What if God was using her less-than-wise choices to help her grow?...Jesus didn't pray that Peter WOULDN'T deny Him, Jesus prayed only that Peter's faith would not fail. (Luke 22:31-34.) In the same way, I began to pray that my daughter's faith would not fail and that I would be ready to reassure her after her failure as Jesus did with Peter. (John 21:15-19)"
"When in doubt, we pray what other saints have prayed. For example Paul prayed for the Ephesians that Christ would dwell in their hearts through faith; that they would grasp how high and long and wide and deep is the love of Christ; that they would be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:17-19).
"Paul prayed for the Philippians that their love would abound more and more with knowledge and depth of ; they would be able to discern what is best; they would be pure and blameless; they would be filled with the righteousness of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:9-11)
As we pray in this way, our prayer becomes partnership with God instead of simply trying to get God to do that we have already decided are wise."
" Hearing insights or answers is not the point of contemplative prayer. To expect this is to play God on demand. It's as if we're saying I'm here listening so God has to show up and speak. But if we're not to expect to hear something, what may we expect? Contemplative prayer is not necessarily a way to hear God, but a way to pay attention to God and enjoy God's companionship. It's rarely dramatic. Sometimes something will come to you and other times not.
Especially in the context of Lectio Divina, you may indeed hear God address you practically and personally. In that case, you won't hear anything that contradicts either the letter or the Spirit of the Word of God. In fact, what you sense will not only line up with the Word of God, it will make what you already know more clear and down-to-earth than before."
(In contemplation ) "We quiet ourselves and simply enjoy God's presence. "
"More than anything else, contemplation is about creating a space in which a change of heart may occur followed by a change in behavior."
"...the enjoyment of connecting with (The Trinity). When you get used to and knowing, it becomes pleasant to rely on God who is in charge and really can manage the world. You can sleep tonight in peace. And so we keep it simple. Grove said, 'Seek simplicity in our piety. We must not make use of so many books, pious practices, or exercises and systematic methods. We must seek in our own hearts what we would say to God and then say it in all simplicity without troubling ourselves about the words we use. I can assure you that you can expect God to interact with you in some way. And through that, fuel many on-going conversations.'"
------
You have a "committee" of voices in your head. "It is important to recognize how they have grown out of a vacuum of not feeling loved and valued, and how they seem to imitate God's voice. Fielding distractions from the committee members is the most common pitfall in contemplative prayer:
"Rescuer finds love and value from others by helping them and often enabling them and a destructive sense. Rescuer imitates God by saying that you should help everyone who comes into your path and suggesting you should feel guilty when you don't.
"Picture Perfect Person finds love and value from knowing it got things right. This voice imitates God by preaching about excellence, which drives you to do more than you are responsible for and helps you notice how much more you do than others.
"Impression Manager feels loved and valued by getting other people's approval. This voice notices whether people look up to it and wonders how could all these people be wrong. Impression Manager imitates God by talking about setting a good example.
"Victim finds love and value by thinking it deserves so much more because its life situations are unfair. This voice thanks in terms of Justice but it's really self-pity. Victime imitates God's words about receiving mercy from the wrongdoers.
"Defender Finds love and value by successfully articulating what was done wrong to you and calling it out. This voice also thinks in terms of Justice, but it's really vengeance. Defender imitates God by quoting ideas from Scripture about Justice and truth.
"Critic finds love and value by thinking that guilt makes people better, including you. Enough criticism results in positive change. Critic imitates God in verses out of context about correcting mistakes.
"Inspector finds love and value By being discerning, able to see things others miss. Inspector imitates the voice of God By taking the beautiful passages that describe love and the Spirit's fruit and turning them into a checklist no one can satisfy.
"Entertainment Junkie finds love and value by making light of all the others' rules and celebrating wherever possible. Entertainment junkie imitates God's voice in talking about joy and even making light of so-called legalists.
"The first step is to name the committee members in our minds So we can surrender these broken or false parts of ourselves that need to be healed."
...
..."they are not the voice of God. As my friend, Myrna Craig, says, 'I know I've heard God when I don't feel guilty and I'm not afraid.'
Quieting The Committee
"The self-talk created by our committee shapes our character and behavior. It keeps us from setting our minds on things that are above (Colossians 3:2). What I say to myself and my mind moves me either towards or away from Christ. Yet, ignoring the committee members isn't wise. Fighting them doesn't work either. Getting upset because they keep coming back just gives them more power. It works better to recognize them for who they are and gently escort them to the door of your heart. In the meantime examined the committee members that you've named and replace the self-obsessed, self-destructive ideas that come from them with phrases that point you toward union with God. Look for passages that speak to these broken parts of your soul. Let God say to Picture Perfect Person, ' God sees your failures and delights in you anyway.' To rescue were, God shows up and every catastrophe, sometimes God asks you to come along, other times you stay behind. To Critic or Inspector, God fixes the world, you pray and love. Victim or Defender, God sees all and defends us better than we ever could. Answering the committee members is not easy. Ask God to help you."
...
What does God want to say to each Committee Member?...At one point in your life, you may have invented some of these committee members because you once needed them. But you need need them no longer. Gently let them go. In a sense, you are making peace with your opponent so you CAN let go. (Matthew 5:25)
------
I am someone whom God so loves! (John 3:16)
1 John 3 - See what great love the Father lavishes on us... God never rejects or abandons us! God never gives up!
"You are loved! You are valued! I will use you..."
"Here are some things you are apt to hear from God: Don't be afraid... I will be with you... Keep going...I see how you are hurting and I hurt for you, come to Me for comfort...Move from this place of inactivity...Do the tough thing, follow Me...Bring light to this hard situation...Get up, get going...You are loved and valued. "
‐----
"We each have a responsibility to cooperate with God and being nurtured in a Trinitarian life. Nothing can create a spiritual life for us. Not the sermon. Not dynamic worship. Not a devotional guide. Not the next book by a favorite author. God calls us to be discipled by Christ. Our job is to sit before God in quiet contemplation while asking, 'Show me the next step.'"
"The more you love God, the more you obey God by loving others, behaving with integrity, giving sacrificially. The more you obey God, the more you love God. Love begets obedience which begets love until they become the same thing. This organic obedience is a righteousness that surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law. (Matthew 5:20) We trust God enough to accept our circumstances and abandon our attempts to manage and control our world...abandonment is being satisfied with the present moment, no matter what that moment contains."
"This true righteousness is about our soul listening and responding to God's continuing invitation to know that we are people whom Christ delights and dwells. And we continually live in the strong and unshakable kingdom of God, here and now. We're no longer wondering when will become a better person. We are slowly being transformed, becoming The kind of person whose love, joy and peace are contagious and healing.
August 22, 2021
Johnson presents a compelling vision for contemplative prayer in When the Soul Listens. This is definitely the most Protestant/evangelical-friendly books on contemplative prayer I've read, since I've mostly been digging into older traditions from monasticism. While Johnson doesn't overlook that entirely, she leans a bit more recent in her references (Dallas Willard, Henri Nouwen, Madame Jeanne Guyon*). Johnson does a really good job at giving concrete images of what contemplative prayer can look like. Only a few times (such as when she spoke of wordless prayer) did I want real-life examples.
This is one book on contemplative prayer I can recommend to folks who aren't seeing spiritual directors, as that's never an expectation in When the Soul Listens. I was rather surprised that Johnson didn't include a chapter on spiritual direction, since she is a director. However, that makes this book all the more accessible to those who want to explore contemplative prayer and aren't familiar with traditions like spiritual direction.
I'm sure I'll return to this over time when I want some inspiration for my own prayer life. My friend and I have been talking about it and it's led to some great discussion. It would make a great choice for small groups who want to explore contemplative prayer together--while the practice itself is mostly solitary, the fruits show in community, and there is great wealth in sharing spiritual experiences with a like-minded group.
*Yes, I'm counting an 18th century figure as recent. The opposite of a book I recently read that labeled the 1600s as ancient.
This is one book on contemplative prayer I can recommend to folks who aren't seeing spiritual directors, as that's never an expectation in When the Soul Listens. I was rather surprised that Johnson didn't include a chapter on spiritual direction, since she is a director. However, that makes this book all the more accessible to those who want to explore contemplative prayer and aren't familiar with traditions like spiritual direction.
I'm sure I'll return to this over time when I want some inspiration for my own prayer life. My friend and I have been talking about it and it's led to some great discussion. It would make a great choice for small groups who want to explore contemplative prayer together--while the practice itself is mostly solitary, the fruits show in community, and there is great wealth in sharing spiritual experiences with a like-minded group.
*Yes, I'm counting an 18th century figure as recent. The opposite of a book I recently read that labeled the 1600s as ancient.
January 26, 2024
Hmmm… this is a tricky one for me. I very much appreciated the topic of Christian contemplation (my favorite concept she presented here is that you can see it as a constant state of being rather than limiting the concept to a meditation practice alone… that felt very resonate and encouraging, and has been an idea I’ve come back to over and over again since reading it. It feels like more freedom, rather than weighing me down for not completing a specific task each day). So while I appreciated the overall message, the language of this book felt too… churchy(?)… for me. Most books I read on contemplation have had a decidedly different tone to them. This one felt more like something I would’ve read in a ladies Bible study in the Baptist church—lots of behavioral “shoulds” that feel like they were verging on an impossible legalistic standard that I don’t even WANT to attempt to live up to (that’s why I left the Baptist church!) It felt more externally focused rather than inner-wisdom focused, when comparing it to authors like Cynthia Bourgeault. I can very much see that perhaps the author’s attempt here is to bring Christian contemplation into more of the evangelical mainstream, and for that I commend her—it’s just not the style that makes my heart sing 😏
February 8, 2018
This is an excellent, practical and helpful resource for learning about contemplation and meditation. Jan Johnson is grounded in the Bible although Biblical references do not become overwhelming. She quotes many great authors from the past so the endnotes can lead one to more books to read. She quotes Dallas Willard often. He was such a deep man. He wrote a book, Hearing God, that I read but it was denser, harder to get through. Johnson's book has the depth but not the density, if that makes sense. She shares great stories, illustration from her own life and others. Each chapter ends with excellent questions.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who is trying to figure out what it means to listen to God in prayer and be attentive to God in everyday life. I took 14 pages of notes on the book. I sometimes include those in my reviews but too many pages and words this time.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who is trying to figure out what it means to listen to God in prayer and be attentive to God in everyday life. I took 14 pages of notes on the book. I sometimes include those in my reviews but too many pages and words this time.
May 16, 2025
I was drawn to this book because of its title. I wanted to learn more about how to discipline my soul to listen and also understand better what contemplative prayer is and how it is done.
Jan writes so clearly and simply, making what she says easy to understand. I learnt a lot from her. I appreciated that there were exercises to do at the end of each chapter. I like being given practical suggestions which help to ground me in different practices. Each morning, I would read a chapter and then follow the exercises.
Jan writes so clearly and simply, making what she says easy to understand. I learnt a lot from her. I appreciated that there were exercises to do at the end of each chapter. I like being given practical suggestions which help to ground me in different practices. Each morning, I would read a chapter and then follow the exercises.
March 28, 2022
Life changing for my growth journey with Jesus! 🤍
July 10, 2017
I find it very offputting when hardly a sentence is written without a Bible verse justification in parentheses accompanying it. It is visually problematic because you are seeing a page full of parentheses. It comes off as if the author has to justify every single idea she has as being Bibliically based; when someone reads a Christian book, it is kind of assumed that the author has a Biblical background. Just simply overkill. Certainly not a 'restful' read.
November 4, 2023
Really practical, and has left me desiring to incorporate more contemplation into my life. She had some especially good insights as to the pairing of contemplation and activism in life.
September 21, 2021
Book club for September, 2021
Great book! Took some guilt away about prayer life. Gave some confidence as I feel I do some of these things but have much room for improvement.
Read this again. Take time to do some of the exercises at the end of each chapter. They are really good! So many things to underline!!!
Chp. 1 – When Prayer Stops Working: Getting in the car with Jesus. He puts away the map and says “trust me.”
p. 8 No devotion to tools, 11, to sit in silence before God restores the soul. 14 – pray “show me ___’s heart.
Chp. 2 – The Contemplative Way of Prayer: Scripture’s primary prayer book is the Psalms, selah is a pause where listeners could reflect
21 – love God and your heart will always be speaking to Him, 23 – a conversational life with God results in a life of union with God
Chp. 3 Cultivating a Listening Heart,
p. 32 and see p. 51: Madam Jean Guyon, imprisoned,
32 “being good at contemplative prayer only sabotages it” 34 – two kinds of people keep silent, those who have nothing to say and those who have too much to say, 35 – the difference between loneliness and solitude and silence, 36,-I can’t dazzle God with words,; I just AM before God, 39 – confusing situation? Pray for a heart that senses what God is up to and the ability to respond to it
Chp. 4 – Interacting with God through Scripture
Lectio (lex-zee-oh) divina – divine reading, 46 – Read, Reflect, Respond, Rest (these are not steps but a back and forth dynamic, 52 true cont. pr. Has no agenda other than being with God
Chp. 5 – Variations in Meditation and Contemplation:
55 If you know how to worry you know how to meditate (Rick Warren), 1 – The Movie Method, 2 – Word Pictures, 3- Using our imaginations, 4 – Praying scripture
60 – In Bibiel Study we dissect the text; in meditation we enter into it
Eastern meditation – empty minds
Christian meditation – still our minds
Chp. 6: Focused, Alert, Attentive
68 Guyon “cease at self effort”, 70 ex. of a prayer of release, 71 dealing with distractions, 73 journaling, 76 people weren’t created for their journals, Journaling was created for popel
Chp. 7 – Asking God Questions: Ex. pre battle – David, Saul
86 Belonging is so important. For some people, out of a 24 hr. life they have only 1 hr. of being loved and valued, 88 – Christianity is not about having the answers to life’s problems, I can rest because I have God’s companionship, 88 When in Doubt – WAIT! 91 – Holy Spirit think through me, til your ideas are my ideas. Amy Carmichael
Chp. 8 Contemplative Requests: 93 contemplative prayer: listening becomes as important as talking, Jesus’ answer to requests as you to abide in Him, 95 our requests are modified as we get the mind of Christ, 98 most get-the-job-done prayers are about self. Let go, don’t try to fix. Pray that faith would not fail.
*99 praying broadly examples; We are partnering with God!
Chp. 9 What happens usually in Contemplative Prayer
104 change of heart, 108 God can transform annoyance into calm, 109 be embraced by the love of God, 114 There is no such thing as prayer in which nothing is done.
“If you’ve always relied on yourself
115 Zeph. 3:17
Chp. 10 Snares: 124 God’s voice – never thought about that!
Get that “committee member” away from the table,
Chp. 11 God loves, values and Empowers us, 132 we are at the center of God’s attention, 133 themes that God tells us, 139 activity
Chp. 12: God goes with us to dark places
146-147 the silence of God, God’s grief, dark deserts are to be stayed in as long as needed
Chp. 13: God challenges, leads, Confronts
152 “The Trinity” and previous pgs., 155 – challenging
Chp. 14 Contemplation and Action
C P. is not only for intuitive prayers but also those with an active life
Pseudocontemplatives 168 work only to sustain themselves and to spend hrs. louging or gazin
Chp. 15: A Contemplative Lifestyle
177 practical tasks are made easier, Dallas Willard quote 178
179 cont. living wakes us up, *181, the neediness that drives us to talk too much, do too much, try too hard PAUSE
Conclusion: 192 our job: show me the next step God! Reread the last chapter.
Especially liked chapters 3 and 9.
Great book! Took some guilt away about prayer life. Gave some confidence as I feel I do some of these things but have much room for improvement.
Read this again. Take time to do some of the exercises at the end of each chapter. They are really good! So many things to underline!!!
Chp. 1 – When Prayer Stops Working: Getting in the car with Jesus. He puts away the map and says “trust me.”
p. 8 No devotion to tools, 11, to sit in silence before God restores the soul. 14 – pray “show me ___’s heart.
Chp. 2 – The Contemplative Way of Prayer: Scripture’s primary prayer book is the Psalms, selah is a pause where listeners could reflect
21 – love God and your heart will always be speaking to Him, 23 – a conversational life with God results in a life of union with God
Chp. 3 Cultivating a Listening Heart,
p. 32 and see p. 51: Madam Jean Guyon, imprisoned,
32 “being good at contemplative prayer only sabotages it” 34 – two kinds of people keep silent, those who have nothing to say and those who have too much to say, 35 – the difference between loneliness and solitude and silence, 36,-I can’t dazzle God with words,; I just AM before God, 39 – confusing situation? Pray for a heart that senses what God is up to and the ability to respond to it
Chp. 4 – Interacting with God through Scripture
Lectio (lex-zee-oh) divina – divine reading, 46 – Read, Reflect, Respond, Rest (these are not steps but a back and forth dynamic, 52 true cont. pr. Has no agenda other than being with God
Chp. 5 – Variations in Meditation and Contemplation:
55 If you know how to worry you know how to meditate (Rick Warren), 1 – The Movie Method, 2 – Word Pictures, 3- Using our imaginations, 4 – Praying scripture
60 – In Bibiel Study we dissect the text; in meditation we enter into it
Eastern meditation – empty minds
Christian meditation – still our minds
Chp. 6: Focused, Alert, Attentive
68 Guyon “cease at self effort”, 70 ex. of a prayer of release, 71 dealing with distractions, 73 journaling, 76 people weren’t created for their journals, Journaling was created for popel
Chp. 7 – Asking God Questions: Ex. pre battle – David, Saul
86 Belonging is so important. For some people, out of a 24 hr. life they have only 1 hr. of being loved and valued, 88 – Christianity is not about having the answers to life’s problems, I can rest because I have God’s companionship, 88 When in Doubt – WAIT! 91 – Holy Spirit think through me, til your ideas are my ideas. Amy Carmichael
Chp. 8 Contemplative Requests: 93 contemplative prayer: listening becomes as important as talking, Jesus’ answer to requests as you to abide in Him, 95 our requests are modified as we get the mind of Christ, 98 most get-the-job-done prayers are about self. Let go, don’t try to fix. Pray that faith would not fail.
*99 praying broadly examples; We are partnering with God!
Chp. 9 What happens usually in Contemplative Prayer
104 change of heart, 108 God can transform annoyance into calm, 109 be embraced by the love of God, 114 There is no such thing as prayer in which nothing is done.
“If you’ve always relied on yourself
115 Zeph. 3:17
Chp. 10 Snares: 124 God’s voice – never thought about that!
Get that “committee member” away from the table,
Chp. 11 God loves, values and Empowers us, 132 we are at the center of God’s attention, 133 themes that God tells us, 139 activity
Chp. 12: God goes with us to dark places
146-147 the silence of God, God’s grief, dark deserts are to be stayed in as long as needed
Chp. 13: God challenges, leads, Confronts
152 “The Trinity” and previous pgs., 155 – challenging
Chp. 14 Contemplation and Action
C P. is not only for intuitive prayers but also those with an active life
Pseudocontemplatives 168 work only to sustain themselves and to spend hrs. louging or gazin
Chp. 15: A Contemplative Lifestyle
177 practical tasks are made easier, Dallas Willard quote 178
179 cont. living wakes us up, *181, the neediness that drives us to talk too much, do too much, try too hard PAUSE
Conclusion: 192 our job: show me the next step God! Reread the last chapter.
Especially liked chapters 3 and 9.
December 13, 2017
Short Review: A good evangelical introduction to Contemplative Prayer. There is lots of good wisdom about prayer here. I listened to this on audiobook but I want to pick up the print edition eventually because there are a number of good one liners about prayer.
Evangelicals tend toward utilitarianism in many of our religious practices and prayer is no different. Much of my training and teaching in prayer has been in intercession (doing something). Contemplative Prayer is essentially anti-utilitarian approach to prayer. By itself, contemplative prayer is not all of prayer. So we can't over swing to thinking of prayer as only Contemplative Prayer (which Johnson does not do). But it is an important corrective to broadening our understanding of prayer.
I thought it was a bit overly focused on extemporaneous prayer (and thereby against written and fixed prayer.) That is probably natural because of the topic and the bias of evangelicalism toward extemporaneous prayer. But that is probably my main complaint, although primarily it is a complaint of the early part of the book not the later.
My slightly longer review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/when-the-soul-listens/
Evangelicals tend toward utilitarianism in many of our religious practices and prayer is no different. Much of my training and teaching in prayer has been in intercession (doing something). Contemplative Prayer is essentially anti-utilitarian approach to prayer. By itself, contemplative prayer is not all of prayer. So we can't over swing to thinking of prayer as only Contemplative Prayer (which Johnson does not do). But it is an important corrective to broadening our understanding of prayer.
I thought it was a bit overly focused on extemporaneous prayer (and thereby against written and fixed prayer.) That is probably natural because of the topic and the bias of evangelicalism toward extemporaneous prayer. But that is probably my main complaint, although primarily it is a complaint of the early part of the book not the later.
My slightly longer review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/when-the-soul-listens/
February 8, 2020
engaging with the Lord and the world in a deeper more satisfying spiritual way.
There are many books about contemplative prayer. I’ve read and reviewed a lot of them.
In this book the author takes what many make a complicated subject and lays it out in an easy to absorb and understand manner.
What contemplation is and how it relates to prayer is described with practical examples in an easy to follow and easy to apply way.
You will find yourself practicing contemplation straight away, you will find yourself desiring to practice contemplative prayer whilst you are reading the first few chapters of the book.
The first few chapters are fascinating and absorbing and very informative, even life changing. Things just get more interesting from there as the author describes the breadth of the practical application of contemplative prayer.
You might think that contemplatives are locked away in rooms or caves avoiding contact with people and with the wider world. That’s not true. The practice of contemplative prayer is about directly engaging with the Lord and the world in a deeper more satisfying spiritual way.
There are many books about contemplative prayer. I’ve read and reviewed a lot of them.
In this book the author takes what many make a complicated subject and lays it out in an easy to absorb and understand manner.
What contemplation is and how it relates to prayer is described with practical examples in an easy to follow and easy to apply way.
You will find yourself practicing contemplation straight away, you will find yourself desiring to practice contemplative prayer whilst you are reading the first few chapters of the book.
The first few chapters are fascinating and absorbing and very informative, even life changing. Things just get more interesting from there as the author describes the breadth of the practical application of contemplative prayer.
You might think that contemplatives are locked away in rooms or caves avoiding contact with people and with the wider world. That’s not true. The practice of contemplative prayer is about directly engaging with the Lord and the world in a deeper more satisfying spiritual way.
December 7, 2018
Easily makes into my top 5 ever read. I think I will listen to this book on repeat for the rest of my time on earth. Jan explains contemplative prayer in a conversational way I can understand and put into practice. Most of what she describes as contemplative prayer could really just be called "a biblical prayer life." She also presents specific historical monastic methods for learning to listen to God, such as Lectio Divinia (the slow, meditative practice of reading Scripture aloud, meditating, and reflecting on it), and the practice of silence and solitude. These practices are simply presented as a means to an end-- the end being a lifelong conversation with God.
Listening to this book felt as though Jan took everything God has been showing me about life and prayer over the last few months and put it into words. Again, I loved that she writes in a simple and straightforward manner that I can understand. I never had to go back to read a line or paragraph a second time because I wasn't able to understand it the first time. So thankful for this book!
Listening to this book felt as though Jan took everything God has been showing me about life and prayer over the last few months and put it into words. Again, I loved that she writes in a simple and straightforward manner that I can understand. I never had to go back to read a line or paragraph a second time because I wasn't able to understand it the first time. So thankful for this book!
January 18, 2024
Stumbled across this book - so grateful I did!
The style of prayer Jan sets out has given me confidence to develop a style of prayer that I’d always practiced to some extent but never heard people talk about……I have always felt that bible passages like Matthew 6:7-8 were important to try to understand.
The theme around centering on God, allowing him to change us on the inside, and for our behaviour to flow from that resonates so much. Have been reflecting so much recently on the fact that the fruits of the spirit are indeed ‘fruits’ of the spirit ie the outcome of a life lived in God’s presence rather than behaviours we try really hard to live out…..
This book has contributed so much to my thinking together things I’d been learning from Dallas Willard, John Mark Comer and others about Spiritual formation and I have recommended it to whoever will listen to me!!
The style of prayer Jan sets out has given me confidence to develop a style of prayer that I’d always practiced to some extent but never heard people talk about……I have always felt that bible passages like Matthew 6:7-8 were important to try to understand.
The theme around centering on God, allowing him to change us on the inside, and for our behaviour to flow from that resonates so much. Have been reflecting so much recently on the fact that the fruits of the spirit are indeed ‘fruits’ of the spirit ie the outcome of a life lived in God’s presence rather than behaviours we try really hard to live out…..
This book has contributed so much to my thinking together things I’d been learning from Dallas Willard, John Mark Comer and others about Spiritual formation and I have recommended it to whoever will listen to me!!
February 16, 2023
A wonderful exploration of what the author calls contemplative prayer, with her definition being more broad-ranging and inclusive than I might make. I loved how she weaves her stories of God changing her to be more like Jesus through her slow but steady noticing of, and welcoming, his presence in her life.
My only sadness is that I listened to this book and I don't tend to retain learning through auditory means very well. I'm considering getting a print version, not least for the prayer exercises at the end of each chapter.
I'm very familiar with the concepts that she writes about but thought she does so in a fresh, inviting way.
My only sadness is that I listened to this book and I don't tend to retain learning through auditory means very well. I'm considering getting a print version, not least for the prayer exercises at the end of each chapter.
I'm very familiar with the concepts that she writes about but thought she does so in a fresh, inviting way.
April 1, 2020
Listening has never been my strong suit. This inspiring book teaches a bit about listening to God in practical ways! I read it over several months devotionally. The content was so rich that I needed to process it slowly. Jan Johnson is not one to be simply naval gazing. She ends the book with contemplation and activism and how we live in the tension of both. This book is now one of my top 3 that has helped me with real change.
August 29, 2017
Great read
I have just read this book but now I want to learn this book. I want to sit on my patio and read just a few highlighted sentences slowly one by one. I want to sip my coffee slowly and let just a few words crawl into my mind and sit in my spirit. I want to take my time and soak in the love and the wisdom.
I have just read this book but now I want to learn this book. I want to sit on my patio and read just a few highlighted sentences slowly one by one. I want to sip my coffee slowly and let just a few words crawl into my mind and sit in my spirit. I want to take my time and soak in the love and the wisdom.
February 17, 2021
This was such an encouragement to me! I love anything on the “soul”, for I think it takes us so much deeper than we are often willing to go; to meditate and process words we read too quickly. Her writing made me pause, and her commentary on Luke 22:31-32 will stay with me forever. (And I liked it so much that I ordered Meeting God In Scripture and will begin that today).
January 17, 2020
Contemplative prayer is so outside of my natural tendencies that each small bit of this book challenged me deeply. I’m so glad that I own a copy and could savor it for almost two years. It already has a place in line for a re-read as I learn more about what God has for me in resting with Him.
June 21, 2020
Jan Johnson provides a very practical guide to contemplative prayer. But more than just a book on prayer, she explores the outworking of a contemplative prayer in our day-in and day-out lives. Loved it.
February 9, 2023
best book I’ve read on contemplative prayer
This book will help you not only understand but put into practice contemplative prayer! Jan brings ancient mystics to modern understanding.
This book will help you not only understand but put into practice contemplative prayer! Jan brings ancient mystics to modern understanding.
August 4, 2023
Good Lord, when I read the description I was interested. The book is here is how to listen to God in relation to a concept. And then a ton of bible quotes and then the very same thing again and again . UHG so repetitive.
June 17, 2025
Masterfully written
This book was obviously birthed through experience. I was challenged by its content to consider my journey into contemplative prayer. I would have appreciated some more direction into the practice of this type of prayer from others who have gone before us.
This book was obviously birthed through experience. I was challenged by its content to consider my journey into contemplative prayer. I would have appreciated some more direction into the practice of this type of prayer from others who have gone before us.
January 18, 2018
Great overview of prayer. Love how practical she is. This is a hard you to put into words. She does it beautifully. Probably reread as this topic is always good to revisit.
February 12, 2020
Our culture doesn't generally place value on the patience that is associated with prayer and spirituality. When the Soul Listens provides guidelines for resting and inactivity as a path to growth.
March 12, 2020
Beautiful, honest, and refreshing!
July 17, 2020
Practical and Infused with Zoe
Jan writes an immensely practical exploration of how (and why) to live a life of attentive partnership with God. Extremely life-giving!
Jan writes an immensely practical exploration of how (and why) to live a life of attentive partnership with God. Extremely life-giving!
February 3, 2021
Very thoughtful book on contemplative prayer. Packed with scripture references throughout.
September 3, 2021
This is one of the best books I have ever read on prayer.
September 16, 2021
Answered all my questions and helped me try the actual practice.
July 9, 2022
I found this book very accessible and readable. Jan challenges how we look at prayer in a challenging (new for me) way. Plan to reread. Would recommend.
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