The Table of Inwardness: Nurturing Our Inner Life in Christ

by Calvin Miller

Calvin Miller describes how prayer, meditation, and obedience can help us shut out the distractions of the world and develop a satisfying fellowship with God.

Genres: Prayer, Nonfiction, Theology, Faith, Christian, Spirituality

120 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1984

About the author

Calvin Miller has written over 40 books of popular theology and inspiration. A former pastor, he is professor of preaching and pastoral ministry at Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama. He and his wife, Joyce, have two grown children.

Reviews

[Lyndon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful short reflection on the inner devotional meeting of the believer and the Christ.

[Tiff Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most encouraging books on meeting with Jesus I have ever read. There is none of the legalism, well-intentioned or otherwise, prevalent in so many other books on the topic of "quiet time". In fact, he never uses that term, which is refreshing.

It's an exhortation from the heart of a pastor to his flock, with all the love and care of the Good Shepherd reflected in each page. It makes me think of the hymn, "I Come to the Garden Alone."

Beautiful language, but simple and straightforward, sprinkled generously with quotes of all kinds. It's easy to read, and rich with simple wisdom.

This book was my dad's, and it didn't hurt to see his highlights throughout. I wish I could talk about it with him.

[Travis Niemeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book, packed full of depth and meaning amid a simple metaphor of us communing with Jesus at a table like friends.

[C.S. Wachter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thought-provoking part of my quiet time over the past couple weeks.

[Lisa Syner · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Art of Obedience...
'The issue of every disciple is whether or not he or she shall have a lord or be one."

[Bruce Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short book about the personal intimate relationship one has with Christ. Inwardness is not spoken of much in church today. Miller challenges and encourages one to recognize, develop and strengthen a personal walk with Christ thru His Spirit. This of course is along the emphasis of The Hills Retreat Place. A good read, but takes some thought.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered Calvin Miller when I picked up a copy of The Singer at a thrift store. I loved it, especially Miller's writing style. So I went to our church library and checked out several of his books. This is the only one I've read so far, but it's a gem. Our church copy is signed by the author, and until I pulled it off the shelf, had not been checked out by anyone since 1995, which is a pity.

The book is about intimacy with Christ, the inner spiritual life -- a topic I have been ravenous over. This was a great read.

A favorite quote:

"No one pays more for their faith than Christians with growing minds. When we place expanding information against the truth of the gospel, we beg for more light. God literally crowds all good books. He inhabits the theater and the laboratory. He is alive in every conversation between those whom he has created. God's glorious, all-pervading self awakens us to his immensity. We may celebrate him wherever we are. He is all about us: the very wallboard of our offices. He is the floor and celing, ground and sky. He is below the floor, above the ceiling and beyond the wall. Wherever we walk, we push against him, and yet do not for he swims through us, blessing this his glorious inwardness-outwardness-upwardness-downwardness."

"We can hardly enjoy the table in the wilderness if we are always looking at our watches, wondering how much time we may safely give our Host. Holy living is not abrupt living. No one who hurries into the presence of God is content to remain for long. Those who hurry in, hurry out. Holy leisure prepares us to receive the gift of inwardness."

[C.L.R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure I'll ever be able to say I finished this book because I go back to it so often to center myself at the core, as well as enjoy Miller's poem and his amplification of its meaning. I highly recommend it.

[Alisa Wagner]

One of my most favorite books ever.

[Linda Hansen]

Loved this.

[M. L. Feather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good. Finished it again (second time) 10.29.11 Many gems to enjoy from this book.