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Ragged: Spiritual Disciplines for the Spiritually Exhausted
When we mistake spiritual disciplines for to-dos, time slots on our schedule, or Instagram-able moments, we miss the benefits of Christ's continual and constant work for us. In Ragged, Gretchen Ronnevik aims to reclaim spiritual disciplines as good gifts given by our good Father instead of heavy burdens of performance carried by the Christian.
226 pages, Paperback
Published May 11, 2021
172 people are currently reading
2351 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
July 5, 2021
What a refreshing and freeing book! If you are weary of books that hold the labor of your hands to fill the law's demands over your head instead of pointing you to Christ and the gospel, this book is for you. It's not a how-to but a Who-do-you-look-to as the source and motivator for Christian disciplines. I also greatly appreciate how the author clearly distinguishes between law and gospel. This book isn't just for women either.
I'm putting a copy in the church library and planning to give copies away.
I'm putting a copy in the church library and planning to give copies away.
March 7, 2021
I finished this book, and honestly I wasn’t ready for it to end.
(Disclaimer, I received an advanced ecopy of this book from the author)
This book is about spiritual disciplines. At times the author uses personal experience to illustrate what she is talking about, though not always.
Things like Bible reading, prayer, fasting, meditation, discipleship, lament are chapters focused on in this book. It’s not a “how to” guide, but it’s also not simply a “here’s some disciplines that exist.”
Mostly I would say it’s a book all about law and gospel, and how the law points you to the gospel. It talks about spiritual disciplines, and then leaves you with some ideas about how to practice them without giving a formula.
It’s thought provoking, beautiful, and perfectly timed for me. I’m still chewing on what I’ve read, and I can’t wait die the book to be released in May so I get my physical copy I have pre ordered. I have every intention of re-reading with my highlighter close by.
(Disclaimer, I received an advanced ecopy of this book from the author)
This book is about spiritual disciplines. At times the author uses personal experience to illustrate what she is talking about, though not always.
Things like Bible reading, prayer, fasting, meditation, discipleship, lament are chapters focused on in this book. It’s not a “how to” guide, but it’s also not simply a “here’s some disciplines that exist.”
Mostly I would say it’s a book all about law and gospel, and how the law points you to the gospel. It talks about spiritual disciplines, and then leaves you with some ideas about how to practice them without giving a formula.
It’s thought provoking, beautiful, and perfectly timed for me. I’m still chewing on what I’ve read, and I can’t wait die the book to be released in May so I get my physical copy I have pre ordered. I have every intention of re-reading with my highlighter close by.
March 30, 2021
When I picked up this book, I didn't think of myself as 'spiritually exhausted,' but I came to recognize how even the spiritual disciplines can become "works" that I come to rely on, when faith is really all about remembering His work. She helps us peel back the layers, and baggage we carry, regarding the who, what, where, when, why and how of our relationship with the Lord, and encourages us toward a life carrying a lighter yoke, resting in his provision and his grace.
March 21, 2021
This was such a helpful, gospel-centered, and grace based take on spiritual disciplines. I loved that Gretchen included some often forgotten ones like confession and lament. If you struggle with approaching spiritual disciplines from a perspective of “do do do”, this book will help you remember it is done and that dependence on Christ is the goal, not perfection. Because only Jesus is perfect and praise the Lord his perfection has already been applied to us!
June 14, 2021
Gretchen defines spiritual disciplines on page 7 as:
The spiritual disciplines are the holy-therapy exercises to ground us in the reality of God’s sufficient work. They are the recovery work on our human souls traumatized by the Fall (Gen 3). They don’t earn us grace. They awaken us to the reality of grace.
So what does this mean? Spiritual disciplines are things that we do both individually and as part of a community to encourage spiritual growth in ourselves and others. The disciplines Gretchen chooses to address in this book are rest, scripture reading and memorization, prayer, fasting meditation, confession, generosity, lament, and discipleship. By far, the most impactful chapters for me were the ones on rest, scripture reading, confession, and lament.
When Christians talk about spiritual disciplines, we tend to look at them as a form of generating our own growth. We see them as a means of justification or sanctification of our own doing. If only we read the Bible an hour every day, God would give us everything we want, taking verses like Matthew 6:33-34 out of context to suit an earthly blessing rather than a spiritual reality. This begs the question of how do we know when we’ve done enough? Is one hour a day fine or should I do more to show God that I’m really dedicated? This is a way we turn a gift (the ability to read the Bible) into a law. Some other Christians may focus too hard on the word discipline and associate it with punishment, as if God is more focused on our unrighteousness than Christ’s righteousness that is imputed on us.
Gretchen takes neither approach and instead affirms that both our justification and sanctification come from Christ, so that we are able to freely serve Christ. We can’t manipulate God into giving us more earthly blessings because His kingdom is not of this world and likewise, our blessings will come from a more spiritual significance. Gretchen also makes the distinction that discipline and punishment are not the same thing. Jesus already took on the punishment for our sins, but discipline comes from love. It is a way that God guides us to the truth so that we don’t stray. She says it this way on pg 12:
Scripture never displays the spiritual disciplines in a legalistic fashion. You won’t find a list with details of how much, how long, or how often you must practice meditation, or prayer, or lament. They’re just part of life.
One of the biggest strengths of the book is that Gretchen makes it a point to emphasize that the Christian life is not to be lived in isolation. Throughout the book, she points to the necessity of experiencing spiritual disciplines as a Christian community. I actually think the most eye opening part for me was the communal aspect of the spiritual disciplines. As far back as the Enlightenment, Western Christians have taken to the idea that the Christian walk is “just me and my Bible.” As we turned toward the Great Awakening, men like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield furthered that mindset by emphasizing having a personal relationship with Christ. Now, I’m not criticizing having a personal relationship with Christ, but we don’t only experience our faith alone. Being part of a church means being part of a covenant community. So when Gretchen brings up how each spiritual discipline is done both individually and communally, she is bringing us back to the way the faith has historically been practiced. A way that I would argue is stronger than our individualized American Christianity.
Gretchen also illustrates how the individual sides of spiritual disciplines and the communal sides of spiritual disciplines are a symbiotic relationship. This is best shown in the chapter on Bible reading (specifically pages 100-103), where she talks about how we read the scriptures individually and then bring our individual understandings together through Bible studies and how we can also learn and grow from our pastors on Sunday mornings. Another great way she points to the symbiotic relationship is on page 188, in the chapter on lament:
Mourning is individualistic, in that no one can walk through it for you, and it is communal because we are called to mourn with those who mourn.
My biggest takeaway in all of this was the ability to have peace about being imperfect or inconsistent with showing the spiritual disciplines. It’s so easy to get caught up in a guilt cycle because I know I should do it, but I don’t do it and sometimes I don’t even want to do it, if I’m honest. But this is where the importance of prayer comes in and the importance of relying on your local church to edify you in these seasons where it’s hard and remind you that this is something that God has given to us, not a burden. This is something that Gretchen touches on in every chapter, she constantly brings us through the law and gospel in a very beautiful way, while truly appreciating that some aspects of our faith are mysteries and that we’ll never be perfect. This is stated perfectly on page 42:
Those who live by the law will rate themselves by the law, but those who live by grace have no means with which to measure themselves besides grace.
and 43:
Sanctification is not quantifiable, because nothing less than complete is acceptable, and living out our redemption is the act of remembering the complete work of God.
Once you start thinking of spiritual disciplines as a gift, you can begin to experience the rest and comfort that God provides in them.
Gretchen takes spiritual disciplines and moves them from the first use of the law to the third use of the law. These things are a gift. They’re something we get to do, not something we have to do. There is no eternal punishment for not doing them.
This book is not a self help book. It is not a guide on how to want to read your Bible or 10 Steps to Becoming a Better Christian. Gretchen’s writing style draws you in. She captures your heart, imagination, and intellect as she weaves scripture and personal anecdotes throughout the book to illustrate her points in a way that is easy to connect with and resonate with. Several moments throughout the book even gave me goosebumps to read and see how God used spiritual disciplines to bless Gretchen. That said, I am not sure that this would be something that I would give a new believer. Partly because when you’re new to the faith, there’s already so much that you absorb like a sponge, but also because a new believer may need a little bit more education before they could really appreciate it. I do think this is a book that you would appreciate rereading a few times.
If you’re a fan of Dr. Pimple Popper like I am, you’ve probably seen her excising black heads and cysts before and you know that it’s not just as simple as just squeezing it to pop it out. She normally ends up scraping the inside of the crater left in the skin to make sure that all of the dead flesh is truly removed, then stitching it back up so that the hole closes, never to be filled again. This is what God is doing with our hearts and I truly believe this is what is happening while you read Ragged.
The spiritual disciplines are the holy-therapy exercises to ground us in the reality of God’s sufficient work. They are the recovery work on our human souls traumatized by the Fall (Gen 3). They don’t earn us grace. They awaken us to the reality of grace.
So what does this mean? Spiritual disciplines are things that we do both individually and as part of a community to encourage spiritual growth in ourselves and others. The disciplines Gretchen chooses to address in this book are rest, scripture reading and memorization, prayer, fasting meditation, confession, generosity, lament, and discipleship. By far, the most impactful chapters for me were the ones on rest, scripture reading, confession, and lament.
When Christians talk about spiritual disciplines, we tend to look at them as a form of generating our own growth. We see them as a means of justification or sanctification of our own doing. If only we read the Bible an hour every day, God would give us everything we want, taking verses like Matthew 6:33-34 out of context to suit an earthly blessing rather than a spiritual reality. This begs the question of how do we know when we’ve done enough? Is one hour a day fine or should I do more to show God that I’m really dedicated? This is a way we turn a gift (the ability to read the Bible) into a law. Some other Christians may focus too hard on the word discipline and associate it with punishment, as if God is more focused on our unrighteousness than Christ’s righteousness that is imputed on us.
Gretchen takes neither approach and instead affirms that both our justification and sanctification come from Christ, so that we are able to freely serve Christ. We can’t manipulate God into giving us more earthly blessings because His kingdom is not of this world and likewise, our blessings will come from a more spiritual significance. Gretchen also makes the distinction that discipline and punishment are not the same thing. Jesus already took on the punishment for our sins, but discipline comes from love. It is a way that God guides us to the truth so that we don’t stray. She says it this way on pg 12:
Scripture never displays the spiritual disciplines in a legalistic fashion. You won’t find a list with details of how much, how long, or how often you must practice meditation, or prayer, or lament. They’re just part of life.
One of the biggest strengths of the book is that Gretchen makes it a point to emphasize that the Christian life is not to be lived in isolation. Throughout the book, she points to the necessity of experiencing spiritual disciplines as a Christian community. I actually think the most eye opening part for me was the communal aspect of the spiritual disciplines. As far back as the Enlightenment, Western Christians have taken to the idea that the Christian walk is “just me and my Bible.” As we turned toward the Great Awakening, men like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield furthered that mindset by emphasizing having a personal relationship with Christ. Now, I’m not criticizing having a personal relationship with Christ, but we don’t only experience our faith alone. Being part of a church means being part of a covenant community. So when Gretchen brings up how each spiritual discipline is done both individually and communally, she is bringing us back to the way the faith has historically been practiced. A way that I would argue is stronger than our individualized American Christianity.
Gretchen also illustrates how the individual sides of spiritual disciplines and the communal sides of spiritual disciplines are a symbiotic relationship. This is best shown in the chapter on Bible reading (specifically pages 100-103), where she talks about how we read the scriptures individually and then bring our individual understandings together through Bible studies and how we can also learn and grow from our pastors on Sunday mornings. Another great way she points to the symbiotic relationship is on page 188, in the chapter on lament:
Mourning is individualistic, in that no one can walk through it for you, and it is communal because we are called to mourn with those who mourn.
My biggest takeaway in all of this was the ability to have peace about being imperfect or inconsistent with showing the spiritual disciplines. It’s so easy to get caught up in a guilt cycle because I know I should do it, but I don’t do it and sometimes I don’t even want to do it, if I’m honest. But this is where the importance of prayer comes in and the importance of relying on your local church to edify you in these seasons where it’s hard and remind you that this is something that God has given to us, not a burden. This is something that Gretchen touches on in every chapter, she constantly brings us through the law and gospel in a very beautiful way, while truly appreciating that some aspects of our faith are mysteries and that we’ll never be perfect. This is stated perfectly on page 42:
Those who live by the law will rate themselves by the law, but those who live by grace have no means with which to measure themselves besides grace.
and 43:
Sanctification is not quantifiable, because nothing less than complete is acceptable, and living out our redemption is the act of remembering the complete work of God.
Once you start thinking of spiritual disciplines as a gift, you can begin to experience the rest and comfort that God provides in them.
Gretchen takes spiritual disciplines and moves them from the first use of the law to the third use of the law. These things are a gift. They’re something we get to do, not something we have to do. There is no eternal punishment for not doing them.
This book is not a self help book. It is not a guide on how to want to read your Bible or 10 Steps to Becoming a Better Christian. Gretchen’s writing style draws you in. She captures your heart, imagination, and intellect as she weaves scripture and personal anecdotes throughout the book to illustrate her points in a way that is easy to connect with and resonate with. Several moments throughout the book even gave me goosebumps to read and see how God used spiritual disciplines to bless Gretchen. That said, I am not sure that this would be something that I would give a new believer. Partly because when you’re new to the faith, there’s already so much that you absorb like a sponge, but also because a new believer may need a little bit more education before they could really appreciate it. I do think this is a book that you would appreciate rereading a few times.
If you’re a fan of Dr. Pimple Popper like I am, you’ve probably seen her excising black heads and cysts before and you know that it’s not just as simple as just squeezing it to pop it out. She normally ends up scraping the inside of the crater left in the skin to make sure that all of the dead flesh is truly removed, then stitching it back up so that the hole closes, never to be filled again. This is what God is doing with our hearts and I truly believe this is what is happening while you read Ragged.
January 24, 2022
Proposes the question of how our culture regards spiritual practices often leading to spiritual exhaustion. How do we approach our saintification when we're told to create a checklist and always do more? Are we enough? What are the purpose of Spritual Disciplines? Are we properly using the Law and Gospel to grow in dependency on God?
These questions are answered and delivered with such grace that only a mother can do.
These questions are answered and delivered with such grace that only a mother can do.
May 7, 2021
Any book that’s about Spiritual Disciplines (things you do) while trying to offer the good news of the Gospel seems to need to fall on one side between Law and Grace. They seem to either say, “you need to read your Bible every day to be saved” or “don’t worry about what you do, you’re already saved, it’s ok if you never read your Bible.”
In this book, Gretchen does neither. Instead, she presents the Gospel, and talks through and works with the reader through all the disciplines as a way to grow and deepen a relationship with God and Jesus, while continually reminding us that we are already saved and that it’s Jesus, not works that save us. The end goal is not daily prayer, Bible reading, fasting, or any of the other (good and right) disciplines. The end goal is to deepen our relationship with God, and she keeps that goal firmly front and center. What good is daily Bible reading, if it doesn’t bring you before God? But also, what good does serving his people so much that you have no time or energy to draw near to him do?
Each chapter has a history/treatise on why each discipline is important, ways in which it can seem difficult to master it, and then some practical tips for trying, all wrapped in the assurance and reminder that God has already redeemed you, and that we’re not redeemed by works.
This book is for people who are trying. Trying to read their Bibles every day. Trying to volunteer. Trying to serve, but constantly feel like they’re coming up short and feeling ragged.
Because again, while a perfect Bible reading plan score is good, it’s not what saves us. God alone saves us, and sometimes he interrupts our perfect study times to show us that it’s not only during our fifteen minute devotions that he is near to us, but all day, every day, while we work, while we pray, and while we drive across town to countless appointments.
In this book, I so appreciate Gretchen’s focus on intimacy with God, and permission that it’s ok to feel ragged, without undermining the importance of things like prayer and Bible reading. She takes away the whole false dichotomy of not worrying about doing the good things vs. thinking that good works save you. Maybe that one thing that keeps interrupting your daily Bible meditation that is irritating you is actually God making himself known to you, and trying to get you to remember to lean on him for strength. You’ve been already redeemed, so rest in his finished work and go forth.
I basically underlined my whole copy, there’s so much Gospel and many practical tips for accomplishing whatever discipline you are trying to learn in each chapter. I highly recommend, and am now trying to find out how best to buy this book for everyone I know without making them feel like I’m calling them overworked and ragged. I just think the presentation of the Gospel and practical tips Gretchen gives are both so valuable and well paired together.
In this book, Gretchen does neither. Instead, she presents the Gospel, and talks through and works with the reader through all the disciplines as a way to grow and deepen a relationship with God and Jesus, while continually reminding us that we are already saved and that it’s Jesus, not works that save us. The end goal is not daily prayer, Bible reading, fasting, or any of the other (good and right) disciplines. The end goal is to deepen our relationship with God, and she keeps that goal firmly front and center. What good is daily Bible reading, if it doesn’t bring you before God? But also, what good does serving his people so much that you have no time or energy to draw near to him do?
Each chapter has a history/treatise on why each discipline is important, ways in which it can seem difficult to master it, and then some practical tips for trying, all wrapped in the assurance and reminder that God has already redeemed you, and that we’re not redeemed by works.
This book is for people who are trying. Trying to read their Bibles every day. Trying to volunteer. Trying to serve, but constantly feel like they’re coming up short and feeling ragged.
Because again, while a perfect Bible reading plan score is good, it’s not what saves us. God alone saves us, and sometimes he interrupts our perfect study times to show us that it’s not only during our fifteen minute devotions that he is near to us, but all day, every day, while we work, while we pray, and while we drive across town to countless appointments.
In this book, I so appreciate Gretchen’s focus on intimacy with God, and permission that it’s ok to feel ragged, without undermining the importance of things like prayer and Bible reading. She takes away the whole false dichotomy of not worrying about doing the good things vs. thinking that good works save you. Maybe that one thing that keeps interrupting your daily Bible meditation that is irritating you is actually God making himself known to you, and trying to get you to remember to lean on him for strength. You’ve been already redeemed, so rest in his finished work and go forth.
I basically underlined my whole copy, there’s so much Gospel and many practical tips for accomplishing whatever discipline you are trying to learn in each chapter. I highly recommend, and am now trying to find out how best to buy this book for everyone I know without making them feel like I’m calling them overworked and ragged. I just think the presentation of the Gospel and practical tips Gretchen gives are both so valuable and well paired together.
May 22, 2021
I'll admit, I've always known that spiritual disciplines are meant to be a means of grace, but I've always seen them as a list of things I must be doing if I'm *really* going to be a good Christian. If I really want to be godly, I'll check-check-check my way down the list so I don't miss anything. Which rarely happens. And when it does, I feel less like I've received grace and more like a huge burden's been lifted for the next 23 hours until it all begins again.
And then I read Ragged.
From nearly the first page, I felt I was sitting with a friend, someone who loves Christ and loves me, and wants to see me rest in Him. Her self-description let me know that, if we ever met in person, she'd probably understand me. Every page is saturated with the truth that the Gospel frees us to relate to God through faith with joy and love, and not from underneath a growing list of heavy tasks. She wrote, "This is not a book of wisdom nuggets. This is not a diet plan for your spiritual life. This is not a method or formula that will ensure a happy life. God calls Christians to faith, not formulas." And later, "The Christian life is to sink into His sufficiency, not prove we can do it on our own."
So should you read RAGGED? Undeniably. We should always seek to grow in our understanding of the means of grace God has given us to know Him and His people more deeply. But should YOU read Ragged? If you, like me, have found yourself tempted to believe that "really 'good' Christians didn't need God as much as those bad Christians...They weren't so needy. They used Biblical principles to pull themselves up by their bootstraps," or if you know someone who thinks that way, or if you see these habits of grace as burdens that God is unfair to "require" of you, then Ragged is for you. Read it and allow a sister in Christ to lead you toward joyful rest in Him.
And then I read Ragged.
From nearly the first page, I felt I was sitting with a friend, someone who loves Christ and loves me, and wants to see me rest in Him. Her self-description let me know that, if we ever met in person, she'd probably understand me. Every page is saturated with the truth that the Gospel frees us to relate to God through faith with joy and love, and not from underneath a growing list of heavy tasks. She wrote, "This is not a book of wisdom nuggets. This is not a diet plan for your spiritual life. This is not a method or formula that will ensure a happy life. God calls Christians to faith, not formulas." And later, "The Christian life is to sink into His sufficiency, not prove we can do it on our own."
So should you read RAGGED? Undeniably. We should always seek to grow in our understanding of the means of grace God has given us to know Him and His people more deeply. But should YOU read Ragged? If you, like me, have found yourself tempted to believe that "really 'good' Christians didn't need God as much as those bad Christians...They weren't so needy. They used Biblical principles to pull themselves up by their bootstraps," or if you know someone who thinks that way, or if you see these habits of grace as burdens that God is unfair to "require" of you, then Ragged is for you. Read it and allow a sister in Christ to lead you toward joyful rest in Him.
July 21, 2021
A much needed perspective on Christian life
Joelle Still Reads Her Bookcase #38
This book is a wonderful resource for anyone who feels beset by shame and guilt as they wrestle with the spiritual disciplines outlined in the Bible. Gretchen is very clear that each discipline cannot be given as a formula, a catch all for humanity. We are all unique, and the Holy Spirit will speak to each of us uniquely. She gives illustrations of how to apply each discipline individually, and in community. Honest, refreshing, and liberating, this book will help you understand how to approach God, and just how very much you mean to Him. I have always believed that God knows our emotions before we do, and is therefore not only big enough to handle them, but never scared of them. This was my favorite point that was reiterated throughout the book.
(My only *small* quibble with the book was the repetition of several anctedotes or points, often within a few pages. And this is purely a personal quibble, and in no way detracts from the book.)
Joelle Still Reads Her Bookcase #38
This book is a wonderful resource for anyone who feels beset by shame and guilt as they wrestle with the spiritual disciplines outlined in the Bible. Gretchen is very clear that each discipline cannot be given as a formula, a catch all for humanity. We are all unique, and the Holy Spirit will speak to each of us uniquely. She gives illustrations of how to apply each discipline individually, and in community. Honest, refreshing, and liberating, this book will help you understand how to approach God, and just how very much you mean to Him. I have always believed that God knows our emotions before we do, and is therefore not only big enough to handle them, but never scared of them. This was my favorite point that was reiterated throughout the book.
(My only *small* quibble with the book was the repetition of several anctedotes or points, often within a few pages. And this is purely a personal quibble, and in no way detracts from the book.)
March 2, 2022
This was a good reminder why the spiritual disciplines are important. Not to check off a list but to remember all God has done “so that we depend on him rather than ourselves…They don’t earn us grace. They awaken us to the reality of grace.” Sanctification is God’s job, not mine, and He will complete it. “We cannot manipulate God’s love through any of the disciplines. We cannot pray enough, fast enough, give enough money…to earn his favor.”
Rest and fasting were the 2 areas most meaningful to me at this time. “We are not the creators of rest. We are the receivers.” For someone who works and tries to stay busy when things are hard, rest is sometimes hard to accept. And the thought of fasting as an act of humility was new to me. “What do you depend on instead of God?” is a question I need to ask myself often and say to Him, “I simply don’t understand. I am unable. I am helpless without you.” Yes, yes I am.
Rest and fasting were the 2 areas most meaningful to me at this time. “We are not the creators of rest. We are the receivers.” For someone who works and tries to stay busy when things are hard, rest is sometimes hard to accept. And the thought of fasting as an act of humility was new to me. “What do you depend on instead of God?” is a question I need to ask myself often and say to Him, “I simply don’t understand. I am unable. I am helpless without you.” Yes, yes I am.
April 27, 2021
Finally, a book about spiritual disciplines for women that isn't a tacky Christian self-help book by an aspiring influencer trying to sell you wellness products.
This is not a how-to book.
This is not a "change your life in 40 days with this new Biblical diet plan and journal" book.
This is a book about how God has already given us all that we need in Jesus Christ, and how spiritual disciplines like Bible reading, prayer, fasting, confession, and lament are not tasks given to us for self-improvement or self-flagellation, but gifts that allow us to enter into His presence, remember His gracious work and be drawn closer to Him.
*Disclaimer: I received an advance reader copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This is not a how-to book.
This is not a "change your life in 40 days with this new Biblical diet plan and journal" book.
This is a book about how God has already given us all that we need in Jesus Christ, and how spiritual disciplines like Bible reading, prayer, fasting, confession, and lament are not tasks given to us for self-improvement or self-flagellation, but gifts that allow us to enter into His presence, remember His gracious work and be drawn closer to Him.
*Disclaimer: I received an advance reader copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2022
This book was written with a lot of love and I have nothing bad to say about it. The premise of the book appears to be that we can become spiritually exhausted by trying to live a perfect Christian life, but if we step aside and let Christ work through us, life gets easier.
We can all do with less stress in this modern culture, but as Christians there are still things we want to do, even need to do. Some of these things are listed in this book with a chapter given to each topic: prayer, Bible study, fasting, even the discipleship of others. There's a chapter given to each of these things.
It is all very gentle and encouraging. Throughout it all is the assurance of Christ leading us through what we need to do and learn.
We can all do with less stress in this modern culture, but as Christians there are still things we want to do, even need to do. Some of these things are listed in this book with a chapter given to each topic: prayer, Bible study, fasting, even the discipleship of others. There's a chapter given to each of these things.
It is all very gentle and encouraging. Throughout it all is the assurance of Christ leading us through what we need to do and learn.
February 9, 2022
This book was good and comforting. I thought the first half, which lays the foundation for practicing the spiritual disciplines, was stronger than the second half, which talks about each discipline. There was a lot of good and interesting insight backed up by scripture in the first half. The second half was still good, but Ronnevik used less scripture to explain what she was talking about. I would definitely recommend this book, though. Unlike some books about spiritual disciplines, this one actually encouraged me and gave me the desire to practice new disciplines.
April 12, 2023
This wasn't a quick read for me. I kept my bible close as I worked through this one. I found myself reading a little, digesting, reading scripture, praying, meditating, etc. It isn't a to-do list. No check offs. It isn't a self-help book. It's a book in which the words, ideas, and concepts point directly to Jesus.
June 10, 2022
I don’t usually take the time to write reviews. But this is hands down the most helpful and encouraging book I have ever read on spiritual disciplines.
February 21, 2025
This was a helpful read for anyone who longs to practice the spiritual disciplines but finds themselves exhausted. Very appropriate if you, like me, find yourself in the young kids stage of life. It’s pretty Lutheran and directed primarily towards women, I’d say. That said, it’s broadly applicable for any Christian.
March 10, 2023
A refreshing look at spiritual disciplines. Without making a list of rules or adding pressure, Gretchen gives helpful tips and perspectives on things like prayer, reading Scripture, fasting, discipleship, etc.
June 26, 2024
I don't have enough eloquence or persuasiveness to do this book credit in my review, but if you are tired, or find yourself asking "is the good news really that good anymore?", I encourage this book as a fresh glass of water for a thirsty soul.
This book is a rare gem that painted the goodness of the good news in a way my heart hasn't heard in a long time. The first half of the book is just a beautiful picture of what it means to have a savior. As someone in vocational ministry, I needed this book. I wish I would've read it earlier, when I first became a Christian.
It was the gentlest of perspective shifts that made me see spiritual disciplines and church community in a new way. Sometimes all these disciplines just feel like "another part of the job" and reminders of ways in which I'm not measuring up. After reading Ragged, suddenly each discipline that had felt like a task feels like a Christmas gift and a hug from Jesus — their weight has been removed and they've become "lifting" reminders of His sufficiency and provision. It is rare to walk away from books like this and not feel like I "have to" do more. Instead, I feel renewed at the invitation to just remember as often as possible that God has done everything, and He is so, so good.
This book is a rare gem that painted the goodness of the good news in a way my heart hasn't heard in a long time. The first half of the book is just a beautiful picture of what it means to have a savior. As someone in vocational ministry, I needed this book. I wish I would've read it earlier, when I first became a Christian.
It was the gentlest of perspective shifts that made me see spiritual disciplines and church community in a new way. Sometimes all these disciplines just feel like "another part of the job" and reminders of ways in which I'm not measuring up. After reading Ragged, suddenly each discipline that had felt like a task feels like a Christmas gift and a hug from Jesus — their weight has been removed and they've become "lifting" reminders of His sufficiency and provision. It is rare to walk away from books like this and not feel like I "have to" do more. Instead, I feel renewed at the invitation to just remember as often as possible that God has done everything, and He is so, so good.
August 6, 2022
I loved it from the title! Then I loved the whole book!!
Over the years I've read many books on Spiritual disciplined that are not worth the paper they're printed on! Such is absolutely NOT the case with this book, which could well be the best I've read (having read Bonhoeffer, that's a bold statement!!)!! I was worried whether this author (heretofore unknown to me) would respect some of the rich Lutheran distinctive in theology; my fears there were unfounded! Gretchen Ronnevik understand s and appreciates our full Lutheran theology; but she has a knack for also understanding how to apply God's Word in Law and Gospel to those who are in the midst of the weariness of daily life in the real world! I found her writing to be helpful and encouraging for those who have been singed a little by life or by the church; who seek to lead a God pleasing life (not in an attempt to earn favor from God) simply in response to God's abundant grace!!
Over the years I've read many books on Spiritual disciplined that are not worth the paper they're printed on! Such is absolutely NOT the case with this book, which could well be the best I've read (having read Bonhoeffer, that's a bold statement!!)!! I was worried whether this author (heretofore unknown to me) would respect some of the rich Lutheran distinctive in theology; my fears there were unfounded! Gretchen Ronnevik understand s and appreciates our full Lutheran theology; but she has a knack for also understanding how to apply God's Word in Law and Gospel to those who are in the midst of the weariness of daily life in the real world! I found her writing to be helpful and encouraging for those who have been singed a little by life or by the church; who seek to lead a God pleasing life (not in an attempt to earn favor from God) simply in response to God's abundant grace!!
August 6, 2022
Ragged spoke to my soul, reassuring it that the goal of practicing spiritual disciplines is not to check off charts or complete memory verses, it is greater dependence on Christ. My key takeaways from this book are the goal of spiritual disciplines is realizing our own neediness and God's complete sufficiency. We don't need to follow formulas for spiritual growth. The Holy Spirit is a wonderful teacher and will tailor a unique curriculum for each person. We can choose and evaluate spiritual disciplines by asking questions like: Does this draw me closer to God? Does it make me more aware of my weakness and Christ's strength? Does it make me more aware of God's love and motivate me to love others? Ragged is not a how-to book of spiritual disciplines but a reassurance of how God meets us in our brokenness and neediness.
February 17, 2023
A well-timed, Christ-centered read for me that did shift how I think about spiritual disciplines. Good for any time, but especially fitting just before Lent begins. My criticism is simply that the editor did a poor job of fixing syntactically confusing sentences.
An emblematic quote (describing our tendency to quantify disciplines):
“Once again, we bring back into our vocabulary the word ‘enough’ and ask ourselves if we are doing it. Like any other part of the Christian life, it is Christ who is enough. He has given his Spirit to show us. When we think that it is our emotions that guide us, it only reveals how shallow our understanding of the Holy Spirit actually is” (p. 170).
An emblematic quote (describing our tendency to quantify disciplines):
“Once again, we bring back into our vocabulary the word ‘enough’ and ask ourselves if we are doing it. Like any other part of the Christian life, it is Christ who is enough. He has given his Spirit to show us. When we think that it is our emotions that guide us, it only reveals how shallow our understanding of the Holy Spirit actually is” (p. 170).
May 23, 2021
I love it when authors can communicate deep truths and still keep things interesting!! This book does that!
Topics that she covers in the book are often approached with a heavy dose of law that leave me feeling guilty, instead Gretchen approaches these topics with grace and this book left me feeling encouraged. This book will not disappoint, it will leave you feeling lighter and point you to Christ.
Topics that she covers in the book are often approached with a heavy dose of law that leave me feeling guilty, instead Gretchen approaches these topics with grace and this book left me feeling encouraged. This book will not disappoint, it will leave you feeling lighter and point you to Christ.
August 16, 2021
This is one of the best books I have ever read about the Christian life and walk with Christ.
It is a well deserved rest in Christ and looking to him for what these disciplines mean and look like as an individual and as a body member. She did a spectacular job with the law/gospel distinction, and she never falls into the trap of a formula. She always addresses the nuance of each discipline and that wisdom/application looks different in different seasons.
Buy. Read. Joy. Repeat.
It is a well deserved rest in Christ and looking to him for what these disciplines mean and look like as an individual and as a body member. She did a spectacular job with the law/gospel distinction, and she never falls into the trap of a formula. She always addresses the nuance of each discipline and that wisdom/application looks different in different seasons.
Buy. Read. Joy. Repeat.
January 16, 2024
This is a book that’s so encouraging. Christian’s, please prioritize this book and listen to it. It is so beyond exhaustion and goes into encouraging us with law and gospel.
Read and then re read. Or listen to the audio, though I DO WISH Gretchen had read it herself, I adore how she talks and shared her stories on her podcast! She’s great to listen to. The narrator on the audio book does do a good job :)
Read and then re read. Or listen to the audio, though I DO WISH Gretchen had read it herself, I adore how she talks and shared her stories on her podcast! She’s great to listen to. The narrator on the audio book does do a good job :)
February 19, 2024
Ronnevik has reframed the entire conversation on the Spiritual Disciplines, particularly in the first six chapters for which this book earns its 5 star rating. Spurning checklists and tactics, Ronnevik helps you find the begging posture rather than the striving stance and resituates you so that you can see God as The Great Giver of discipline to the ones He loves. Women of the Church, may I entreat you to read this book.
October 9, 2021
Gretchen Ronnevik has written an incredibly useful and encouraging book. I am 25 and I pastor two small churches in rural WV — I will continue to return to this book over and over again. In a world that is all about assigning value based on what we do, Ronnevik points us toward something far more beautiful, what God has done for us.
November 22, 2021
Great book to fan your faith and embrace grace.
February 17, 2022
(review coming soon)
May 12, 2022
A good book to read with a group or on your own. Encouraging and engaging.
January 22, 2025
Loved the content. The stream-of-consciousness writing style is not my favorite.
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