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On Living Well: Brief Reflections on Wisdom for Walking in the Way of Jesus
In these never-before-published stories, sayings, and biblical teachings, the beloved author and translator of The Message Bible shows us how the wisdom of deep faith helps us live well.“Calming, encouraging, and profound.”—Matt Chandler, lead pastor of The Village Church
“Jesus’ words bring us the news of an expanded world, a bright world, a full-dimensioned world, a world in which God rules, mercy is common experience, and love is the daily working agenda.” Eugene H. Peterson (1932–2018) was one of the most beloved authors, pastors, poets, and professors of our time. While millions have read his bestselling paraphrased Bible translation, The Message, far fewer have heard his direct practical insights and wisdom about how to live well.Eugene knew the extraordinary spirituality of ordinary life. He understood that we actually become more, not less, human as we grow to live like Jesus. And living like Jesus means living well.On Living Well collects some of Eugene’s best never-before-published short writings to help you walk in the way of Jesus with a little more courage, passion, and hope—by offering new ways to practice generosity, community, prayer, simplicity, worship, inner peace, and so much more . . . even with the challenges of today.This book is a rich feast for the soul, ideal as a daily spiritual touchpoint or simply to nourish a heart hungry for pastoral wisdom. It is your invitation to enter into the meaningful simplicity of life with Jesus in a world of immense beauty, real difficulty, and endless wonder.
201 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 16, 2021
116 people are currently reading
543 people want to read
About the author
Eugene H. Peterson
432 books1,014 followersEugene H. Peterson was a pastor, scholar, author, and poet. For many years he was James M. Houston Professor of Spiritual Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. He also served as founding pastor of Christ Our King Presbyterian Church in Bel Air, Maryland. He had written over thirty books, including Gold Medallion Book Award winner The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language a contemporary translation of the Bible. After retiring from full-time teaching, Eugene and his wife Jan lived in the Big Sky Country of rural Montana. He died in October 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 7, 2021
I remember when and where I was when I purchased, The Message” bible. I was thirty something years old in a Kmart in Sumter, SC. I was by myself and had to have it. I’d just been standing there in the aisle, reading and reading this new translation. It felt new? More real? So that’s where I was when I learned about the man who dared to make learning scripture more enjoyable for me.
So having said that, I knew I would be encouragement by this little book. It’s a reminder straight from Eugene Peterson that God gives us an invitation that only he can offer about how we can live. This book was made up of an extensive archive of two decades of weekly letters EP sent to his members. He shares many encouraging insights. He talks of wisdom, prayer and biblical bold living throughout this and I am better for it.
I don’t have to stay the way I am because Christ is in the business of transforming me.
I highly recommend this short, simple to understand blessing.
Thanks WaterBrook via Netgalley.
#OnLivingWell #NetGalley
So having said that, I knew I would be encouragement by this little book. It’s a reminder straight from Eugene Peterson that God gives us an invitation that only he can offer about how we can live. This book was made up of an extensive archive of two decades of weekly letters EP sent to his members. He shares many encouraging insights. He talks of wisdom, prayer and biblical bold living throughout this and I am better for it.
I don’t have to stay the way I am because Christ is in the business of transforming me.
I highly recommend this short, simple to understand blessing.
Thanks WaterBrook via Netgalley.
#OnLivingWell #NetGalley
July 21, 2022
Published three years after Eugene Peterson's death, On Living Well is a compilation of essays, stories, and short teachings that were not previously published. Some of them are barely a paragraph long, while some of them take up to three pages. All of them have the characteristic depth of Peterson, the master wordsmith.
I chose to use the book as a daily devotional. It is set up perfectly for that sort of usage, even though there are no dates. That, in itself, is a plus, because it could be started at any time. I chose to read it after completing his short book, Symphony of Salvation, which I completed in March. I don't think I managed to read a selection of this every single day, but you can see that it would take approximately four months to complete as a daily devotional.
The readings are divided into five sections, which seem to be designed to be read in order. However, I can see that there could be value in just opening the book and reading a page or two, randomly. The sections are "On Beginnings," "On Simplicity," "On Prayers and Praises," On Mercies," and "On Glories."
I can't say that I have a favorite section, because they were all good. I like the way it begins, I like the way it ends, and I like everything in the middle. There may have been one or two that I couldn't relate to, personally, but for the most part all of the readings struck a chord in my heart. I highly recommend this book, especially for anyone who loves Eugene Peterson's writing.
I chose to use the book as a daily devotional. It is set up perfectly for that sort of usage, even though there are no dates. That, in itself, is a plus, because it could be started at any time. I chose to read it after completing his short book, Symphony of Salvation, which I completed in March. I don't think I managed to read a selection of this every single day, but you can see that it would take approximately four months to complete as a daily devotional.
The readings are divided into five sections, which seem to be designed to be read in order. However, I can see that there could be value in just opening the book and reading a page or two, randomly. The sections are "On Beginnings," "On Simplicity," "On Prayers and Praises," On Mercies," and "On Glories."
I can't say that I have a favorite section, because they were all good. I like the way it begins, I like the way it ends, and I like everything in the middle. There may have been one or two that I couldn't relate to, personally, but for the most part all of the readings struck a chord in my heart. I highly recommend this book, especially for anyone who loves Eugene Peterson's writing.
March 12, 2022
Peterson had such a pastoral voice and this work exemplifies that wonderfully. The range of essays is vast in length, subject matter and tone. I really enjoyed just opening the book and taking 15 to 30 minutes each time to consume some of his ponderings.
The structure flows out of five motifs: 1. Beginnings (basic thoughts on spirituality), 2. Simplicity, 3. Prayers and Praises (corporate and private worship, attitudes, etc), 4. On Mercies (God's dealings in our lives), 5. On Glories (the ultimate design God has for us). Again, some of the entries are only a few paragraphs and the lengthiest is a few pages. Consequently, what you have are pungent segments that are also very accessible. Often they have the tonality of sermons or devotionals since they are excerpts from many of Peterson's voluminous offerings.
The structure flows out of five motifs: 1. Beginnings (basic thoughts on spirituality), 2. Simplicity, 3. Prayers and Praises (corporate and private worship, attitudes, etc), 4. On Mercies (God's dealings in our lives), 5. On Glories (the ultimate design God has for us). Again, some of the entries are only a few paragraphs and the lengthiest is a few pages. Consequently, what you have are pungent segments that are also very accessible. Often they have the tonality of sermons or devotionals since they are excerpts from many of Peterson's voluminous offerings.
March 4, 2022
Eugene Peterson wrote well. He was wise but I would have preferred a stronger link between his imparted wisdom and actual Scripture in each of his vignettes.
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January 3, 2024Obsessed with this collection of gems??? Challenging, edifying, inspirational, so deep and content-rich, couldn’t put it down, convicting, loved it
November 15, 2021
Eugene Peterson has been on my radar for years; I worked at a Christian bookstore during high school (#bestjobever), just a few years after "The Message" was first released in 1993--so, it was certainly a big trend. Certainly visibly unmissable, whether or not one read it!
Whatever one's take on "The Message," Peterson's work is not limited to just that. Only within the last few years have I realized he wrote a lot more books, and this new one (published posthumously, as he passed away in 2018) provides a solid introduction to his writing/speaking on a wide span of topics. "On Living Well" could be used in turn as a devotional or as an introduction/inspiration for further reading on a given topic. Each "section" (chapter?) is typically just a page or two long and can be read in a short period. There isn't a "narrative," per se ... it really is a topical collection, much like the "CS Lewis Reader" or similar. I prefer the more narrative style so would probably focus on other Peterson works to read more fully, but this is a good start and helpful for what it is.
4/5 stars.
(Side note: Apparently I can't get away from Rich Villodas, LOL. I read Daniel Grothe's "The Power of Place" over the weekend, and Villodas wrote the foreword there; same goes here for Eugene Peterson's "On Living Well." Baader-Meinhof phenomenon, anyone?)
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Whatever one's take on "The Message," Peterson's work is not limited to just that. Only within the last few years have I realized he wrote a lot more books, and this new one (published posthumously, as he passed away in 2018) provides a solid introduction to his writing/speaking on a wide span of topics. "On Living Well" could be used in turn as a devotional or as an introduction/inspiration for further reading on a given topic. Each "section" (chapter?) is typically just a page or two long and can be read in a short period. There isn't a "narrative," per se ... it really is a topical collection, much like the "CS Lewis Reader" or similar. I prefer the more narrative style so would probably focus on other Peterson works to read more fully, but this is a good start and helpful for what it is.
4/5 stars.
(Side note: Apparently I can't get away from Rich Villodas, LOL. I read Daniel Grothe's "The Power of Place" over the weekend, and Villodas wrote the foreword there; same goes here for Eugene Peterson's "On Living Well." Baader-Meinhof phenomenon, anyone?)
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
August 9, 2021
As he so often did, Peterson finds a way to get right to the core of an idea, the problem behind the apparent dilemma, and redirects readers to see the spiritual insight that is truly important. Excellently written, never over-long, and highly wise.
July 19, 2023
Short, easy-to-read chapters, each one sharing some beautiful nugget of wisdom.
November 15, 2021
This book was compiled from Eugene Peterson's notes after his death. Each chapter is only 2-6 paragraphs long. Some ideas feel very incomplete because they are. Other ideas are densely packed and must be read in bits then put down and pondered.
This is a good addition for readers already familiar with Eugene Peterson.
I was provided an advance reader's copy through #NetGalley #OnLivingWell
This is a good addition for readers already familiar with Eugene Peterson.
I was provided an advance reader's copy through #NetGalley #OnLivingWell
January 26, 2022
Eugene Peterson was an avid writer. Not only did he publish many books in pastoral and spiritual theology, he also wrote (and preached) hundreds of sermons and articles, taught many classes, and wrote a regular newsletter to his congregation.
Since his passing, some of these pieces (letters, sermons, and newsletters) have been compiled and put into something like a devotional book. Although the articles in "On Living Well" were not previously published, the familiarity of his cadence and flow comes to the forefront, allowing the reader to enter into comforting words of Eugene the pastor. At times just a few sentences make up a chapter; at other times the article would span 3 ages. And throughout one can see perhaps the beginnings of concepts that he was chewing on that would later end up in a book of his. In almost every case his constant and gentle push towards a focused spirituality in a common everyday community of believers stands out uniquely, expressing ideas of Christian living in inspiring, profound, and counter-cultural ways.
It's food for the soul, and if you've never read anything by Eugene Peterson, this is not a bad place to start.
Since his passing, some of these pieces (letters, sermons, and newsletters) have been compiled and put into something like a devotional book. Although the articles in "On Living Well" were not previously published, the familiarity of his cadence and flow comes to the forefront, allowing the reader to enter into comforting words of Eugene the pastor. At times just a few sentences make up a chapter; at other times the article would span 3 ages. And throughout one can see perhaps the beginnings of concepts that he was chewing on that would later end up in a book of his. In almost every case his constant and gentle push towards a focused spirituality in a common everyday community of believers stands out uniquely, expressing ideas of Christian living in inspiring, profound, and counter-cultural ways.
It's food for the soul, and if you've never read anything by Eugene Peterson, this is not a bad place to start.
December 29, 2021
In On Living Well, Eugene Peterson the Bible translator, practical theologian, and professor of spiritual formation steps aside as Eugene Peterson the pastor speaks with compassion and clarity into his readers’ most needful places. Wisdom from a lifetime of both following and shepherding encourages Christians to “start with God” in order to produce lives worth watching. To that end, our sanctification process will carry us, fueled by the Spirit, through the movements of both praise and prayer and through the rigors of blessed community.
Peterson warns believers against becoming “cut flowers” who have lost touch with our roots, withering quickly, starved for nourishment. This collection of brief reflections on wisdom for walking in the way of Jesus is excellent night-stand reading, but the content is also substantial fodder for thematic study. Living well requires traveling well, and we do that best with our feet “on the life path, all radiant from the shining of [God’s] face.” Even now, Peterson’s words continue to show us the way to that path.
Peterson warns believers against becoming “cut flowers” who have lost touch with our roots, withering quickly, starved for nourishment. This collection of brief reflections on wisdom for walking in the way of Jesus is excellent night-stand reading, but the content is also substantial fodder for thematic study. Living well requires traveling well, and we do that best with our feet “on the life path, all radiant from the shining of [God’s] face.” Even now, Peterson’s words continue to show us the way to that path.
October 29, 2021
I have the utmost respect for Eugene H. Peterson, his knowledge, his faith and his writings. His insightful and easy to relate to writings have helped me many times over the years and I return to them often. I was thrilled when I was approved by the publisher to read an ARC of his newest book On Living Well: Brief Reflections on Wisdom for Walking in the Way of Jesus!
This book is a compilation of his notes to his congregation in their newsletter, as well as bits from his sermons. There are a wide variety of topics with multiple entries in each one. It is a book you can read from cover to cover, or randomly with equal benefit.
I enjoyed the book, but not to the level of his other books. In general, I found myself wishing the entries were longer. Still, it is well worth reading.
The book is scheduled to be published on 11/16/21 by Waterbrook. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
This book is a compilation of his notes to his congregation in their newsletter, as well as bits from his sermons. There are a wide variety of topics with multiple entries in each one. It is a book you can read from cover to cover, or randomly with equal benefit.
I enjoyed the book, but not to the level of his other books. In general, I found myself wishing the entries were longer. Still, it is well worth reading.
The book is scheduled to be published on 11/16/21 by Waterbrook. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
April 13, 2025
What a delightful read. I am convinced that Eugene Peterson hasn’t created a dull work. These short readings were very pastoral, poetic, and powerful to read. I loved the fact that although some of them related to each other, all of them together tackled many different subjects in brief but profound ways. It makes me wonder what it was like to be an attendee at Eugene Peterson‘s church. Of course nobody is perfect, and Eugene Peterson would testify to that being the case about himself, imperfection, and yet God working in transformational ways. But, Peterson consistently gets at the heart of God in a way I’ve never imagined before, and I’m very blessed by the books. I have rid of his in the last year. Frankly, I’ve never been more excited to dive into someone’s entire catalog, quite like him, and I continue to be every time I pick up a book of his. This one was no exception.
Rating: 9/10, five stars.
Rating: 9/10, five stars.
August 22, 2021
This is a series of short 'posts' taken from the weekly newsletter that Peterson sent to his congregation over many years. It made me wonder what it must have been like having Peterson as one's pastor for so many years. What a blessing it would have been.
Some of the posts are one paragraph, a verse or two, and there were a handful that exceeded one page. Like all Peterson's writings there is a gentleness, a calm to his words as he provides an encouragement to 'live well' The posts are loosely grouped into various topics within five parts: "On Beginnings', 'On Simplicity', 'On Prayer and Praises', 'On Mercies' and 'On Glories'.
I found some posts were more relevant than others but I suspect it will be one that I return to again for its simplicity, it's wisdom and grace.
I received an early ebook copy from the publisher via NetGalley with no expectation of a positive review.
Some of the posts are one paragraph, a verse or two, and there were a handful that exceeded one page. Like all Peterson's writings there is a gentleness, a calm to his words as he provides an encouragement to 'live well' The posts are loosely grouped into various topics within five parts: "On Beginnings', 'On Simplicity', 'On Prayer and Praises', 'On Mercies' and 'On Glories'.
I found some posts were more relevant than others but I suspect it will be one that I return to again for its simplicity, it's wisdom and grace.
I received an early ebook copy from the publisher via NetGalley with no expectation of a positive review.
December 14, 2025
Found this book at the bookstore, I instantly resonated with Peterson’s view of the Christian faith. Deeply practical, simple, personal, uplifting, and heartfelt.
This book was published posthumously and is comprised us Peterson’s weekly letters to his church. Each chapter is just a page or 2 long. I can see how well this would’ve worked in its original format, and here it does well in a slow Lectio Divina format.
Not a lot of this was new information for me, but it was filled with great reminders and reflection points. We don’t really ever master this stuff so I’m never above hearing it again.
All in all, great wisdom on how to live well through relationship with God as revealed in Jesus Christ.
This book was published posthumously and is comprised us Peterson’s weekly letters to his church. Each chapter is just a page or 2 long. I can see how well this would’ve worked in its original format, and here it does well in a slow Lectio Divina format.
Not a lot of this was new information for me, but it was filled with great reminders and reflection points. We don’t really ever master this stuff so I’m never above hearing it again.
All in all, great wisdom on how to live well through relationship with God as revealed in Jesus Christ.
March 9, 2022
Eugene Peterson has become one of my favorite authors. The deep simplicity in his insights are fascinating and comforting. The way I describe Peterson to people I know is like this: when I want a teacher of the gospel my favorite is John Piper, but when I want a grandpa's to sit with and listen to for wisdom my favorite is Peterson. This devotional writing where read out loud to my children for our family read time. On multiple occasions the reading for the day drew out questions from them. And my oldest on a couple of the reading stated: dad that was so good. A great read for the heart and mind.
August 21, 2021
How exciting to have a new compilation of Eugene Peterson's unique voice, style and wisdom. Passages were drawn from his weekly "Amen!" church newsletter, sermons and short, unpublished writings. More wisdom and guidance from encourager pastor Eugene Peterson's own words is most refreshing and continues to bless those who encounter them.
I agree with Rich Villodas' Forward in the book: "If he wrote it, I read it." In doing so, I learn more about the world, the Creator and myself.
I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
I agree with Rich Villodas' Forward in the book: "If he wrote it, I read it." In doing so, I learn more about the world, the Creator and myself.
I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
August 23, 2021
This book, by the author of The Message translation of the Bible, is a selection of short writings from a weekly newsletter he used to send out. These vary in length, but are all calm, inspirational, and plainly written and easy to read. The Message is my favorite translation because of its plain language and the way it helps me break out of the repetitive ideas I may be bringing to a scripture, and these writings do the same.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book for review.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book for review.
December 30, 2021
Ok, seriously what am I going to say about Eugene Peterson that better people than me haven’t said already.
But this book is beautiful. A series of extracts from notes, newsletters and the likes. Short ideas, some only a paragraph, but so much wisdom and kindness and Jesus-centredness in it all.
If you want to know what it was like having Eugene as your pastor, and you weren’t one of the lucky ones who did, then this little book let’s you know what it was like to get his pastoral newsletter. That’s reason enough to buy it.
But this book is beautiful. A series of extracts from notes, newsletters and the likes. Short ideas, some only a paragraph, but so much wisdom and kindness and Jesus-centredness in it all.
If you want to know what it was like having Eugene as your pastor, and you weren’t one of the lucky ones who did, then this little book let’s you know what it was like to get his pastoral newsletter. That’s reason enough to buy it.
September 7, 2021
Living Well is a collection of some of the thoughts from Eugene Petersons preaches and newsletters sent to his church. Its a beautiful way to reflect and get encouraged in a poetic way. It's easy to read but packet with love and wisdom. I am not so sure if i agree with all his statements but i like the fact that it leads you and helps you to reflect and meditate in the way we life every day. It will definitely encourage you to live well.
December 27, 2021
One of my treasured items is my late grandmother’s copy of The Message. As I read through On Living Well, I thought of her often. These nuggets of wisdom would have been daily devotional material for her, varying in topic and depth . Peterson is great simplifying a complex concept while leaving you thinking about it as you attempt to turn the page.
Thanks to Waterbrook and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
Thanks to Waterbrook and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
July 11, 2022
My first Peterson book but definitely not my last. This one felt like chatting with a well seasoned friend about the goodness and grace of living in Christ. I’ll continue to reread and ponder many of these reflections. A little tip for ya: keep this book by your bed and read a few reflections every night before you fall asleep.
January 1, 2025
A adore Eugene Peterson and love his books but this is a crappy collection of small outtakes of his various works.
I highly recommend all his books, but this is a strange collection that is disrespectful to an amazing pastor and author.
Read his books - but pass on this odd little summary.
I highly recommend all his books, but this is a strange collection that is disrespectful to an amazing pastor and author.
Read his books - but pass on this odd little summary.
February 27, 2022
This posthumous collection from Eugene Peterson’s writings reads like an insightful and thought-provoking blog. That’s not meant as an insult. In fact, I first read it as a library book and have since purchased it so it can put it into regular rotation as a sort of devotional.
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October 25, 2022Complied notes from a well read and thoughtful pastor - good thoughts to pull us back from commercial and performance oriented religion to authentic faith in God - God who is love .
Thank you for this collection.
Thank you for this collection.
February 28, 2023
I paired this with my morning devotion and read a few entries each morning over the span of a month — my faith was encouraged and my perspectives were challenged. I’m so grateful for the way in which God used Eugene Peterson.
November 13, 2024
God’s call does not diminish or distract me from my identity or calling, but establishes it!!!
“Now you’ve got my feet on the life path, all radiant from the shining of your face . Ever since you took my hand, I’m on the right way.”
Love these nuggets of wisdom from Eugene’s teachings
“Now you’ve got my feet on the life path, all radiant from the shining of your face . Ever since you took my hand, I’m on the right way.”
Love these nuggets of wisdom from Eugene’s teachings
Read
March 7, 2022Even a few paragraphs from Peterson are life-giving
March 13, 2022
Just what you would expect, if you are familiar with Eugene Peterson. Best to be read over time, maybe in the mornings with coffee.
December 5, 2022
Tried to read one a day for the year. So good for contemplative, deep reading, and a springboard for prayer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews