Join us for Women's Summer Book Club!

We live in a busy world full of distractions and demands for our time. Spending time in conversation with God can be something that easily gets pushed to the wayside in an attempt to “get it all done” or in trying to meet all the needs of work, family, church and community.

This summer, Redeemer Women’s Ministry will host a Women’s Summer Book Club. We will read Paul Miller’s book A Praying Life and meet once a month for discussion. This is not a study with homework. It is intended to be a very relaxed time together, and I encourage you to come for our discussion of prayer whether you have had time to read the book or not. I hope being able to explore this with others will bring encouragement, new understanding and help us to grow closer in relationship with each other. 

I have read this book before and am greatly enjoying reading it again in preparation for our time together. It is very conversational in tone, and at times I felt like the author must have overheard my thoughts and was speaking to me personally!

Miller does an excellent job of articulating the obstacles that stand between us and time in prayer, and is honest with his own struggles in this area.

American culture is probably the hardest place in the world to learn to pray. We are so busy that when we slow down to pray, we find it uncomfortable. We prize accomplishments, production. But prayer is nothing but talking to God. It feels useless, as if we are wasting time. Every bone in our bodies screams, “Get to work.” When we aren’t working, we are used to being entertained. Television, the Internet, video games, and cell phones make free time as busy as work. When we do slow down, we slip into a stupor. Exhausted by the pace of life, we veg out in front of a screen or with earplugs… We are uncomfortable with silence. (Miller, A Praying Life, 3)

But while empathizing with our struggles to cultivate a life of prayer, Miller also beautifully highlights the rich blessings that await us when we enter God’s presence in prayer. This book was transforming for me – it encouraged and challenged me in gentle ways to go to my Father, to talk with Him and be reminded of His love, grace, patience and desire to be with me.

“A praying life feels like our family meal times because prayer is all about relationship. It’s intimate and hints at eternity. We don’t think about communication or words but whom we are talking with. Prayer is simply the medium through which we experience and connect with God…Consequently, prayer is not the center of this book. Getting to know a person, God, is the center.” (Miller, A Praying Life, 8)

Summers can be busy and this is a great book to toss in your bag to read at the beach or for a few minutes over your lunch hour.  I’m looking forward to this time together and hope you will join us!

We will meet on three Tuesday evenings: June 14^th, July 12^th and August 9^th from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Click here to RSVP and receive addresses for each book club meeting.

Mark your calendars for Sisterhood Summer Gatherings as well! These are informal evenings of fellowship with speakers on different topics. We will meet on June 28^th and July 26^th.

Amy Arguello is RPC Director of Women's Ministry.