2018 Reading Challenge Update: What I Read in April
Welcome to my monthly Book-ish post where I share what I’ve been reading and what I’ve been reading aloud to my children. If you missed it, check out my Reading Goals for 2018 and the 2018 Intentional By Grace Reading Challenge.
One of my main focuses for this year is prayer.
I’ve been reading books on prayer, studying references to prayer in Scripture, and praying about prayer.
Yes, praying about prayer! Lord, teach me to pray!
This month’s reading list really reflects this focus. I read a lot less for “fun,” and I did a lot more in-depth reading and study.
I do plan to weave in some lighter reading in May in order to give my brain space to marinate and process all I’ve learned this month.
What I Read in April:
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Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God by Tim Keller
I snagged this book on a Kindle deal a while back, and I’m going to be purchasing a print copy and adding it to my reference shelf. Oh my goodness, this was so good! This is one of those books you need to read, then re-read s l o w l y.
The Attack Lambs: Prayer That Changes the World by Mark Geppert
This book was packed with a lot of information and teaching on intercessory prayer and prayer walking.
When I say it is full, it is FULL. I had to create an outline after reading it to really zero in on what Mark Geppert was teaching because he goes off on what seems like a lot of tangents. Good tangents though…But I had to compile an outline to really capture what he teaches, so I could see it a little more logically.
Now, it’s heavily charismatic in perspective. If you don’t have a wheel house for Pentecostal beliefs, then you might be (initially) put off by this book. But don’t write it off because I found this book very helpful in understanding the purpose of prayer, the foundations for intercessory prayer, the forces the enemy uses against us, and ways to be really strategic in my prayer for others.
Again, it’s heavily Pentecostal, and some of the examples he uses from his life experiences seem far fetched to me as an American, raised in Western Christianity, except that they aren’t far fetched. Mark Geppert led a seminar that I attended with my husband at our church, and we listened to him share many of the testimonies found in this book in person. If I hadn’t heard his stories confirmed by people I trust, then I would have had a hard time not being skeptical.
What Mark Geppert teaches does transcend denominations, and he shares in this book how he operates these principles outlined with other believers who aren’t comfortable with speaking in tongues. This book can be read and learned from no matter where you’re coming from in your Christian beliefs on the Holy Spirit.
The part I especially liked was the strategy for prayer walking in my town. I think it’s worth a read. I learned a lot and would recommend the book to someone seeking to take their prayer life to the next level. It’s a whole new way of looking at prayer and the purpose of prayer.
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald S. Whitney
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life Study Guide by Donald S. Whitney
I’ve read Spiritual Disciplines so many times now that I’ve lost count. We finished up our Intentional By Grace Book Club reading of this book this month, and it was such an honor to walk through it with so many wonderful ladies. There were over 600 women committed to reading and discussing this book together these last couple of months, and I’m a little sad that it’s come to an end.
I always enjoy reading this book, and each time I go deeper in my walk with the Lord and grow more disciplined in my pursuit of godliness. This was my first time reading it with others, and I would definitely recommend walking through this book with others. It was MUCH better read in community, and I gained a lot more from it to be honest.
So if you need a book for small group discussion, this is a great book to do that with! The Study Guide would be helpful for facilitating conversations.
What I Read-Aloud in April:
All of a Kind Family by Sydney Taylor
This was our read-aloud during lunch time this month. It is such a delightful little book. The boys loved it!
Want to take the Intentional By Grace Reading Challenge? Click here to get the details! (Plus I share my recommended reading list for each category on that post.)
2018 Intentional By Grace Reading Challenge: Breakdown & Favorites
Goal: 12 books
Current Books Read: 4
Number of Books to Go: 8
Note: Below are the books I have read so far for each category. In parentheses beside each book, you will find a link to the post where I share my thoughts on the book.
- A biography: George Mueller: The Guardian of Bristol’s Orphans , by Janet & Geoff Benge (February list)
- A book about prayer: Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God, by Timothy Keller (above)
- A book about worship:
- A book about Christian living:
- A book about the Holy Spirit: The God I Never Knew, by Robert Morris (January list)
- A book about the Cross:
- A Christian classic:
- A book about discipleship:
- A book about Church history:
- A book about holiness:
- A book about evangelism: Billy Graham: America’s Pastor, by Janet & Geoff Benge (March list)
- A book about relationships:
- A book of your choice:
What about you? What have you been reading this month?
Other posts you might be interested in:
