Invitation to Solitude and Silence

Experiencing God's Transforming Presence

By: Ruth Haley Barton

Narrated by: Ruth Haley Barton

Length: 4 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

Ruth Haley Barton describes how she has discovered the real presence of God, the God who is present through the practice of solitude and silence. Her audiobook invites you to meet God deeply and fully outside the demands and noise of daily life. It is a call to the adventure of spiritual transformation, an adventure that will lead you to freedom and authenticity, allowing you to become the person God created you to be.

In Invitation to Solitude and Silence, Barton offers spiritual guidance for your journey, helping you to hear God's call more clearly and showing you concrete ways to say yes. Chapter by chapter, she combines teaching and reflection on different aspects of the journey with activities and disciplines that will help you to practice solitude and silence. Barton offers the prophet Elijah as a biblical guide for your journey. And she offers her own perspective to help you understand the ups and downs you might experience along the way.

©2004 Ruth Haley Barton (P)2009 Oasis

a must read!!

this book is life changing and has inspired me to obtain a new level of intimacy with God! her voice is calming and her practical steps make an intimidating goal totally doable!!

Excellent book! (Not my favourite reader)

This book has opened new ways of thinking for me. I did what the author does NOT recommend, and I listened through it all in one go (not taking a break after every practice section to implement what I have learned). So as of yet I can’t say that it was life-changing. But I picture that it will be, as I go back through it more slowly, taking time to practice what I have learned.

At first I found it a bit harder to be engaged/track the content, based on the reading performance (the last few books I have listened to have been read by professional readers and I found the authors reading to be more monotonous in tone). I was thinking I might just track down a hard copy instead. But once I got into it it didn’t bother me and didn’t distract from the content.

Words from a wise woman who is living her faith

I truly loved listening to this book. I have listened to it as part of my daily walk. I has become my quiet time; to first listen to a chapter and then listen to God. The pace and peacefulness of the audio prepares me to slow down. Slowing down is something I am working on. This practice is enabling God to work deeply in me to heal and to bring joy.

Great book...

I like that through this book Ruth gives the reader practical steps to get centered in JESUS CHRIST. This is NOT a new age practice, it is our Christian heritage and without practicing silence daily and rest weekly, many Christians are running on empty and feel like we are running out of steam! I have known for a few years now that I needed to get away, but with all the social obligations and relationships I have being a wife, mother, daughter and friend to so many wonderful people I have allowed myself to fall into the trap of staying busy! Thanks to JESUS and HOLY SPIRIT inviting me to draw nearer to Him I am using this book to begin the practice of silence now.

Transformational

If you're tired and longing for a word from God this is a must read!

Audio Books

I enjoyed this audiobook, the flow was done well. I would highly recommend the book to those seeking a closer walk with God.

Further...for starters

If you have ever wondered about the practice of meditation, this is an excellent place to start. Ruth Barton began as an ordinary person hungering for something more. She provides the biblical basis, explores the benefits, and outlines the simple yet challenging practice of silence and solitude. An excellent start for those wanting to go further in their intimacy with God.

Required reading when exhausted ...

Started listening to the book when I was on a two-week vacation and didn't really relate. ... Then the new job with all the travel hit and I was so ready for Ruth's story. Solidarity and silence = staying centered and sane.

Fantastic!!

A very candid, respectful and practically helpful book dealing with a subject which can be intimidating and scary. Reinforces my belief that practicing solitude and silence are foundational for anyone desiring a deep and rich spiritual life.

A ticket to the secret place

I was recommended to this book by one of my pastors. The first few minutes of the book was a full affirmation to the “unspoken broken m” of my soul that Anne Voskamp of tens speaks of.
I am, as she mentioned, someone that powers through a book. I am excited to also get a hard copy and go back through one chapter a week at a time as a practice.

Extremely helpful and honest and real

Having just started on the journey of stillness and solitude myself. I found this book extremely helpful. The author expresses many of my own thoughts experiences and feelings. Just what I needed to read at this point in my life. She was honest and real and has added to my knowledge of this subject in a positive way.

Life changing book

Practical guide to transforming our lives, physically, emotionally and spiritually

So many light bulb moments - too many to mention

Don’t waste another moment - get this book!!!

important book in need of better narration

this books has so much to say I want to hear but alas the narrator is reading it in such a way it is hard to get past the start. the author is gifted but should have trusted someone else better equipped to deliver her words on audio. I will seek out the book in print.