John Mark Comer’s latest book, Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus, Become Like Him, Do As He Did, is a heartfelt and deeply practical guide to rediscovering the essence of Christian discipleship. With wisdom, humility, and a pastoral tone, Comer invites readers to move beyond superficial faith practices and embrace a transformative life of apprenticeship under Jesus. In a world marked by busyness, distraction, and spiritual shallowness, this book offers a refreshing vision for intentional spiritual growth and Christ-centered living.
Rediscovering Apprenticeship to Jesus
At the core of Practicing the Way is Comer’s call to reclaim the ancient practice of apprenticeship to Jesus. Drawing inspiration from Scripture and historical Christian traditions, he outlines three interconnected goals for discipleship:
- Be with Jesus: Cultivating an awareness of His presence through practices such as prayer, silence, solitude, and abiding in Him (John 15:4).
- Become like Jesus: Allowing His love to shape us into people who reflect His character through spiritual formation and transformation.
- Do as Jesus did: Living out our faith by embodying Christ’s mission through acts of service, justice, hospitality, and sharing the gospel.
Comer emphasizes that discipleship is not a passive belief system but an active journey requiring intentionality and perseverance. He invites readers to see themselves not merely as Christians but as apprentices—students learning from their Rabbi how to live in alignment with His teachings.
John Mark Comer, the New York Times bestselling author of The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry and Live No Lies, shows readers what is holding them back from authentically following Jesus – and reveals the countercultural practices to connect us with a vibrant lifelong faith.
“One of the most important books I have read in a decade… If we would all follow in this way, our lives would change and the world would change.” Jennie Allen, author of Get Out of Your Head and Find Your People
We all have experienced unwanted parts of our spiritual journey: distance from God, gaps in our character, the fear that our lives will be trivial and empty… Jesus is calling us into more. Calling us to be shaped in his likeness. To experience his abundance of life.
But how, practically, can we do that? By becoming his apprentice. By practicing the Way.
Available in hardcover, audiobook and Kindle editions.
Addressing Modern Spiritual Challenges
One of Comer’s strengths is his ability to diagnose the challenges facing modern Christians. He critiques how contemporary Christianity often reduces the gospel to a transactional message—believe in Jesus for eternal life—without emphasizing the transformative journey of following Him daily. Comer laments that many believers are shaped more by cultural narratives than by Christ’s teachings.
To counter this trend, Comer introduces the concept of a Rule of Life, an ancient spiritual framework designed to organize daily rhythms around God’s presence and priorities. Rooted in practices such as Sabbath-keeping, fasting, prayer, generosity, and community engagement, the Rule of Life provides structure for intentional spiritual growth without veering into legalism. Comer’s approach is both practical and grace-filled, encouraging readers to start small and build sustainable habits that draw them closer to God.
Practical Insights for Everyday Faith
What makes Practicing the Way particularly impactful is its accessibility. Comer writes with clarity and relatability, blending theological depth with personal anecdotes and actionable advice. For example:
- In discussing contemplative prayer, he encourages readers to simply “be” with God rather than striving for productivity in their spiritual lives.
- He challenges readers to evaluate their habits and relationships through the lens of Christlikeness, asking whether they are becoming more loving over time—a hallmark of true spiritual formation.
- Drawing from his earlier work The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, Comer underscores the importance of slowing down to be present with Jesus in a world that often feels overwhelming.
These insights resonate deeply with readers who feel spiritually depleted or disconnected from their faith. Comer’s gentle guidance provides both encouragement and practical tools for re-centering life around Christ.
The Role of Community in Transformation
Another central theme in Practicing the Way is the importance of community in spiritual growth. Comer reminds readers that discipleship is not a solo endeavour but one that flourishes in fellowship with others. He highlights practices such as hospitality, accountability, and shared rhythms as essential components of a vibrant faith journey.
Comer also acknowledges that transformation often involves suffering. With pastoral sensitivity, he reassures readers that God uses trials to shape us into people of love and resilience. This perspective offers hope for those navigating pain or uncertainty, reminding them that their struggles can become pathways to deeper intimacy with Christ.
Strengths and Limitations
While Practicing the Way is rich in wisdom and practical guidance, some readers may find certain aspects less groundbreaking if they are already familiar with Comer’s previous works or other writings on spiritual disciplines. Additionally, his emphasis on contemplation as central to becoming like Jesus may feel underdeveloped for those seeking more extensive scriptural grounding on this point.
However, these minor critiques do not detract from the book’s overall impact. Comer’s compassionate tone and practical wisdom make it an invaluable resource for anyone longing to deepen their relationship with Jesus.
Conclusion: An Invitation Worth Accepting
Practicing the Way is more than just a book—it is an invitation to live a life transformed by Christ’s love and teachings. Whether you are new to faith or have been walking with Jesus for years, Comer’s insights will challenge and inspire you to pursue authentic discipleship. His gentle yet compelling call reminds us that following Jesus is not about perfection but about surrendering our lives to His grace.
In a culture desperate for meaning and hope, Practicing the Way offers a roadmap for becoming apprentices of Jesus—people who reflect His love in every aspect of life. As Comer beautifully concludes: while discipleship has a cost, the cost of non-discipleship is far greater.
