From Duty to Delight: Transform Your Spiritual Life with Holy Leisure
Are you longing for a deeper, more joyful relationship with God—one that feels less like a duty and more like a delight? The Pursuit of Holy Leisure: Enjoying God in Everyday Places by Cara Ray is your invitation to experience spiritual rest, renewal, and intimacy with God, no matter your season of life.
In this inspiring and practical book, Cara Ray explores the ancient concept of otium sanctum—holy leisure—a mindset that transforms your daily quiet time from a checklist into a soul-nourishing encounter with God. Drawing from biblical wisdom, personal stories, and the lives of saints past and present, Ray guides readers through the hidden, familiar, hard, and fruitful places of life, showing how God meets us in every moment.
You’ll discover:
How to move from guilt-driven routines to grace-filled enjoyment of Scripture and prayer
The eight common mindsets that shape our approach to God’s Word—and how to shift toward delight
Practical ways to cultivate holy leisure at home, at work, in community, and through creativity
Encouragement for seasons of spiritual dryness, suffering, or doubt, with real-life stories of hope and transformation
Each chapter ends with thoughtful reflection questions, making this book perfect for personal study, small groups, or book clubs. If you’re ready to trade striving for rest and rediscover the joy of God’s presence, The Pursuit of Holy Leisure will show you how to lean into the mountain—and never be the same.
Endorsements
Cara equips us to engage our minds—in a truly leisurely way—to seek the true, the good, and the beautiful in every sphere of life. 'The Pursuit of Holy Leisure' is a must-read for every soul eager to be at ease in the presence of Christ.
Abigail Wallace Bible teacher, speaker and author, 'Meek Not Weak: A 12-Week Guide to the Gentle Strength of Meekness'
May the abiding with Jesus be sweeter and more sustained than ever, as you learn from and live out this fantastic spiritual resource.
Adam Bailie Senior Lead Pastor, Christ Church, Phoenix, Arizona
I believe that those who read this book will soon find themselves longing to know God more and to pursue him according to the gracious and glorious means he has provided.
Tim Challies Author, ‘Seasons of Sorrow’
The author teaches readers how to calm a restless mind, not through idleness, but by living every moment joyfully before the face of God.
Kristin Elizabeth Couch Author, 'Deep Roots, Good Fruit'
Cara Ray is a writer, Bible teacher, and founder of The Writers’ Bloc community and podcast. She helps believers slow down, savor Scripture, and pursue holy leisure. Her work appears on Desiring God, Challies.com, and the YouVersion Bible App. She lives in Gilbert, Arizona.
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