Simplify Your Spiritual Life: Spiritual Disciplines for the Overwhelmed, by Donald S. Whitney (207 pages; NavPress; $11.99)

Overwhelmed or otherwise, Christians serious about developing and cultivating sound spiritual habits will appreciate Simplify Your Spiritual Life: Spiritual Disciplines for the Overwhelmed.

Donald S. Whitney, associate professor of spiritual formation at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, ably contributes to the topic of spiritual discipline with a Christ-focused and biblically grounded guide to Christian growth and maturity.

In his introduction, Whitney proposes to offer a "field of ideas," and he provides as promised.

In a series of short essays arranged by subject, Whitney begins with "Simplifying and First Principles," in which he invites the reader to ask questions about his or her own spiritual beliefs and habits.

"The place to start simplifying the spiritual life," he writes, "is to make sure you have one," an assertion contrary to the popular notion that any fleeting nod to God denotes a spiritual life.

The author challenges readers to examine the existence—and health—of their spiritual life and offers clear scriptural guideposts for personal reflection. Subsequent sections cover Bible study prayer, journaling, meditation, time management and relationships, emphasizing focused thinking and deliberate action to express the fruits of faith to the glory of God.

The author adapts for today's readers time-honored devotional aids from Christian classics, such as The Art of Divine Meditation by the late-l6th-century Anglican Bishop Joseph Hall. He also draws from the writings and experience of other pastors, scholars and evangelists, past and present.

In addition, Whitney shares techniques that work for him, ranging from the ritual of taking prayer walks, to the whimsy of journaling with a fountain pen.

Whitney writes in a clear, accessible style. The essay format makes the book easy to read in short stints for the time-pressed reader. The sound-bite style, however, gets bumpy and somewhat repetitious for readers who want to take in a goodly portion of the book in one sitting.

Whitney's generosity of spirit comes through in the wealth of ideas he offers and the depth of research and life experience he shares with his audience. For those just starting to follow in the Lord's footsteps, as well as for those well-traveled in the faith, Simplify Your Spiritual Life is a worthy and worthwhile companion.

Patricia Mitchell is a Kansas City free-lance writer