Most books about encountering God focus on such things as why we should pray or how we should pray. The “why” books are often worth reading, but they tend to appeal to a narrow audience who enjoy theological discussions, or on the flip side make the assumption that seeking out God is an obvious endeavor to pursue.

The “how” books often provide simple tools that address logistics (find a quiet place, designate a specific time, find a prayer partner, or follow the ACTS process of adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication, etc.). They often take the approach of a checklist and ignore both the beauty and mystery of encountering God.

These are all fine and can be helpful, but there is something missing.

Lisa Repko Borden takes a different approach in her book Approaching God. Rather than focus on the specifics of “how” with catchy acronyms like ACTS, and rather than focus on “why” by delving deeply into the theological issues of, say, the Lord’s Prayer, Lisa talks about how our hearts shape the way we approach God. She looks at how we perceive God, and how that shapes our conversation with God.

And ultimately, isn’t the most important part about prayer?

Each chapter in this little book offers a new approach. Borden shares personal stories as she explores God as Friend, God as Father, God as Mother, God as Artist, God as Healer, and God as Guide. It’s a remarkably transparent book in some ways, filled with warmth and gentleness. Which seems fitting, since Lisa (who I attended college with) is both.

This is a poetic book that manages to escape the rigidity of a self-help process, and it is also a deeply thoughtful book that manages to escape the dusty feel of theological exercise. It has more in common with the writings of ancient Saints than modern authors. And I appreciate that because it helps me see my own approach of God in new ways.

If I have any criticism it is that the book layout and style seems to be going after the female audience. The book contains photos of smiling kids, majestic sunsets, tranquil landscapes … all beautiful and all appropriate, but ultimately very feminine. You would not expect to see a book like this on a blog titled Junkyard Wisdom!

Despite the layout, the words in the book are powerful and strong. Lisa is a fluid writer who catches the beauty of a phrase. Her insights will be deep and meaningful to any reader.

Take a look at Lisa’s website and you’ll gain some sense of her talent for writing. It will make you want to read more, and this little book is a great opportunity to do so.