Meditation is a lost art. Our society screams for our attention in countless ways, from technology to work to relationships. Much of that is good and healthy, of course. But when it comes to spiritual formation, we still need time for reflection and meditation. We need time to hear God speak to us. Meditation is all about taking the time to listen for that Holy voice.

Richard Foster has written a new book called Sanctuary of the Soul that explores meditation. What I love about Foster books is that they are always so much more than just “why” we should do something. He looks into the “how”, and that leads him into the “where” and “when” and all the other pragmatic questions that arise.

Foster is smart enough not to make a blanket statement about how to meditate. He knows that everybody is different. But he makes his life transparent and shows us how he does it. I love that.

For instance, Richard Foster spoke at a recent Westmont College commencement (shameless name dropping: I was there and had the opportunity to meet him). His book mentions the event and how much he enjoyed it. But what few of us knew is that while in Santa Barbara he used the day after commencement as a private retreat time. He walked the coastline and spent the day in quiet meditation with God. The book describes this process and why it was so important to him.

This is the kind of story that so many spiritual formation books lack. It’s a tangible expression of how to do something, why it is important, and what a difference it makes. Too many other books on spiritual formation make it sound so mystical and difficult, whereas Foster makes it sound like a simple walk along the beach as you reflect on God.

Richard Foster is more aware of God and is in more tune with God because he takes the time to listen through meditation. Who wouldn’t want more of that in their lives?

If you are struggling to find time in your life to actually listen to God — and find your prayer life to be mostly about sharing a checklist with God — then this is a great book to read. It will challenge you as it gives you practical advice. It has certainly been good for me, and I think others will benefit as well.