Whisper

Whisper.  Just hearing the word makes you feel that hushed tone wash over you.  You don't just whisper to anyone.  Whispering requires leaning in and softly use your breath to compose words.  It's intimate.  It's personal.  It's relationship at a deeper level.

In Whisper, Mark Batterson show you how to lean in and hear the voice of God by learning seven of God's love languages.

"Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." - 1 Samuel 3:9

When I first picked up this book I assumed the focus would be prayer and meditation but it is so much more than that.  Mr. Batterson has a way of intertwining historic people and events with God's Word to drive his points home and leave you sitting there, book open on your lap, soaking in what you just read.  Whisper is about love and listening for God's still, small voice amiss a crazy, loud life. 

I was careful to check all of the Biblical references that were mentioned throughout the book and this sent me on a deeper study than just reading the book cover to cover, which I really enjoyed.  The Bible has again became alive to me!  Many of the points that the author pointed out I have heard before but, because of their relevance, they will always bear repeating.  After reading Whisper, I felt empowered and am prayerfully going back through the book to delve even deeper into this study of hearing God's voice, getting more into God's Word, and finding my "whispering spot."

Mr. Batterson has a writing style that I have always enjoyed and I love how personable his books are.  He is not afraid to give you a glimpse into his life and struggles and the historical stories are always fascinating.  You always finish his books feeling closer to the Lord as well as remembering quirky stories that you would most likely have never known otherwise.

The hardest chapter for me to read was the very last chapter which talked about pain being the seventh love language.  Though hard to read I get it at the same time.  There is a purpose beyond our pain, you just need to have faith and "listen to what God is saying during these tough times."  You'll come out on the other side stronger than you ever were before. 

I enjoyed this book immensely and if you are a fan of Mark Batterson's work I'm sure you will too.  It was thought-provoking, deep, powerful, and wonderful!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Random House Publishing and Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.  All opinions are my own.