the holy ordinary: a way to god

Locates mysticism as the essential experiential center of any Christian faith

＂Herein lies support for your deepest self. Mark illuminates for you that in the ordinary aspects of life there is an extraordinary way to live. Drink from these reflections and prepare to be awakened and transformed.＂ --Phileena Nikole, author of Pilgrimage of a Soul

The Holy Ordinary takes its inspiration from mystics, modern prophets, and saints, with surprising insights from Christian scriptures. ＂Mysticism is a stream of the experiential, flowing from the hearts of those who knew and know God,＂ explains Mark Longhurst, demonstrating the availability to every person of a mystical life.

Through topics such as ＂How to be contemplative and active＂ and ＂Live green like Hildegard of Bingen,＂ Longhurst speaks to each person’s need for transformation. This book is both profound and practical, a reflective guide for anyone--Nones, Dones, former Christians, and Christians open to learning from people of all backgrounds--seeking a vibrant, just, and inclusive spirituality.

＂For years, I’ve been wishing for a book that could introduce ordinary people to the spiritual life in a healthy, honest, accessible way. Mark Longhurst has written what I’ve been waiting for.＂ --Brian D. McLaren, author of Faith After Doubt

Mark Longhurst is a husband and father, member of a new monastic community, and managing editor of Daily Meditations for the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC). He served United Church of Christ churches for ten years as pastor, and worked as a faith-based social justice activist in Boston-based non-profits for ten more. A graduate of Harvard Divinity School, the CAC’s Living School, and a longtime yoga practitioner, he’s studied with some of the leading contemplative teachers in the world. His substack newsletter is marklonghurst.substack.com.