Spiritual Life Hacks, by Len Woods

If you've ever been on Facebook or other social network sites, you've probably seen "life hacks," those out-of-the-box quick and/or creative solutions to common, everyday problems.  Len Woods, former pastor and prolific author, has compiled a collection of spiritual life hacks.  They might not be quite as quick and easy as the life hacks you see online, but they are considerably more consequential.

The 36 chapters of Woods's Spiritual Life Hacks: Uncommon Solutions to Common Challenges address common "ailments" of the Christian life--actually, of everyone's life.  Using scripture, amusing anecdotes, and practical advice, Woods offers a way out of these quagmires.  He will be the first to tell you that, in the spiritual life, quick fixes are not normally an option.  Like an athlete in training, there are not shortcuts to spiritual disciplines or character transformation.  Rather, Woods's goal is to show that "little actions can become holy habits."

Each chapter introduces a common problem, like "When You're Battling Doubts," "When the Idea of Repenting Leaves You Cold," or "When Your Faith is Overdue for a Checkup."  You could read the book straight through, but it might be better used to refer to particular chapters at opportune times.  I especially enjoyed some of his practical suggestions.  For example, when unhealthy thoughts and attitudes bog you down, prayerfully sit with your hands cupped in your lap, imagine those things gathering in your hands and slowly dump them out.  Then raise your cupped hands and allow God to fill them with good things and attitudes.  A little corny?  Maybe.  Effective?  Probably.  Another fun idea to help you fix attitudes about other people: guerrilla prayer.  Throughout the day, silently pray for people around you in traffic, in line at the store, or around your workplace.  Just watch how that transforms the way you view other people.

Woods's style is informal and folksy, sometimes delving into the preachers world of unnecessary word meaning riffs or list of examples.  But his applications are practical, workable, and faith-provoking in the best way.  Take a few minutes to read and apply his life hacks and you might move ever closer to Christian maturity.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!