A book review by Ruth Clemence
Jill Weber’s memoir is a call to walk by faith and not by sight in a life of prayer and pilgrimage with Jesus. Her practical and reflective thoughts about prayer will birth a desire that says, ‘Yes and Amen to all that God has in store’. It’s not a ‘how to’ of prayer – although there are plenty of practical examples throughout. Rather it is a ‘who to’ of prayer, as every page points to the God who Jill loves and serves in the various roles she has had including: being Craisy Daisy the clown, starting the Greater Ontario House of Prayer in Canada, becoming an urban missionary (complete with a prayer truck!), and being on the International Leadership Team as Director of Houses of Prayer for 24-7 Prayer. It’s not just about vocation and calling however; it’s a whole life in pursuit of the presence of God.
This memoir is filled to the brim with God’s faithfulness and is helpfully broken down into 40 small, digestible chapters which can be dipped in and out of or read at length. For those who want to dig further and explore more of what is covered, there is a fantastic bibliography and resources section at the end of the book. It is easy and winsome to read as Jill’s humour, honesty and vulnerability bring a warmth and relatability in her writing. From start to finish it is clear how she has experienced personal transformation through encountering God at different stages of life.
Each chapter begins with verses that link to the content of that chapter and concludes with a short prayer. At the end of each chapter, there is an ‘invitation’ section for readers to reflect and consider what has been discussed and apply it to their context. This is where it gets dangerous for all the right reasons! The questions that Jill asks the reader will help them to seek and pursue a closer relationship with Jesus and others through careful reflection. Her many examples and infectious enthusiasm are sure to help carve out time to be intentional in God’s presence.
Jill writes a beautiful narrative and at points she shares her own song lyrics and poetry, skillfully woven together revealing a tapestry of livedout, all-out trust in God. She leaves you longing for a deeper experience and encounter with Jesus and others. Her life is marked by prayer as a way of life and she shares raw and authentic stories of the many people she has met throughout her journey. The vulnerabilities, triumphs, trials and emotions she faces are crafted through powerful storytelling. She shares her experience of being a single mother, dealing with domestic abuse, depression and the realities of living in ‘vulnerable but resilient’ communities, giving a glimpse into the power of God in the darkest times and places.
The book intertwines different practices of prayer and how they have been used in church history, which highlights the need to be reminded of them and perhaps revisit neglected or even forgotten aspects of communing with God. One chapter, suitably named ‘PresbyAngliBaptiCatholiCostal’, reflects this theme! Jill will take readers out of their comfort zone if they are only familiar with specific ways of ‘doing’ prayer. Sticking to the familiar and comfortable is often the default setting for many, but Jill will help readers get out of the comfort of the nest and fly by faith into the unknown with full confidence in who God is.
Even the Sparrow challenges attitudes of what mission can look like and gives a deeper appreciation and understanding of how to love others well. It inspires a sense to go and live out the greatest commandments of loving God and loving others as a way of life. Most importantly, it beckons the reader to spend time in the presence of God wherever they are which is essential and refreshing to the believer.
If you are looking for a book that will change you, commission you and challenge you in your faith and prayer life (outside of the Bible), this is it. It’s a book that should turn any well-meaning intentions about prayer and serving others into practical, life-long worship of God. It’s an exciting read, grounded in biblical truth and wisdom and is sure to reignite a desire to pray more, pray longer, pray regularly, pray earnestly, pray everywhere and pray anywhere. Create space for God and expect the unexpected. This is the life that Jill models for us all as she looks to Jesus and reaches out to others.
Ruth Clemence is a wife, mother, freelance writer and Premier Digital award-winning blogger based in South West England. Find out more at ruthclemence.com or follow her on Twitter: @ruth_the_writer.
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