The Work of the Soul: 40 Days with the Sayings of the Desert Fathers and Mothers - Hardcover

by Andrew Arndt (Author)

When struggles pull at your soul and spiritual enthusiasm fades or discouragement settles in, what helps you keep going? The Work of the Soul devotional draws from the Desert Fathers and Mothers--early Christian men and women whose hard-won wisdom was forged in solitude, prayer, and daily faithfulness. Their counsel addresses the real inner battles believers still face: spiritual fatigue, distraction, temptation, judgment, and the quiet desire to quit. With vivid storytelling, clear explanation, and practical guidance, each day offers a "word" for the modern reader--inviting you to return to humility, cling to mercy, and rebuild your life around steady prayer and simple obedience. These ancient voices don't offer clichés or quick fixes; they offer a grounded path: stay faithful, stay prayerful, and let God rekindle joy over time. The result is a devotional that is both deeply spiritual and remarkably usable--helping readers cultivate endurance, discernment, and a calmer, truer walk with Christ.

Author Biography

Andrew Arndt is the lead pastor of New Life East (one of seven congregations of New Life Church in Colorado Springs), where he also hosts the Essential Church podcast, a weekly conversation designed to strengthen the thinking of church and ministry leaders. Prior to joining New Life's team, he served as lead pastor of Bloom Church: a neo-monastic, charismatic, liturgical, justice-driven network of house churches in Denver. He received his MDiv from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and his doctorate of Ministry at Western Theological Seminary. He has written for Missio Alliance, Patheos, The Other Journal, and Mere Orthodoxy. He lives in The Springs with his wife, Mandi, and their four kids.