There is an ancient and deeply compelling biblical tradition of going into the wilderness to find God. Moses, Jesus and Paul?to name just a few of our spiritual forebears?knew that in the wilderness they would find the quiet and simplicity that would lead to profound spiritual connections. They understood that normal day-today living is usually not the way to regain that connection with God, because it affords little opportunity to simply, humbly and quietly listen for God's voice and feel God's presence. Perhaps even in our time?especially in our time?leaving civilization to spend time with God in the wilderness holds an important key to our own spiritual renewal. This practical guide illuminates the power of finding God in the wilderness experience and the universality of spiritual connection through nature. It explores the teachings about wilderness in sacred writings and how we can grow through the shared and individual experiences of being present in nature.

"Inspired during an Outward Bound winter dogsledding expedition in northern Minnesota, Lionberger left his business career, attended seminary and founded his Renewal in the Wilderness ministry. He takes generally middle-age people on spiritual outdoor adventures, and their voices are interspersed along with his friendly, intimate narratives recounting various awe-inspiring locales and harrowing episodes such as having a literally crippling panic attack on a ropes course. This book documents and advocates for the power of the raw, close communication with the divine that is frequently fostered far from the madding crowds. Lionberger has an encompassing reach, giving voice to atheists, agnostics and the simply soul-weary, as well as believers from many of the world's great faith traditions. For Lionberger, all roads lead into the wild, a destination for spiritual renewal supported in sacred literature and the Bible, which has a surprising and convincing presence here. Probing and provocative questions at the end of each chapter clear paths to self-discovery. Lionberger enjoins us to remember our primal sacred beginnings with clear grace and compelling reasons. His final words of invitation to go into the original cathedral beguile and charm: 'Surprise yourself and thrill God.' (June)" Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)