Stephen W. Smith is a spiritual director and the co-founder (with his wife, Gwen) of the Potter’s Inn Ministry in Divide, Colorado. Having written a number of books on soul shaping, Smith offers readers a pathway to spiritual transformation that Christ followers can take without taking an away-from-home retreat or being part of the one-on-one soul-care sessions offered by the Potter’s Inn staff. Though this spiritual transformation work will involve the same essential elements and understanding of the principles used by the Potter’s Inn center, readers will appreciate the flexibility offered here in this excellent resource.

Smith first describes the terminology needed to fully take advantage of this practical guide. These elements are: the Potter’s Heart (the Bible-study section); a Potter’s Work (a sample of Christian poetry/quotes/lyrics); Exploring Your Clay (a self-exploration section with activities); Soul Impressions (reflections on what has been recently learned); On the Wheel (a life-application section); Prayers to the Potter (a creative prayer guide); Notes for the Journey (quotes from Christians and intellectuals); and Additional Resources (helpful suggestions and additional readings).

Next, Smith introduces the concept of soul shaping and its purpose for revisiting and incorporating this ancient practice into our daily lives. Writes the author: “We uncover the pain, failings, and addictions in our lives. We acknowledge our need for transformation. We begin to desire change, to desire something more, something better. God meets us at our point of need and lovingly guides us through the lifelong process of spiritual transformation.”

Smith lays out the plan of action for getting below the surface of our busy and distracted lives. Setting the foundation in Scripture as found in Jeremiah 18: 1-7, he tells how the prophet Jeremiah visited the Potter’s house and what he observed there stirred something deeper and spiritual. Jeremiah then communicated these images to the people of Israel. Each of these metaphors will play significantly in the soul shaping process. Some of the key ingredients Christ followers can expect in this journey are that God deals with each person uniquely, and every individual must decide whether or not they will sit on the Potter’s wheel. Spiritual transformation is a process and a journey that is lifelong and ongoing. Participants must surrender and trust the Potter and understand how compassionate God’s ways and His heart toward them are.

In the eight sessions offered in this guide, readers will be asked to honestly look deep inside their hearts, minds and lives, asking often difficult and painful questions. They will begin the journey by discovering how well loved they are by the Potter and develop increasing trust in His plan for their lives. Also, taking a look backward, sojourners will revisit their pasts in order to move forward, allowing God to reclaim their failures and disappointments. Finally, they will willingly say yes to the ways and means God wants to use to effect inner change.

Beautifully written and gently offered, Smith’s invitation to explore soul shaping will become a welcome respite for every tired and weary soul.