The Holy Ordinary

A Way to God

Mark Longhurst

Paperback
978-1-958972-51-9
US $18.99 Edelweiss Bookshop Amazon Barnes & Noble
eBook available
October 2024

Locates mysticism as the essential experiential center of any Christian faith

“Herein lies support for your deepest self. Mark illuminates for you that in the ordinary aspects of life there is an extraordinary way to live. Drink from these reflections and prepare to be awakened and transformed.” —Phileena Nikole, author of Pilgrimage of a Soul

The Holy Ordinary takes its inspiration from mystics, modern prophets, and saints, with surprising insights from Christian scriptures. “Mysticism is a stream of the experiential, flowing from the hearts of those who knew and know God,” explains Mark Longhurst, demonstrating the availability to every person of a mystical life.

Through topics such as “How to be contemplative and active” and “Live green like Hildegard of Bingen,” Longhurst speaks to each person’s need for transformation. This book is both profound and practical, a reflective guide for anyone—Nones, Dones, former Christians, and Christians open to learning from people of all backgrounds—seeking a vibrant, just, and inclusive spirituality.

“For years, I’ve been wishing for a book that could introduce ordinary people to the spiritual life in a healthy, honest, accessible way. Mark Longhurst has written what I’ve been waiting for.” —Brian D. McLaren, author of Faith After Doubt

Mark Longhurst is a writer and self-professed “ordinary mystic.” He is a member of the new monastic Community of the Incarnation and works as the Publications Manager at the Center for Action and Contemplation. A former pastor, he served United Church of Christ churches for ten years and worked as a faith-based social justice activist in the Boston area for ten more. A graduate of Harvard Divinity School, and a longtime yoga-practitioner, he runs two Substack newsletters at marklonghurst.substack.com. Mark lives in Williamstown, Massachusetts with his wife Faith, their two boys, and a beloved Bernedoodle named Snickers.

“For years, I’ve been wishing for a book that could introduce ordinary people to the spiritual life in a healthy, honest, accessible way. Mark Longhurst has written what I’ve been waiting for. As inviting as a warm conversation in front of a crackling fireplace, The Holy Ordinary may be what you’ve been waiting for too.” —Brian D. McLaren, author of Do I Stay Christian? and Faith After Doubt

“The Holy Ordinary tears down the walls between ordinary and sacred, contemplation and action, earthy and ethereal. Adeptly interweaving biblical and mystical wisdom, Mark powerfully demonstrates why the contemplative tradition is so sorely needed in our divided times.” —Kris Vieira Coleman, cofounder of the Center for Spiritual Imagination

“This book is a rare gem, offering both practical everyday wisdom and an intimate glimpse into the author’s life story. Each chapter is subdivided into actionable nuggets, forming a blueprint for mindful living and a deeper spiritual life. The Holy Ordinary will help anyone delve deeper into the life of contemplation and how it can be life-changing.” —Geusnerth Josue Perea, executive director of afrolatin@ forum

“Thank heaven for Mark Longhurst, who emphasizes how the mystical path is utterly down-to-earth and accessible to everyone. The Holy Ordinary is a beautiful and much-needed book.” —Carl McColman, author of The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism

“Herein lies support for your deepest self. Mark illuminates for you that in the ordinary aspects of life there is an extraordinary way to live. Drink from these reflections and prepare to be awakened and transformed.” —Phileena Nikole, author of Mindful Silence and Pilgrimage of a Soul

“A truly beautiful book that can take you to the very heart of who you are meant to be in God.” —Adam Bucko, director of The Center for Spiritual Imagination; author of Let Your Heartbreak Be Your Guide

“Longhurst is a mystical sponge. The clarity of each page is won from scraping the plates of experience. Whether on Nick Cave, systemic oppression, Howard Thurman, the Shakers, sexuality, or Hildegard of Bingen, connections are made that drop Mystery and mundanity together onto your lap.” —Paul Swanson, podcast host of “Contemplify” 

“In this clear, kind, and plain-spoken book, Mark shines light onto our most ordinary moments so that we can find the divine nestled in the middle of it all, which turns out to be God’s favorite hiding place.” —Mirabai Starr, author of God of Love and Wild Mercy

“In this wonderful book, Mark Longhurst shares a message that is dear to my heart. In a Christ-soaked world, we meet God in our actual and ordinary lives—how could it be otherwise?” —Richard Rohr, bestselling author of The Universal Christ