The Holy Ordinary:
A Way to God

The Holy Ordinary takes its inspiration from mystics, modern prophets, and saints, with surprising insights from Christian scriptures. Through topics such as “How to be contemplative and active” and “Live green like Hildegard of Bingen,” the book speaks to each person’s need for transformation. Combining the profound and the practical, The Holy Ordinary is 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.

  • "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

  • “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

  • “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

  • “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

  • “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

  • “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

  • “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

  • “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”